Trail and Error

Each person is unique, and losing weight is no different. What works for one won't be as beneficial for another. But we can still learn from each other. Then through trail and error we find out what works best for us.

So in that spirit here are some of the things that have work for me:

• Some much needed supplies: notebook, walking shoes, and pedometer. When I started out I wrote down everything I ate, drank, and exercise. In addition, I wear a pedometer daily. This helps me see how much exercise I have done for the day. And then I try to walk anywhere in the neighborhood.

• Change up the exercise routine. Not only will help keep you from getting bored. But my body gets comfortable in what exercise I am currently doing and I notice I am not losing any weight. So it means time to change it up. I do this about every 2 months. Aerobics, Swimming, Intervals, stairs, weights, and the Wii are all things I have done to change it up.

• Weigh in daily. I know this sucks but it really works. It keeps you countable and you can track how you are doing. I think it also helps so I only have one bad day at a time.

• Don't rely only on the scale. The scale doesn't give an accurate picture of your weight loss. Get a measuring tape and take your measurements: bust, waist, hips, arms and thighs. Then on a bad week when you don't see much movement on the scale get out the measuring tape and see what kind of progress you have made. I normally measure myself monthly.

• Standardize your meals. Take the guess work out of the food. I have a couple standard healthy breakfasts and lunches that are easy to make that require little or not thought. Then when getting groceries I make a list of dinners for two weeks both easy and more time consuming. Then on that day decide what to make. If I have meals planned out and I know what we are going to eat I am less like to make a fast food run.

• I don't deny myself anything. I have made that mistake before and I even up going on a weekend binge, and end up losing all the ground I have made. I still try to be very selective in what I do decide to eat and try to make up for any splurge by sticking to healthy meals I eat that day and/or additional exercise.

• Remember slow and steady wins the race. It won't happen over night but it will happen. It has taken me almost 10 months and I have lost almost 50 lbs. Don't give up. Sure you will get discouraged but keep moving. I still I have 25 more lbs. to go but seeing how far I have come really gives me motivation to keep going.

Tracking your progress and setting a goal

  At my work, we have the benefit of a wellness coordinator.  A few weeks ago I asked her how many calories I should be taking in to lose 1-2 pounds a week.  After providing her with my weight, height, and age.  She was able to tell me that I need to eat between 1635 and 1750 to lose weight.  She also told me how much of those calories should be Protein, Fat, and Carbs.  I don't know about you but I do alot better when i write down EVERYTHING I eat and can see the amount of calories I need to eat going down by the choices I have made. Check out this site and try it for a week and see how it helps you.
 http://myfitnesspal.com/

I've also set a goal for one year from now.  I am going to New York 100 pounds lighter!!

Today

Take a risk- exercise every day.

Dare to dream about something I want.

Believe in myself.  I can do anything I try.

Listen closely to the positive comments.

Have hope that I can accomplish anything I want bad enough.

WEIGHT LOSS GOALS

How are you doing? Me?, it is a roller coaster. I am not sure what the scale is going to say tomorrow but I am prepared. I havent been the best at sticking to my goals but have resolved (again) to do my best this week.

I need to make short term goals and long term goals and have something to look forward to. I emailed my friend Wendy and asked if I could come visit in October 2011. That will be my prize for 100 pounds.

October

So this month begins both my favorite time and scarriest ( not because it is halloween) time because the candy is out and about. I plan on having lots of healthy treats but allowing myself one little treat each day (thank heavens for snack size snickers)or else I start feeling like the whole dieting thing is not fair.

What are some of the things you do this month to keep on track??

water , water, water

Take It Ice ColdIf you can, drink your water ice cold. Your body needs to heat up this water in order to use it properly. Metabolically, heating up water takes energy. In other words, it burns up calories and helps with weight loss. In fact, you can automatically burn up an extra 50 to 100 calories a day by drinking just 4 to 8 cups of ice cold water.
Drinking water doesn't have to be boring, either. Try flavoring a pitcher of plain water with herbs like mint or basil, or slices of citrus fruits or cucumber.
Other Biggest Loser recommended beverages you may drink in moderation and in addition to your water are:
• No-calorie flavored water • Diet sodas (limit to one or two a day) • Herbal teas

Today's thought-

My boss ( hi Donna)  has been on this contagious high the past couple of weeks and the thought of the day comes from her.  Well, okay, it is not exactly from her but from a book she just ordered for all of us.

"WE ARE THE AUTHORS OF EVERY NEXT MOMENT"

What are you going to do with your next moment?  For me, it is going to be to throw away the chocolate chip cookies i bought at Subway with my lunch. Done!  Now what??

Today is day one of this week- weigh in so you have a starting point for the week.

A BRAND NEW WEEK-A BRAND NEW YOU

Week 1: Step on the scale. Weigh ins will be every Monday. Tell us how you did?

Self Esteem and weight

Being overweight or obese doesn’t only place a person at risk from developing diseases like diabetes, respiratory diseases, cancer, osteoarthritis and cardiovascular diseases but it could also affect one’s emotional and social life. People who are overweight and obese could suffer from low self-esteem, depression, and impaired body image. Because of this, more and more people are being conscious of their weight. Losing weight is a tough challenge; you must be really committed as lifestyle changes should be made. 

JOURNALING & reading labels

If you have ever gone to weight watchers you know that journaling is a big deal. Even Biggest Loser makes them write down everything they eat. The tip for today is to get out that notepad and begin writting down everything that you eat. You may be surprised how much you actually consume, I know I was.

Start reading labels. I know it sucks, but you have to do it – and there’s no way to avoid this tip. If you don’t know what you’re putting in your mouth, you’re flying blind. Don’t assume, either – triple-check the ingredients list and serving sizes. You must rely on yourself for this; nobody else is going to be able to lose the weight or do the math for you. It’s not that complicated a task, but it will require effort. If nothing else, just pay attention to the calorie count.

BEFORE Pictures

Well, I am not going to tell you how much I weigh but I need to lose 100 pounds.  Yep 100 big ones.  Here is the picture I am using for my before.   If you want to be able to post here, I will send you the password.  This is meant to be interactive.  I will try and post a daily thought but feel free to add as well.

DITCH THE SODA

This one will be tough for some but when it comes to choosing a beverage, don't drink soda, says Jillian. Whether it's sugared soda or diet soda, it's terrible for your body. It'll put weight on you, dehydrate you, and deplete the minerals from your system. Make a smarter choice. Sparkling water, unsweetened iced teas, green tea and white tea have been shown to burn more fat and up to 78 more calories per day.

LETS GET STARTED...

I swore I was not going to watch the Biggest Loser this year.  I lied!!  I watched it and not only did I watch it but I am going to get my not so small butt in gear and get healthy.  If not for me, to be an example to my family and friends.

My goal this week is to walk 20 minutes each day.  Baby steps because I am coming off of cervical discectomy and havent been fully release from the Dr.

Post and tell us what you week 1 goal is..