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??