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.