In 2011 I decided to change my lifestyle. A co worker and I were taking to one another about losing weight. We decided that the next day we would workout together each morning, before work at our company provided gym. We started out walking on the treadmill 30 minutes and eating clean. We would eventually add in weights and other equipment and exercises at the gym. We decided to step on the scale. I weighed 223 pounds at 5’7. I was shocked when I saw that number. I knew that I was over weight but didn’t expect to be over 200 pounds. I knew then that I needed to create a healthy lifestyle for myself to feel better. Looking better would be an added bonus. 

I  enjoyed healthy foods however; it was dining out at restaurants and occasional cocktails that caused the weight gain along with minimal exercise. I decided to minimize eating at restaurants.

I ran across a book called The Fat Smash Diet by Dr. Ian Smith. Basically you could eat unlimited fruits, vegetables, minimal carbs and no sugar. This was the first phase of the plan. I enjoyed it so much that I never went on to the next phases. I did this for a month and it was a great jumpstart.

I was consistent with exercising and eating healthy. I started to cook all of my meals. It felt great to eat clean. My energy increased as well.

During the course of 6-8 months I lost a total of 64 pounds. I had my ups and downs during this time. I realized that having one cheat meal a week was realistic and helped me stay on track. 

My husband was my biggest supporter. He eventually started to eat clean as well. I had to show him that eating healthy didn’t mean bland or boring. I didn’t get much support from other family members during this weight loss period. In the end you do what makes you happy.

I would say start slowly and take baby steps. When you try to do to many things to soon you can fail. Start somewhere! If you go from working out none to 20 minutes that’s something. If you don’t drink much water start by drinking more than the day before. 

Starting a healthier lifestyle doesn’t have to be hard. Take one day at a time. Don’t focus on being perfect. It doesn’t work. Trust me I’ve tried.

I know that I’m one of those people that can gain 15 pounds easy. I will continue to work hard and maintain my weight loss. 

Know that a healthy lifestyle takes continuous effort.

I recently decided to give up meat and eat plant based. I will blog about that soon.

Below are things that’s helped me along the way.  

• Workout 4-5 times a week (Realistic for me)
• Work out before at the beginning of your day
• Walk outdoors it helps to sneak in some cardio
• Meal Prep 
• Eat whole foods 
• Complex Carbs 
• Vitamins 
• Limit alcohol. I occasionally drink wine or vodka with sparkling water. No sugary drinks. It slowed my losses down drastically and still do.
• Have a cheat meal once a week. More if you’d like, LOL! Life is short. 
• Eat breakfast
• Drink plenty of water. A good way to build yourself up is to drink half your body weight in ounces.
• Download myfitness pal app or similar if you need to count calories 
• Follow inspiring people on social media
• Be realistic

 

 

What are your views on weight loss and maintenance? 

 

Until next time! 

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