Find What Works For you

When you start on your goal to a new you, you need to look around, try different things and see what works for you.  I have a need for order and I like lists.  I also like to physically see things written down.  So for me keeping track of everything on a spread sheet made the most sense.


When I first started keeping track I didn't make any changes in my diet (meaning how you eat NOT what weight loss fad you are currently partaking of).  I just wrote everything I ate and drank down on a notepad then transferred it over to an excel spreadsheet every few days.  I made sure to note the date, time, if it was a snack or a meal and what food or beverage I ingested.


I slowly noticed that my eating habits changed and I was drinking more water.  By keeping track I was making myself accountable for what I put in my mouth.  After 3 months, I started making my portions smaller (I actually have a small plastic cereal bowl and, for dinner, I will only fill the bowl to just below the room of what we are having for dinner.  this keeps me from over eating) and had made water my drink of choice.  I tried to up my protein.  This is a little difficult for me since I am allergic to nuts and most protein bars and drinks have some form of nut in them.  I actually use the Boost low calorie drinks as a snack or meal alternative to ensure that I am always getting protein.  I also really like those tuna salad packs you can get at the supermarket.  I never denied myself, but I was honest in my tracking and I kept my portions smaller.


I started eating something small every 2 hours or so and made sure I stopped eating by 6:30 every evening.  The point is to try to have a fasting period of 12 hours every night.  I am up by 4:00 every morning, so by 6:30 AM I am ready to have breakfast.  If you are a late eater you could stop later.  I also make sure to take a multi vitamin daily.


Like any fitness program, weighing myself became something I had to do.  I try to do it on the same day and approximate time every week.  I took my base line weight on Saturday at the end of my first week of keeping track of my food.  Then I didn't weigh myself again for 3 months.  I know it seems counter intuitive, but over those 3 months I was getting know myself and my habits.  I could tell I was already losing weight by the fit of my clothes.  I didn't want the added pressure of a number on the scale when I was learning to be honest with myself. 


When I started exercising, I started keeping track of that too.  I liked knowing that I was being active and it was easier for me to figure out what I liked doing and what I didn't.  I love my mini stepper, mini bike and fit board.  I also love my walk DVDs and I have been doing Zone pilates since I left the service.  I enjoyed my weekly adult tap class this winter, it was a good way to have fun with my friends while being active.  I am not a fan of hot yoga, but to each their own.


I purchased a fitbit to keep tack of my steps and to keep myself motivated.  I have found that I really do not get enough sleep most of the time.  Who knew 5 jobs could take up so much of your life.  :-)


I slowed down a little once it got cold this winter and I was stuck playing with the same 5 pounds.  I would lose them then get them back, so I just started up again after giving myself a month long break.  I thought maybe my body was tired from all of the changes I have made.  Loosing almost 80 pounds in a year can be hard on the body.  :-)   I have noticed that during my break I tended to stick to my healthy choices and exercise over some of the other options.


I am ready to get fit and lose those last 20 or so pounds.  I am so glad that I incorporated exercise and healthy eating to my life.  Because of the exercise, I am getting toned instead of saggy after the weight lose.  I think if I had just lost weight without toning I would have the loose sagging skin that you see on so many people these days.


Now it is your turn!  Find what works for you and get started on you ME initiative today!