Now that it is noticeable to other people that I have lost weight I get this question a lot and the stupid thing is is that I never really have a good answer. I say something like eating better, exercising - you know standard stuff, but really it is more than that. Here is what has lead to success (so far):
- Eating better:
- Keeping my calories between 1400-1700 everyday - Weighing all my food on my digital scare to make sure I am not going over a serving size
- Eating whole grains - cutting out wheat flour (I buy/make spelt bread)
- Cutting out processed sugar - if I bake something (i.e bread I use natural sugars: Succant, Date Sugar, Honey, etc)
- No dairy - my body just doesn't like dairy, plus cutting out cheese really cuts out a lot of calories, this is difficult as sometimes I want to try making a healthier pizza, but cheese is just not on the menu these days
- Nothing to drink but water & tea - No juice, no diet/regular soda, no espresso, no alcohol
- Exercising
- I didn't actually get serious with this until about 3 months in - I think you have to take on one major change (diet or exercise) first so that you don't get overwhelmed right away
- Setting a goal - I decided I wanted to run a 5k and started by completing the Couch to 5k, this gave me something to stick to
- Keep setting goals - I decided to motivate myself to keep running to sign up for a 10k and the Ragnar and so I have a set running schedule by following the Ragnar training program
- Making sure I fit in either the exercise bike or running everyday, for at least 40 minutes minimum (I have recently kicked this up to a minimum of twice a day for at least 35min)
- Rewarding myself:
- Different rewards I have given myself
- Manicure/Pedicure
- Nook
- Running Shoes
- TV for exercise area
- Rewards to come
- New Makeup
- Trip to New Orleans
- $1000 clothes shopping spree (this is my reward for maintaining my goal weight for 6 months)
These are the main things that I am doing to make sure I succeed. I have never gotten this low in weight without following a 'crash' diet and it feels awesome. I feel like I will be able to reach my goal and maintain it because I am not completely depriving myself of things I like and it feels empowering.
