Thrive! Thursdays
Weight loss won’t be the sole focus of Thrive! But learning to live a healthy, balanced, faith-filled, physically active life will be. So early on, I want to share my own weight-loss journey with you.
I’m probably the only person on the planet still working her New Year’s resolution: to get into the normal BMI range for my age and height. The wake-up call came one day late last year when I discovered that I was officially obese! Since January 1, I have successfully lost 35 lbs and am within 10 lbs of my goal (plus another 5 to 10 lbs to get to my vanity goal).
Here are 7 things that have helped me along the way:
1. Keeping a Food Journal
I personally use WeightWatchers.com to track what I eat. It’s a great place to find out about how much and what you can eat and still lose weight. It charges a fee, so if you’re on a tight budget, you could sign up for the free weight loss website, SparkPeople.com. It’s got many resources and advice to help you on your way.
2. Joining a Gym
I joined a relatively inexpensive gym in my neighborhood, mainly for the treadmills and yoga class. What I found was that while exercising at first exhausted me, it didn’t take long until I felt more energized and less hungry.
3. Finding a Diet Buddy
My neighbor was given advice from her doctor to lose weight and when we found out that we had similar weight goals, we joined forces. First, we started a weekly weigh in and then eventually she too joined the gym with me and so once a week, we’d go to the health club, weigh in, work out and take the yoga class.
4. Wearing My Motivation On My Wrist
A former colleague once gave me a motivational wristband: Don’t give up. Serendipitously, I happened to find it early on, and have been wearing it religiously. When I feel tempted to overeat or slough off exercise, all I have to do is look down and read the motivational message, which helps keep me on my self-improvement track.
5. Finding Inspirational Role Models
I was lucky enough to work with two women, Julie Hadden, Season 4 Biggest Loser runner-up who lost almost 100 lbs, and Tammie Temple, our 2009 New Year, New You contest winner who not only lost 63 lbs but ran a 5k with her teenage son! These women’s honesty, hard work, dedication and faith inspired me to take on what seemed insurmountable. They helped me realize that if they did, so could I! You can find inspirational weight loss stories on our site: From Obesity to Marathoner; Saving My Life!; 150 Pounds Later.
6. Having a Lap Cat
As silly as it may sound, having Mimi, my six-year-old tuxedo cat on my lap at night as I read or watch television, helps me not get up for snacks. I’m just too comfortable to disturb her.
7. Staying Focused
I realize that there are many projects I’d like to take on this year but they can wait. My commitment is to achieve my goal by year end (I’m ahead of schedule, by the way). So I’m holding off on other things so I can put my energy into planning my meals, keeping my larder well stocked with healthy foods, taking the time to exercise—and it’s paid off!
If you have other tips and advice, please share what’s worked for you!
