Secrets of Success

No food after 7 pm

I have decided not to snack anymore at night. I track it on Other Goals on Spark.

Break up Weight Loss Goals

When I started to lose weight, I had 100+ lbs. to lose, which seemed a little overwhelming! I broke my weight loss into 5% increment goals, which ended up being right around 15 lbs. each. This created smaller goals that became achievable, but not "easy". So far, I've lost over 25%!

Think your way to eating less...

I found on the second day of my new life style that I could think my way to eating less. I had a chicken breast sandwich for lunch and ate the bread and chicken separately. I had more bites (made me think I ate more) but the same amount of food. Cutting all my bites in half does the same thing!

It's OK to snack

I've found that if I eat a snack in the afternoon, especially before going to the gym, I have a much better day.

Stop Drinking your calories

Soda and other sugary high calories drinks have no nutritional value and add extra calories to your day. Stick with water, unsweetened tea, milk, or 100% juices to meet nutritional needs.

Crushing My Evening Cravings

To control cravings in the late evening I've started walking on my treadmill instead of going for food. By the time I've finished walking the craving has usually gone away. If not, I know I've expended some calories so eating a snack won't cost me as much.

Why Hurry?

I lost my first 55 pounds at a rate of 1.5 pounds per week. The last 27 pounds I lost at .5 pounds per week. It all adds up. There are benefits to losing slowly. Your skin is more elastic. You get to eat more and can meet more of your nutritional needs. Won't be as hungry. Slow works, too!

Keep Moving Forward

I have messed up so many times on my weight loss journey. Sometimes for weeks. I learned that no matter what keep moving forward! If only just to log on to read a few articles is all you can do for the day it is better than nothing.

The Scale is Your Friend, but...

While I was losing weight it really helped to weigh only once a week, and even then not paying too much attention to that one event. What I focused on was the lowest weight of each month. That numbered captured my continuing progress much more accurately.

Pay Attention to Your Body!!

Pay attention to what your body is saying at all times!! If you learn how your body works then everything is easier!! Pay attention to when your stomach is saying your not really hungry!! You also need to listen to your body about how far to push yourself!!