Weight Loss Tools

Good Evening, I hope you all had a great day because I had a wonderful day. My house is decorated for fall and Halloween. I had my follow-up doctor's appointment this morning and Doc is happy with my progress. I needed that extra assurance that I am doing okay and it is all me.

I am currently taking an appetite suppressant called Phentermine. It is used as a Weight Loss Tool to help you lose weight when you are using a diet program, such as Weight Watchers. It is not a magic pill. You take it while you are exercising and eating healthy to help you lose weight for a short period of time. I have been taking it for 2 months now. I will take it for one more month and then I am going to try to do Weight Watcher's with out it.

It has helped me to lose weight fast, yes. BUT it has also helped me find confidence in myself that I can do this on my own. That is what I needed. I have tried and failed many times to lose weight. You have to really want it or it will not work. You have to want to make a change. You have to want to change how you eat and live. It takes hard work and it will not happen over night. I did not gain my weight in one day. It took about 9 years but now I am focused on getting healthy.

My husband has noticed a complete change in me these past 2 months. He has seen me more dedicated and focused than I have ever been. He is very proud of me and what I have accomplished. I am very proud of me too.

I have already seen the positive changes I have made. I am hoping they turn into positive habits. I have a fruit or veggie with every meal. I drink tons of water every day. If I am craving something I ask myself how bad I want it? I ask myself if I am actually hungry? I then drink water or eat something healthy first. Then if I still want what I am craving I have it. I eat it in moderation of course.

Don't get me wrong. I have had bad days where I just eat whatever and work it off later. I am human. But I don't beat myself up about it. I allow myself to do that because it takes time to change a lifetime of habits. You need to know that it is okay to still have those foods just in moderation.

For instance, for breakfast I had 3 egg whites, 1/2 cup bell peppers, 1/2 cup onions, a little garlic powder and black pepper, 1/4 cup of 2% colby jack cheese cooked in EVOO. I was a little hungry after I finished so I had a banana.

Lunch I have 2 slices of Sara Lee's 45 Calories and delightful whole wheat bread, toasted with 6 slices of oscar mayer's smoked turkey, 1 slice kraft 2% cheese, dijon mustard, and a klosen dill pickle spear. I'll add tomato to my sandwhich if I have it.

Dinner I have talapia baked with Reduced Fat parmesan cheese, lemon pepper, and butter on top. With a broccoli or asparagus and red potatoes. I mix up how I make the potatoes but I watch my portions. I do have pork loin, chicken, lean beef, or vennison too.

Snacks are usually carrots, apples, strawberries with greek yogurt (Oikio's vanilla is really good) and sometimes kashi go-lean honey almond flax on top. I also have WW String cheese or a handful of nuts.

Once you get into a habit of eating this way it just becomes second nature. Keep all of the good stuff in your house so that you can eat it right away when you are hungry.

It is harder when we go out to eat but I always choose veggies with whatever I am having. There are times I will have a fry off of my husbands plate or I will order fries. I just eat moderately.

You can still have all of things you love, you just have to watch your portions and how often you eat it. You can also substitute certain ingredients for lower fat or fat free versions. Losing weight doesn't have to feel like you are trapped and can only have certain things. It can be a learning experience for what works for you and what doesn't. NEVER GIVE UP! Learn from what doesn't work and keep going. Tomorrow is a new day.

Make small changes. Switch out one of your regular sodas for a diet or a water each day. Then move on to something else. Like try to have a fruit or veggie with each meal.

It isn't that hard it's just changing your habits and that takes time. Be patient.

Other Weight Loss Tools:
You can use any food and exercise tracker app on your smart phone or online.
You can write it all down on a note pad.
Go to a meeting for people trying to lose weight.

If you know of any more please let me know.

To Lose Weight:
Drink Lots of Water at least a gallon a day.
Watch your portion sizes
Measure Everything
Write down everything you eat and drink
Eat more Fruits and Veggies. 5 a day.
Eat lean meats
Eat Whole Grains
Choose Fat Free, Low Fat, 2% when you can
Eat 5-6 small meals a day to help boost your metabolism
Take it one meal at a time, one day at a time, one week at a time.
Take a multi-vitamin daily
Join a gym/Take a 15-30 min walk every day to start. Build up to longer times.
Do strength exercises. Buy free weights or use canned food to work out your arms.
Do a workout DVD like Billy Blanks Boot Camp or Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred.
Go for a bike ride or take a swim
Join a team for a sport you enjoy playing
Make time to take care of you. If you want it bad enough you will make the time for it.
Weigh yourself once a week.
Measure yourself once a month.

I am not a doctor or anything so definitely check with your doctor to help you lose weight. That is what I did. This is just how I have been losing weight.

Now I know that sometimes it is hard to get out of a funk. Especially if you struggle with depression. I struggled with it for years and once you are down it is so hard to shake it. You just have to Do It! Fight that inner voice that says you don't want to or don't feel like it. You will be glad you did a year from now.

If you have any suggestions please share them. I am sure I forgot a few things that maybe you remembered.

Quote of the Day:

DO NOT GIVE UP! The beginning is always the hardest.