I kind of like stopped writing here for a short time. Had some issues at work. A little crazy stuff. Anyway, Jennifer and I have started doing the Weight Watchers "Flex Plan". We love it. I know she has lost a lot and I think that I have too. Not weighing ourselves, just going by clothes fit. Not much difference for me, but Jennifer has made a big difference. I have always had baggy pants. I do feel better tho. It has been since January 1st now and we have kept it up the whole time.
Here is a big dieting tip: Cheat!
Be realistic. Eating too much is the problem, but happiness is important too. Jennifer and I allow ourselves to eat whatever we want to on our 2 days off. We eat out, order pizza, make cookies, whatever! I PIG OUT!!! I know that I am slowing down my progress, but I tell this now...I have spent my entire adult life being fat and I know what I am doing. I have lost 50 pounds before starving myself and walking miles every day. gained it all back in like less than 2 years, because it was not a realistic lifestyle change. Not the kind of life I wanted to live then and not the kind of lifestyle I want to live now. I like food and there is nothing wrong with that. I just need to learn how to control my eating. Here is the thing about the cheating...I have noticed that I first would really eat till I was Sick, but now I really don't eat that much more. Just some richer foods and some things with more fat. I have found that it takes a lot less to make me sick than it used to. This diet works! I don't want to quit, I am losing weight, feeling better and having more energy. Sometimes I eat all of my points and sometimes I don't. Some days I go over a little bit. Some days I forget to count. I try not to get obsessed. I use poker chips to count my flex points and at the end of the day I sometimes "chip out" and eat the rest-whatever that can be.
Tip # 2: Have fun!
Exercise should not be about pain! Well, yeah, you should feel the burn, but just dancing around naked in your apartment is good. (not saying I do this) Jennifer and I have started using free weights. I like these-the heavier ones. I don't want to push it so I stick with 25 pounders and I do various curls with them in reps of 20. This has helped me a lot. I am more relaxed and more confident. Since my waist is so large I decided to make my arms big to compensate. The extra muscle will burn more fat too. Exercise should most importantly (I think) include stretching. Deep breathing and stretches. YOGA. Try it! It is really easy, yet challenging and Since I was so inflexible, it is great to know that you can modify positions-none of which are difficult. Adults need to play like children. We are children...we just stopped playing games that allow do-overs and made up rules, and such. Be the child you are inside!
Tip#3 Don't weigh yourself! Chart your success.
Measure your parts if you have to, but if you are fat, then keep in mind that a few pounds here and there are likely to be water and the results can be so unsatisfying when you see no change. If you must weigh yourself, do so every day twice a day at the same times and chart it. Also chart other beneficial things like your energy level, extra cash, etc. Dieting for a month and not seeing any big difference in your appearance sucks, but if you look at a chart that shows small changes over the last 30 days, you will feel much better. It takes work to consistently chart your successes without forgetting to, but it is definitely worth it.
Tip #4 Take a picture
Take a before picture of yourself wearing only underwear. Cover your face or something so you wont get all embarrassed. This should replace the need for measuring your success on the scales or however.
Tip #5 don't measure success by clothes fitting.
Just don't do it. you will get depressed. I promise you it's not worth it.
Tip #6 Cut out sodas entirely if possible
They have a lot of bad stuff in them anyway. Drink a lot of cold water.
Tip #7 Find a snack food like roasted almonds or peanuts that you like and can go to when you are starting to graze. This go-to snack should be at least semi-healthy and very filling. Almonds are my choice and they help me. Eating 22 wassabi/soy almonds for me is 4 points and half of that is all I end up eating. Just watch your sodium intake!
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