My Own Observations

Since I began losing weight in April 2007 there are many things I have learned and observed. I have decided to share as much as I can remember. Remember, I was pregnant and recovering from being pregnant for 2 of those years....so the 88 lbs I have lost so far are pretty impressive if you subtract 2 years.

1. Making exceptions to eating starts out small and innocent enough. Vacation, a friend is visiting from out of town, kids birthday parties, Christmas...I could go on and on. The more exceptions we make for eating badly the more we are eating badly. I use to find myself making exceptions once a week, sometimes more. At some point you have to control those exceptions and be conscience of the fall out from them. Clarification: If I am going to eat cake a kids birthday party then I make sure I work out, eat less good foods to make up for the calorie intake or just have a small 3 bite piece. I don't recommend skimping on the good food, but on occasion it's necessary to meet the sweet tooth.
2. Cheat days do not work. Once cheat day can often lead to a few, then even weeks and before you know it you are cheating daily. The more cheat days you have the more you can talk yourself into doing it even when it's not scheduled. "Well I did it that one day and I was fine so this won't matter". The way I think is "out of sight, out of mind". If you do not cheat you are not reminded of how good some of that crappy food tastes. If you eat it you will want it, the longer you go without it, the easier it is to forget how it tastes. For me, it's blizzards. I love them, but the longer I go without one the more I don't mind that I am not getting to eat one.
3. It's a mind game. If you can keep yourself thinking about eating well all day long, you will never give yourself a chance to slip up. This is why the blog is important, it will keep you constantly thinking about writing down what you are eating which in turn serves as a constant reminder that you are trying to lose weight and be healthy. Since April 2007 I have written down all of my calories EVERY SINGLE day. You may think "sure you are", but it's true. EVEN when I was pregnant with Austin I wrote it down. Even when I eat 3000 calories I write it down. This helps me to see that I over-indulged and then get back on track a lot more quickly.
4. No matter what is going on with your personal life, nothing is making you put that donut in your mouth except for your own hand. Stress, depression, guilt, feeling unworthy, happiness, excitement, celebrating, etc....no matter what the issue is you are probably experiencing one at all times. Find something other than food to throw your emotions into. For me when I feel myself wanting to turn to food the cure something I am going through I recognize it, label it and then I re-direct myself to something else. Most of the time it's my kids...because playing with them can always make me happy :)
5. Excuses are just that, excuses. There is not going to be one single excuse that you can give to me for being overweight. I have heard "my medicine makes me retain water", BUT is that medicine shoving those cheesy fries into your mouth? "I am stressed out", but I really had no idea that stress could make your mouth order an ice cream sundae AND make your hand put that sundae into your mouth. I get it, eating bad makes you feel better, but honestly there are lots of things that can make you feel better, so find something else.
6. Being overweight is exhausting. When I weighed 250, 230, even 200 I was EXHAUSTED all the time. I was so lazy and I rarely wanted to do anything. Now at 172 (as of yesterday) I have way more energy, and I do a lot more. It feels GREAT and I wouldn't trade this feeling for the world. I think people that are overweight just think that is how it is, well I am here to tell you it's NOT. If you lose weight you will be happier, healthier, more energetic, and a number of other positive things. Trust me...I am living proof.
7. Yes, it's hot in Houston. Trust me though, it's a LOT hotter if you are overweight. I use to sweat and sweat and it never stopped...now that I am thinner the sweat rarely comes. Yes I am still hot but it's manageable and it's completely different. If you are tired of spending money on Electricity bills....lose weight.
8. Walking in heels is a lot easier with 90 less lbs on your body....trust me on this :)
9. Shopping isn't so bad. I use to say all the time that I just don't like to shop. Well, this is partially true, I think I just have a different way of shopping. BUT since losing weight I love to shop now, clothes fit me, I don't tear up at the sight of a gigantic body. I am actually proud of how far I have come and the way I look right now.
10. The last 20 lbs is only hard to lose because at this point you are looking good and you become "okay" with it. I am at that point. I feel "okay". For the last 1 1/2 years I have struggled to find a reason to go that extra mile and get myself to 150lbs. I think this blog has really triggered me to get there. Something about paying close attention to the food I eat really gets me motivated. Now, if I can just lose this last 22lbs, I may even shoot for 145!! I can do it!
11. If you need help, ask for it. If you can't figure out how to lose weight, then ask for help. I have managed to lose almost 90 lbs by just eating better. I rarely work out. Some people would rather work out and eat more, some want to do both. The key is finding your "sweet spot" and sticking to it.
12. Don't ignore the obvious signs. When your clothes are too tight, don't buy new clothes, lose weight. If your clothes are too big then immediately go buy new smaller clothes, this will help you stay on track and keep on losing. If your clothes are loose you feel skinny but go down a size and you will realize you still have a ways to go. This can be daunting...but it's effective.
13. If you are full, stop eating. I struggle with this one the most, and still to this day. I find it impossible to walk away from food on my plate when eating out. I paid for that food, I should eat it all. This is the way I think and I can't stop it....anyone have advice? One day I will kick this problem, but I may need therapy! haha I will usually ask for 1/2 orders or share my food with the kids to get past this.
14. If you lose 1 lb a week that is 52 lbs a year. Not too shabby...accept ANY and EVERY loss and be excited about each and every pound.
15. 1400 Calories = 1 lb. If you cheat one day a week you may be eating those 1400 calories and sacrificing that 1 lb. Is one day a week eating badly worth 50-100 lbs a year that you could be losing?

Remember: YOU CAN DO THIS! Anyone can do this. There is NOTHING stopping you. So JUST DO IT!