Current Weight: 214.2 lbs

Total Weight Loss: 20.2 lbs

This past week, I stumbled upon a Weight Watchers article that listed out 25 weight loss tips.  If you’re like me and are constantly reading weight loss/health articles, none of these were earth-shattering. In fact, most are necessities in order to have any success on WW (or any “diet plan” for that matter). Others on their list really just seem like they really wanted to have 25 tips. That said, it’s always nice to have a little reminder on how to stay on track.

My favorites:

2.  Get “water wise” – Honestly, this is probably the single most helpful diet tip ever.  Drinking enough water really does stave off a lot of cravings and keeps hunger under control.  Most of the time when I think I’m hungry I’m actually just thirsty.  I pretty much carry a water bottle around with me everywhere as a reminder to drink more water.  Also, you’ll feel A LOT better if you are drinking enough water.

6.  Listen to your cravings – Listening to my body can really keep me from overeating.  I believe that if your body is craving something, then it probably needs it. I try to really figure out exactly what it is that I’m craving. Usually if I’m craving french fries, I really just want salt (or in some cases ketchup).  Knowing this can really help keep things under control.

15. Bring lunch to work tomorrow – I have always done this and probably always will. I’m boring and pretty much eat the same thing for work as well (even on most weekends). I always have complete control of what I’m eating AND by eating approximately the same thing each day, I always know how much I have left over for dinner/snacks. Just makes things simpler.

17. Ask for what you need – Be assertive with your weight loss. A lot of times friends and family can get in the way by making foods you shouldn’t really be eating, asking you to go to unhealthy dinners, etc… By explaining to them your life change/your focus on weight loss, it can help them help you. I try to encourage doing things that are active with my friends instead of just an after work happy hour. I also found that by being vocal with your goals really helps you to stay accountable.

22. Walk an extra 100 steps at work – I don’t necessarily concentrate on walking 100 steps, but I do try to come up with reasons to walk more while I’m at work and throughout my day.  Some ideas: park further away, use the bathroom that’s furthest from your desk, don’t call people, but actually go to their desk… You may not be burning 100s of calories, but you are burning more than you would have.

Good reminders (i.e. things I should do, but don’t always):

9.  Don’t multi-task while you eat – Man, I’m guilty of this right now (as I’m eating my lunch…)! Honestly, slowing down and actually paying attention to what your eating can really help. If your brain isn’t really processing what you’re eating, it’s hard for it to know you’re full.

23. Brush your teeth after every meal and snack – It may sound sort of stupid, but getting that food taste out of your mouth really does signal (at least for me) that I’m done eating.  Besides, brushing is good for you!

24. Clean your closet – Get rid of all those clothes that don’t fit anymore, too big and too small. I found purging my closet really helped me focus and made me feel less cluttered.  It also motivated me because I now have all this closet space for new clothes!

25. Take your measurements – I need to do this more. Sometimes the scale doesn’t always accurately reflect what all is going on with your body. If you’re exercising a lot and gaining muscle, you might not lose weight, but you may be losing inches. It’s always good to keep tabs on this…you may be more successful than you think!

A tip of my own!  Do something active every day even if it’s just for 30 minutes.  - One of the easiest ways to keep off pounds is to exercise.  We all know this.  This isn’t anything new.  However, a lot of times we think we have to do something extremely strenuous or work out for 2 hours to see any results.  Honestly, my biggest results have been just when I’m walking 30-60 minutes every day.  Keyword: EVERY DAY.  Yeah, I’m not burning a zillion calories, but I am burning 300-400.   Not a lot, but it’s more than if I just sat on my couch.  It’s also 30-60 minutes where I won’t be tempted to eat.  I also find that just by making that one healthy choice, it tends to spiral into other healthy choices that day.