The formula for loosing weight is simple...
Burn more calories than you take in. Period.
Such a simple formula should be exceedingly easy to execute, right?
We all know (at least those of us who have ever struggled with weight issues) that 'easy' is about the LAST word to describe the weight loss process. It is HARD, it is NOT fun. But...when success comes (even when it is just a pound or two) it is DIVINE!
What works for you? How do you shed the unwanted pounds? As long as it is done in a healthy way, more power to you!
Myself? I have the most success when I count calories and exercise. My target calorie intake each day is 1200 cal*. and my goal is to exercise at least five days a week (cardio three days a week/ weight training two days a week.) Is this easy? No. Do I enjoy it? Not so much. But...I DO ENJOY the success I see when I get on the scale at the end of the week and am rewarded with pounds lost.
*Where did I come up with a goal of 1200 calories/day? Scott and I did research. We researched how to stay healthy by fueling your body with all the nutrients and calories it needs to work properly. The women contestants on 'The Biggest Loser' are given a calorie intake goal of 1200/day. It's been the magic number that keeps me healthy but also allows for gradual weight-loss.
On to food. - Eating 1200 cal/day is not always easy. In fact, in the beginning, it can be downright torturous. I have had to learn to go to bed hungry on a lot of occasions. But you know what? When I wake up I realize that I am not any more hungry than I was when I went to bed! I've come to the unfortunate realization that I am a food addict. I don't say that lightheartedly. Addiction is one of the hardest things to overcome. The most difficult thing about being a food addict is that you can't just quit 'cold turkey'. Our bodies need food. Most social outings revolve around food. Learning to control myself and my urges is one of the hardest things I face on a daily basis.
Some things I've learned... A 100 calorie ice cream bar can be just as satisfying as a 500 calorie bowl of ice cream. I don't completely deprive myself. That would be ridiculous. I plan my eating and caloric intake through the day so that I can enjoy that evening treat. And what about those salty treats that call my name? I don't eat them every day by any means, but if I am absolutely craving those Cheetos that my children love oh so much, then I get out my kitchen scale, do some calculations, and portion out myself 'x' number of calories (and then PUT THE BAG AWAY.) I've learned that my brain can be satisfied with just a few bites of something. Healthy eating is all about portion control and overcoming my urges. IT CAN BE DONE. (I have to keep telling myself this.) I could write paragraphs and paragraphs about what we eat, the recipes I've found, etc. but that is for a different time. In a nutshell though, I've found that a LOT OF FLAVOR goes a long way. I season the heck out of stuff (most seasonings are 0-5 calories per serving). I feel much more satisfied when I've eaten something small with robust flavor than something big with very little flavor.
I have a lot of weight to loose. It is reality. I don't need you to disagree, I'm not looking for validation. My self esteem is fine. I have no body to blame for my weight but myself. Coming to this conclusion was rough, but somehow liberating. I am a LONG way from my bodies ideal weight. I had good success a year and a half ago or so, but then let myself slip almost all the way back. I hate that I let myself do this. But I did. Now it is time to start again. I know I can do it.
What I can't do is climb this 'Mt. Everest' all on my own. My biggest supporter and cheerleader? Scott. I am blessed with one of the most amazing supportive husbands ever. HE has never given me a hard time about my weight (and if anybody could, it would be him. Poor guy didn't marry a chubby girl, that's just what I've become. He loves me for me. And has never made me feel anything less than my best.) While at home he is totally supportive and it happy to eat the low calorie meals that 'I' need. He doesn't 'enable' me, just offers complete support. (I tell him to eat all the treats and snacks at work that he wants, because I don't have to see it! ;)
I am 'climbing this mountain' step by step. I take it one hour at a time, then one day at a time. It overwhelms me to think about how far I have to go, so I try not to. I celebrate my success each week and know that I am a step closer to my final goal. I set 'attainable' goals so that I have something to look forward to. (Currently I made a deal with Scott that upon losing 50 lbs. I get to book our next big family get-away! I'm imagining white sandy beaches and scuba diving...)
Last week I lost 5 lbs. That was huge! It made every bead of sweat, and every tummy rumble worth it. This week it may only be 2 lbs. but that is okay too! I know I am going about this in a healthy way, so every pound is a success.
If you are still reading, thanks for sticking with it. This has been swimming in my head for a while, and I needed to get it written. This is more for me than anything else. If it helps you, great! If you want to do this together and have support system, let me know! The more people there are to answer to the better! Lets conquer this together.
