Friday, June 08, 2012

40 lbs down!

I am 40 lbs lighter than 4 months ago!  I'm feeling pretty good, but still have quite a ways to go.  Over the past year or so, I gained quite a bit of weight and didn't realize it.  I mean, I noticed my pants were snug, but didn't really know how much weight I had gained.  When I stepped on the Wii fit board those handful of months ago, I was SHOCKED at the number that it said I weighed!  That number is what kicked me into gear on my weight loss journey.

I haven't really talked about it much here, other than the occasional post about "healthier" snacks and my occasional mention of how much weight I have lost.

Every month on Facebook, I post how many pounds I am down.  And, it never fails there is someone that asks me how I am doing it.  I figured I could share it here.  Not that it is something complicated or anything.  It is actually very simple.  I have been doing it the only way it should be done.  Eat healthier and less and exercise.  A pretty simple combination.  It just takes some dedication.  Some days are easier than others.

I have been using the Wii Fit with the board for my exercise.  I do it 70 minutes a day, 6 days a week.  I don't really enjoy doing it, but I feel really good after I am done.  And, it doesn't hurt to see that number drop on the scale a few times a week.  I have been averaging 10 lbs a month by exercising and limiting my caloric intake to 1200 to 1400 calories a day.  I usually hover towards the 1200 calories a day, but if I go over, I don't freak.  I know this is going to be a long process, so I just go with it.  And, I drink around 8 to 10 cups of water a day.  I stay away from any other drinks.  Every once in a while I will have a diet coke.  But, that might be one time a week.

I am a routine person.  I love things that are constant.  So, I created routines in my day that have become habit.  I eat the same breakfast 80% of the time.  I switch up what I have for lunch, but it is usually something light and fast, and usually no meat.  For dinner, that is one thing that hasn't changed much.  Jorge isn't into light eating, so I make "regular" dinners and I just try to pick healthier dinner choices.  And, I practice portion control. 

I allow myself to eat what I want, I just measure out my portions.  And, I write everything down.  I use a website for keeping track of the food and exercise.  Guess where I found it?  You are right!  Pinterest!  It tracks goals for you and shows you where you are in order to meet your goal. Here is a screen shot of tracking my food today.


Here is my typical breakfast.  A cup of Kellogg's Special K and 1/2 cup of milk. 


For lunch today, I had 6 oz light yogurt with 1 cup halved strawberries and 1/2 a small banana, a small carrot, a tomato with basil and balsamic vinegar.  And, a piece of string cheese!



I find that cutting up my food makes me feel like I have more of it.  Also, it takes longer to eat and tricks me into thinking I had more food than I actually did.  I know, I am weird!

In between meals, I snack.  I snack on string cheese (love that it is already portioned out for me), fruit, vegetables, a small sweet snack (whatever is in the house), popcorn, etc.  If I have the craving for something, I eat it.  I think that finding my balance in what I eat has allowed me to be so successful.

Not sure if this post interested everyone, but I thought those who have asked, well, now you know what I am doing to lose my weight.

10 comments:

Jackie said...

Congratulations Valarie! That is fantastic! It's not easy to lose weight and you're definetly doing it the right way.

penny said...

Super cool, VZ! And inspiring as always. :)

Unknown said...

Great job!! I have found that the 8-10 cups of water helps a lot with the diet thing. I started with that in feb and snaking and eating less and started losing a little bit but then it came back when I went to the states of course :(. I am now back to my routinge and its great because it makes my body metabolize faster, keeps me full and it has help clear up my skin too(a plus). Its weird but snaking is great, but I feel like I am eating and hungry all day, that is the way you are supposed to do it though. Keep up the good work and congrats!!

I'm the Mami said...

Ww! 40 lbs, fantastic! Amd doing it the healthy way, thats the way to be mama!

This is a little OT but I think its super important for us as mothers not to "crash diet" or "fad diet" . We have little people watching us and learning everything you do, you know??, so great that you are doing this the right way.

But oh my goodness. 1200-1400 calories a day, I would be dying! I'm still nirsing the 1 yr old though, so my caloric needs are a little skewed still ;) i'm always more hungry nursing than I was when pregnant, silly!

And those tomatoes look delish!

julie said...

Wow! That's awesome- your dedication is impressive! Looking forward to seeing you!

Bonny Logsdon Burns said...

Val, I am so proud of you!!! I'm the same way with you about exercise. I don't like it, but I feel a whole lot better afterwards. I am so glad you are seeing results! Water was another for my weight loss. I didn't realize how effective it was until I slacked off water intake for a week. I didn't lose any weight that week, although I was still dieting and exercising.

Mexi-can Me. said...

That's awesome! Congrats. Last year I lost 15 pounds to get to my goal wait and the feeling was incredible!

Cheers!

Unknown said...

Thanks, everyone!

Anonymous said...

Oh my!! Can that header? Be more beautiful? I have always thought that you are beautiful like natural beautiful and you look stunning on your profile picture. I can't wait to see your pics!Erika 8)

Honeybee said...

wow..congrats. 40lbs is a big difference. thanks for sharing your diet tips and strategy.

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