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.