nav

Monday, November 7, 2011

Weightloss tips

I've been wanting to do a fitness/weightloss post for a while now, just to share with you all what has worked for me in my journey to my ideal weight. Not sure how many of you out there are trying to lose some weight or just looking to eat healthier, but I've gathered some tips that have helped me along the way.

First, let me say that I'm 5'2, and my normal weight in high school was about 133. I wore a size 34C, and I do have those birthing hips, haha. I have a larger frame, so weighing anything less than 125 made me look slightly frail. But towards the end of high school and once I got into college, I started ignoring my eating habits and just ate whatever I wanted, when I pleased, whether or not I was really hungry. College was where I gained most of it, definitely more than the freshman 15, more like the freshman 40. No joke. And after I finished college, I still put on some more weight. But it all hit me last Christmas when I went home to visit family and friends. I had pictures taken of me, and when they were put up on Facebook, I was crushed. I couldn't believe how much I was ignoring myself and my health. It was those images that really woke me up.

My New Year's Resolution was to lose 40 pounds. I didn't really start my transformation until the end of February, so for the first two months of 2011, I just beat myself up about it. But one day, probably in the first week of March, I stepped on the scale and mentally logged my weight. 181. Ugh. My goal was to lose this weight by October, for the Navy Ball. And in seven months I lost 35 pounds. Five pounds short of my goal, but impressive to me nonetheless.

Today I weigh 146, and I'm attempting to lose 10 more pounds. 10 more pounds would make me super happy. I'm really proud of the progress I've made, but these last ten pounds are the hardest.

So here are some things that have helped me this past year:

1. Portion size. This is by far, the main change that took off the weight. I noticed I was eating WAY too much of things, and so I cut it all down, because I was eating past the point of feeling full. And because how much of what I ate was the reason I really gained most of the weight, this helped me out a lot. Also, use smaller plates!



2. Don't cut out the foods you love. Bouncing off number one, the reason I could do this was because I cut down my portion size so much. The last thing I wanted to do was diet and be cranky because I'm craving salt or sugar or cheese. I love cheese. It's also the reason my weightloss was kinda slow, but I'm happier this way. If you want to lose weight faster, by all means you can diet harder. But if you lose weight at a slow steady pace, (mine being one pound a week), you're more likely to keep it off. It's my healthy way, and it allows me to eat the foods I love. Like cheese. Mmm.

3. An apple a day... Or any fruit really. I make a point to eat fruit every day. But specifically for me, apples. I never really liked apples. They are not my favorite fruit. But cutting them up and eating them before lunch has truly helped me. They keep you full and pack a lot fiber - 4 grams per medium apple. Plus they have antioxidants and vitamin C. Eat your fruit!


Gala apples, my fav!

4. Whole Grain. You might have heard that whole grain fights belly fat. And its true! I know that peanut butter and jelly is for little kids and for adults, can be kinda boring. But I eat peanut butter and jelly on whole grain bread for lunch almost 4 days a week (with my apple!), and it works. It also lowers the risk of heart disease. I'm not saying to eat all the whole grain carbs in the world, but if you want to eat that bread, or that pasta, switch it to whole grain instead.

5. Fruit and Veggies Don't Count. When I think about how much food I've already eaten today, I never count my fruit and veggies. Sounds weird, because obviously they do count in terms of calories, but they fill you up, and they're good for you, so I just don't count them. I guess it tricks my mind into thinking I can eat more, but I don't end up doing that because they keep me full.

6. Sugar Cravings? It never fails, I ALWAYS get a chocolate/sugar craving after I eat dinner. So instead of eating leftover halloween candy or all the pastries James likes to keep stock in the kitchen, I opt for low-fat chocolate milk. Makes me feel like I'm not missing out. I use smaller glasses too.



In terms of exercise, I started Zumba in March (the dvds), and I also walk my dog Shadow about three miles every day, sometimes I run two of those miles. After Zumba got boring, I switched to Pilates, and even tried a Belly Dancing dvd. Just find a physical activity you enjoy and do it. You don't have to get on the treadmill and run. But for me, running 2 miles a day with my puppy is something I really enjoy.


Cause look at all this energy? She needs it too. ;)


Anyway, hope you guys enjoy the post, even if these tips are already common knowledge.
<3

32 comments:

Anonymous said...

1st of all congrats on your amazing weight lose! and I'm 5'2 too, yay for short girls lol..
(FYI: I am a certified personal trainer) and I myself have battled with weight like every other women. after having my first daughter I lost so much weigh unintentionally and went down to about 95 pounds. and everyone around me said I was too skinny even though I ate regularly but i let others comment get to me and i tried gaining weight to please others. so i went from weighing 95 to weighing 145 and then people started calling me fat. I worked out and went to school for fitness and nutrition and went down to a lean 119. my body fat was 14% which is categorized as "athletic" . as for now i weigh 113

anyways all that you have been doing is great and your right on point, all your tips are wonderful and your. i also do everything you do as well as the workout dvds

you look great by the way!

Jessica said...

Thank you! That's awesome that you're a personal trainer. I can't imagine weighing 95 pounds though, wow. Good to know you're at a good weight for your body though. And yay for being short! Haha. :)

<3

Anonymous said...

i know huh, my sister weighs 90 pounds maybe thats why people mistake her for a teenager, lol she is 31!!!

she is so tiny!

im glad you posted this Jessica its good to know your doing good, plus its a wonderful reminder for everyone to eat healthy and exercise ;-)

so proud of you!

welldressedmaker said...

I know right, Freshman 15? More like Freshman 40!!! I lost most of my college weight during the tail end of undergrad, and then gained it all back and more when I got married!

Maggie B. said...

What a great post. I'm struggling to loose 60 lbs - I'm at my semi-all time high of 209 right now. I'm 5'6" and I have the backside the size of Pluto. {ok, maybe not that big, but it's large and in charge}. I try and watch my portions, and I do pretty good most of the time. I think the hardest thing for me is mindless easting. And cocktails.

I do pilates, zumba, aerobics and spinning. Sometimes, if I'm really good I get them all in during one week. But usually I only get two or three in for the week.

I try and count calories, but it's hit-or-miss with me.

Jessica said...

@Laura, I know. College was such a bummer for me. After I gained all the weight I just hide underneath baggy pants and hoodies. It was awful.

@Maggie, one of the hardest things for me is cocktails/alcohol as well. Every weekend my bf and I always go out with friends and its so hard for me to just have one drink. Lol. I tried counting calories but it just doesn't work for me, so I stopped lol. Keep up the good work! :)

Thanks for your comments ladies! <3

Jessica said...

@ CottonCandyINK, thank you so much, again. It feels good to have headed down the right track. :)

xx

Unknown said...

YOU GO GIRL!!!WOW Congrats on your amazing weight lose Im also trying to loose sosme weight it can be hard at time but thank you for the tips. I agree with you an apple a day is very good for you I do that too.
Nice blog too.
~Jazmin

Sorcha said...

This was such a great post, thanks for sharing, and congrats on your amazing loss!

I've always been around 120-125 and then I got a grown-up job in an office and piled on around 30 lbs. I've been struggling to lose the weight for the last two years and not really managed to get anywhere but I'm definitely getting on board!

Sorcha x
Bonfire Brunette

Unknown said...

I really enjoyed these tips, and congratulations on your weight loss. You do so much exercise! I used to cycle around 8 miles a day but I didn't lose any weight because I got hungry after doing it and wanted something to eat quite quickly. Chocolate milk is a good sweet treat to have, I will have to keep these tips in mind. Thanks for sharing :) xo

Unknown said...

First of all, congrats on losing the 35lbs!!!! That is a big milestone in itself :) I think the last 10 lbs are going to be your toughest but you can totally do it. I also gained lots of weight my first years in college. The freedom of eating whatever, and whenever I wanted was killing my weight. I try to eat healthier now that I am done w/school for over 2 yrs :)

A Very Sweet Blog said...

Hey Jessica! This is an excellent post girl!!! You have a lot to be proud about. You did a lifestyle change and not a diet. That's the only thing that works long term. I'm the heaviest I've been and need to lose weight. I really have to move more. I've identified the problem and need to start on achieving the solution. I'm too sedentary. Your suggestions are very helpful and you are definitely an inspiration to me. I'm enjoying reading the other girls posts also. Hope you're having a great Monday! ((HUG))
http://sassyuptownchic.blogspot.com/

Jen @ redsolesandredwine said...

You are amazing. I love this post and what you write. I love that you made a goal and are doing it. I admire it! You should be so proud of what you've achieved so far. The advice is great and I need to get a moving more often. I hate exercising but walking my dog is a joy for the both of us

Keep up the good work!

http://www.redsolesandredwine.com/2011/11/cozy-neon-lookbook.html

Haus of Style said...

That's really awesome that you've lost weight and is able to keep the weight off. I have been trying to do the same but it's so tough becuase I'm so busy and on the go all the time. Most days I just have time for a slimfast on the go and that's it, I know its awful. After graduation I plan to be more focus and motivated like you are. Thanks for the inspiration.

Erica said...

This was an extremely valuable post for me to read. We are the same height & your mental note of weight is where I am now. I have been struggling to get myself motivated to exercise because I feel like there aren't enough hours in my day to fit something in that I don't want to do! I don't have an issue with eating the healthy foods, but I think portion control is what I need to pay attention to. Zumba was great for me - since it was fun, it never felt like exercise to me! I just need a mental push...that is the hardest part for me. :/

www.theprettyfactor.blogspot.com

Bravoe Runway said...

Thank you so much for sharing your weight loss story! Similarly to you in high school I was 35 pounds heavier than what I am now. While I've been able to maintain about the same weight over the last 5 years, it's definitely not easy. In fact, I put on weight easily and the holidays are always hard. I enjoy eating, honestly if there is food in front of me, I'll eat it. It is no different than a sale really, if it is on sale I'll buy it! You are right, portion control and moderation is key. I tried to cut out everything and let myself enjoy on weekends...oh I gained all the weight back I lost during the week. It's just not worth it, enjoy and don't beat yourself up over it. And just remember...whatever the number is on the scale...it can go down! Thank you for sharing and all the best as you continue the last 10 :)

Confetti_hearts said...

Very great post! Loved hearing about your weight loss story. I personally lost 80 lbs two years ago and unfortunately in that time I also took it too far and went scarily thin for a long time before I realized how unhealthy I was. I was basically not eating and when I started passing out I finally got some sense knocked into me and put some back on. It's definitely a struggle at times to maintain and not stray back to being extreme for me but I think I'm doing okay now. :)

Keep up the good work! <3

Summer-Raye said...

Love love those tips! Ive lost 70 lbs and couldn't be happier... Well yes I could- when I lose ten more I won't be happier!




Id love for you to check out my blog and follow, let me know and Ill be sure to follow you back!

xo
Summer-Raye

Jessica said...

@Hunter87, thank you hun! It definitely isn't easy, but it makes it more rewarding when you put in that work.

@Sorcha, thank you! I hope the tips work for you if you use them. My sister actually got an office job and gained weight from that so I know sitting in an office all day doesn't help.

@Sarah, yea, I sometimes get really hungry after I exercise too, so I started doing it first thing in the morning that way I can eat breakfast afterwards, or if I eat before I exercise, lunch isn't too far away haha.

@Rainy Days and Lattes, thank you! And I agree. When I got to college that freedom went straight to my head and I bought all the junkfood I possibly could. It was so bad lol.

@SassyUptownChic, thank you dear! Getting started was really hard for me, but once you begin its starts to become routine. Now I don't feel balanced if I don't get out of bed and take my dog for a walk. Baby steps!

@Jen @Redwineandredsoles, haha thank you hun! I am proud, and it makes me feel good to know that other people can take something away from my story/what I write.

@justtututiny, thank you! I'm actually really fortunate that I'm unemployed. I decided that if I didn't have a job I would use my time wisely and at least achieve something, so I have the time to exercise. Maybe I should do a post about tips for much busier people...

@Erica, let me tell you I sympathize. It's so easy for me to just tell myself "Meh, I don't feel like exercising today" or "Ah, well, I can eat this". But like I said once you start doing it, it becomes easier. And I love Zumba. :)

@BravoeRunway, thank you hun! I love food too. Really. I love it just as much as shopping too! You and me both. I'm obsessed with planning meals for dinner and baking and sometimes I just have to tell myself that I can't eat this stuff right now!

@Confetti_hearts, thank you! It's good to hear you lost the weight, but also that you're at a good place now. I've often been afraid that I won't know how to stop losing the weight once I get to my goal, just because I'm obsessed with weighing myself. So thanks for sharing that with me. Glad to hear you're doing alright. :)

@Summer-Raye, congrats on losing 70lbs! And I'm checking out your blog now. Thanks for your comment!


Thank you ALL for your wonderful comments. You all seriously just made my day. All the love you guys give me is infectious. ;)
<3

signature mix said...

This is such great advice! Thanks so much for sharing your journey. I gained a lot of weight in college and thanks to portion control, fewer pizza dinners and more fruit and veggies I'm back to my pre-college weight but it's a constant struggle. I especially love that you don't cut out your favorite foods because we all need those in moderation.

Anonymous said...

Thanks Jess. Yea, motivation is easy to lose but I hope this time it won't be an issue. Gotta keep my eye on the prize :)

Btw, those are all great tips. I start today. Officially hihi.

xx

Anonymous said...

Cute dog. (:

Daisy said...

Really fab tips !!

devorelebeaumonstre. said...

these tips have me way motivated. seriously. I've put on 10m lbs over this last year & even though it's not really a HUGE amount, like you said, just noticing it in photos is enough. totally taking your tips into account. :)

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your loss! I'm on a health and fitness mission at the moment to try and tone up as I got super lazy after leaving University in June this year.
I too have turned to exercise DVD's as I can easily fit them in to my daily routine :)
L x

Heather said...

Congrats on the weight loss girl - that is AMAZING! You should be proud of yourself... love the tip about chocolate milk - I seriously drink it everyday!

Keep it up dear!!!

www.pearlsandpaws.blogspot.com

Jessica said...

@Signature Mix, you're right it really is a constant struggle, at least for me too. I love pizza, haha so I also had to do away with fewer pizza dinners.

@Tamyr, congrats on starting! Just maintain your focus. One days where I started to lose motivation I just reminded myself of all those times I was really depressed about my weight, because some days were good and others were really bad, for me anyway. Good luck! I'll always a message away if you need anything.

@My 2 Pesos, thank you! She's crazy.

@Daisy, thank you!

@Devorelebeaumonstre, glad you like the tips! I hope they work for you. :)

@L, I love exercise DVDS, they really helped me out. When I first started exercising I was kinda embarrassed to go out because I didn't want everyone looking at the fat girl running haha, but once a lost a few pounds due to my exercise dvds, I realized it didn't matter and I needed to stop caring about it. And that's when I went out and started running.

@Heather, thank you! :) And chocolate milk is the best haha.

<3

noone said...

lovely tips, haha ya I def need to eat more veggies and less starch and meat like your picture! and low fat chocolate milk is a great idea, lately when I feel cravings for sugar I eat cereal with cheeros haha

Veronica P. said...

a very great post !

pure.vogue said...

well done for u!

i use also my wii fit plus :) motivates me enough to do exercises :) and its fun!

xx

http://purelyvogue.blogspot.com/

The Fashion Philosophy said...

Great tips! So fab!

-Davie+Erica
Wardrobe Stylists, NYC.

>>http://www.lpfashionphilosophy.blogspot.com

Chelsea Finn said...

This was really helpful! Thank you for sharing! :) Thats so great that you are trying to be healthier! I also heard that adding lemon juice to water helps!

<3Chelsea Elizabeth
http://www.organizedxxmess.blogspot.com