Weight loss is everyone’s dream nowadays. But most people don’t know how to do it by themselves. So they join weight loss programmes like Jenny Craig or Weight Watchers, where results are guaranteed BUT is it sustainable or affordable long term and can you keep it OFF forever? Most people end up in a YOYO situation fluctuating between gaining weight and dieting.
I wasn’t looking too overweight (5’1″ – 59kg) but I realised I had this big “puku” (tummy) or as some people call it, ‘love handles’. In short, I was kind of fugly (fat & ugly) and had all these excuses – age, weather, hormones or simply ‘well, that’s the way it is’. Some people blame it on having had kids or perhaps more appropriately eating their kid’s leftovers, or having no time for themselves – it’s easy to find lots of ‘justifiable’ excuses.
Well, I was content with the way I was until January 2015 when my friend Sue and I were walking along the main street in Devonport and saw these amazing clothing boutiques. There were all these amazing original designs which I just couldn’t wait to wear BUT none of them fitted me – I looked terrible! Sue and I made a deal to lose 10lbs in just 6 weeks. I got motivated and went back to my old fitness foundation notes and also consulted Google – and I found that you can still enjoy what you eat but you need to learn when to eat and how much to eat. It’s all about timing and portions.
I decided I needed to change my approach.
So now it’s DIY (do-it-yourself) for me. In the weekends, I plan my meals for the week so I can avoid buying food at work. Every day I bring my own filtered water and my thermo flask with green tea. I have a banana smoothie for breakfast; fresh fruit or dried fruit & nuts, or crackers & cheese for snacks; and eat mostly protein for lunch – such as roast chicken or other meat left over from the previous night’s meal, or tinned tuna or salmon which I love.
I should mention that I don’t eat vegies so I take nutritional supplements every day to get a good balance of vitamins and minerals – in your case you might like salads (avoid too much dressing) or God Forbid, you might actually like those dreaded vegies. I also decided to eat less sugary foods after watching a programme on TV which showed how much sugar is in most processed foods and how easily it stores as fat in our bodies.
After 6 weeks I lost 2.5 kg (5 lbs) – not bad huh! I’d never lost that much in 5 years previously. Then I decided to start doing regular exercise. I’m the kind of person who needs motivation to maintain an exercise regime, so I set a goal to do a full marathon this year. In my first 8 weeks of training I lost another 1.5kg, which is not much but my total weight loss is now around 4kg so far.
I’ve discovered I can now eat more carbs to fuel my energy needs. I’m losing weight slowly which the experts say is the best way. I still enjoy eating rice and other Filipino food – but all in moderation. If I can do it, you can do it. I’m not saying you need to run a marathon,but with regular exercise such as walking or jogging and being more selective with what you eat you can get great results which are sustainable. Now I enjoy shopping for smaller size clothes that fit me well plus I’ve got more pocket money by not buying my lunch at work.
Lesson here…… It’ all about making choices – no one can make it happen for you – You can make it happen!
Make a list of all your alibis, reasons why you didn’t stick to your programme – and realise that they’re all excuses!!!
Here’s some free basic tips I can share with you on my journey to weight loss sign up below
