This post is by OYS writer Alexis from Trading Cardio for Cosmos. You can also find her on Facebook and Instagram sharing her awesome weight loss tips and motivation!! She’s lost over 100lbs so she has lots to share!
When I started my weight loss journey, I radically changed my lifestyle. I felt like I needed extreme discipline to be successful.
And at the time, maybe that was true! I was able to change drive thrus into farmer’s markets, piles of carbs into piles of veggies, the couch for the elliptical and boozy brunches into, well, healthier boozy brunches!
And as I have progressed through my -115lb weight loss, many of those early “rules” have morphed into something more sustainable, and more workable for my lifestyle:
#1. I was militant in my planning and counting.
I built a giant spreadsheets, handwrote daily menus, double counted and triple counted to make sure I was directly on point every day. Today I still menu plan my breakfast and lunches and I tend to have a good idea of what our dinners will be, but I rarely write down my plan anymore. Healthy eating and exercise have become habits in my life that I know by heart now.
#2. I skipped dinners out with friends, family events and other situations where I could not control what was being served.
I was embarrassed about my weight loss journey and tried to hide it for a while. But eventually I realized that this journey is something to be proud of! I’m making the changes necessary to better my life, and the people I spend time with shouldn’t judge me for that, or they’re the wrong people to be spending time with. Now when we go out or we have dinner with family, I look up the menu at the restaurant so I have an idea of what my options will be. This enables me to plan my day around that meal out, rather than having to dip into my weekly points or my activity points to cover my meal. And with our family meals, I inquire as to what the meal is and if it’s not something I feel like I want to spend my points on, like pasta or ribs, I bring a healthy option for myself. Last weekend we had a family dinner where the choices were penne pasta with sausage or a hamburger. Neither of those were what I wanted, so I brought a chicken breast, a Portabella mushroom cap and some radicchio to grill while the sausage was being grilled for the pasta!
#3. I demanded perfection and strict adherence to my menu plan, and had a hard time being flexible.
I demanded perfection, which is always a recipe for disaster. Life is not perfect, nor is it black-and-white. And sometimes when you try to lose weight and eat perfectly you’re just too tired to cook, sometimes the kitchen runs out of whatever you had planned to eat and sometimes you just give in and have a bite of cake. When I first started, any deviations from my plan made me feel shamed or scared that I was going to screw up. Now I have learned to accept deviations, to plan I ahead when I can but not beat myself up when it’s a situation I can’t control, or when I decide I need a bite of cake. Cake happens. And that’s what makes life great, in my opinion!
#4. Eight glasses of water seemed like an impossible task to complete every day.
I saw all of these women with their giant jugs of water and I thought, there is no way I can drink all that! But I started slow, drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning before I have coffee or a shower. Another trick I use is to flavor my water with fresh herbs like basil, or fresh citrus like lemon, lime or oranges, which seems to make it more festive and more delicious. I also drink a lot of sparkling water or seltzer water, which has no sodium but the bubbles seem to make the water go down more easily.
#5. My meals were completely boring.
Grilled chicken. Veggie. Salad. Repeat. This is lame, but that is how I felt like I had to start out until I realized there are great resources online that have healthy recipes available! Skinnytaste and Emily Bites are some of my favorites, and I like the slow cooker recipes from Simple Nourished Living. I also learned to try new things, and not be afraid to spice it up! I may have grilled chicken for lunch sometimes, but it has a tumeric spice blend, paired with some pearl couscous and it comes with a side of baby bok choy, which I would have never eaten before WW. I’ve also found a host of vegetables like radishes and carrots and kale, which I never ate before or thought I didn’t like, but came to find out I really enjoy!
#6. I went to the gym and I was convinced that all 400 or so people were staring at me, the fat chick on the bike.
I hear this all the time from people who are starting a workout regimen. Everyone is feeling self-conscious because they are out of shape, because they don’t have the stereotypical “gym body,” and because they are relatively inexperienced to working out. The truth is the trainers and folks running the gym are there to help you, and they really enjoy when they help you achieve something you didn’t think was possible. I absolutely recommend meeting with the owner, manager or trainer at the local gym to have them design a workout plan that will allow you to get more active, toned up, and do it at your own pace. And as you start to get comfortable in your own routine, you look up and realize that everyone else is focused on their machine, their weights, their own goals.
#7. I felt ashamed when I started to realize what my food intake was before I started WW.
Takeout, an extra slice of pizza, two servings of ranch dressing, processed foods, I ate at least twice my daily calorie intake most days and realizing that made me embarrassed and made me worry about what my friends and family must have been thinking. And after a pity party and a good little cry, I realized that I couldn’t change the person I was or her decisions, but I could use those emotions to fuel better decisions, and to get me back on track of I started to stray from my plan.
#8. I lost 20 pounds, and on one hand I was so proud of myself.
On the other hand I lost 20 pounds and I couldn’t tell, which was a little demoralizing. The first twenty pounds are the hardest to lose, and they’re also the hardest to see! I decided to reward myself at each -10lbs lost so that even if I couldn’t see it on my body, I was celebrating the change.
#9. I was amazed at how much sharper my mind became and how much lighter my step felt when I began to eat healthier foods.
I firmly believe that limiting the soda, chemicals and processed snacks has changed my body completely. I am a much quicker thinker, I move more quickly and with more ease and I even get a suntan, rather than a sunburn, thanks to the healthy vitamins and lycopene in my diet now.
#10. I started to sleep better.
Before my weight loss journey I hardly ever exercised, ate fatty foods full of chemicals and cholesterol and then smoked and drank to counterbalance all the caffeine I was ingesting. End result? I slept terribly, and not enough. Now I make sure my diet is balanced, skip smoking and try to be a little more responsible with my cocktails. I also make sure I have time for 7 hours of uninterrupted sleep in a dark, quiet room, which allows me to wake up and feel rested. This also means I won’t be so tired or sluggish and will be better equipped to make healthier food choices throughout the day.
What about you? What did the beginning of your weight loss journey look like? Do you have habits or routines that have changed as you progress through your weight loss journey? Or maybe things you noticed early in your journey that felt new and exciting (or frustrating?)? Let’s talk about them in the comments below!
Haley says
This is awesome! Congratulations. I am trying to begin my weight loss journey. Do you have a copy of your meal planning sheet that you used in the beginning?
Lisa Blain says
You look great! Be so proud of yourself! It is hard to do and definitely worth all your hard work:)
Tammy says
Thank you for sharing, it had given me hope that I can once again lose weight. In October 2013 I had bariatric surgery( the sleeve)
The following July I had gotten Pneumonia that was missed diagnosed. Long story short, my lung abscess and continued to be missed diagnosed tell I was hospitalized for 30 days, set home with pic line and still lost over 3/4 of my lung. By the time I was feeling well again I lost 70lbs I never exercised,I did nothing and because of that I found myself in this new body that everyone thought looked great but I still looked in the mirror and still seen that 275lb person. Today I am 210lbs and feel terrible! Mentally, emotionally and physically. I’ve been in denial for long enough.
I would love to learn how to do this the right way. I had my surgery and the next month my Dr moved out of state so I never learned how to be successful at weight lose. Being sick for almost a yr. I literally felt like I woke up and was skinny. I was so not prepared for it or had the tools to be successful Please help!
Shruti says
Hi …Mom of two…. coping with life ..Not able to eat or even sit properly n eat I just pop in anything I get my hand to …..Leading to putting about 15 KGS in 1 1/2 yrs ….Over n above that all the fat gets accumulated on buttocks n thighs ….Hence not able to wear my fav short tops n tunics …..Leading to eating more …… Help
Tabitha says
Wow! Way to go on your weightloss success. I am on a weightloss journey as well, and under doctors supervision. I am struggling. Ill lose weight and then put it back on. But your story gives me hope. Ill keep on trucking. Thank you
Laina says
Thank you so much! Your story is inspiring!
Jillian says
What an amazing journey. Congratulations on your success from hard work and habit changing that paid off. I am in a similar situation to where you were at the beginning of your weight loss and lifestyle journey. I work too much, am tired all the time, a very happy person masking sadness from my weight, and am putting my all into my work instead of myself. Your post has motivated me to change myself for the better so I can live past 50 and have a happy life. Thank you for inspiring me as I know you have inspired others.
Judy lambert says
Love your posts-lost your email address Alexis but you told me I could privately keep in touch with you.
I am Judy Lambert ( living in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada
I really wanted to purchase the taco that you posted but forgot the name-could you please send me the name and picture
Today is my 1st day( rest of my life) on program-did my 30 minute walk
Hopefully I hear back
My email
[email protected]
Thanks Alexis
Judy
Christie Austin says
I just read your blog. Congratulations to you for losing your excess weight. I have tried and failed so many times to lose my weight, I hsve lost count. I am miserable, no sleep, tired all the time, etc… I know what I need to do, but each time I let life get in the way. I am totally embarrassed to be seen out in public. I am so glad for you and your success.
Karen says
Regarding the gym, I felt just as awkward and self-conscious when I started out even though I don’t need to lose weight. I joined the gym to improve my flexibility because I was starting to grunt getting out of chairs. Whenever I see someone who’s working hard, whether or not they’re svelte, I think it’s great that they’re working out and give them a smile. There’s a camaraderie among those who want to be fit; no shame for not being as fit as you want to be–yet!
Nylene says
Awesome! Quick question…you said you rewarded yourself every 10# or so. What type of rewards? Can you list some suggestions? I have yo-yo’ed my weight my whole adult life, and am close to my heaviest. I like the reward idea as I too get frustrated when I lose weight and you can’t even tell. Also, how do you deal with life stresses? Thank you. You are an amazing inspiration!
Amy says
Reward yourself with a trip to TJ Max or Ross or put extra money in a drawer so that when you get to your next size down you can buy something new but not very expensive cause you’re not going to be in it for long 😉
Wende says
Thank you so much for this article. This is great info! I started WW 4 wks ago and I have a long road ahead. Thanks for the advice and encouragement! By the way, you look fantastic!
K says
Wow! To all of you…🎉 If you are ready and set your mind to it…you CAN do it! I’m down 50 lbs….and still need to lose more…but feel great and sexy while eating healthy…Yes…I still drink my wine on the weekends…😀
Becky says
Thank you for sharing. You are an inspiration to others … and to me.
Debbie says
This was so helpful to me. I am beginning my weight loss and lifestyle changes yet AGAIN. I am tracking my food and that is exactly how I felt embarrassed and ashamed of what I am eating and how I eat. I am finally understanding that this is NOT normal. And I am taking steps and being I think finally more realistic about my journey this go round. I appreciate you sharing what you went through. It did hit home with me!!
Jamie says
I, too , am on a weight loss journey. Your story is truly inspirational to me!
Patty Hughart says
How encouraging and so proud of you! My journey began a couple years ago and it’s been a slow process but I’m down 60+ and have another 50 to go.
Congratulations and keep it up!
Barbara says
So proud of your many achievements!! I enjoy following you on your blog. Your enthusiasm is infectious. I achieved lifetime status in 2014. The journey continues, actively working on maintaining my weight loss. I’m sure you’ll agree with me, we never want to go back to the old ways. We’ve worked too hard to achieve success. I encourage you to continue on your journey and lose those last 11 pounds.You deserve to pick up your award and become a lifetime WW. It’s the brass ring. Don’t stop now, go for it!!!
Sandi Meyer says
Congrats on your amazing journey !! I am on my own journey , and can relate to a number of emotions you shared . I am down 75 lbs and still going , not quite sure where I’ll stop , but it sure felt good to hear I’m not alone in feeling some of these emotions !! Again congrats to you !! Amazing job !! You deserve to feel proud and confident ❤️
Terri says
Love this!!!!!