This month marks 4 years since I started my weight loss journey. 4 years! I can’t believe it! Time flies by so incredibly fast. Before you know it days turn into memories and you are looking back reflecting on your life.
Last night I was doing some thinking about the time right before I started losing weight. I was a different person back then – completely different. For one, I looked different. I was 40 pounds heavier with shorter hair and a questionable fashion sense. My kids were 5 and 3 years old and I was surviving off leftover macaroni and cheese along with LOTS OF COFFEE. I worked full-time outside the house and barely had time to fix my hair every morning – I was an expert in the wet ponytail look. Life was extremely chaotic. Losing weight was something I thought about often, would try every now and then, but never created any real sustainable changes. I didn’t know where to start or what to do. It was depressing. That girl back then was not happy and she was ready for a change.
4 years later and 40 pounds lighter (give or take depending on the week) I was able to create real sustainable changes. I transformed into a new woman. I did not just changed physically. Sure losing 40lbs transforms your looks but I noticed changes in every area of my life. Losing weight brought out a confidence and happiness in me that I did not even know I was lacking. Losing weight truly changed my life.
I have learned a lot since the days of eating my kid’s food scraps and wearing elastic waste gaucho pants. However, if I could go back in time and give myself only 4 pieces of advice this is what I would say.
#1 You are in control
That’s right losing weight completely depends on YOU. YOU are in control. It is very easy to believe that weight loss is the result of a magic pill, diet, wrap, shake, leaving out food groups, or whatever else. Frequently, I here people say “this diet didn’t work” or “that weight loss program didn’t work for me”. But the truth is nothing will work unless you work. Period. Even plastic surgery will be a disappointment if you don’t take control and change your lifestyle.
I remember the moment I began to take control back over my weight. It was soon after I started using My Fitness Pal. At that time, I did not change my eating habits completely but was just starting to track what I ate. Tracking my food led me to eat more intentionally. That’s when the light bulb turned on and I realized losing weight was completely in my hands. Literally. When I took the time to think about the food I ate I was able to make choices. Those choices gave me control. I quickly learned that to lose weight, and keep it off, I needed to control my food. Up until then I was letting food control me.
The same goes with exercise. You are in control of making exercise a priority. Nobody can do that for you.
Now I am not saying taking control is easy or comes without challenges. Obviously that is not true. What I am saying is stop putting control and responsibility into someone else hands, especially into the hands of the diet industry. Losing weight starts and stops with YOU. When I finally understood and accepted that losing weight was within my control the pounds started to come off.
#2 If you do what you always do then you will get what you always get
You will not get different results doing the same thing every day. Therefore, if you want results you need to make changes. I only bring this up because I think I went years, maybe a decade, being confused and depressed about my weight. I did not understand why I wasn’t losing weight. All those years I truly thought I was eating healthy. Also, I was convinced walking through the neighborhood was all I needed for exercise. I had no idea why I stayed at 177 pounds for YEARS.
Now I know. I wasn’t eating healthy at all. Most days I was eating between 2500 -3000 calories. Many of those calories came from processed garbage. Sure I was not a regular at the fast food joints but my freezer was filled with frozen pizzas and chicken fingers. My pantry did not look any better. The day I completed a food overhaul I was shocked by where my calories were coming from. 500 alone came from my beloved coffee drinks.
As for exercise, walking just didn’t cut it. Don’t get me wrong I still LOVE to take my walks but I know if I want to see real results I need to work up a sweat and do strength training. Walking now is in addition to my other exercise routines.
Don’t try to overhaul all your behaviors in one day. Doing so will just overwhelm and cause frustration. Focus on one or two at a time. Once you feel comfortable then work on another one. The goal is to make these changes sustainable because going back to old ways will just lead to old results.
I highly recommend reading this post that talks about 15 habits of people who have lost 20-30lbs and kept it off.
#3 Keep going
It takes 3 weeks to form a habit and about 3-4 weeks to start seeing results. I know it might not be easy but give yourself enough time to see results. Trust me the day you can button a pair of jeans that used to be tight or someone says “Wow you look like you lost weight” you will want to keep going. Once you see results it becomes addicting.
Also, never forget creating a healthy lifestyle and losing weight is a life long journey. It never ends. You will have bumps in the road and there will be many times you give in to temptations and get off track. Never give up. Always keep going. Here is one of my favorite quotes.
Don’t ever feel like you can’t do this! You can do it. Some days you will have it all figured out and everything will flow great. Other days all you will want to do is sit on the couch and eat a greasy pizza. Don’t punish yourself. Just take a step back, refocus, and always keep going!
#4 Get ready for awesome
Close your eyes and think about how life would be different if you lost weight. Would your health improve? Would you feel happier? What about sexier? What would be the first outfit you purchase? Do you think your face would change? Would you feel like a new person? Would you have more patience? How would it affect you as a parent? An employee? What other positives changes would happen?
Okay now take all those happy thoughts and times that by 1000! Because I can tell you losing weight became MUCH MORE than fitting into skinny jeans or wearing a bikini around people. Of course that was pretty cool too. But more than that losing weight gave me confidence. It made me happier than I could ever imagine. Not because I am skinny but because it gave me control back over my life. I felt a huge sense of accomplishment and truly believe I can do anything I set my mind to. I also enjoy taking pictures of myself now. I wouldn’t say I am a selfie expert but I certainly don’t hide behind my kids in pictures anymore. I am proud of the way I look.
When people look at me they now see a woman who cares about and takes pride in the way I represent myself. I am now the best version of me!
Maxine says
WHOO-HOO! Thanks for the inspiration sister! Can’t wait to share my 40-lb TRIUMPH!
Sarah H says
Really needed this article today. Struggling to get the motivation the lose 40lbs gained during my pregnancy. Xoxo
Kelly favela says
OK so I’m using this as a spot to vent about my own issues for a second only because I’m here now I’m looking for ideas and advice I know I’m on my own in this and we all have issues but these are mine.
I was on weight watchers doing great no meetings just the girls I worked with. Then my mother in law moved in. Now I really enjoyed going to work lol but eating became a problem I’d leave for work at between 6-8 am and not get home till 8-10 pm work was 100 miles away so I started eating in the car my mom in law loved diners Starbucks and sweets and she couldn’t go alone ugh. 15 pounds back of the 20 I lost and she moved out yeah:) a year later my mom moved in :\now I know what’s wrong with me 10 more pounds she is a complete sugar addicct. And I am stressed. Thank you for the place vent. And the insperation
Sandy says
I started a blog back in May and it isn’t specific to weight loss, but that is a major focus. I found this blog a few months back and this post really struck me. As much as I feel that I am ready, I am still you 4 years ago 🙁 I am ready to do my How the Jeans fit Friday post and I have gained and a pretty significant amount. I am almost embarrassed to post it. But I promised to keep it real and that is real. I need something to change and stick and I am struggling. What do you think was the moment that finally changed your mindset?? Also, I would like to reference this post in my post tomorrow, if that is ok? Thanks!
Tammy Kresge says
Yes of course you can reference this post. I would love if you can link back to it. Thank you.
And remember weight loss is a journey with lots of peaks, hills, and valleys. Sometimes everything is going great and sometimes not so much. Just keep going!
Sandy says
Thanks Tammy!
I did link back to your blog as well as the individual post. Here is the link to my post. http://sandylitcher.blogspot.com/2014/11/how-jeans-fit-friday.html
Thank you for writing your post, it has really opened my eyes. Have a great weekend!
Karen says
Great post…and I so relate, it just took me much longer to realize my weight was bringing me down…almost 30 years exactly…in 2008 I went from 267 to 195…then put some weight back on and just this past May went from 206 to 177 and this time I am BETTER…I am more focused, more driven, more me…so as I look to my 51st birthday next month I am a happier, healthier me…my sons are 28 and 29 and they have never seen me at my current weight…it’s in all of us to be a better “us”…just look and listen, she is in there… 🙂
Tammy Kresge says
You got that right! She is in there!
Julie says
You’re writing is such an inspiration. Just turned 49 today and am scared to death to weigh this weight any longer. Discipline is such a problem… you know what needs to be done but when it comes down to eating at the last minute or not having the right foods ready for a healthy meal is when all the mistakes are made. Looking forward to following your blog and tapping into your inspiration!
Tammy Kresge says
Thanks Julie! It is all about staying prepared. THat has worked wonders for me. You are right when the healthy food is there it is much easier to eat healthy.
Pam says
Inspiring! Thank you for sharing. Sometimes we need to hear something so simply put in order to go forward. What you accomplished is major. Lot’s of hard work on your part but your pictures say it all. Congratulations!
Tammy Kresge says
Thank you so much Pam!
Darcelle says
Nicely written! Very energetic and motivating message. I once lost 75 lbs and was down to 135 lbs-I know how much more amazing I felt and looked so I can relate to you at your lower weight. Unfortunately, I’ve gained it back (PLUS some-how it pains me to say that) so I can also relate to your 40 lbs ago story. You are right with everything you’ve said here. You have obviously got it figured out! I know all of these things in my head but I just can’t get started (to get addicted!) and it’s killing me physically, mentally and socially. I think I’m struggling to get started due to having a lot of disruption and chaos in my life right now that I can’t change. Much of it should be resolved in the next 6-9 months so I’m hopeful that I’ll still “find my way”, but in the meantime, I will be referring to your 4 pieces of advice often and trying to generate some of my own energy and positive words out of the enthusiasm you shared with us. Thanks!
Tammy Kresge says
Thank you. It is really tough when life gets stressful, I understand. When I get stressed all I want to do is sit on the couch and eat pasta. However, I do find when I push myself to keep healthy during a stressful time I always come out a stronger better person. Taking care of myself helps me to deal with stress much more effectively. I know it is hard to push ourselves but sometimes it only takes a few times to get the ball rolling naturally. You will do this. I know you will.
Celestia says
Thanks for sharing.,…awesome you have kept it off for that long!!! I lost 45 in 2009 and slowly gained it all back… Am 8 weeks into new lifestyle change.with hard work its coming off Slowly!!!! For good this time!!
Monique says
Thanks for being so generous with your inspiration. I appreciate every word.
Joanne says
I get the whole of it and wish I could stay on track I thought I had it last year- exactly oneyear ago I went on a journey to lose myweight I did however I regained my 15pounds
It’s true you can get down about it and that seems to spiral you out of the control and food takes over.
I am again going to give it a go.. I recently started following you and this post gives me hope and thank you.
my journey began 2 days ago
Tammy Kresge says
You can do this! I believe we all have different seasons of life. Some are stressful and some not so much. Sometimes we need to be patient and other times we need to push ourselves. But if there is one thing I have learned through all of this is to never give up. Always keep going. You got this!
matron says
Oct. 29, 2014 Thank you for this post. I have been fighting with myself for a while now about my weight. I recently started tracking my food, with myfitnesspal . What a difference it makes in my food intake, but it is a start. I have a long way to go and have given up several times, but reading your post today, has charged me up . I am ready for this, again thank you.
Tammy Kresge says
You are welcome. My fitness pal was such a game changer for me. It is amazing to see the amount of food we really eat compared to what we think we are eating. Made of the difference for me.
Meg says
Thanks! Started my journey Sunday and I am using this week to see my diet and where I am going wrong. Trying to lose 20lbs. FitnessPal is showing me soooo much. This is great advice, especially because I am in the beginning of my journey. Thanks for the inspiration, keep it up!
Tammy Kresge says
You are welcome! Keep going girl!
Janet says
Thank you Tammy! I have over 50 diet books in my collection, many apps, many excuses and have been so overwhelmed! Your 4 tips just struck a cord with me and I just wanted to thank you so much for all you do. I’m feeling hopeful…..
Tammy Kresge says
You are welcome. Thank you for reading and taking the time to comment. I love doing what I do because I know it brings hope to others. I believe in all of you and know if I can do this anyone can. Keep going girl!
Mandy says
Great Post! Well done you.
This is exactly what I needed today as a pick me up :-).
Love the Mandela quote
Mandy x
Tammy Kresge says
I love that quote too! One of my favs!
Patti says
I just want to say how much I appreciate your blog and your honesty! Thanks for sharing all this with the “world” basically us moms in the same boat! I follow you on FB and Im inspired by your story, I am determined to become my healthier ever! 🙂 Thanks!
Tammy Kresge says
Thank you! You can do this! We are all in the same boat. I completely understand the stress of motherhood and everything that comes with it. But trust me if I can do it anyone can.
brenda perry says
Thanks for sharing your story, you look amazing! This is very motivating!
Tammy Kresge says
Thanks Brenda! I appreciate it!
Lisa says
Lots of good thoughts on losing weight. I recently found your site and it has helped me already. I made a batch of mason jar salads and they really helped me get more vegetables in even when I’m busy mid-week. I’m looking forward to finding more great ideas. Thanks.
Tammy Kresge says
That’s great! I am so glad you find my recipes and information helpful. If it weren’t for my smoothies and mason jar salads I don’t think I would ever eat veggies 🙂
Amy says
Thank you for the encouraging words! It is really some great points to think about when you need to set your mind for weight loss. Now if I can get my mind around those points.
Tammy Kresge says
Weight loss is 95% mental…I truly believe that. Once we get our minds in the right place the rest seems to work itself out.
Linda says
Great article and blog! I just found your site and I’m excited to explore. Your situation 4 years ago is so similar to mine now.
Tammy Kresge says
Thank you so much!