I’ve been on a weight loss journey for what seems like my entire life. Up, down, staying the same… it’s all happened to me. I was a heavy kid, then lost a lot of weight in college. I gained some back after graduating and developed a thyroid condition. I had Abbie and dropped that weight, but I’m still battling the weight I had before even getting pregnant with Abbie. It’s always been a slow process for me.
Since I’ve been working on it for so long, I do have a few favorite tools up my sleeve that I’ll be sharing, but I thought I’d start with websites. Sure, you can read books and go to the doctor, but a good, informative website is so helpful. Here are my top five!
Weight Watchers (www.weightwatchers.com)
I figured I’d start with the obvious. There’s a reason Weight Watchers has been one of the best ways to lose and maintain a healthy weight for decades – because it works. Obviously, to get all of the features of the program, you need to be a member. There are two options – meetings or 100% online. I prefer the meetings, but I know many people have success doing it online only. Once you’re a member, you have access to the program, online live chat support (which is fairly new and AWESOME), success stories, workout ideas, and a community of message boards. There’s also a section of the site called the Science Center, where it’s just that – the science of weight loss. It’s a great program and one I always recommend.
My Fitness Pal (www.myfitnesspal.com)
I know, super weird that I rave about Weight Watchers and then go into a competitor, right? Not weird at all. I often use MFP in conjunction with WW. It’s a comepletely free option and super easy to use. It also has the advantage of linking with your Facebook account, letting you connect with friends to cheer you on and build a community, and linking to other apps so your exercise flows right in as calories burned. I also find that it gives me a great breakdown of information – I can see how much protein I ate in a single day, for example. Since it allows user submissions, it also has nearly every food you can think of…. and if it doesn’t, you can add it very easily. Love this one!
Fitbit (www.fitbit.com)
Well, you know I’m obsessed. I love fitting activity into my day rather than planning my day around it. I love the challenges. I love how Fitbit links right into MFP or WW to input my activity. Basically, I’m obsessed with my Fitbit, the Fitbit community… everything about it!
Youtube (www.youtube.com)
It may seem a little crazy for Youtube to be on my list, but do you know how many workout videos are on youtube? More than you can imagine. You can find almost anything – 30 day Shred, Yoga, Pilates, and Dance workouts just to name a few. Some of my favorites are from Cassey Ho of Blogilates.
Greatist (www.greatist.com)
I found Greatist about a year ago, and they’re continually publishing great stuff – everything from sleep to exercise to recipes. It’s the one email I actually let through my spam filter every day. Check them out – you won’t be disappointed!
Now I know I’ve missed some so I want to know – what are your favorite websites for weight loss?
12 Responses
My weight has been an issue my whole entire life also. I know my weaknesses but haven’t been able to overcome them. I too have had success in the pass but then I’d become unmotivated and the pounds would come right back. Thanks for the great websites to turn to so I can learn more about becoming healthier.
I would also like to point out the irony of me posting about Pecan Pie Cookies. It is not lost on me 🙂
The struggle is real. I’ve never been one of those girls who is naturally skinny. It’s work to get it off and keep it off! And, I’m currently trying to lose the baby weight – good times, I tell ya.
I’ve never thought to check out YouTube for workout videos, but seriously, such a great idea!
I was wondering if there are any websites or blogs you follow for good, healthy recipes? While I’m pretty good on the workout front, it’s always the food that kills me (because apparently abs are made in the kitchen).
Yep, to me it’s always been 80% food, 20% exercise. I’ll have to put together a list of where I get recipes! Skinnytaste is the one that pops to my head first – have you looked there? Her stuff always turns out great!
I highly recommend the documentary Fed Up. I watched it about three weeks ago and it’s completely changed my mindset and how I view food. The American “diet” is killing us all and sugar is to blame. Anything processed, labelled as low fat, no fat, etc is NOT healthy……all they do is add sugar. (Which btw, can be labelled 50 diff ways) We have to get back to the basics of fruits and vegetables and until we do the obesity rate will continue to rise. I hope this doesn’t come across harsh or opinionated, I just feel like we’ve been “fed” the wrong message for far too long and I’m hopeful that more people choose to educate themselves.
Fruit is absurdly high in sugar, so I don’t agree with you. A lot of those documentaries are really misguided and discredited, so take it with a grain of salt.
You are correct; however, it is natural if you buy organic. The fake sugar that is in pretty much all processed food is horrible for us. Have you watched the documentary? I urge you to educate yourself and do the research.
Love My Fitness Pal and FitBit! I need to just wear my fitbit! GRRR
If you’re really interested in losing some weight, I’ve just started virtual training. My trainer is amazing! She checks in with me everyday and is cost comparable with the Weight Watchers program. She focuses just on me and is a real person! Definitely something I’d recommend considering.
I hadn’t thought of doing that – great suggestion!
Nods my know you had a thyroid issue as well. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s after Liam was born. I got things under control, but am having issues again since Finn was born. A very frustrating issue as you know!
It is. I see my thyroid doc pretty often and she has me on a good dosage (finally) but it definitely is something you have to keep up with!