Lately a lot of people have been saying things about my weight loss. They keep saying that I look great. That I’m so inspiring. Then so many of them ask the inevitable question I know is coming. “What’s your secret?”
It really shouldn’t surprise me, since it’s a pretty common sentiment. So many people are looking for IT – the huge secret that divides those of us who lose weight successfully and those who don’t. The secret that will solve all our weight loss and body issues. That will make clothes fit right again, or get you into the size you wore in high school, or prior to children, or maybe just the number in your head you always thought you SHOULD be.
The thing about it is that it’s not a secret, not really. Its a frame of mind. If your head isn’t in it, you won’t succeed. You may do OK for a little while by going through the motions, but you won’t get far. You have to truly focus on it.
It’s happened to me a only few times, but just twice that I remember in detail. Once in college and now. The only way I can describe it is as if there’s a switch that flipped in my head – one that says, “yes, you’re going to do this.” I hope it stays on for good this time. It’s looking promising.
So what am I doing? Nothing that anyone can’t find for themselves. Weight loss, no matter what program or form it takes, boils down to a few simple things – eating less, and moving more. Here are a few guidelines I follow:
- Track your food. It really helps me know exactly what I’m eating and pinpoint how it influences my weight and feelings. Right now I track both in MFP and WW – I find that they offer me different things and am enjoying tracking in both…for now.
- Make good food choices. Weight Watchers calls this the “good health guidelines.” Basically, I am to eat more fruits and veggies, get enough dairy, choose whole grains, etc. All the common sense things we KNOW and try to ignore when we feel like it.
- Drink water. I drink a TON of water each day and am constantly filling up my water bottle. It’s pretty much the only thing I crave when I’m thirsty. And my water bottle? It’s just a simple disposable bottle that I keep refilling. I tried having a permanent one several times but kept losing it, so refilling the disposable ones works for me. This way, if I lose it, it isn’t a big deal.
- Move. My fitbit helps a TON with this. It isn’t necessarily about fitting in an hour workout every day. Maybe you take a 10 minute walk. Maybe you run up and down the stairs for 5 minutes. Maybe you play on the playground with your kids. Maybe, like me, you go to the office gym and walk on the treadmill at lunch. I think people build exercise up into more than it needs to be – sometimes the little things add up and work just as well as the big things.
As of my last weigh in, I’m at 193.6 pounds. I literally do not remember the last time I was this weight. I could look it up if I wanted (I kept the hard copy of my Weight Watchers records even though I deleted the online history), but it’s not important. What’s important is that as I see each new number, I say goodbye to it a short while later.
48.6 pounds to go!
What would you like to know about my weight loss journey? Would you like to see what I eat each day? A typical workout? Maybe the amount of water I’m drinking and when? Let me know!
17 Responses
You are amazing! I love that you are so open about your journey! Mine is just beginning but it is so helpful to see motivating posts from you to know that I’m not alone. Thanks, girlfriend! xo
Thanks so much! It means a lot for you to say that!
This is a great post! I wrote something similar because it drives me nuts when people ask for “the secret”. And I’m so with you – it was totally a switch that went off when I found myself weighing the most I’d ever weighed (without being preggo) and I just said NO MORE! But without that mindset it’s impossible to lose weight and keep it off. IT’S HARD and it SUCKS but we’re doing it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Good job girl! Keep it up! 🙂
Yes yes yes! There is no secret at all! You’re doing pretty awesome yourself!
I agree. I’ve done Weight Watchers three or four times, and I could never stick with it. Not until now did that switch flip to help this stab at weight loss be successful.
You definitely have to be in the right frame of mind, no matter which method you choose. WW just happens to be what works best for me.
keep up the great work! i’ve been in an unhealthy rut for the past few weeks that i’d love to get out of! i drink almost NO water! might be a good place to start. thanks for sharing!
Thank you! And yes, water is a GREAT place to start. It makes a huge difference when you’re hydrated – you just feel better overall. Little steps at a time is a great way to start!
Totally inspiring, Jess. I’ve hit another wall with my journey. Even with doing paleo, I’m not losing. I need to get active again. I’m nervous about adding back in all the carbs and dairy that I haven’t been eating, but I’ve been contemplating WW again. It worked great for me when I lost weight for my wedding (five years ago almost), but totally didn’t work the last time I tried it (2.5 years ago), so I’m iffy about trying it again. The problem is, we want another baby, but I’d really, really, really like to be at a healthier weight the next time I get pregnant. Maybe I need daily motivation?
I know exactly what you mean – a lot of my motivation is being healthier for my next pregnancy, too. I’ll be emailing you later with more thoughts 🙂
Same here! No secret, just a lot of hard work! 🙂 Thanks for giving good, practical advice. I’m down a little over 50 pounds since my son was born and it took 20 months!
That’s amazing! Congratulations!
great post! So true about weight loss! It’s about making good choices in food and activity. Easier said than done but thAts what it takes. You’re doing awesome with your weight loss! Thanks for the extra motivation on a frustrating day! 🙂
Thank you. Keep up your good work too – you can do this!
Girl, you are seriously kickin’ ass! I need to up my water intake big time…
Thank you! Having a goal definitely helps. I like using the disposable bottles because I know I need to drink 3 of them to get at least 6 glasses of water (that’s the WW recommendation). I usually end up drinking 4-5 of them! Maybe start small and gradually work your way up. You can do it!
Congrats on the weight loss! I’m currently trying to lose the last of my baby weight, and it definitely is hard! I completely agree with your four guidelines, and that there really isn’t a “secret.” Weight loss is a lifestyle change!