How I Did It

Let me preface this post in saying I am not bragging about anything. However, people ask me ALL THE TIME how I lost and kept off forty pounds since starting last June. So here are a few of the things I do and ways I do them now and then.

First Things First

I started with the classic Weight Watchers program, except Micah and I didn't want to pay their fees. So we googled the program, found a ton of info on messageboards online and recipes, and then the point calculator system. He put it in excel so we could measure all of our foods we eat and calculate the points. We figured out what we needed to do and we stuck with it.

Major Swaps

Instead of skim milk, we switched to almond milk and light soy milk. We tried to find subtle ways to cut calories out of our diet without losing the core of what we were eating.

Micah switched to Egg Beaters and made a breakfast sandwich every morning of spinach, egg beaters, bacon bits, and laughing cow cheese (low low fat cheese and calories) on whole wheat bread or English muffin.

We switched to 40-calorie whole wheat bread. It saves calories, and you still get some great complex carbs.

Good snacks like light yogurt, cereal, a turkey wrap (tortilla, turkey, laughing cow cheese and lettuce).

Packed lunches - no chips, but yogurt, applesauce, or a banana as sides with a healthy turkey/ham sandwich. No mayo - use mustard instead!

We count calories! Yes, we do. They DO matter. However, think about what you are using calories for that day when you eat. Don't not eat carbs. If you are a runner like me, this is most of my diet, but most of my carbs come from whole grains, apples and complex carb veggies, lean meats and some potatos, rice etc. also.

Popsicles are my secret weapon! Sometimes, you aren't really hungry. Have a 15 calorie popsicle. If you are still hungry, have a glass of Splenda iced tea. If you are still hungry 20 minutes later, then choose a piece of fruit, a bowl of cereal (measure that cereal) or a glass of almond milk. You'll find you'll eat less bad foods in a snack splurge, because sometimes you are just bored after all.

Diet Hot Chocolate (25 calories) is another secret weapon. Top with 5 calorie fat free whipped cream and you have an awesome treat.

Websites

www.hungrygirl.com
www.calorielab.com

Exercise

I run about 35 miles a week. I also do a combo of Pilates and Yoga. I have pretty well-defined muscles, and I don't weight train. It's unnecessary because of yoga, so if you like yoga, and you feel like you don't have time to hit the gym - try yoga at home.

www.yogatoday.com. Go to the upper right hand corner and you can watch full classes and do them along at home. It's what I do.

I take Pilates from a studio once a week. I love it. It's a great strength-building class and toning.

Also, you can download pilates and yoga podcasts (some video) from Itunes all for free. I also get great nutrition info from the Nutrition Diva podcasts on Itunes (again all podcasts are free).

Splurging

Choose wisely. I splurge with Weight Watchers brownies (2 pts), and I also have splurge nights or days. Occasionally I'll have a glass of red wine a few times a week. No biggie there either. However, splurge nights are nights for Mexican or Italian, because those are my favorites. Make sure you splurge on your favorites and not where they aren't necessary! Don't eat bad for no reason is my mantra. I'll eat healthy all week just so I can enjoy a meal of Mexican on the weekends. I generally never splurge during the week, and I don't eat fried foods or burgers (I eat veggie Boca burgers instead), because they aren't my favorites, and I have good swaps for that (see the Fiber One coating on foods I use to "faux fry" in hungry girl newsletter).

Monitoring my weight

I do monitor it, because it helped me figure out the effects of food. However, don't become manic over it. You can always take extra weight off if you put it back on, and you don't want to get OCD over it either. Just learn what food does, and use it as a teaching tool.

FAQ

How much weight did you lose?
40 pounds
I started at 160 and I am 120 right now. I wore a size ten, and now I wear a size 2. I also feel comfortable running in just a sports bra /top now, which is a huge accomplishment for me (as weird as it sounds). I am comfortable in my own skin.

How do you maintain it?
I eat healthy, and I am aware of the effects of food on my body. I also exercise regularly, because it is impossible to stay the weight you want without being active. Plus, you won't have any muscle tone if you don't maintain an active lifestyle.

What kinds of runs do you do a week?
I usually run 6-8 miles about 2-3 times during the week at a time. On the weekends, I do a long run usually 10+ with my running partner, Alicia. I highly suggest you find a friend to run with if you want to adopt this kind of lifestyle. We do races together, and we have a great time.

What is a typical lunch for you?
A turkey sandwhich (3 pieces of organic turkey deli cuts) with laughing cow cheese, lettuce, mustard on 40-calorie light wheat bread with a banana and a yogurt (light). Plus, a glass of Splenda iced tea. I usually have a snack of applesauce or yogurt in the morning also after a breakfast of cereal with almond milk or a turkey wrap (high-fiber tortilla (50 calories) with turkey, laughing cow cheese and lettuce).

What do you eat for dinner?

Tonight I had a baked potato with a ton of veggies topping it (cooked them in olive oil with a touch of nonstick pan spray) with fat-free sour cream and spray butter. Other nights I have chicken with veggies or salmon with veggies. We usually sautee the meats or we'll top the salmon with a homemade marinade and bake it. We also enjoy making whole-wheat pasta with chicken and broccoli. That is an awesome favorite of ours. We'll vary it up, but we think pretty carefully about what we make so that we can enjoy it and feel guiltless.

Do you drink alcohol?

Yes - within reason. Everything is a careful decision for me now. One every so often is just enough for me. Of course I go to parties and imbibe in that cucumber mojito wonder Suzy in the corner made for the girls to try. Within reason! Honestly, moderation is key, and once you get your metabolism in high gear and you are nearer your goal weight or you are merely trying to maintain - you can "cheat" and have that mojito more often.

What about when the weather sucks, you are tired, or you are on your period. Eek. ?

So what. Get your yoga mat out and pick out a workout and do it from home. Force yourself out on a run. Tell yourself you'll go slower than a constipated sloth, but that you'll still go. Once you are out there - you'll make it, and you'll thank yourself for it later. Just keep moving!

But what about when you are exhausted or tired?

You'll still have more energy if you go out for a walk or a very slow run and just move. Yes, it is counterintuitive, but just trust me.

Do you feel like you are on a diet?

No, I am now on a lifestyle. I feel better when I eat like this, and it is worth it to not have the heartburn, the extra weight or the guilt from eating something terrible for me. I choose my splurges carefully, so that I feel in control and satisfied after having a splurge dinner, but I still maintain my weight, becuase I don't eat like that every night. I don't miss the fried chicken, extra loads of mac-n-cheese, and full-fat Ranch dressing. Neither will you. I promise. Keep trying.

Post any questions if you have them. I've enjoyed helping people discover how it feels to become who they feel like they are on the inside - on the outside.