8 things that help me lose weight.

As of today, I am down 62 pounds. I've had many people ask me what I do, what diet am I on, etc., so I thought I would share it here

This is me at 190 and then at 150. I am currently at 144.
I post this picture a lot on my blog because it is my best before/after 

In 2013, I weighed my heaviest at 206 lbs (I count this as my "starting weight"). My weight probably did go above that, but I stayed away from scales. I only know 206 because when I got pregnant, that is what I weighed at the doctor's office. I lost 11 pounds my first trimester because I was so nauseous, but I quickly gained it back plus 20 extra pounds. I was 226 when I had Emersyn.

Breastfeeding helped take off the pounds. I was back to 206 within 2 weeks and I lost 10 pounds over the next 5 months without changing my eating habits. We did try to eat fast food less, but I really didn't do any dieting. So if you want to lose weight, try breastfeeding. It works. ;)

That November, I decided to join my aunt, Macie, and cousin, Alec, on their crazy endeavor to run a 5k a month for a year. I had not run in years, I had tried, and failed, couch to 5k at least 3 times. I really didn't think I would ever be able to run a 5k, but I had the desire, so I tried it.

I lost a little bit of weight running, but I realized I would also need to change my eating in order to actually lose the weight. This is what I did/do:

1) I set small goals. I try to lose 5 lbs a month. In the past, I have wanted to lose 2 lbs a week, every week, but after 1 or 2 weeks of failing, I would get discouraged and quit. 5 lbs a month leaves some wiggle room for me, and even though I saw that losing weight would take longer than I wanted, I never felt discouraged because I was always making progress (even if it was slow progress).

2) I log my food. I use my FitBit app (you can also use MyFitnessPal or anything similar). I log my food even when I don't really want to. It makes me more accountable and shows me that when I "plateaued", it was normally because I was overeating.

3) I don't set definite calorie "limits".  I try to keep my calories between 1300-1600, but if I go over a little, it isn't a big deal. Not having a set "limit" keeps me from thinking "Oh, well I screwed it up already, might as well keep eating...."   

4) I don't restrict anything! I eat cookies, cakes, chocolate, ice cream, gravy, etc. I eat anything I want! Really! I just limit it. Tonight I had 1 Oreo instead of 4. I also don't eat something that I don't really want. For example: I don't love Sonic's fries, but if they are there, I'm going to eat them. So when I go to Sonic, I just make sure only get the burger, and not the full combo. I don't miss the fries, but I know if I ordered them I would eat every. single. one. 

5) I run. I talk about my running and my team a lot in my other blog posts. You can go back and read race reports if you want! I won't go into great detail here. 

6) I forgive myself. If I gain weight, or I don't hit my goal for that month, or I go a week without running, or if I overeat a lot, it is still okay. It doesn't mean I need "to screw it all" or that I can't do it. It just means I am human, and I'll have to do better next time. This was key for me. I am a master at giving up and procrastinating (ex: I'm gonna start that diet next week)

7) I keep going. I think the biggest difference between now and every other time I tried to lose weight is that I have not quit. Because I am not restricting things and not giving myself set "rules", I don't feel like I am on a "diet". I do eat salads sometimes and I have been known to drink a slim fast for a quick lunch, but that isn't all the time. When I eat healthier, it's because with healthy foods you get to eat more!

8) I have support. As you can see from pictures, Chris has lost a lot of weight, too. It is a lot easier together. We have a playful competition. My family is constantly motivating me, complimenting my progress, and telling me they are proud. They don't complain too much when all I talk about is running. Team Tortoise is always a huge help in keeping me going. I can't go too long without running because Macie won't let me ;) It is much easier to lose weight when others are on board and supportive.

This is at my friend's wedding. I believe I was 185 here.
I was still gaining.

This is December 2013. I was 2 months pregnant and about 190

Me at 145. Look how good my husband looks too!

Team Tortoise!

DISCLAIMER: I am NOT a  healthy eater.You can ask anyone who knows me, I enjoy junk food...A LOT. I don't drink water as often as I should, and I drink way too many diet cokes. I am not an expert on health or fitness. I am just saying what works for me.