How much weight I lost
To date, I have lost 3 lbs. I know it doesn't sound like much compared to all the other stories, but I felt this story needed to be told too. It's about a lifestyle change.
What motivated me to lose weight
I quit smoking and I gained 4 lbs. So what motivated me was that I didn't want to gain anymore weight. I'm 5'6" and currently weight 124. My goal weight is between 118-120. I mean nobody knew I had gained a little weight, but I knew. Here's the thing though, I also had horrible eating habits. I basically would starve myself because smoking suppresses your appetite. Well, they say you should replace a bad habit with a good habit. So I thought hey, if I was going to get healthy I was going to go all the way! I needed to change my eating habits...ha! No small feat!
How I lost weight
Here's how I lost the weight and more importantly the lesson I learned about embracing a healthy lifestyle - which is the key to weight loss! Well, as I said, I had horrible eating habits. I barely ate anything. I never had any energy and was always tired. After I gained the weight from quitting smoking I started to eat more thus the 4 lbs gain. I knew I needed to change. I worked with my trainer and friends who are experts in fitness and nutrition. They all told me I needed to eat 6 small meals a day. Wow! This was a tough one. That means I would be eating all day long. That made me very uncomfortable because I didn't eat much to begin with and once I quit smoking and started to eat more - I gained weight. So I associated eating with gaining weight...makes sense, right? WRONG! I have lost 3 lbs in 6 weeks by eating all the time. I know it sounds unbelievable that is why I needed to share this story - because it works and I've never felt better. It works, it really works! I eat more and I'm losing weight and I feel better. I have more energy and I don't feel tired all the time. I eat every 2 to 3 hours about 6-7 times a day. I always make sure I have either a whole grain and/or protein in my meal. That helps me feel full longer. Here's the catch, my meals are small, perhaps most people would eat more than me, but this is what works for me. My meals are about 200-250 calories. It was recommended that I eat 300 calories at each meal, but I tried that it was just too much food for me. Another thing, you've probably already observed is that it is a slow weight loss. Yes, I'm losing 1/2 lb a week, but it's a lifestyle change...isn't that what we all want? Not just a quick fix, but something permanent and everlasting. So if you can stick it out and make the adjustment it is so worth it. It took me about a month to adjust and it was really hard not only because I was forcing myself to eat, but also because I was not seeing results. The first 3 weeks the scale did not budge. I realize I don't have much to lose and that could also be a factor, but I wanted to share the discouragement I felt. Despite my feelings to give up all my expert fitness and nutrition friends stood firm on 6 small meals at least 250-300 calories. So I persevered. The great thing about this is because it's a lifestyle change I will naturally "bottom out" at my lowest weight possible. It will probably take a few months, that's fine...exciting, huh?
Tips and Tricks
- I workout at least 5 days a week. I try to do different things to "shock" my body. I do cardio, strength, and flexibility training. It prevents plateaus.
- In addition to always eating a whole grain and/or protein with every meal, I try to include a fruit or veggie. That way you're getting all the nutrition throughout the day.
- I have a protein shake after I workout. I usually make it with a banana and 1/2 cup of milk.
- I have a cup of low-fat milk every day. 1/2 with my shake and 1/2 with cereal in the morning.
- Bottom-line: Do what works for you! But do eat 6 small nutritious meals a day...because it works
