21 things I've learned in the past 21 months

Pin It Here are some things I've learned in the 21 months I've been on this weight loss journey...some of them I am still working on ;-)

1. Eat less, move more is not necessarily the formula for losing weight - I eat more now than ever, I just eat differently!
2. A strong support system is essential for losing weight
3. Keeping a food journal keeps you honest with yourself
4. Portion distortion is a serious offense!
5. Water is key
6. A workout friend is a great idea
7. Exercise is important - start when you begin your program - don't wait like I did...believe me, it will help you tone along the way...and boost your weight loss.
8. The occasional gain is normal
9. A loss of 0.5-2 pounds per week is healthy - stay the course and don't give up
10. The less you have to lose, the harder it gets!
11. Roasted veggies are amazing!
12. Don't weigh yourself too often - it's discouraging (I'm still learning this lesson...)
13. Find a support group (group of friends, Weight Watchers meeting, etc.) of like-minded individuals - if the first group you find isn't a good fit, try another one...don't give up...group meetings are important
14. This is a lifestyle change, NOT a diet.  Learn how to make this work all the time.
15. Don't take "days off" on a regular basis.  So many people take a day or a weekend off on a regular basis, PLUS they use all their weekly points...and then they wonder why they are not losing... have a splurge day, but use your weekly points and/or activity points - write everything down!
16. Make social events about the socializing, NOT the eating
17. It is possible to eat out while staying on program - look restaurants up online, look for key words on the menu to avoid (creamy, fried, butter, etc.) and go for healthy options (poached, grilled, steamed) and ask for sauces and dressings on the side.  Ask for nutritional info and make sure you have your calculator with you to figure out the points (if you follow WW).
18. Find some "go to" meals that you can make quickly for those times when you have no time.  Make sure you have key foods in your fridge/pantry all the time - oatmeal, peanut butter, eggs, veggies...scrambled eggs make a great supper!
19. You don't have to work out for an hour for it to be worthwhile (another lesson I'm still learning...I'm an all or nothing girl, but am working on it!)
20. Keep a journal (or blog if you're more public) about your journey - go back and re-read it from time to time to inspire yourself or just to see how far you've come.
21. If I can do this, ANYONE can do this!