Yes, it is true ...I am very happy to report there is a little less of me!
I mentioned rather fleetingly in this past post that one of my goals this year was to loose weight and be a lot healthier.
Now I know lots of us make this New Years Resolution every single year (me included) but for me this year is different. It is different because I am following through with this promise to myself.
I have put some steps in place to help myself succeed and I thought I would share those steps.
Step 1.
Follow a diet loss plan.
I have tried to loose weight by myself before and have lost motivation/given up! So this time I am following the Healthy Weight For life program. I love how it isn't called a weight loss program but a health for Life program. It does involve replacing some meals with shakes/soup initially and initially I was sceptical about this. I have had friends try shakes and loose weigh only to stop and put the weight back on again (and more). But this program also teaches about portion control by using a Template so you know exactly how much protien, carbs etc to put on your plate. Each week I weight myself and document my weight and measurements. It keeps me honest and accountable.
I have found the shakes great - filling and easy to prepare and tolerate. I haven't been feeling hungry while having them which is great.
Step 2.
Exercise.
Aaghh! This has always been a hard one for me. I don't love to exercise ...yet!
I have a gym membership and I have been going 2 -3 times a week. I do 30 min cycling and 30 min weights.
I have also been walking lots. When I walk it usually at a good pace on flat ground but just recently I have been walking up hills with a girl friend. She is a lot fitter than me and goes up those hills like a mountain goat. I huff and puff up the hills. But I am pleased to say that it is getting easier and I am walking faster and getting fitter.
Step 3.
Emotional support.
This is a biggy for me! I am letting everyone know I am loosing weight because I want and need the support from my family and friends. One of my friends is following the same program too. Each week we try to go walking together and we ring each other up and share our weight for the week and provide motivation for one another.
My kids are fantastic support people - they always pull me up if I am looking in the pantry or fridge at food I shouldn't be eating.
Hubby goes his bit too. He has been doing a lot more cooking so I don't have to be around the kitchen and food. He is really supportive of my weight loss each week and encourages me to get up and to the gym or go walking.
Step 4.
Education.
I have a lot of weight to loose - close to 30kg all up (less now!)
I have been reading heaps of books about nutrition and diets and weight loss.
Most recent one was In Defence of Food by Michael Pollan. Thoroughly recommend this book. It has made me think a lot more about what I consume and as a result I have changed the food habits of mine and my kids.
I also listen to podcasts when walking and at the gym. My very favourite are Cut the Fat podcasts. These podcasts are really interesting and full of current information and research and some wonderful hints and tips. One of the things Dr. Ray says on the podcasts is don't take our word for it! Research and read up and Make Yourself an Expert! So that is what I am doing!
I have enrolled in a course on Weight Loss Nutrition through Cadence Health.
The course goes for 30 weeks and I have 30 kg to loose so I figure by the time I finish the course I will have lost a lot of that weight. Who knows, I may be able to use this experience and qualification to work in the weight loss indusrty and to motivate others to loose weight too.
My plan is to update my progress here each month. I would love some feeback especially from others who are going down the health path. What has worked for you, would love to hear any tips you may have!
