Fit Friday

I just finished my final week of T25 Alpha. With vacation and trying to get back into my routine after vacation it took a bit longer than it should have. But that's not the point. The point is I finished Alpha! Woohoo!!!

The stats this week:

Pounds Lost: 3 pounds
To Go: 55 to go

Yeah... Vacation wasn't kind to me. I don't know what it is about vacation, but I throw everything out the window and eat ALL THE FOOD. I was pretty active on this trip so it surprised me how much I had gained.  

I know it's not all about what a scale says, but it was a wake up call. I need to get back to my goal and there are no future vacations or holidays or any excuse that will trip me up. I'm in it to win it. I'm in such a healthier state of mind this time around. I know I'm truly ready to start this journey and FINISH this journey once and for all.

So! Here is what has changed that will make this reboot this time around the time I do lose the weight once and for all. What I'm about to share are personal preferences. There isn't a one size fits all way to lose weight. You have to do what works for you and this is working for me (3 pounds lost this week!! YAYAYA!). A lot of what I'm about to share is coming from Naturally Thin by Bethenny Frankel. I didn't expect that book to have such a heavy influence on me, but it did. It revolutionized my thinking. It was light bulb moment after light bulb moment and I think it will end up being the key to my success. Without further ado:

• Calorie count. I know, I know! It is not ideal and cannot be done long term, but I love it. It keeps me accountable. It helps me really watch what I'm eating. I mean, clearly, not counting hurt me! I gained 6 pounds not counting so I think it's just best for me to count right now. MyFitness Pal makes it EXTREMELY easy and there is no greater feeling than sticking to tracking for 11 days and consistently eating 1700-1800 calories a day of feel good food.

• Nothing is off limits. This was huge for me. I always felt to lose weight I had to restrict myself. No eating takeout. No carbs. This just set me up for failure because as soon as I can't have something I desperately want it. Sure, I can go a few days, weeks even without carbs or takeout but eventually I'll cave and then I'll overeat and feel gross. This time around I know it's all about moderation, eating slower, and eating a plate of veggies before I eat the main course. Even eating out is okay! It's about filling up on veggies, ordering what you truly want and stopping when the food doesn't taste as incredible as it once did. 

• Eat slow and truly savor. This was probably the biggest revelation I had. I didn't realize how much mindless eating I would do in front of the TV. Once I turned off the TV, sat at the table, and truly enjoyed and savored each and every bite I found myself eating a whole heck of a lot less. I was shocked at how full I was after one cup of pasta once I savored it and took sips of water (or wine!) between each bite. I also ate sugar snap peas before and didn't feel an ounce of deprivation.

• Plan ahead. I always thought I was too busy to plan ahead, but that was just an excuse. It really didn't take all that much time. I made a huge batch of chili Saturday and put it into mason jars for us to eat for lunches during the week. On Sunday I made a big batch of pasta for us to eat for the next few dinners. I also started making protein shakes the night before so we could grab them and go in the morning. 

• Look at pictures of where I want to be. This has been HUGE for me. Weekends are always the hardest for me and when I'm tempted to have a second glass of wine or snack out of boredom I'll pull up this picture and the craving instantly subsides.

• Be consistent. One of the main reasons I have failed in the past is because I get discouraged that I have 55 pounds to lose and give up. ARGH. That is the worst thing I could do. If I kept with it I'd be at my goal by now! It's all about consistency. It doesn't happen overnight. Just keep swimming. In 6 months I could be at my goal if I keep following these guidelines and in a bikini on a beach celebrating my anniversary. That helps keep me motivated!

• Eat more fruits and veggies. I eat a fruit and/or veggie with every meal and at least one fruit or veggie with one snack. It really helps with feeling full and fruits are just so dang delicious. Last week we went grocery shopping and I stocked up on spinach, blueberries, apples, strawberries, blueberries, sugar snap peas and carrots. I'm happy to report we have finished almost all of them without them being even close to expiring. Success!

I know these may sound so obvious to you guys, but they really have been life changing and I truly believe they are the keys to my success this week and in the weeks to come. Do you have any tips or guidelines that have helped you lose or maintain? I would love to hear them!