Weight loss tips that work- what to add & what to take away

Picture is not me- nor does it reflect my results!!!!

In my post, motivation found...a trip alone, I told you all about my upcoming trip to Puerto Rico- sans mi familia! This trip to paradiso is this Thursday! I knew I had to cut out my bad eating habits and get my ass to the gym!

I am so proud of myself for following through with my plan. The added pressure of going away definitely kicked my plan into gear. I cant believe I was allowing myself to eat what I was eating prior to booking the trip. I also cannot believe how great I feel- you truly are what you eat. I feel like a new person! I made a promise to myself to not return to my old ways upon my return home from the trip.

I didn't do anything crazy. The things I did- anyone can do. I hope to spread some motivation your way by writing this.

What I added:

• Cardio. 30-45 minutes on the elliptical 4-5 days per wk.
• Water. I was not drinking enough before. I drink one or more of the biggest Poland Springs daily.
• Breakfast. Do not skip this meal. It is so important to get your metabolism going early. My meals include;

1. Multi grain cheerios with skim milk.
2. 2 eggs- one whole, one white with one slice of whole grain toast with apple butter spread.
3. 2 hard boiled egg whites with either toast with apple butter or a bowl of multi grain cheerios with skim milk.
4. A vanilla yogurt smoothie with half a banana and strawberries.

• I added greens to my lunches such a salad or asparagus. My favorite is butter lettuce mixed with baby arugula. Trader Joe's has great baby beats that are very filling and satisfying chopped in a salad. They also sell a cilantro dressing that I'm addicted to that makes eating salads desirable!
• Along with the salad, I would add a protein such as grilled chicken or a turkey burger.
• Breaded and baked chicken cutlets for dinner. Whole wheat bread crumbs are now available or you can make your own. Bake cutlets on 350 for 30 minutes. They are really good!
• Fish is a great way to switch things up and add protein.
• Jello with low fat cool whip for a sweet if I needed it- which I did!
• Berries with low fat cool whip is also a great was to satisfy a sweet tooth.

What I took away:

• Whole milk in coffee. I've been adding skim milk or fat free half & half. The skim milk is not good- this I will admit!
• Eating what my kids didn't! This is horrible and unnecessary! I think stopping this did justice on its own! I'm disgusted at myself for consuming so many empty, unnecessary calories this way.
• Starches with dinner. A protein, veggie and salad are equally satisfying. You will not miss the heavy feeling that comes with pasta, rice or potatoes- I assure you.
• Eating sweets EVERYDAY! I didn't realize I was doing this- how crazy is that? Once I put myself on a regimen, I realized what poor food choices I was making for myself.
• If I had toast with breakfast, I would skip it for lunch. If I skipped it at breakfast, I allowed a wrap or 1 slice of toast at lunch. This does not apply with dinner. Try to stay away from breads with dinner. This way of rationalizing your intake is a great way of still eating what you want- within reason. If you want some M&M's- have a mini bag- but, control yourself and have just one. Also- that should be the only exception for the day.
• I stopped saying I will start tomorrow or it doesn't matter if I eat this one thing. It does matter. It does count- the proof is in your ass!

If you don't belong to a gym, get out and walk. Walk around the corner at first. Go further each day. You have to start somewhere. Before you know it- you will be walking further than you ever thought you could and love it!

Don't go food shopping without a list. Planning out your healthy meals by writing a list helps with following through. Going to the grocery store rogue can be dangerous!

Pre -wash & chop fruits and veggies to nosh on. This makes snacking on healthier things much easier. If you have to wash & chop- you will go for something easier & most likely- not a good choice.

Keep fatty snacks out of the house.

I'm still a work in progress. I just cant believe I was sabotaging myself and my own happiness for so long. You have to stop making excuses and go for it. It is SO worth it. Its empowering to finally commit to something I kept putting off for no reason at all.

I will eat my favorite foods- in moderation. I love pizza and could never give it up completely.I just wont have it 3 times a week! I will have a bagel when I get home from vacation. I will also keep reminding myself how great I feel and how I much better I will feel chasing my kids on the beach this summer by keeping up with this lifestyle. If you eat something heavy- you'll feel heavy. If you eat something light- you'll feel lighter. Its that simple.

I kept saying 10 pounds isn't that much to lose- it was my crutch. It is a lot and it feels great off. My clothes fit better and I have more pep in my step!

Kate Moss once said, "nothing tastes as good as skinny feels" and although I'm not much of a fan, I couldn't agree more with her!