Where Does Weight Go When You Lose It?

I was a size 12-14 when I married my husband 5 years ago.  After the birth of our son, I was a solid 24.  

Joy.

    Despite my size 12, I have never been a small woman.   Most doctors have said big boned (yep, It's actually a thing) since at a size 12-14, I weighed a good 178lbs.  

     For the past three years I have been fighting my weight trying to get myself back into those jeans that fit so perfectly and out of those baggy elastic waist knit pants.  I am not one for dramatic weight loss diets and plans but I tested out a few and managed to gain weight each time.  It was frustrating and depressing.  This past year has been different though.

I somehow managed to lose over 35lbs this year without really trying.  I am now a size 18.

Me, April 2010

Okay, if you've been struggling with your weight you probably just read those words and cursed me to the best of your ability.  But don't fret.  I am here to share my weight loss tips with you.  None of these tips is a dramatic lifestyle or diet change.  Just minor things that put together  can create a great change in your body.

• Change the way you eat: Don't eat so fast.   Chew your food properly and thoroughly.  This aids in proper digestion and waste management.  The better your body is able to digest the food you eat, the better you feel and are able to function. Also eating slower allows your body to realize when in is full so that you do not over eat.

Me,  April 2011

• Do not over eat:  Most people will say, "Only eat when you're  hungry".  The problem was, I was always hungry.  So that rule didn't work too well for me.  I had gotten into the habit of eating constantly because when you are pregnant you have to to keep your strength and energy level up.  The same goes for when you're nursing.   So for at least two years I had been on a regiment of eating five times a day.  When I stopped nursing I didn't stop eating all the time because I was actually hungry  all the time.  I had to realize that my body didn't need everything I was eating and I forced myself into a three meal a day schedule.  It was horrible.  I wanted to eat everything.  After a while, though, I just stopped being so hungry and my body got used to a regular meal plan.

• Try 2% milk:  I know, I know.  If you're a whole milk kinda of guy or gal, you're going, "yuck!"   And that's how I felt at first but 2% milk really isn't that different from whole milk as far as taste.  But the caloric reduction is great.  Milk is great for your body but the fat isn't.

• Exercise without trying to:  It's not hard.  Get up and get your own water instead of sending the kids to get it.  Hide the TV remotes.   Stand up instead of taking the seat on the bus or at a friend's house.  Grocery shop without a list, it's a guaranteed 2 hour walk.  Swing your arms when you walk, it works out your heart.  Laugh often.  It works out your stomach.  Pick up your kids.  Turn on the music to clean.  You'll be dancing in no time.  Walk to  the corner store instead of driving.  Have more sex.  It's great for your general health, your self esteem,  and you barely notice the calories you burn.

• Skip the Buffet:   I LOVE the buffet.  Especially the seafood buffet at the Horseshoe casino, but sometimes you have to just say no!  There is no way to eat reasonably at a buffet.  Stop fooling yourself.  Getting a little here and a little there, is still a LOT OF FOOD.  You always get too much and then feel guilty and compelled to eat it all.  As if those starving children in Africa can somehow see you and are shaking their heads in shame.  They cannot see you.  Stop eating.

• Cut out Salt:  Salt helps you retain unhealthy water in your joints and on your waist.  This bloats you and makes you swell up.  Salt also stresses your heart and raises your blood pressure.  There are many herbs and spices to use that lend flavor to your food.  Garlic and onion are great for flavor and great for your heart and body.   Rosemary, Thyme, Sage, Italian Parsley, celery seed, paprika, oregano, curry, are all great substitutes for salt.  Try them out and see what flavors work best for you.  When you cannot use salt, the different flavors that can open up to you  when experimenting, are tremendous.  Another healthier alternative, Kosher or Sea salt. They have less sodium and require less to flavor your food.

• Less bread:  Fiber is important, don't get me wrong but those butter rolls and gravy biscuits have little to do with fiber.  Bread is very fattening and often gives empty calories.  Unless they are whole grains.  Try whole wheat spaghetti and fettucine noodles.  They really don't cost that much more.  Use whole grain breads or pita shells for sandwiches instead of white bread, which is also typically high in sugar.  High fiber breads and beans help to keep you regular and that helps to keep you slim.

• Drink more water:  Drink more water!  Water helps everything in your body work.  Including your metabolism.  The water helps to flush fat and harmful impurities from your body. It also helps keep your skin clear and your body hydrated.  Hydration is great for your skin!

• Drink less soda:  Soda eats your teeth and stomach.  It is full of sugar which aids in fat gain.  The carbonation  can also aid in bloating.

• Keep a positive attitude:  Staying positive despite set backs is a hard one.  But it is very important.  It's the most important rule for weight loss.  People give up because they have become discouraged or others say they can't do it.  I can't tell you the number of women who told me that I wouldn't lose my baby weight and I might as well get pregnant again because it wasn't going anywhere.  Bull!  You can do anything you put your mind to. 

I'm sure there are other small things to cut out of your life that can make a big difference in your health and weight.   You have to do the things that work for you.  


 Remember that it takes time. You won't lose weight overnight.  Other people will start to see the change before you do.   Overnight results often mean that you're doing something that's not healthy for you.  


What good is being thin if you're on a dialysis machine?


Try these out and let me know if they help you any.  Also, let me know some of your tricks and tips for losing weight.  I am still working towards my old jeans.  I still have a few sizes to go.


Wish me luck!




UPDATE:


As of April 2011, I am currently edging into a size 16.


  I can wear the pants and breath in them, but I cannot sit in them.  Still working on it.  


I have been somewhat lax in drinking water.  It's so much more yummy to sip on cold iced tea or lemonade.  But, I'm trying to police myself and make sure that I get my water intake back up.


Easter's coming so wish me luck resisting the chocolate bunnies!


Photos added April 2011