Secrets Of a Healthy Lifestyle...

VernerDixon

Hey there!

First of all, for all that have achieved their goal, I want to say a big CONGRATS!!
It's amazing what you can do when you have a goal and a desire to achieve.

With that said, I'd like to ask a question to you..

What are some tips you could share that have helped you achieve your goal and more importantly, what have you done to maintain your goal weight?

What changes have you adopted to maintain a healthy lifestyle?


Your participation is greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Julieboolieaz

I've been maintaining a 120 lb weight loss for 10+ years. For me, I think a combination of dedication to always watching what I eat, correcting for a while when I've overdone it, plus exercise has been key. Another key, ironically, is that I'm still not quite where I want to be...10 more lbs. this elusive last 10 lbs also continues to motivate me.

Changes made- workout 5x a week- 3 days weight training and 2 days cardio. I've been mostly a low and healthy carber for the past 11 years, I've recently upped my carbs but still not a big sugar eater. I'll always need to mindful of what I eat. I can't just mindlessly eat the std. Am. Diet...but the effort is worth it!

CipherZero

VernerDixon wrote: »

what have you done to maintain your goal weight?

Watch the total calories daily; I've moved less to day-to-day goal-seeking and moreso to weekly totals. It's less stressful.

VernerDixon wrote: »

What changes have you adopted to maintain a healthy lifestyle?

Moving my *kitten* more and lifting heavy things.

VernerDixon

Mindful eating.. Great suggestion Julie.

I hear that a lot. Being mindful of your eating habits really goes a long way.
You don't have to deprive yourself of foods, just be mindful of what you're eating and the amount.

Great tip.

And yes, moving your *** helps Cipher

So mindful eating and moving.. anymore tips from those who have maintained their weight loss?

ShannonMpls

I've been maintaining a 130+ pound weight loss for two years.

What are some tips you could share that have helped you achieve your goal and more importantly, what have you done to maintain your goal weight?

The most important advice is to persevere. This is what matters the most; the rest is details. That means that you commit, today, to changing how you live your life and you never stop. That doesn't mean you don't have bad days, it just means that a bad day doesn't become a bad week or bad month or bad year.

Second tip: Lose how you want to maintain. If you do this, when it comes time to maintain there won't be any big changes. You'll just eat a few hundred more calories a day. You will continue to eat the same food, exercise the same way...just with a bit more wiggle room. For me, this meant I didn't go on a crazy fad diet, or restrict an entire macronutrient, or starve on 1200 calories a day. I ate quite a bit of food (1900-2000 calories a day for most of the time I was losing) and worked out a lot. And the thing about those workouts? I learned to love them. I didn't work out to "earn" calories, I worked out because it made me feel better about myself...and just plain feel better. Moodwise, physically, etc.

Basically, I lost weight by choosing to live like a healthier person. In time, my body caught up and I became that healthier person. I didn't go on a diet, I just incorporated a series of habits, some big and some small, that now help me maintain. as I've said before, if you rely on willpower, you'll likely fail. Habits are what sustain us.

I weigh myself now and then but daily weighing, while it worked during the weight loss phase, is now a drag. I probably weigh myself once or twice a month.


What changes have you adopted to maintain a healthy lifestyle?

Now that I maintain, I still log my food most of the time. I still home-prepare almost everything. I still pre-plan my days the night before and pack up all the food I take to work. I still have some basic rules: I only eat out once or twice a month. I don't eat treats people bring into work unless it's something really awesome and totally worth it. I am strict during the week, but more lax on weekends (sanity-saving...). I exercise 5-6 days a week, happily. I walk or bike instead of driving when it makes sense, and I simply move around more.

For now, maintenance is pretty easy but I've got years of it ahead of me

stevesilk

I'm not maintaining the extreme loss these others have mentioned, but I would say find activities you love to do and do them. Find food you love and learn what a serving is. Set goals and celebrate the victories you achieve. Be careful who you invite into your inner circle, as not everyone has your best interests at heart. Be focused on healthy not skinny, that's a better end game. And learn how to pick yourself up, because every day won;t be perfect. Have fun!

VernerDixon

Awesome, awesome, awesome stuff Shannon! Great advice.

There is a quote by George Bernard Shaw that says

Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.

And I think you embody that in your response.

You lost weight by choosing to be a healthier person and your body just caught up to your decision. You created a healthier you.. That's great stuff Shannon. Congrats!

Steve - I think you're right. The first challenge I have with my clients is having them learn what a serving is. What does a serving of turkey look like.. What is 6 ounces of chicken.. How many almonds should I eat? All of this goes back to mindful eating

Great advice here. Let's keep it going!

sbrookes9

Bump