Me and Oprah Reaching 60!!

blc1971

Oprah and I both reached major milestones this week. She turned 60, and I lost 60 lbs! To celebrate, I thought I would post a few things I've learned along the way. To set the stage, I started this journey in September, 2012. I was 213 lbs. I am currently 152.8 lbs as of today. I am also nearing 43 yoa (yikes!!). I still have 5 lbs left to goal, and I may revise that as I get closer. For the record, I don't see myself as a success. I think success will come when I enter maintenance and am able to keep the weight off.

First, there is no magic pill, serum, drink, or bullet. If there were, Oprah and I would have found it by now. The best way I have found to lose weight is slow and steady, through healthy eating and exercise. DIETS DON'T WORK!! Make sustainable changes for the long-term.

Exercise, even if it's just a few minutes walking each day. Your stamina will build and you will steadily improve.

Weight loss is not linear. You will have good weight loss weeks and bad ones, even when you are doing everything "right". That's the way the body works.

Plateaus may happen. When/if they do, DON'T QUIT!! Continue eating healthy, watching your calories/portions, and get your exercise in. A plateau is not the end of the world, even if it's discouraging at the time. If you push on, you WILL see results.

Take pictures!! You may not see the changes in the mirror but pictures really highlight progress.

Eat the "elephant" one bite at a time. If you have a lot to lose, set mini-goals to achieve along the way and focus on those instead of the "big picture". Celebrate these milestones!!

Buy a few new clothes as you are losing!! Picking up a few things along the way will help you to see your progress and make you feel good about yourself. You don't have to spend a fortune, or buy a new wardrobe with every 5 lb loss, but a new top or jeans can make you feel slinky and fabulous!

Get rid of clothes that no longer fit. This is incredibly hard to do for many of us (ME!!) but so freeing. You can donate the clothes or take them to consignment. Either way, get rid of that fall-back stash so you have no excuse to grow back into them.

You are in control so you set your pace, your goals, and your strategy. Do what works for you and be flexible. It's not set in stone so you can change anything at your will! You may have a goal weight in mind but decide when you get there you want to lose a few more lbs or even gain back a few. You are the boss!

Losing weight is not the holy grail of life. Everything will not magically change the morning you wake up at your goal weight. You will be healthier and thinner, but you will still be you. Don't be disappointed if you reach goal and unicorns and rainbows don't light up the sky over your scale. Happiness is a state of being and you can choose that (or not) no matter what your weight.

LIVE!! Don't wait for certain scale milestones to enjoy your life. (i.e. When I get to xxx lbs I am going to the beach.)

And finally, support is a wonderful thing to have, but even if you don't have a cheerleader or two, you can still do this! Be your own biggest cheerleader if you must!

I'm sure there are more things to add to this list. Feel free to do so in your comments!! Good luck to each and every one of you on your journey!! :flowerforyou:

Shuuma

Thank you for this wonderful, upbeat post and so many congrats on your weight loss!

Rockin2014

What a wonderful and inspiring post. Thank you! And huge congrats on your weight loss

wateryphoenix

I love this! It's wonderful! Congrats on your weight loss, and for anything you achieve in the future!

I am a bit sad that I won't be seeing rainbows and unicorns, though. XD Guess my imagination will have to suffice. ^_^

the_chiha

This is great advice and it's always good to be reminded. Congrats on your weight loss!