80 pounds gone

Amazing! I just posted my first success story today, as I too, have lost 80 lbs!

Great job! It feels so wonderful, doesn't it?


And thank you everyone, for the encouragement.

Wonderful job! How close are you to goal?

~50 pounds away still, but I'll see where I get down to without having to get nuts, and I'll evaluate then.

I try to choose protein over carbs for meals and snacks. I avoid pasta, rice, bread, and potatoes whenever possible (I have been slacking here in the last week, and my weight loss has really slowed down, so I need to kick myself in the behind, and get back on track). I have my protein target set at 35%, carbs at 35% and fat at 30%.

I try to eat clean, and cook food myself. I spent the last few days batch cooking for the freezer, so I have convenient and healthy meals to grab when I don't have time to cook. I focus on quality foods over quantity.

I swapped out salty chip snacks for salted almonds. They have crunch and salt, and for 20 almonds, it is only ~135 calories.

I try to pair protein and fibre at every meal and snack.

I eat low fat dairy, but only when it makes sense. I don't eat those 35 calorie yogurts, I eat 0% plain greek yoghurt. I eat fat reduced cheese as well (Mmmm).

I try not to eat more than one serving of anything at a sitting. I put one serving of things onto a plate/into a bowl, put everything away, and eat my serving. Very rarely do I actually wind up going back for a second serving.

I am also kind and forgiving with myself. I am not always going to be 100% compliant with my goals, but I aim for 90%. If I want something, I generally eat a small portion of it, track it, and move forward. If I completely deprive myself, I wind up going overboard, and eating too much the next time.

I pack easy snacks in my purse, so I always have something to eat. I keep a baggie of almonds, and a protein bar in my purse. I also took a piece of brie with me to the mall the other day, so I wouldn't be tempted by the cinnamon buns that they make.

I have a fitbit, and I am trying to get to 10,000 steps a day, but I consistently get to 5,000+

I have cut out alcohol, except for a few times a month.

When I think I am hungry, but I am not sure, I try to drink some water, and wait 20 minutes. Some of the time, I find that I wasn't really hungry. I try not to eat, if I am not hungry. On the flip side though, I try to eat about every 4-5 hours, because if I wait until I am starving, I don't make the best choices.

I don't drink diet pop, or juice very often, nor do I drink milk either.

I hope some of this is helpful to someone.