Saturday, August 9, 2014

Weight Loss Secrets...what I learned on my personal WW journey.

Several readers have emailed me and asked for specifics about my weight loss journey, asked for tips and any "weight loss secrets" that I could share with you.

Weight Loss Secrets are a hot topic!
 Ads promoting these "secrets" and food advice and diet regimes are popping up all over the web.

In the past and out of desperation I clicked on many of these links and read with anticipation eager to find that miracle diet as I knew it HAD to be out there somewhere...if only I kept looking.

Let me state first off that I was a staggering 160 pounds...and at 5 foot 1 inch that put me in the obese category.
I felt immense shame and my body image was very low...I wore tent shaped clothes basically, stylish tents but voluminous pieces that were meant to hide my bulk...which they didn't.
I was trying to pretend that they did...
It's sad but true how we choose denial in these situations.

My blood pressure was through the roof and I was put on high blood pressure meds and my doctor insisted that I lose at least 10 pounds.
Ten pounds should not be an insurmountable task but I could not shed these on my own even after trying several diets and reading numerous books on the subject.


Fruits in their natural state are free of WW points so they make a great choice for a snack between meals.


But I still clung to the hope of that miracle food or diet that I thought I could quickly and easily shed the weight, after all 10 pounds is not much.
I actually believed in my heart that if I followed some of the quirky advice out there that I would be able to slim down without putting much effort into it.
I admit it now, I was just plain lazy.
I'd rather sit around and read than hit the pavement and walk or go to the gym.

Hah what a joke...and the joke was on me.
I was under the wrong impression and found out very quickly that what I needed was a simple basic regime and some healthier life style changes if I was to be successful.

There are No Weight Loss "Secrets"... 
it's mere science and common sense.

I needed help and some educational tools and support so I went to WW online.
They had so many published "success stories"  that I figured if these average women could do it I could too.

I knew that I needed to be accountable and online would not be the best route for me so I joined the local chapter and have never looked back.


Low point breakfast Little Big Bread toasted with a boiled egg for protein.
I find protein stays with me and helps me feel satisfied longer.

I had to start some physical exercise and walking was the logical choice for me.
It is free and I can do it when it fits into my schedule.
As we live so close to the beautiful seafront and an area filled with lovely homes and gardens to gaze upon I felt distracted by the actual walking and felt more like I was enjoying the scenery.
Time passed quickly and soon I was able to increase the length of my walks.
I started out small...20 minutes everyday.
Now I aim for at least 45-50 each day with one or two 10K walks a week with a friend.

It has become a healthy habit and one that I look forward to each day.
It is a gift to me.
As if I am saying I am worth it...

I no longer need the high blood pressure medication and feel so much stronger.


If I can lose 30 pounds so can you.
It took me almost a year but in that year I learned what I should eat and how movement could change my shape and improve my muscle tone and bone health.

It was hard to stick with it when I saw friends eating battered fish and chips and munching on chocolates but I told myself that when I got to my goal weight I would be able to enjoy these foods sparingly...which I do now.


After my walks I often sit down to a small snack with my cup of tea.
I have been savouring the Food Should Taste Good multi grain cracker chips with a tablespoon of Hummus.

Wearing figure flattering clothes that are not "tent like" and meant to camouflage has been an unexpected bonus.
My first pair of white jeans in years has filled me with a new found confidence and I actually think my self esteem has improved.

The basic minimal wardrobe that I have put together almost exclusively through charity and thrift shops after consigning all my "fat clothes" has been quite a lot of fun too...
less expensive than buying all new and fun to find.

~ ~ ~

I wrote this post in response to several readers who are struggling with their weight loss journey.
I hope that I have answered all your questions and if I have not please leave me a comment and I will answer.

Weight Watchers worked for me and if you need a sensible way to lose weight I encourage you to enroll in the program.

If I am able to influence one of you to make a change and turn your life around it will be worth it.

Have a fabulous weekend!


38 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good for you! Several years ago I lost 35 pounds on the WW program, and with the occasional adjustment, I have kept it off. This is a wonderful program which works in "real life". I learned eating habits that will help me the rest of my life.

LPC said...

You are a good model, and it's lovely to hear you so happy in your new lightness.

Jo-Anne said...

My experience with WW was in the 70s. The menus are much better now. Well done, Hostess!! You look fabulous. :)

Duchesse said...

Congratulations, hostess! As you say, there is no secret, it's just math- calories in less than calories burned. WW is great for teaching nutrition and for support. To maintain a similar loss, I use the free site My Fitness Pal to track my eating. It takes constant vigilance but like you, my BP is now normal and I'm 2 or 3 sizes smaller.

Madame Là-bas said...

You are inspirational. I am just preparing fruit trays for a 60th birthday. There will be cheese and sausage too but knowing that I have .5 pounds before my gold star at WW means that I'll be eating fruit and alternating wine and Perrier. Maybe a spritzer! I am sure that it is easier to walk on the warm days weighing 30 pounds less. My bp has dropped 30 points in 4 weeks since I started WW. Mostly fish and veggies with limited wine will do that! Do you go to meetings every week now? You look great in your new summer wardrobe!

Bonnie said...

You are truly an inspiration and proof "it" can be done. Well done!

Anonymous said...

I'm glad you found something that worked for you! I have not lost (or gained) any weight in a long time, but I am about 20 pounds over my ideal weight. The funny thing is, I stopped wearing the tent-like clothes that I thought I needed to camouflage my tummy. And I started wearing more fitted styles because my self-esteem had improved (for other reasons) and I felt better about my body. And people kept remarking on my "weight loss" even though I hadn't lost any.

Sheila said...

I'm so proud of you, L! I'm so happy that WW worked for you and that you feel so much better about yourself. Please keep going to your meetings - you inspire people online and in person. I know that seeing lifetimers at meetings helps the people just starting out.

It's funny how we always look for the quick fix, when it really is all about the small changes that we make, and the little decisions every day! I've kept my weight off now for over 7 years, and I'm so glad that I did it for me.

We should go shopping again soon, maybe September? Aug is a little crazy for me!

Anonymous said...

I like the idea of ww and it seems sensible and healthy . Did you find it onerous having to count the points each day ?

La Vie Quotidienne said...

Bravo! You accomplished a wonderful feat, and you look sensational. And it is so nice that you can share this information with others.

Grace @ Sense and Simplicity said...

What an inspiring post. Thanks so much. Losing weight is such hard work. I have about 10 lbs to lose to get back to my healthy weight. I much admire you losing 30 lbs.

Veronica Roth said...

Well done and big congratulations! :D I struggle with a little extra; usually only 10 or so pounds, but I used to be an Olympic calibre athlete (figure skating), and my muscles have a strong memory, so it takes some effort, like strict diet and gym every day, to get rid of the extra. (sigh) And the older I get, the harder it is.

SallyP said...

I wish I could get into the habit of walking every day! I started the couch to 5k program, which is wonderful and very motivating, but I just don't seem to want to do it in the rain. Which is almost everyday here in Victoria in the winter. I guess I must learn to accept wet runners and mud spatters. How do you do it?

Anonymous said...

It's opposite for me, I live in a very hot climate and it's difficult to walk for any length of time outdoors!

Lynne said...

Good for you . . . exactly what WW can do . . ,

frugalscholar said...

Your walking will be good prep for your upcoming Paris trip. Mr FS and I walked as much as 14 miles a day!

Jen Lawrence said...

Well done! This approach makes so much more sense than extreme fad diets.

Awakening my Wardrobe said...

Big congrats for such a healthy lifestyle change. You look great and it sounds like you have found a way of eating that you enjoy and makes you feel good. What a gift to be able to walk at the beach every day. It is not only good for the waistline but also so nurturing for the spirit.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Oh I know exactly what you mean about rainy walks! I purchased a brightly decorated umbrella and a good walking coat and wear Sperry rubber boots....I would suggest a bright coloured pair of Hunter boots if your budget would allow it....the only days I miss are those stormy gale force windy days or snow and ice. No broken hips for the Hostess are desired. Sally if you would care to join me on a walk send me an email as I see that you reside in Victoria.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

No the point counting was key to my success....I bought one of those WW point counters which might have made it simpler. I think they were on sale and I still use it when I am at the grocery store to calculate the point count of an item that I am tempted to buy. It figures out the point per serving based on the nutritional content on the side of the package.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

September would be a great time to do a shop....I have not been to any summer meetings as I have been too busy. Will try to get back to it in the fall. Let's connect after the long weekend shall we?

GSL said...

Well done Hostess! Being at one's fighting weight goes far beyond cholesterol levels and other measureables into having an incalculable improvement in one's mental state which carries over into those they hold near and dear.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Now that is a great tip! Congratulations.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I have not been to a meeting for quite awhile though I will get back to them after the summer holidays are over....keep up the good work and collect your gold star.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

As you know I did try the online version of MFP and it is very similar to WW and I would recommend it to those more disciplined than myself. I absolutely needed to be face to face with the leader, see the scale and chat with other women who were experiencing the ups and downs of their weight loss journey.
You were a great source of inspiration for me Duchesse. I eagerly followed your posts and still do...looking forward to your return after your summer holidays.

Anonymous said...

Just what I need to hear today! Thank you for inspiring me--and you truly are inspiring! I am happy that you have made WW work for you! I'm hoping to do the same. ~~MJ~~

Sunday Taylor said...

Congratulations! Fantastic accomplishment. I also follow WW and I love it. Especially the meetings. Well done!

Lorrie said...

You've done so well, Hostess. WW is such a great plan, sustainable and sensible, not like the fads promising quick results with no effort. A very inspiring post.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for this timely post. You inspired me to walk with your previous posts. Have lost weght and my shape has really changed. The joy of being able to try clothes on and they fit is wonderful, however I have now stabilized and can't seem to shift these last 10 stubborn lbs...
I have always eaten well, it was the movement that was missing. But, now I am struggling with the "snack attacks". Any little hints on this would be greatly appreciated.
thank you. Linda C.

Anonymous said...

How many points are you supposed to eat a day?

Anonymous said...

I am saving this page as a favourite. I think this says it all; you are an inspiration ! By the way, I have changed the title of my blog (the old Silver Bunny); my url is now thefreshstartblog.blogspot.fr . Have a beautiful week !

kristieinbc said...

This is a fantastic post. Your honesty and willingness to talk about your weight loss journey are an inspiration. Well done you on attaining your goal and sticking to it!

kim at northerncalstyle. said...

Hostess, fantastic post. Very encouraging. You are so right it's not easy, but what great rewards! Its wonderful. I love how walking is part of it all. You have inspired me. I need to get back in shape after a very lazy summer. Congrats!! Kim

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Wow that sounds like a lot of walking!
I think 10K would be doable twice a day if we sat for a long lunch in between.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Snack attacks are a perfect time to savour all those delicious fruits and berries perhaps with a small amount of Greek yogurt or a tablespoon or two of hummus and some crisp veggies, a hard boiled egg of several almonds. (6 or 7)

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

It is different for everyone. The points are based on your weight, height and how much you need to lose to get to the healthy weight range. WW has all those calculations and they help you start right away when you sign up.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I tried to sign up to follow your new blog but could find no widget to do so...I'll pop by again and see if you have installed one as it looks like you are making a fresh start!

Susan said...

Hostess, you are such an inspiration. Thank you for this wonderful post. You are an role model and a great friend to all of us.