How I did it: Losing weight takes discipline.  It's not easy, but it is simple. 

It sounds a bit cliche, but the truth is...it really comes down to eating less and exercising more. 

I started by simply walking everyday.  Then I progressed to the Couch to 5K Running plan and various workout videos.

In addition I cut my calorie intake to about 1200 cals a day.

I created a "cheat" day on Fridays for sweets and treats and allowed myself to have about 1600 cals on that day.

Above all, I stuck with it.  There were a couple of weeks where I didn't lose as much as I thought I would.  I didn't use that as an excuse to give up. 

There were also a few days where I was out with friends and had no way of knowing how many calories were in the foods I was eating.  I did not use that as an excuse to just eat whatever I wanted.  I estimated the calories as best as I could and started fresh the next day.

I can't wait to start losing the next 30 lbs!!

Lessons & tips: 1. Be determined not to quit.  No matter what the scale says, persevere!
2. Don't make time based goals.  i.e.) I'll lose 30 lbs by New Years.  You can't determine how quickly your body will let go of excess weight.
3. Do make behavior based goals.  i.e) I'll work out 4 days a week from now until New Years.  You are in control of your actions.
4. Get a support system.  Find friends, family, internet discussion groups, or co-workers to share your goals, triumphs and trials with.
5.  Never Quit.  Yes, I said that twice!!

Resources: Sparkpeople.com and WeightWatchers.com both have great community bulletin boards that are fantastic for meeting like minded people, getting low cal recipes, and fitness ideas etc...

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Dec 22, 2008, 10:08AM PST | 0 comments | 7 cheers