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3.01.2012

Staying On The Wagon: JK's Weight Loss Story


We all know how hard it is to hang on sometimes…feel ourselves slipping off the proverbial edge.  Some days are harder than others…and sometimes, desperate times call for desperate measures.  So, here are a few of my personal tips and tricks for staying on track:
  • My #1 go-to is DRINK LOTS OF WATER…and when you think you’ve drank enough, drink some more.  I try; try being the key word, to drink 3 liters a day.  It helps me keep that full feeling, curbs cravings and is just overall good for you.  Bonus is that it helps your skin look nice and healthy too.
  • I like to keep gum handy.  It’s on my desk, in my purse, and on my kitchen counter.  An Altoids helps too…they’re curiously strong.  Just anything to keep my mouth busy when I feel like eating.  I remember my old WW leader telling us that BLTs add calories to your day that you don’t count…not bacon lettuce and tomato sandwiches (although that sounds really yummy minus the T)…but Bites, Licks, and Tastes.  When you’re cooking and you taste a little sauce or soup…nibble a bite of the pasta…lick the spoon from the cupcakes…those all add up.  So, keeping something in your mouth will help cut down on the BLTs.
  • Distraction.  Sometimes when I’m sitting at my desk working, I get this overwhelming urge to head to the break room for a snack.  I’m pretty sure it’s just out of habit (and those little voices in my head).  So, instead of eating, I distract myself with something else…like open up a book on my Kindle, or hop on Twitter, browse Blogger…15 minutes of one of those activities and I’m back to work without caving into the snack monster.  I know it might sound delusional, but it works for me.  Plus, I feel like I’m rewarding myself for not caving by doing something I enjoy.
  • Fill up on veggies.  I try to eat at least 2-3 servings of vegetables at lunch.  It helps me get in my goal of 5 servings (optimal would be 7-8) and fills me up on something low-calorie.
  • I read somewhere that you’re supposed to eat like a king for breakfast, a queen for lunch and a pauper for dinner.  I don’t do this on weekdays, but I do try to apply that analogy to my weekend meals…make a big breakfast, have a medium sized lunch, and a small dinner.
  • Add as many steps to my day as possible…take the stairs, park at the back of the parking lot, make an extra lap around Hell-Mart pushing my basket full of groceries…etc.


What are some of your tips and tricks for staying on the wagon?
  
*weight loss update: I’m no longer in the 200s and it feels good.  As of yesterday morning, I weighed 199 even.  WOOHOO.  Officially the least I’ve weighed in 8 years.



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16 comments...I love comments:

Smitten said...

SO PROUD OF U HONEY!!!!!

The water thing is so true. Most people don't drink enough. A large glass of water a little while before a meal can really make a difference in how much you eat.

I haven't quite gotten myself around to the whole self control thang, but these are a few things I find helpful:

When craving chocolate, drink a glass of chocolate milk (no sugar added if u can find, which I can't anymore).

Smoothies make a great snack and are very filling. Natural or low fat yogourt, fruit, real juice (fruit or even veggie). Can't go wrong there.

I try to sneak veggies into meals. I have that Jessica Seinfeld cookbook, but honestly hate most of the recipes. If her kids don't taste the veggies then they are seriously lacking in taste buds. Or liars. But there are some good recipes and tips. E.g. I cook ground beef in crushed tomatoes, or add veggie puree or finely chopped spinach into tomato sauce.

Protein is very important! And fiber!!! Makes you feel full for longer.

can't think of anything else except that I need caffiene. LOL.

C
xoxo

Stacie said...

You are doing so good! I have to admit the water is the hardest for me, it bores me. I so need to do better there. But I also only do Diet drinks, I have always heard that you should never drink your calories, it is a waste, so no calorie drinks only for me.

P.S. - "Just anything to keep my mouth busy when I feel like eating." If I was IA, I would totally make a perverted joke out of this sentence, but I'll just let you finish the thought for me!

brainella said...

I have been drinking more water than ever. :-) I've given up soda -- that has been really hard for me. I've started chewing bubble gum. Blowing bubbles is fun, and distracting.

I usually eat two different veggies at dinner and skip the starch. And I try to take salad at least twice a week for lunch. But seriously -- salad only keeps you full for SO long.

Keep up the good work, Jenny! :)

Unknown said...

Great job!!! Keep it up :)

Dee Stephens said...

I drink tons of water and eat more in the morning and during the day and very little at night.
Also, I try and drink tons of hot tea and swig apple cider vinegar(with the mother in it)

Xazmin said...

Proud of you sweet friend!

I use the water and gum tricks too. I'll have to keep these others in mind and try them out!

I have been off the wagon and I NEED to get back on! Thanks for helping with the inspiration to get back to it!!

Connie said...

Awesome Jenny Kate!

Great tips!

Macey said...

Those are all great tips! I can't think of anything else to add. :)
Congrats on being in the 100's!

Impulsive Addict said...

You are such an inspiration. I LOVED seeing that number on your weigh in this morning. LOOK AT YOU ROCK THIS DIET, Slush!!!!! I'm soooooo soooo proud to call you my friend. GREAT tips too.

Love your super skinny face bunches and bunches.

Unknown said...

AWESOME!!!!!!!

If I need a pick me up in the pm, I brew a cup of coffee (kereig) - hot coffee keeps the belly full for me!

SO Proud of you!

~Becca

Emmy said...

So so happy for you!! Snacking definitely gets me everytime. Love your tips. I really do need to drink more water. If I am really going insane without a snack and am being good- which doesn't always happen together- I like a trail mix with peanuts and M&M's- not the healthiest- but just a tiny handful of that totally satisfies any snack craving.

Shawn said...

I agree that drinking lots and lots of water is key. I also agree that having a minty mouth helps, I don't like anything minty but my gum and a thin mint cookie. If I'm really craving something bad for no reason other than boredom I'll brush my teeth.

I am soooo proud of you and cannot wait to see the new you in just 61 days!

CrazyforChristy said...

I am so happy & excited for you, JK! Congratulations, girl! I love ya!

Mrs. Match said...

Great job JK! Water is definitely the answer. I'm using it to battle these killer preggo cravings. It's so true what you said, when you think you've had enough, drink some more!

Kim said...

WayToGo JennyKate!
One of my deals are to just not eat if I am not hungry. When it comes time to cook dinner, or even lunch on weekends for family, I would eat even if I wasn't hungry. So know I just fix their meal and go off into another room until they are done. Of course I have to clean the kitchen up but that isn't near has bad as if I sit down and ate that plate full of food that I wasn't hungry for in the first place. It doesn't always work but when I do eat at that time I sure feel my stomach bottoming out and wish I hadn't eaten all that I did, I am still learning.
I also pray and ask the Lord to help me with controlling my eating and then thank him for every pound lost.
The tips that you give are great ones, I do use some of those.
Keep up the good work!
Kim

Janette @ The Johanson Journey said...

I have no right to even say what my tips are for staying on the wagon when I"m sitting on the ground just complaining-- but I will say that when I am motivated- I'll chew a piece of gum or drink water to fill that need... you look amazing-- I saw your instagram pic recently and I can't remember if I commented about it or not-- but you looked like a lil' hot momma!! go girl!!!