Weight Loss Tips from an Old Pro

Back in 2001 I lost 72 pounds following the Weight Watchers plan. I diligently attended meetings, and dropped the weight in just nine months. I had extreme motivation, and my will-power was unwavering.

These days life is a little different. In 2004, I gave birth to twins, Abbigal and Aiden. Due to a loss of focus, I gained back most of my weight, promising myself I would go back to Weight Watchers, and lose the weight for good this time. Here it is six years later, and I'm ready to hop back on the weight loss bandwagon. Well, for now I'll climb on, but you can bet, in a few months, I'll be running and hopping everywhere I go!

I conducted motivational Weight Watchers meetings for over three years, and haven't forgotten the tips and tricks of the trade I followed and suggested. Listed below are those which helped me the most:

1) Eat! Don't deprive yourself of anything. If you tell yourself you can't have chocolate for the rest of your life, you will crave it. Eat in moderation, and eat what you love.

2) Try new things. Rather than order the same dish every time you go to your favorite restaurant, try something new! Most menus have low-calorie choices now. If this doesn't strike your fancy, order your usual and eat half. Your meal just turned into two. Lunch tomorrow... done!

3) Drink water. This was the most difficult change I made. I loved sweet sodas, and now I had to drink water? Ugh! I learned to love it... especially in a glass with ice and a straw. Crystal Lite and Kool-Aid have amazing little sugar-free packets to give your water wonderful flavor! They were a life saver for me.

4) Don't avoid social outings. I heard a lot of people tell me to eat before I went to a party or family gathering. I refused to do this. Let's face it... in America, people like to eat! Our social gatherings often revolve around food. Remember, moderation is key. Again, don't deprive yourself. Deprivation is a recipe for failure.

5) Write it down. Write down everything you eat. It becomes habit, and is a great way to break the habit of unhealthy eating. If you have to write it down, you may think twice about eating that box of Krispy Kremes.

6) Ask for help. Motivation often comes in waves. Find support family members, friends and co-workers who will help you to stay on track. There are always those out to sabotage... they just don't want you to look better than them. Stick by those who set a good example, and want you to succeed.

7) Move! It doesn't have to be seven days a week at the gym. It can be running around the yard with your kids, or walking in place during your favorite TV show. If you move, you're burning calories. Where, when and how you do it doesn't matter. Just move!

8) Find support online. The Weight Watchers website helped me through the most difficult times. Find a weight-loss support group online. Message boards and chat rooms can be an amazing source of inspiration! Use your resources. They are there for you.

9) Think healthy, not skinny. Just because someone is stick-thin does not necessarily mean they are healthy and fit. Focus on becoming healthier, not skinnier.

10) Indulge. If you know you have a meal out to look forward to on Friday night, pace yourself throughout the week, and order anything you want for your meal out. Don't stuff yourself... trust me, you'll feel terrible. There is a lot to be said for treat days! Treat yourself. You deserve it!

11) Don't weigh constantly. If you weigh every day, you are setting yourself up for disappointment. Our body weight fluctuates rapidly. I recommend weighing weekly. It keeps you on your toes, and does not become an obsession.

12) Be positive. Gains are to be expected on occasion, due to water weight, monthly cycles and health-related issues/medications. Stay positive. Nothing worth having ever came easy. This is no exception.