Weight Loss Success

I escaped Christmas without having a major weight increase. In fact I got through Christmas without any weight gain. Which amazes me being that I felt I had too much. Too much snacking. Too much Christmas dinner. Too much eating overall. So when I stepped on the scale this morning I was happy to see my weight was the same as it was Christmas morning.

On another positive note (depending on how you look at it) I received new clothes for Christmas from my wife and from my mother in-law. My wife gave me two new pairs of jeans. And they were 44X32. And they're already a little loose. My mother in-law got me two shirts. Both double extra large. And they're both a bit loose. And in case you're wondering...this blog's original title was/is Triple Extra Large because that's the size I was wearing when I started this program and was on my way to better health.

This news gives me some renewed optimism as I go into 2008 with a goal of losing an additional 40 pounds to the 60 pounds I've already lost over the past year.

I know that as the new year approaches there will be a lot of people starting programs and making resolutions to lose weight and to get healthier. And more often than not people fail. And they fail for several reasons. Here are a couple of tips that may help you stay focused on losing weight...

1. Don't set a date like January 1st or a birthday or date that is significant for being the beginning of a new year or a birthday or something. Once you make the commitment to better health and to lose weight you need to start right then and there. No 'I'll start after the weekend' or 'once we get past the holidays.' Because that doesn't work and why give yourself the added pressure of having to lose even more weight? Because we all know the reason we set a start date...so we can feel less guilty about over eating in the meantime. And then it's easier to keep on telling your self, “I can start tomorrow or the next day or after the Super Bowl or National Championship game. Start now. And keep focused.

2. Start a blog. Invite everyone you know to read it. Post your daily weight. And share your struggles with daily posts. It is a motivation point for me and it makes me more accountable to myself and to others. And the positive feedback really works well.

3. Weigh everyday...in the morning and at night. Even if you don't plan to share your weight with anyone. That way to can see where you're at everyday. And even if you don't lose weight...it certainly makes you think twice before having that dessert or extra serving at dinner. It also makes you more aware of how many snacks and what type of snack you eat.

4. Judge your progress by more ways than just the amount of weight you lose. I consider looser fitting clothes, needing to buy a ring guard to keep my ring from falling off, no more pain in my knees as all positive things that help keep me going even when the scale doesn't seem to be moving in the right direction.

5. Openly talk with others about your weight loss plan and goals. I will talk with and tell anyone that is willing to listen. People like to hear stories about people doing good things. And those of us that have struggled with weight most of our lives...when we start to lose that weight, people are very encouraged by our stories. And you never know...you might influence someone to take on a challenge they've been debating internally for months or years.

6. Find a fun way to exercise. I spent time working out several days a week when I started my weight loss program. I lived in Estherville, IA at the time and they had a Wellness Center that was inexpensive to join. So I would go several days a week and work out and other days of the week I would take the kids and play with them in the pool. While the workouts worked well, I found I got a better workout playing with my kids in the pool for an hour than I did working out in the traditional way. I now play a round of disc golf once a week and play with my kids outside as often as possible. I also do airplane rides with my boys. That's where you lay on your back on the floor and lift the kids above you with their chest on your feet. Do this for a half an hour with two boys alternating and you'll get a great workout.

7. Don't put yourself in difficult situations. If you know you'll have a hard time turning down food at events or parties. Choose to not go or bring your own low calorie snack or food. And just explain that you're starting a weight loss program and you don't want to take any unnecessary risks.

8. Plan out your meals. All of them. Plan your snacks. Instead of drink sugar sodas by Coke Zero or try sugar free lemonade. Try those 100 calorie snack packs. Eat more fruits and veggies. Stay away from chips, cookies and other high calorie desserts. There will be plenty of time to enjoy snacks and desserts once you've lost weight and have learn how to maintain.

9. Go back and read past posts on this blog. I have had a lot of struggles. And I have shared lots of stories. And I fully believe that if I can do it, so can you.

10. One more...learn to make or cook low calorie foods. I don't worry about carbs or fat grams as much as I worry about total calories. Your total calorie intake is what matters most to losing weight. But don't starve your self. And take vitamins. Everyday.

My program that has worked great for me is two protein shakes a day, one for breakfast and one for lunch. Daily vitamins (GNC Mega Man Sport) and Hoodia to help with my cravings. And I whole body cleansing product once every couple of months.

I started by buying my products at the GNC store in Spencer, IA. Not all GNC stores carry this protein. And most stores the protein is more expensive than it is at the GNC in Spencer, IA. Look up the number and ask for Troy. Tell him you've been inspired by the weight loss success of Adam Wright and he'll get you set on a plan that will work for you. He is more knowledgeable than most GNC employees or owners I have come across since moving away from Iowa. And I can't find all the products I enjoy so I still order from him and he ships to me in SC on a regular basis.

Good luck.