So after losing 40lbs on Weight Watchers, quitting in December and gaining 10lbs back, I decided it was time to for this prodigal member to return. Some people are disciplined enough to lose weight on their own, but unfortunately, I’m not one of those people. After quitting, I figured that I’d take the healthy eating principles I learned and try to manage my own program at home, but as you can see from the 10lb gain, that didn’t really work for me. I now realize the important role structure and accountability play in this weight loss process. Going to meetings, planning my meals with a “daily target” in mind, weighing myself weekly and seeing those numbers – whether good or bad – helped me get this far. Deviating from that did nothing for me except make the original 25lbs I had to lose now 35lbs. But I don’t feel discouraged, if anything I feel empowered. I never *really* believed that I could lose the weight the first time I joined, but I did! So I have the confidence that I can finish what I started this time and hopefully be swimsuit bikini ready in time for Greece this summer.
What works for you when it comes to maintaining a healthy diet?
{ 33 comments }
I’ve always tried the get-healthy-at-home method, and I think I’m quite self-motivated… I eat healthily and I exercise for about 45 minutes, 5 times a week. Sadly I haven’t lost any weight or inches, but I DO feel fitter and stronger and my stamina has improved by leaps and bounds, so I don’t feel all my hard work has gone to waste. I’m wishing you tons of luck with this! You can do it Maddy! :D
leia recently posted..Pastels & Bows
Oh I agree that structure helps, mainly because having a list of what you should eat allows you to focus on the other million things in your head! I’m also trying to get back to whole foods these next few months bc I feel like I’ve been just hibernating and not treating my body very well! Time to go from yucky to yippee!!
Liz recently posted..seattle bloggers
Story of my life! I joined WW (again… for like the 3rd time!) in January, lost almost 10 pounds and slowly started slipping. I ended my subscription before my trial period ended so I don’t have to pay the full monthly price. Really though, WW has been the only thing that has worked for me, yet I’ve never been able to successfully keep the weight off. Eating healthy just has to happen intuitively and not when we’re paying to have it recorded and calculated. Easier said than done though! And lucky you to be going to Greece this summer :)
Donna recently posted..baby gift- “G” monogram
40 Pounds?! Congratulations! I need to do the same…ugghhh. And good for you for being wise enough to know what works for you.
I loved the party pics btw. Your family knows how to throw a good party, as evidenced from this one and the circus one a while ago. Fun, fun, fun :)
Accountability is good … it’s usually the only way I get my fat rumpkis up and exercising. But I could never have anything like personal trainers because I’m feisty and they would tick me off. :) Having a goal helps too–like an impending holiday. I also tend to do better in the warmer months. Right now my issue is stress … if anyone even attempts to take away my comfort food I shall laser them with the glare of death!
I know you can do it. You are AMAZING. All sorts of amazing! Go, Maddy, Go!
Life with Kaishon recently posted..beauty everywhere! from the city to the country
dang, ok honey, now i understand. DON’T EAT BROWNIES!! especially NOT those monster brownies. they’re 398 points per bite! :-) i didn’t know you were a weight watching girl. congratulations to the 40lbs. that sounds awesome and is a great success. if it helps you to get back on track go ahead and do what works best for you. that’s good to know.
i’ve never made a diet though i’ve gained 33lbs after breaking my foot some years ago and never really lost those pounds. there are days i hate it. but i realized i’m not a diet person. i love to eat and i simply can’t put myself on a diet. by eating healthy i don’t gain weight anymore. i do eat unhealthy things, too but i guess it’s all balanced. with the weekly organic box delivered to our door i have a good balance of veggies and fruit. guess that helps.
lou recently posted..making monsters
LOL! I know! As soon as I started the program again, I gave the rest of the brownies to Kleber to take to his office. They were incredibly delicious, so I knew I would have no will power if they stayed in the house :)
I try to see farther than the moment I get those cravings! like, what will happen after a few months of giving in to cravings. Sadly, it doesn´t always work but I keep trying :S
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Good for you, darling!
The only way I can lose wait is to cut out carbs and run!
xoxox,
CC
YOU GO GIRL!!! I am right there with you, I have jumped back on the WW train. However I am still having trouble with the new points plus system I like the old points better :). Oh well it worked for me before and it will work again as long as I work the program. Good luck can’t wait to see your amazing success.
Emily recently posted..Tune Tuesday
I’ve never tried WW, but everyone (including my doctor who lives by it) recommends it. My hubby and I need to do SOMETHING. We actually enjoy working out and we eat well about 70% of the time, but at 31 we can gain weight by just looking at food, as evidenced by the fact that the scale is not budging despite my efforts. I’m starting to resent thin people who eat junk food.
I think stress is a major factor in health and fitness. I won’t lie, my stress level is off the charts! I think I need to address the stress and the diet at the same time.
Keeley recently posted..Baked Chicken Parmesan
i dont buy into all that weight watchers stuff. anyone and everyone can eat anything they want as long as they make exercising a part of their daily routine.
JWS3 recently posted..TriJWS3- Oop at @oprahs facebook page being hacked
You are one of the many I know who have had success with WW. Makes me think maybe I should sign up, too, except that their schedules for meetings do not work with the schedule I keep now.
You can do it, Maddy! Personally, I can not go on a diet; I love certain foods (bubble tea?) too much. I do try to eat in moderation and try to keep a balanced diet.
Buckeroomama recently posted..Country in the City
Maddy, that is seriously an impressive feat. I admire you and your discipline. I also love that you want to be a good steward of your body! Thanks for sharing and being so transparent.
10 pounds sounds so little in comparison to 40, so I think with your new-found routine they should be easy to shed. I never count calories, eat lots of fat and generally huge portions, BUT I don’t snack much and I skip dinner. I started this regime when I was 16 and stuck to it pretty much through life. It kind of works for me.
Sabine recently posted..Bluebottled Memories
To be honest, shopping, and thinking about how fabulous I’ll look in clothes as long as I eat a healthy diet are the two things that keep me on track. :P
Cafe Fashionista recently posted..♥ Fashionably Moi! ♥
I’m actually a pretty healthy eater, when I eat too much “junky” food I feel sluggish and not all there. I don’t restrict myself though (‘cuz then I end up binging) I eat whatever I want in small (ish) portions and try to exercise regularly. I may not be thin but I am healthy :) Kudos to you for your weight loss so far, I struggled with weight as a kid and still do to this day so I know how difficult it can be to stay on track.
Anaiz recently posted..Review- Lover Enshrined by JR Ward
I am truly terrible at disciplining my eating habits. I am incredibly disciplined in the rest of my life – work, money, etc. – but the steam runs out in the food department. I think it’s my one refuge, which is bad. One of these days I’m going to need a food coach lol.
Sarah – Dodeline Design recently posted..A Library Wedding
You can do it lady! I’m much more disciplined about working out than watching what I eat. I need to do both. In an effort to do so I’ve majorly cut down on the sweets. I lost like five pounds this past month!
Kristin recently posted..Cleopatra Inspired
I’m still struggling with it. I’m a very all or nothing type of person. I’ll eat perfectly for 2 months and go to the gym 7 days a week and then I just stop cold turkey for awhile and then start up again. I need to be better at balance and finding a middle ground.
Connie @ Sogni e Sorrisi recently posted..Guest Post- All About Brights & Colour Blocking
story of my life!! did the same with WW – lost 30 lbs, stopped WW and then after a few years ended up gaining. Been thinking the same – that I need to go back to it. You may have inspired me!!
I believe planning every meal is essencial. Every time I don’t do that I end up eating really bad. Having lots of healthy alternatives in the fridge (lots of fruits and veggies) is also a great way to eat better. Keep it up Maddy, I know you can do it!
Camila F. recently posted..Paris or Amsterdam
when i was my ideal weight, i counted calories and to maintain that ideal weight, i consumed 1600 calories/day. accompanied by healthy exercise 3x/week, it worked. but…. i got lazy and although i continued to exercise, i stopped counting and consequently, i’ve tacked on some weight. nothing, serious, but some clothes don’t fit like they used to.
for what it’s worth, maddy, i think you look fabulous! but, i’m aware that each of us has our ideal selves in mind and i support your pursuit to loose those 10 lbs!
katrina recently posted..March Move Break- Day 19
you can do it! i have no diet other than stay away from red meat and fried foods. I had my gall bladder out in September, so the thought of what grease could do to my insides is frightful enough for me to steer clear…
Greece will be fun! Dave’s mom is greek, so thats another reason why i have no diet…her cooking tends to be amazing.
Journaling — writing down everything I eat. That’s something I learned in Weight Watchers. I use MyFitnessPal, a free website, to log it now, but nothing beats WW. I firmly believe in it.
Stephanie Faris recently posted..We Get ItYoure Self-Published Now Shut Up
Well I wish you the best of luck in your weight loss efforts. My friend Liz, who you met has also had great success with WW, so I know it will work for you, and you’ll look fab in Greece, regardless of what the scale says :)
Nadette recently posted..Down and Up
I need structure and a schedule to get results too! with your positive attidue you will definitely be bikini ready for Greece (which by the way; so jealous!)
lauren @ lapetitefashionista recently posted..Style Questions Answered- Cocktail Attire
you’re going to greece this summer?!?! i’m crazy about greece! i’ve never been but it’s always been a desire of mine! this winter i managed to lose some weight too, but i’m afraid i might be gaining it all back again. but i don’t have a crazy cool trip as yours to use as an ‘enthusiasm shot’, you know? that makes things a little more difficult…
I love to eat, so I’ve never tried any diet. I just do lots of household chores, play with my dogs and run around with two-year-old Narelle ;-P
Serline recently posted..Tender touch
There are times when I know I have had a bad few weeks (or months) of complete unhealthy food of chocolate, cakes and frozen food, and so I try make sure for the following weeks I make an effort to cook some fresh food, because my body eventually feels really sluggish. My body will never really be fully or half toned, because I can never restrict myself too much from food. I really dislike that eating healthy is also more expensive too! The food industry tries to set us up and continue to make profits.
I think you’ll be bikini ready for sure, you’re probably already are!! You’ve still lost 30lbs.
The Guilty Hyena recently posted..Jeffrey Campbell Benched Cut Out Platform
So glad you came back. I re-joined 9 weeks ago after our little hiatus LOL and am loving the new program. I’m down 8 lbs and though those are not Biggest Loser throwdown numbers I am just thrilled to see the number shrinking on the scale. Keep it up, Maddy, slow and steady and you will be rewarding yourself with the gift of your own gorgeous curves! Xoxo Dita
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Wow, congrats on the weight loss! I’ve been considering joining WW, but I really don’t want to pay, lol! I guess I need to rethink it, though, because whatever I’m doing (not much, lol!) isn’t working!
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