This is my list of things that I have done in order to help me along the way.... For those of you that are WW members it will seem VERY redundant, but I do believe it is worth saying....
1) Always go to your meeting!
This is my number one reason for my success. Not only is the meeting a social outlet for me, but it keeps me accountable! I have NEVER missed a WI. There have been some weeks where I haven't been able to stay for the meeting, but there hasn't been one week that has passed where I haven't shown up at a WW center or meeting to do my weekly 'gut check'. As far as weighing goes I also weigh in at home several times a day. Now, I will say... THIS IS NOT FOR EVERYONE!!! I do it to keep me in line and I don't get all bent out of shape by the fluctutions day to day or even throughout the day.
2) Journal, journal, journal!
This also keeps me accountable! I have always written down my journal entries. Sometimes it isn't pretty by any means, and I have journals that say on the front of them (yes, I keep them too!!!) --- DON'T DO THIS AGAIN!! or BAD WEEK!! This way I can look back at the good & the ugly and get an idea of what I should be doing or what I wasn't doing.
3) Get moving!
Believe me, at 300+ pounds the last thing I wanted to think about was moving or exercise, but I have actually discovered that I don't mind exercising and most times I really enjoy it! I joined a gym about 2 months into my WW lifestyle and it has been a wonderful experience. For me it was important to find a 'women's only' gym. I was totally intimidated by the other gyms like the Bally's & 24 Hour Fitness'. I wouldn't have been able to walk into one of those places back then, maybe now, but definitely not at 300 pounds! Find someplace you like, a place that has a friendly/helpful staff, and that is convenient.
4) Drink your water!
This was a big conversion for me! I was not a water drinker. My DH & I could go through a 12 pack of Pepsi in 2 days. That was all that we drank, but now I have water delivered and it just as convenient for me to get a glass of water as it is to open a can of soda. I also have discovered the carbonated flavored waters and the non carbonated flavored waters. They are a nice alternative.
5) Don't feel deprived!
By this I mean a couple of different things!!! First off I mean if there are things that you really like that you consume regularly either make them fit into your points or find healthier alternatives. You'd be surprised of all the choices that are out there. One example for me is that I love potato chips, especially salt & vinegar ones. I haven't found any salt & vinegar potato chips that I can fit into my new lifestyle, but I do still eat potato chips. I really like Baked Lays and have just recently discovered Fat Free Pringles. For my salt & vinegar cravings I have recently found GenSoy crisps in salt & vinegar flavor. YUMMY!!!
Also I can say that I have never ever felt like I couldn't have something. Just yesterday my MIL was offering my DD & DH something to try, a new snack food she had discovered and she said, "I don't know if Lori can have these". I just can't make people understand that I CAN eat anything that I want to, I just choose not to, MOST of the time. There are times when I consciously decide to eat something that I wouldn't normally eat these days. For example, one of my favorite desserts in the whole world is carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. Definitely NOT points friendly!!! However, I have had carrot cake 2 times since I started WW and both times I have enjoyed it more than anything. Never have I felt like I couldn't have it, but the 2 days that I have had it I have decided that I would allow myself the pleasure and counted the points!
6) Don't cheat/Work the program!
WW works just the way it is. Don't feel like you know better. Success will come to you if you work the plan and let the plan work for you!
7) Find support!
Whether you are a meeting member of WW or just an online member you need support. Find it in all types of places -- family, at your meeting, online, visiting other people's websites, church, neighborhood groups, work... I'm grateful that I have support in all of these places, and probably in some places I've failed to mention. Check out my links below for some places that I find support and might be helpful for you too!
