Bringing sexy back, how I lost my weight.

So, I've had a lot of people asking me how I lost my 10lbs.  I thought I would take some time to type out my tips and tricks in my blog.  Why? Well, they sent Tim into work, BooBoo is content rolling around on the floor and there is nothing on TV.  So, Why Not?

My confidence has been really down for a while.  I had Owen in July (6 months of go for those of you who are too lazy to do the math).  Right before I got pregnant, I had just worked what seemed like forever to get my weight down to the smallest it's ever been.  I was content with where I was and as Murphy's Law would have it, I got pregnant.  I went from 145 to 175.  A lot of this was the pregnancy and when Owen was born, I was down to 165.  Breastfeeding really helped to get some more of the weight off as well. But once I stopped that and got back into my regular routine again (Work, church, etc.), I was still stuck with a weight of about 157.  It wasn't until I saw some of the pictures from Thanksgiving of last year that I realized I needed to get back on the wagon. One of my New Year's resolutions was to loose at least 10 lbs.  I set a realistic goal weight of 146.  This was what I was before I was pregnant and I told myself I wasn't going to kill myself to get to work towards an unrealistic number.  I just by happy to get down to where I was.  My long term goal is at least another 10 but if that doesn't happen, I'll be happy. 

When I slimmed down before the pregnancy, I used a lot of the tips that I learned from Curves.  I loved them so much but they didn't really fit into our monthly budget.  When I was a regular member, I lost 30lbs and took a nutrition class.  This has been the biggest help.  (Thanks Mom).  It helped me learn how to count calories and change eating habits. 

One of the main things I also did was cut out all fast foods, eating out, sodas, fried foods and most sweets.  This has been the most difficult thing.  Then I tried to apply the techniques I learned at Curves which teach you to start out with 1800 calories a day.  Then when you feel like you hit your "wall" or stop losing weight, cut out 200 calories and aim for 1600 until you hit the wall again.  Do not go below 1200 though.  Most people will probably tell you this is too low but my body has gotten to the point where it wont loose weight otherwise.  But also don't starve yourself.  Just make your calories count. I also take 2 green tea pills and a multi-vitamin with breakfast.  The Dr. suggest Prenatal as they have the more nutrients and I've included a picture of the green tea pills I use below.  I would only suggest this particular brand.  I haven't had much success with any other brand.   Here is my daily diet:

• Breakfast:  

• 2 pieces of wheat toast with a little bit of low fat butter and a juice glass of skim milk

                    OR

• 1 packet of oatmeal and a juice glass of skim milk

• Lunch:

• Lean Cuisine of choice

                   OR

• Turkey sandwich on wheat bread with mustard, 2-3 pickle spears and a baked potato with substitute butter sprinkles and/or a side salad with low cal dressing

• Dinner:

• 2 tilapia fillets, baked potato and/or salad

                    OR

• 4-6oz. baked chicken breast with baked potato and/or salad

• If you feel like you need a snack:

• Take a banana and/strawberries and drizzle chocolate sauce over the top of it.  Great to kill those sweet cravings. 

Because I gave up sodas, I only drink Skim Milk, Light Cranberry juice and Water.  In order for the green tea pills to work the best, you need to make sure you have plenty of fluids.

Also, one of my favorite recipes are my mini pizzas.

• Take 2 wheat buns and lay face open on baking sheet
• Spread some plain tomato sauce on top of each
• Add some Italian seasoning or oregano
• Sprinkle fat free cheese on top of each
• add 4 turkey pepperoni to each
• Bake until toast and/or cheese melts

This is one of my favorite quick and easy recipe and is less then 400 calories.  

Following this diet every day got a little repetitive but that just means you need to get creative.  I dropped from 157 to 146 in 5 weeks.  Basically, a size 14 to a size 10.  So, it's not impossible. 

Ok, that's all I have for now and Owen is starting to get fussy, so I should probably wrap this up.  Let me know if you have any other questions.  I'll be happy to share some more of my recipes if need be. Good luck everyone!!

 

My before and after shots.  The first one was the "eye-opener" for my this past Thanksgiving.

 

The Green Tea pills I use & don't forget your vitamins.  These are the brands I use.