The choices of weight loss plans/programs can be
over-whelming! Finding one to fit your preferences and lifestyle is a very
personal choice. Starting any given program is relatively easy; staying on
course is the hard part!
So many times Earl and I have “gone on a diet”, or tried a “program”,
only to give up on it and just resume old habits. But something is different
this time. We consider our “clean eating” a lifestyle change and each of us
supports the other to stick with it. We are approaching the 8 month anniversary
of changing our eating habits, and are amazed with the results! Earl has lost
107 pounds, and I’ve lost 61! We have focused on changing habits, and are seeing the results.
We are basically following the Paleo diet, with just a few
tweaks to suit us personally. The main thing is the fact that we are keeping on
keeping on! I would like to share a few points that have helped us to stay the
course.
·
Leaning on each other has probably been the
largest contributing factor. Each of us has been the “support” for the other. This
has actually brought us closer!
·
Earl printed a picture of himself at his highest
weight as a reminder to not go back there.
·
Plan ahead! We do not keep any junk food in the
house. We always keep fresh fruit and salad fixings on hand. I usually have
some kind of meat cooked in the fridge.
·
Vary the menu! We continue to find “new ideas”
that keep us from getting bored. We recently discovered how yummy spaghetti
squash is. In our fridge right now are the remnants of the first pulled pork
roast I’ve ever cooked.
·
When going to a social function, go prepared. If
it is a potluck, take a dish that fits your regimen. Somebody else might enjoy
it as well! Sometimes taking a protein bar or piece of fruit for yourself might
serve the purpose.
·
If you allow yourself to cheat, do so in
moderation. Then go right back to your plan! We have to indulge in Mexican food
occasionally, but we’re careful in what we order. Then we eat extra light for a
couple of days.
·
Study menus of favorite restaurants so that you
have several places to choose from when you eat out. Most places offer low carb
or lighter choices on their menu. One of our faves is a certain barbecue place
where we just order meat. Yes, barbecue is good without the bread and potato
salad!
Hopefully these ideas might help someone, or at least jog
your thoughts to come up with ideas to help you stay on track in your plans to
live a healthier lifestyle. Just try to find what will work for you personally
and keep on keeping on!
