Staying on course is the hardest part! Focus on change, not results!

 

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!