My Weight Loss Tools

There have been a few things that have especially helped me with my weight loss goals.

The first thing I did when I set my goal to lose 40 pounds was download the My fitness pal app on my android.  My boss introduced me to it about two years ago and I would use it for a day or two and then forget.  This time around, I made a point to record every morsel of food I ate.  I measure absolutely everything and use my food scale at least a couple of times per day. 

My goal has been to eat 1200-1500 calories per day.  When I first started I never ever went above (or below) 1200 calories.  At first, I thought it was going to be really hard but I seriously eat pretty much whatever I want, until I am satisfied, not full, and it isn't too hard to stay around 1200.  What's hard is when it gets late and I get snacky!  Usually, as long as I stay busy, it isn't a big deal.

Next is my Fitbit.  I LOVE it!  My mom got it for me a few months ago.  I clip it onto my bra each morning and it counts my steps, stairs climbed, miles and calories burned.  I even wear it on my wrist (it comes with a wristband) while I sleep and it tracks my sleep too!  It sync's with my computer and the fitbit website AND myfitnesspal!

My goals are to walk 5 miles, 10 flights of stairs and take 10,000 steps.

The best thing about it is that it makes me constantly think about how much I move.  When I'm at home and talking on the phone, I would normally just sit on the couch but with my fit bit I think, "I need to hit my 10,000 steps, I better just walk around my apartment.  One night I was at 4.7 miles and my goal is five for the day.  I started jogging around my living room at 11:30 at night to get up to five miles. 

I also joined 24 hour fitness in February and love it! I go (almost) every day.  Their classes are the best, body pump and lift are my favorite.



Last, is my meal plan.  It started as more of a budget thing than a health thing but I quit doing it in mid march and my eating was horrendous!! I started doing it again right away!!  I found mine via pinterest from the tip junkie blog.  You can get one for yourself HERE

Every Sunday, I plan each meal and then double check what I don't have in my cupboards for each meal, then I grocery shop the next day.  I won't let myself buy anything that isn't on this list, no matter if its on sale or if it sounds really really good.   It's helped our budget, and my waistline quite a bit, although I didn't realize how much for the latter until we went off of it.  It also lets me plan ahead, if I know what we are having for dinner, I can plan how much I'll eat and know if I can "afford" a bigger snack during class or something.

What are your favorite weight loss/ health tools?