Wednesday, January 13, 2010

New Years Resolution Help

Since it's very likely that the bf and I will be attending at least 2 wedding this year (last year it was 4, all of which at least one of us was in), I've decided to finally commit to losing the weight I gained while in law school.

Now I make this resolution every year and don't always keep it, but this year I've set my self up for success by using methods that have helped me successfully lose weight in the past. Also the sight of myself in pictures has gotten downright pathetic so that's also incentive.

I've decided to share some of my weight loss tips with the hopes of learning some of yours. First and foremost, I've made the commitment to cook healthier -- limit my butter intake and cook at home more where I can control the calorie content. Second, I finally found a gym in Chicago that I really like. I joined the Lakeview YMCA yesterday and love it (which is not surprising since I also loved my YMCA in Winston-Salem).

Now that I've gotten to the two biggies out of the way I thought I'd share some other tips that I've always found helpful when trying to lose weight. My first step was to create weight spreadsheet in Excel. Every morning before I get in the shower I weigh myself and log it in the spreadsheet. At the end of the week I log how much weight I've lost (or gained). I also had the bf take a picture of me in a bathing suit that used to fit me perfectly. The pictures will be updated every two weeks so that I've got a visual of my progress.

Finally, my favorite weight loss tip -- caloriecount.about.com. This is the best website, it allows you to log your daily calories, exercise, and weight, create daily calorie goals and weight loss goals. This is a great tool since most common foods are in its database so logging what you eat is super easy. It also grades each food that you eat and you can create a report/analysis of your food choices to see the breakdown of fat, carbs, protein, etc. in your diet. I also love the weight loss coach that tells you how you are doing!

So there are a few of my weight loss tips. What are yours?

3 comments:

LawGirl said...

For me, I have to keep track of my calories. I do it in an excel spreadsheet, but I'm going to check out that website you recommend.

I also make myself get to the gym 4-5 days a week for 45 minutes of cardio and some weight lifting.

My other big thing, buy a bag of candy (usually M&Ms) each week. Measure out 100 calories, and divide it into little bags. That's my treat for the day. I can't go without sweets, so knowing I can eat them, and keeping it in moderation is a huge help!

Good luck!

Freck said...

Great ideas for weight loss tips. Lately I've been doing atleast 45 minutes on the treadmill at an incline. My biggest tip: intervals. They really work for me and they're proven to blast fat faster. Sounds weird, but it works for me. Also, along with LawGirl, I've been getting the big bags of the mini dark chocolate reese's. A big bag lasted me over a month and I never indulged in more than two every time. Best of luck, can't wait to hear how it goes!! Also, how's the YMCA in Lakeview??

Katie said...

Love the YMCA in Lakeview, it's clean, friendly and not totally packed with juiced out guys and girls that weight 90lbs like XSport Fitness can be. Thanks for the tips guys! I may have to take that candy thing and use it for something salty (I'm more of a salt nut than a sweet nut)!