I lost 29 pounds - 15 more to go.
by Catherine Morgan

Last year around this time I came to the realization that I was at my highest weight ever. I knew I was overweight, but when I checked my BMI I was shocked to realize that I had actually tipped into the "obese" category. My BMI was 30.8 and anything over 30 is considered obese. It was at that moment that I decided I needed to make a drastic lifestyle change.

But hardcore dieting really isn't my thing, so I started a "pre-diet" to ease myself into weight loss.

By the end of the year, my healthy eating had paid off, and I had lost 29 pounds [insert happy dance here]. Anyway, it took almost a year, but my BMI is down to 25.7 (overweight is considered to be between 25 and 29.9). So I'm still a few pounds away from being considered "normal weight", but I'm more determined than ever to get there.

If I lose 15-20 more pounds, that will put me smack in the middle of what's considered to be a normal and healthy weight (a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9). So that's my goal for the new year, and it's time for me to start a real diet. But what diet? There are so many.

I decided to try using a Health Tracker that I found online. Each day I can record my weight along with the food (calories) I eat, and keep track of every aspect of my diet. I also decided that I would take advantage of the sales on pre-packaged diet meals that we always see right after the holidays. I ended up getting Lean Cuisines for 50% off, and paid between $1.45 and $1.85 per meal. This is working great for me because it's easy to keep track of calories, quick to prepare when I'm hungry, and I have a lot of choices so I don't feel deprived. I'm also still using Isagenix supplements and shakes for added nutrition.

Since January 1st I've lost 3.5 pounds, and I'm now less than one pound away from not being overweight - woohoo.

I also found a great deal on a Bally Total Fitness - Core Sculpting System that was on a clearance table a few days after Christmas...Now I just have to watch the DVD and figure out how to use it.

So that's my plan, and I'm sticking to it. Do you have a plan for healthy living in 2009? Let me know in comments, or at the 2009 Good Health-A-Thon.

Contributing Editor Catherine Morgan
at Catherine-Morgan, Capessa Health, Women4Hope

Submitted by Catherine Morgan (view blog) on Wed, 01/07/2009 - 11:57pm

Comments

 

Way to go!

29lbs is huge! You're a star! My husband and I like to eat veggies and grains with each meal, and we always have an apple to start off our lunch. It fills us up, gives us energy, they travel well, and they fit the budget. 

Other than eating, we like to go for walks. It's a great way to connect and get outside. We each grew up talking walks with our families, too. 

But, as far as goals go, this year I want to run or use the eliptical for at least 15 minutes a day. So far I haven't been very good, but I don't want to give up! 

 

www.katelynsfood.blogspot.com

Submitted by KatelynsFood on Sat, 01/10/2009 - 19:48
 

Great job! My healthy eating

Great job! My healthy eating plan is to continue eating lots of whole, plant foods and learn to deal with my occasional emotional eating better!

Submitted by jentrinque on Tue, 01/13/2009 - 08:17
 

Wow! You are an inspiration!

Wow! What an inspiring story! I am 50lbs off the scale and although hubby tries his best to convince me to just have oatmeal for dinner every day to start off a healthy diet plan, I just won't have any of it. I have tried South Beach at one time but only made it as far as the second week. I really want to lose weight, be healthy and be able to slip into dresses more comfortably but I so lack discipline. I know, I need to boink myself on the head. Gee...

Zhey Chua

http://santinos.wordpress.com

Submitted by ZheyChua on Tue, 01/13/2009 - 19:13
 

Great post! Thanks!

SistersHelpingSisters.Org

Thanks for the post.  I'm still trying to lose about fifteen pounds.  I started the middle of last year. I'm the quintessential "yo-yo" dieter.  But I'm taking your approach. Making small "doable" changes.

 Also, I don't pay attention to the weight tables and grids.  What they call "overweight" is mind-boggling!

I just pay attention to my jeans!

Again, great post.

Submitted by tbrooks on Thu, 01/29/2009 - 18:22
 

Congrats!

Way to go on the weight loss, keep it up!  I definitely agree with what Katelyn said in the first comment.  Incorporating fruits, grains, and veggies in your day as much as possible will make the weight fall of of you.

 I wasn't overweight to begin with at all, but I effortlessly lost 10 pounds (and my husband lost 20!) by switching to a plant-based diet.  We initially made this switch due to researching the health benefits (disease reversal and prevention), losing all of that weight was just a perk!  So, that may be something you're interested in.  Eating whole (unprocessed, natural) plant foods also promotes weight loss due to all of the naturally occurring nutrients and fiber in your diet!

Great post!

-jenn

http://helloveggie.org 

Submitted by helloveggie on Tue, 02/17/2009 - 08:03
 

 I really want to lose

 I really want to lose weight, be healthy and be able to slip into dresses more comfortably but I so lack discipline. Healthy Diet

Submitted by kean12 on Wed, 07/22/2009 - 09:24
 

We initially made this

We initially made this switch due to researching the health benefits
(disease reversal and prevention), losing all of that weight was just a
perk!  So, that may be something you're interested in.

Regards,

Healthy Living

Submitted by kean12 on Sat, 08/22/2009 - 20:06