Liz's successful weight loss journey with Weight Watchers

Date August 8 2007

Liz (Monkey Kisses)

-City & country: Monroe, New Jersey, USA
-Age: 28
-Weight before diet: 197.5 lbs.
-Weight now: 173 lbs.
-Target weight: 150 lbs.

Following the Weight Watchers weight loss program has helped Liz shed more than 20 pounds since she first started. Looking at the big picture helps her stay motived; seeing how different she looks now is only the icing on the cake, feeling healthier and setting a good example for her children by eating healthy are the best parts of her lifestyle change.

-What finally made you decide to start with a weight loss program?
I had my second child and knew that since I was done having children I wanted to get my body back to where I am comfortable.

-What type of weight loss program are you following? 
I have decided to go with Weight Watchers.

-Why did you choose this weight loss program?
I have friends who have had great success with Weight Watchers. 90 + lbs lost with one of my friends.

-How long have you been on your weight loss program?
I have been since January. I did plateau at 173 lbs and have to get back on the program to finish up with the last 23 lbs.

-What kinds of physical activities do you like doing to help you lose weight and stay fit? 
I have a tread climber, which I love. I love to take my boys for walks around the neighborhood. Sit ups and light weight lifting. I do all of this from the comfort of my home.

-What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome or are still overcoming? 
Portion control and late night snacking. It is still an issue but I have become much more aware of when I am doing it and that in itself helps me to stop.

-How do you keep yourself motivated? 
I know that I have 20 more lbs to lose at least. I want to be more comfortable with my clothes and myself. I have seen such a difference in how I feel since I have lost what I lost, which motivates me to continue on with my journey.

-Do you have any weight loss tips for our readers? 
If you think you fell off the wagon, don’t stop, don’t beat yourself up over it, and don’t get discouraged!!! Just get right back on and continue and over a few months you will notice a difference!!!!! Yes, I said months because it sometimes can be that long before you notice any change.
 
-Do you think it will be easy to fall back into your old lifestyle pattern? How do you prevent this from happening? 
I don’t think so. Most of my weight gain was from pregnancies and hormonal change. I do not plan on having anymore children and I have been able to maintain my weight which tells me that I can stay where I want when I get there. I did not start this diet with only losing weight in mind. I wanted to change my eating lifestyle. I want to eat healthy for my children and me. I want to set a good example for them.

-Do you have a favorite Web site or blog that helps or inspires you to lose weight?
http://www.hungry-girl.com always has wonderful tips and tricks that help you stay on track and even when you are craving something you think you can’t have, hungry girl finds a way for you to have it the healthy way!

http://www.monkeykissesonline.com is my blog. I list Weight Watchers and low-fat recipes that I have actually tried and loved to share with everyone. I also write sometimes some tips and tricks that I have found on the way to help me better succeed with my weight loss.

http://www.talesfromthescales.net/2007/07/yes-tales-from-.html is a great blog for people to share their journey together while losing weight. It is a great support system and they have tons of tips and recipes listed for all to view.