Portion control, exercise and motivation: The keys to Sara's weight loss success to date

8-2-2007

Sara V

-City & country: Colorado Springs, USA
-Age: 24
-Weight before diet: 156 lbs.
-Weight now: 137 lbs.
-Target weight: Do not have one.

Removing unhealthy food from her diet is a constant challenge for Sara in her weight loss journey. But exercising, changing her food habits, and keeping herself accountable through blogging are all getting her to where she wants to go -- towards a healthier lifestyle.

-What finally made you decide to start with a weight loss program?
I had been wanting to lose weight for a while, but didn't have the motivation. A blogging friend started the "May Day Weight Lose Challenge" and I knew that weekly accountability was the right motivator for me.

-What type of weight loss program are you following?
I am doing my own program of portion control and exercise.

-Why did you choose this weight loss program?
I tried Weight Watchers, but paying that close of attention to my food intake was detrimental to me, as I have battled bulemia for many years prior to having my children.

-How long have you been on your weight loss program?
I have been at this for 12 weeks now.

-What kinds of physical activities do you like doing to help you lose weight and stay fit?
I have two young kids at home, so it's hard for me to have time to go to the gym. I run up and down my stairs and do crunches and push-ups each night.

-What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome or are still overcoming?
Soda is my big downfall. I can drink too much, and too quickly. Cutting out the bad stuff (which always tastes the best) is definitely a stumbling block for me.

-How do you keep yourself motivated?
I check in weekly to the Challenge website, where I post my gains or losses. It motivates me because I do not want to post any gains. I keep thinking, will I weigh less on Tuesday if I eat all this?

-Do you have any weight loss tips for our readers?
Don't starve yourself. Don't stress. You didn't gain all the weight at one time, so don't be discouraged when your numbers aren't dropping as fast as you like. Eat the foods you normally do, in correct portions. I started using a salad plate to eat my meals on. This way I know I am not overeating. Also if you portion out snacks into correct portions and put the box back, you won't eat that whole box of crackers or whatever. If you have a craving, indulge it in moderation. If you try to ignore that craving, you are more likely to "fall off the wagon" later.

-Do you think it will be easy to fall back into your old lifestyle pattern? How do you prevent this from happening?
I didn't change WHAT I eat, I changed HOW I eat it. I will continue to watch the amounts of what I eat.

-Do you have a favorite Web site or blog that helps or inspires you to lose weight?
http://www.lifewiththetwo.blogspot.com <--- my blog
http://www.talesfromthescales.net <--- the Challenge website
http://just-a-mom-thats-more-than-enough.blogspot.com/ <--- a true inspiration
http://robin-robinznest.blogspot.com/ <--- wonderful woman