This month marks 4 years since I started my weight loss journey. 4 years! I can’t believe it! Time flies by so incredibly fast. Before you know it days turn into memories and you are looking back reflecting on your life.
Last night I was doing some thinking about the time right before I started losing weight. I was a different person back then – completely different. For one, I looked different. I was 40 pounds heavier with shorter hair and a questionable fashion sense. My kids were 5 and 3 years old and I was surviving off leftover macaroni and cheese along with LOTS OF COFFEE. I worked full-time outside the house and barely had time to fix my hair every morning – I was an expert in the wet ponytail look. Life was extremely chaotic. Losing weight was something I thought about often, would try every now and then, but never created any real sustainable changes. I didn’t know where to start or what to do. It was depressing. That girl back then was not happy and she was ready for a change.
4 years later and 40 pounds lighter (give or take depending on the week) I was able to create real sustainable changes. I transformed into a new woman. I did not just changed physically. Sure losing 40lbs transforms your looks but I noticed changes in every area of my life. Losing weight brought out a confidence and happiness in me that I did not even know I was lacking. Losing weight truly changed my life.
I have learned a lot since the days of eating my kid’s food scraps and wearing elastic waste gaucho pants. However, if I could go back in time and give myself only 4 pieces of advice this is what I would say.
#1 You are in control
That’s right losing weight completely depends on YOU. YOU are in control. It is very easy to believe that weight loss is the result of a magic pill, diet, wrap, shake, leaving out food groups, or whatever else. Frequently, I here people say “this diet didn’t work” or “that weight loss program didn’t work for me”. But the truth is nothing will work unless you work. Period. Even plastic surgery will be a disappointment if you don’t take control and change your lifestyle.
I remember the moment I began to take control back over my weight. It was soon after I started using My Fitness Pal. At that time, I did not change my eating habits completely but was just starting to track what I ate. Tracking my food led me to eat more intentionally. That’s when the light bulb turned on and I realized losing weight was completely in my hands. Literally. When I took the time to think about the food I ate I was able to make choices. Those choices gave me control. I quickly learned that to lose weight, and keep it off, I needed to control my food. Up until then I was letting food control me.
The same goes with exercise. You are in control of making exercise a priority. Nobody can do that for you.
Now I am not saying taking control is easy or comes without challenges. Obviously that is not true. What I am saying is stop putting control and responsibility into someone else hands, especially into the hands of the diet industry. Losing weight starts and stops with YOU. When I finally understood and accepted that losing weight was within my control the pounds started to come off.
#2 If you do what you always do then you will get what you always get
You will not get different results doing the same thing every day. Therefore, if you want results you need to make changes. I only bring this up because I think I went years, maybe a decade, being confused and depressed about my weight. I did not understand why I wasn’t losing weight. All those years I truly thought I was eating healthy. Also, I was convinced walking through the neighborhood was all I needed for exercise. I had no idea why I stayed at 177 pounds for YEARS.
Now I know. I wasn’t eating healthy at all. Most days I was eating between 2500 -3000 calories. Many of those calories came from processed garbage. Sure I was not a regular at the fast food joints but my freezer was filled with frozen pizzas and chicken fingers. My pantry did not look any better. The day I completed a food overhaul I was shocked by where my calories were coming from. 500 alone came from my beloved coffee drinks.
As for exercise, walking just didn’t cut it. Don’t get me wrong I still LOVE to take my walks but I know if I want to see real results I need to work up a sweat and do strength training. Walking now is in addition to my other exercise routines.
Don’t try to overhaul all your behaviors in one day. Doing so will just overwhelm and cause frustration. Focus on one or two at a time. Once you feel comfortable then work on another one. The goal is to make these changes sustainable because going back to old ways will just lead to old results.
I highly recommend reading this post that talks about 15 habits of people who have lost 20-30lbs and kept it off.
#3 Keep going
It takes 3 weeks to form a habit and about 3-4 weeks to start seeing results. I know it might not be easy but give yourself enough time to see results. Trust me the day you can button a pair of jeans that used to be tight or someone says “Wow you look like you lost weight” you will want to keep going. Once you see results it becomes addicting.
Also, never forget creating a healthy lifestyle and losing weight is a life long journey. It never ends. You will have bumps in the road and there will be many times you give in to temptations and get off track. Never give up. Always keep going. Here is one of my favorite quotes.
Don’t ever feel like you can’t do this! You can do it. Some days you will have it all figured out and everything will flow great. Other days all you will want to do is sit on the couch and eat a greasy pizza. Don’t punish yourself. Just take a step back, refocus, and always keep going!
#4 Get ready for awesome
Close your eyes and think about how life would be different if you lost weight. Would your health improve? Would you feel happier? What about sexier? What would be the first outfit you purchase? Do you think your face would change? Would you feel like a new person? Would you have more patience? How would it affect you as a parent? An employee? What other positives changes would happen?
Okay now take all those happy thoughts and times that by 1000! Because I can tell you losing weight became MUCH MORE than fitting into skinny jeans or wearing a bikini around people. Of course that was pretty cool too. But more than that losing weight gave me confidence. It made me happier than I could ever imagine. Not because I am skinny but because it gave me control back over my life. I felt a huge sense of accomplishment and truly believe I can do anything I set my mind to. I also enjoy taking pictures of myself now. I wouldn’t say I am a selfie expert but I certainly don’t hide behind my kids in pictures anymore. I am proud of the way I look.
When people look at me they now see a woman who cares about and takes pride in the way I represent myself. I am now the best version of me!
Kelli Royer says
Several years ago, I was about 20 pounds heavier than I am now, and I wasn’t happy about it. One day, the fact that I was in control somehow suddenly hit me. This thought went through my mind– “You are this weight because you’re choosing to be this weight.” I even argued with myself, but I knew the truth. I began changing my nutrition and running– it wasn’t instant or quick, but the weight did come off! I have successfully kept most of it off (yes, I bounce around because I’m not always perfect) for three years now. This article tells the hard, honest truth– no excuses… it’s up to you.
Marilyn Pamplin says
Thanks for the inspiration and encouragement.
Tammy Kresge says
You are welcome.
Linda says
Wow! You look fantastic! Thank you for the inspiration and hope.
Stacey says
I am so glad I stumbled across this, I am so motivated to jump on my weight loss and this gives me a lot of motivation and inspiration!! Thank you!!
Laura Anderson says
I am right where you were 4 years ago. Feel the same way. So out of control. Like i am stuck in time. Cant kove forward. Hate to even look in the mirror. Does anyone feel like everything on tv is about losing weight. I need to change my mindset I have major health issues due to this weight i am carrying.
Tammy Kresge says
It is all about mindset…which in my opinion is the hardest part. It helps me to read motivational books or blogs to help get me where I need to be. I love the book the success principles by jack canfield. It’s kinda for business but the principles are still the same.
Abbie says
2 yrs ago I found one of your articles, I signed up on Myfitnesspal and over the next year I lost over 45 lbs! Every time I “fall off the wagon” I come back and read through your blog, thanks for the inspiration!
Tammy Kresge says
wow that is awesome! Thank you so much for sharing this with me!
Sarah says
You have inspired me so much. It’s so helpful to hear from an actual person how to mentally deal with the process of weight loss. Thank you so much, you have no idea how much your blog has helped me! I’m setting out on my own weight loss journey now.
Tammy Kresge says
You are welcome and thank you! Weight loss is all mental. Even after all this time I still struggle at times. Just keep going girl!
Judi Kramer says
My three sisters and I are extremely overweight, 40 – 80 lbs. I have been following you for a few weeks and have been telling my sisters about your site. They have started following you too. We have our niece’s wedding to attend in early January 2016. We all have admitted it is time to stop talking about it and really do something about it. We are going to get together this Sunday and prepare some dinners and freeze them. Is that a good place to start or do you suggest something else we should do first? Thanks for all your posts.
Tammy Kresge says
I think that is a good place to start. I would also use that day to sign up for My Fitnespal, do a weigh in, take measurements, and take some before pictures. Then set a date to check back in. But using MY Fitness Pal will be very helpful for you and your sisters.
Heather says
Your blog is timely for me as I promised myself that this is the summer to prioritize my health. Today is day one of returning to the gym…no excuses! Feeling fit is so powerful and by the way you look very happy! Again, thanks for your posts.
Lisa says
Truly awesome and inspirational!
Victoria says
I also have been on a four to five year weight loss journey. I have found my fitness pal so helpful. We seem to share a lot of the same battles and I too find I am a different person now that I have lost 70 pounds. I have more patience with my kids and husband and am just a nicer person. Thank you for your thoughts. Keep strong lady!!!! You are an inspiration to all of us.
Heidi says
It’s as if I wrote this article, right now at this time of my life. Thank you for this wise advice.
Maxine says
WHOO-HOO! Thanks for the inspiration sister! Can’t wait to share my 40-lb TRIUMPH!
Sarah H says
Really needed this article today. Struggling to get the motivation the lose 40lbs gained during my pregnancy. Xoxo
Kelly favela says
OK so I’m using this as a spot to vent about my own issues for a second only because I’m here now I’m looking for ideas and advice I know I’m on my own in this and we all have issues but these are mine.
I was on weight watchers doing great no meetings just the girls I worked with. Then my mother in law moved in. Now I really enjoyed going to work lol but eating became a problem I’d leave for work at between 6-8 am and not get home till 8-10 pm work was 100 miles away so I started eating in the car my mom in law loved diners Starbucks and sweets and she couldn’t go alone ugh. 15 pounds back of the 20 I lost and she moved out yeah:) a year later my mom moved in :\now I know what’s wrong with me 10 more pounds she is a complete sugar addicct. And I am stressed. Thank you for the place vent. And the insperation
Sandy says
I started a blog back in May and it isn’t specific to weight loss, but that is a major focus. I found this blog a few months back and this post really struck me. As much as I feel that I am ready, I am still you 4 years ago 🙁 I am ready to do my How the Jeans fit Friday post and I have gained and a pretty significant amount. I am almost embarrassed to post it. But I promised to keep it real and that is real. I need something to change and stick and I am struggling. What do you think was the moment that finally changed your mindset?? Also, I would like to reference this post in my post tomorrow, if that is ok? Thanks!
Tammy Kresge says
Yes of course you can reference this post. I would love if you can link back to it. Thank you.
And remember weight loss is a journey with lots of peaks, hills, and valleys. Sometimes everything is going great and sometimes not so much. Just keep going!
Sandy says
Thanks Tammy!
I did link back to your blog as well as the individual post. Here is the link to my post. http://sandylitcher.blogspot.com/2014/11/how-jeans-fit-friday.html
Thank you for writing your post, it has really opened my eyes. Have a great weekend!