5 Simple Tips to Healthy Weight Loss

Photo Credit: Junior Partner

Many long-time readers followed along my Fat Burnin' Friday posts. During the first year of blogging, I was in the active weight loss mode. After giving birth to our 3.5-year old, Andon, I have successfully maintained a 70-pound weight loss.

In the new year, I am recommitting to fitness and healthy eating but not to work on the final ten pounds. I was burnt out by doing too much running and got very discouraged by not seeing additional results last year. My weight loss maintained but I can definitely tell a huge difference in the overall toning of my body.

If you are focusing on better health and fitness, and maybe weight loss this year, here are a few things to help inform and hopefully inspire you. Please also check out the my tips on Losing While You're Saving as well. The biggest thing I hope you leave with is that you don't have to spend a fortune to lose weight. The tips I will share are feasible for anyone to start doing!

Of course, if you're just starting out, make sure to check with an actual medical professional. I'm not an expert by any means. I'm simply sharing what has worked for me!

{1} Don't Eat Junk

This one may seem obvious, but it needs to be said. It is so easy to let those box of Ding Dongs hit the pantry. Trust me, I know! Don't allow unhealthy foods in your home at all if you are trying to achieve any type of weight loss, or change in your eating habits.

Now can be a good time to try new recipes, but always have a Plan B if that recipe flops. Being hungry and salivating over dinner may lead you to the ding dongs if a healthier choice isn't an option. {Geesh, you would think I really like Ding Dongs or something!!}

{2} Exercise

Yes, you have to do it. So, do it. You don't have to join a gym either. I lost all of my weight with my treadmill in the basement. When it got warmer outside, I hit the pavement. Exercise doesn't have to be expensive. As a matter of fact, you are your best equipment!

As I was focused on training for a half marathon (which still hasn't happened for the past two years despite my desire – maybe this year?!), I joined the gym. We just canceled our gym membership this month. The gym wasn't helping my quest for health and fitness. I'm going back to my treadmill to get my groove back. It all started on my treadmill and my passion to run again can be found there too – I'm certain of it!

{3} Plan Exercise AND Meals

In order for me to get back into a routine of exercise, it has to hit my planner. That means, it becomes a meeting I can't skip out on. I did this religiously in 2008. I would skip shopping with friends in order to get my time in on the treadmill. Yeah, it was THAT important!

The same thing goes with meals. If you menu plan, this will help out a ton. If you go out for an occasional restaurant date, plan what you are going to eat before you get there. Eat a light snack even before you go. Having a plan worked 99% of the time for me. It also helped encourage others to follow their personal healthy eating goals as well.

{4} Park Far Away and Walk

OK, it's like 10 degrees in Ohio and this one just sorta sucks to do BIG time! But, find small ways you can get additional exercise in without it seeming overwhelming like getting your gym shoes on, your workout clothes and a ponytail (or not if you're a guy – although some guys at the gym do wear them too :-).

While I have read that breaking up your exercise in 10-minute intervals, it NEVER worked for me. My body needed a hard 30-45 minutes a day where I'm dripping in sweat (attractive, I know). But, adding the walk from the parking lot to the stores helps add on additional time fat burnin'.  I know all people are different, but I don't think anything can take the place of true, sweating your butt off exercise!

{5} Eliminate Stress

Stress causes weight gain. Or, actually, it causes me to lose weight (don't hate me, it's not healthy either way and I just gain it all back!). In all seriousness, try to eliminate as much stress in your life as possible.

I know, I know. I am a mom of three rowdy boys who I find myself talking rather loudly to at times :) We all have lots of stress on a daily basis. But, the stress that you can control like not being concerned with trivial things or not being perfect. Those I can control and will be doing a better job this year.

Oh, wait..those are my stressors…I'm sure you have your own list :)

Hopefully those few tips were helpful. I have a few more to share, along with some of the recipes and meal plans I followed during my weight loss plan. I am incorporating them back into my menu plan this year so it's a good time to share as well!

If you have other tips or great healthy recipes, please let us know!

Read 5 More Tips to Achieve a Healthy Weight Loss for more ways to lose while you save!