Weight Loss Continues On A Steady Pace: What I’ve Learned So Far

A few weeks ago I mentioned how I had decided to start eating healthier again, working out on a regular basis and using some supplements in order to help build muscle while dropping fat. At the time I was doing it mainly because my wife encouraged me to do it – to be her accountability partner and keep her motivated as well. Since we started, however, I’ve become pretty invested in the whole process, and have jumped in with both feed.

We ended up joining Weight Watchers at the end of January, and we’ve been attending meetings and doing the program ever since.  I’ve lost almost 25 lbs now, and feeling a lot healthier. We’ve both learned quite a few things through the program, some of which I thought I’d share here.

Things I’ve Learned While Losing Weight

• Exercise is important, but so is healthy eating:  I’ve always understood how important exercise was to a healthy lifestyle, but pooh-poohed healthy eating to a degree.  Now that I’m actually eating healthier and seeing even better results, I’m convinced how important both exercise and healthy eating are.
• Portion control can be a big problem: One of my biggest problems before that caused me to gain weight was no sense of portion control. I’ve learned very quickly how to limit my portions and food intake without feeling deprived.
• Moderation is key:  I’ve learned that you don’t have to deprive yourself, and you can still lose weight.  On the whole I’ve been eating healthier, but sometimes I’ll treat myself – and not feel guilty about it.  It only becomes a problem when you go overboard.
• Finding exercise you enjoy is important:  I’ve learned that you won’t be able to stick to an exercise regimen unless you’re doing exercise you enjoy.  For me that means playing Your Shape Fitness for Xbox Kinect, riding my mountain bike and running.
• Staying consistent despite setbacks is important:  You’re not going to have a good week every week no matter what you think. The important thing is to stay consistent over the long haul. That’s how you put weight on, and that’s how you take it off.  Slow but sure.
• Tracking what you eat can be an eye opening exercise:  One thing I’ve learned is that I eat a whole lot more on a daily basis as far as calories, fat and so forth than I realize.  By tracking I was able to keep this in check – and really appreciate how I got where I was.

So there are a few things that I’ve learned. What are some things you’ve learned while either losing weight or getting fit?  Tell us your thoughts in the comments!