70.
I’ve lost 70 pounds.
Yes, this is definitely something to celebrate and be proud of… BUT I’ve been hovering around the same number for months. The dreaded plateau.
Instead of admitting defeat (it’s so not my style), I’ve decided to write a list of 70 things I’ve done to lose 70lbs. I’m hoping this will motivate me to keep going… and maybe even inspire others on their journeys. I’m also hoping you, dear reader, will share ideas and other techniques I can try to overcome my plateau.
- Lived by the mantra that everything I did must be part of a lifestyle change, not a DIET.
- Kept a food journal.
- Learned how to shop for, and identify, healthy foods (hint: the perimeter of the store is your friend).
- Took things at my own pace but periodically PUSHED myself to try something new/harder.
- Learned the difference between whole and processed foods.
- Joined a gym.
- Quit the gym.
- Learned how to exercise with no gym and little equipment.
- Started going to a CrossFit bootcamp.
- Visited a doctor.
- Did not beat myself up over times I failed (I call these dropped eggs)
- Visited a nutritionist.
- Set monthly goals and checked up on them each and every month.
- Set long term (yearly) goals.
- Learned HOW to set goals.
- Took my measurements
- Had my body fat % calculated (twice)
- Planned ahead (meals, exercise, holidays, trips – everything).
- Established a workout routine and schedule and STUCK to it.
- Fell in love with yoga.
- Tried paleo. Read Mark Sisson’s book.
- Tried new and FUN ways to exercise: capoeira, batting cages, kayaking, CrossFit etc.
- Tried exercise that intimidated me.
- Fell in love with asparagus and zucchini.
- Started a blog.
- Set a goal to drink at least 48 oz of water a day.
- Asked friends and family for advice.
- Talked to EVERYONE who would listen about weight loss, health and fitness.
- Purchased healthy cookbooks and tried new recipes.
- Started a Facebook page to share my blog posts, victories, quotes and questions.
- Tried a low-carb diet and realized it wasn’t for me.
- Joined Weight Watchers Online.
- Realized that lots of people have advice, but I have to do what works for me and my body.
- Decided I’d try the latest diets and trends but only stuck to the ones that worked and made sense for me.
- Bought new shoes.
- Gave myself breaks (loosely following the 80/20 rule).
- Listened to other people’s weight loss stories.
- Joined My Yoga Online
- Installed CardioTrainer on my smart phone.
- Celebrated small victories.
- Celebrated huge victories.
- Made plans for when I would be doing something out of my routine: travel, parties, weddings, etc.
- Weighed myself once a week (no more, no less).
- Started reading books, blogs, fitness magazines and anything I could get my hands on….. (I still have a list of books I NEED to read).
- Ran my first and SECOND 5k.
- Ran a mile for the first time ever.
- Committed to train for and run a half-marathon this year (still need to register!).
- Rewarded myself with things other than food.
- Went on hikes with my husband.
- Got a dog who needs lots of exercise and attention.
- Realized and admitted to myself that I am an emotional eater.
- Purchased fitness DVDS (Also begged and borrowed a few!)
- Set a goal to get my heart beating FIRST thing in the morning for a minimum of 20 minutes
- Sought inspiration in everything I read, listened to and watched… Shared what inspired me with others!
- Watched TV shows like Biggest Loser and Heavy.
- Found a fitness friend who I can report to….
- Adopted the mindset of an athlete.
- Identified my trigger foods.
- Made fitness and health a priority.
- Planned fitness and health expenses into my budget.
- Bought new clothes!
- Opened up to sharing my experiences.
- Faced many, many fears and overcame them.
- Encouraged my friends and family to get healthy too.
- Took advantage of health and fitness deals on Groupon.
- Followed lots of health and fitness folks on Twitter
- Followed lots of health and fitness folks on Tumblr
- Followed lots of health and fitness folks on Pinterest
- Crammed my RSS Reader full of awesome blogs.
- Took advantage of my job’s flexibility to eat well and exercise.
There it is. My list. 70 things I’ve done to get where I am today. I’m hoping this list might help others on their journey, but I do have slightly ulterior motives. Do you see something I’m missing? Something I should change? Have feedback? I’d love to hear it.
How should I get over this plateau?
Great post! I think you are on target viewing your weight loss as a lifestyle change, eating healthy and working out. Your plateau will end!
My only advise would be that you may want to review your calories you may benefit from a tweak (higher or lower).
That’s a great idea! This weekend excluded, sometimes I wonder if I eat enough with the amount of exercise I’m doing. Thank you
Great job!! I too am new to this whole fitness lifestyle and im trying to soak up as much as i can, and you have made some awesome changes to your lifestyle. I too have made a lot of these changes as well. But i thoughi i would just leave my two sense like you have asked. If you havent already heard of it you need to check out Bodyrock.tv its an amazing website that this girl in europe named Zuzana and her husband created, she no longer hosts it but all the workouts are intense and great for burning fat. Zuzana also has a channel on youtube called Zuzana Light, if i were you i would subscribe. Not only is she a great fitness training with amazing workouts she will motivate you as well. So i hope this helps you out on you journey! Dont quit!
Love it! Thanks for the advice, I’ll check it out!
I seriously love this idea. So important to recognize your progress, especially when you feel “stalled”. Makes me want to think about making a list of my own! (PS I really love #33)
Are you sure you’re at a plateau and there aren’t other things happening with your body besides just weight? I know the pounds can feel like the end all and be all sometimes, but bodies are made up of so much more. I had a point a few months long before my accident when I thought I was stuck, turned out I was actually changing body fat % big time!
I love what you’re doing. If you really think you’re at a true plateau than my suggestion is to pick one thing in your routine and change it up. Track your food for a week or two and see where you can make some changes. Switch up a workout or two, or add something new in.
So impressed with your journey so far!
Thank you! I tried one of your tactics: I joined bootcamp. It’s a big switch from my mostly cardio routine. Cross your fingers for me!
Great list! I’ve kept off 40 lbs., but have been spinning my wheels on losing more. I’ve seen a lot of things here that I can try.
So, so glad I could help! I’d love to hear any you come up with too!
Reblogged this on One Year, One Week, One Pound and commented:
I think this list is worth reprinting – once I get ink for my printer! Which one of these things can I do for myself?
Dear Epic, Thanks for your informitive and entertaining post! We have a lot in common. I, too, am training for half-marathon, avoiding dieting, and hiking with my hubby and dog. I’m wondering…what’s the 80/20 rule for taking breaks? If you have time, check out my blog at http://www.100poundsin1year.wordpress.com. This Thursday, I’m posting some tips from a local running shoe store owner on how to buy the best shoes for you. Shelby
I’m kind of late with this response, but I may print this list! I started my weight loss journey in January of 2013, in 2 months lost 21 pounds. I still have 40-50 more to go. I dont know what i look like at 150lbs so i dont know if thats where i want to stop or if i want to go for 140! I haven’t been that little since I was 18. I wish i could shout from the roof tops how excited i am to be losing weight and how good i feel! thanks for your ideas!!:)
Hi Andrea! Feel free to print it and congrats/good luck on your weight loss journey! <3