My Year Long Journey Toward Healthy Weight Loss

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Last year at about this time I ended up in the emergency room with crazy high blood pressure (225/115 at one point), since then I haven’t talked about it publicly much, but I’ve completely overhauled my life and the way I think about food and exercise.

Now I’m happy to say I’m off my blood pressure medicine completely, and I feel great! Another great benefit to my change in life style were the 60 pounds and several clothes sizes I dropped. I usually dread summer short and swimsuit season, but this year I’m looking forward to it more than I have in a long time!

We actually just got back from a trip to Cancun a couple weeks ago, and I was excited to head out to the beach.

Am I perfect? Oh heck no! The scales are still going down slowly, so I still have a few pounds to lose, but I feel 100% better than I did a year ago at this time!

Here are a few of the lifestyle changes I’ve made over the last year to get healthy and lose the pounds:

1. I work out or exercise for a minimum of 20 minutes a day. I usually do more than that, but if I’m having an off  or hectic day I tell myself I just have to do 20 minutes. Once I get started I usually go at least 30. If I can squeeze it in some days I’ll do a second workout, or take a class (like Zumba). I haven’t missed a day since last May!
2. I make my meals about the fruits and vegetables, with other foods in supporting roles. I usually have at least one big salad every day, and try to incorporate as many raw fresh fruits and vegetables into my diet as I can. I fill my plate with fruits and vegetables, then add in some protein or grains. I also try to find ways to incorporate more vegetables in my recipes.
3. Drink plenty of water! I gave up coffee, and for the most part tea when I started this adventure. Now I think I feel better without them. I usually opt for water now, even when I’m on the go.
4. Get plenty of sleep! I used to stay up late at night writing, because that was the quiet time when I could think. Then I would get up early to take my son to school, and work all day. Rinse, wash, repeat daily. When I’m tired I start stuffing food in my mouth, and I don’t mean healthy food! I’ve learned I have less resistance to junk food when my brain is on autopilot from lack of sleep. Now I go to bed with the rest of my family, the late night toll on my body just isn’t worth it in the long run!
5. Rely less on processed foods. This was a hard one for our family on the go. I enjoy cooking and working in the kitchen, but some weeks are just hectic! I’ve learned how to prepare things ahead when I get time, and how to make many things from scratch using whole food unprocessed ingredients.

This is what has worked for me and I plan to continue for life! Hopefully it will help others. I just wasn’t ready to be on any kind of medication so I had to fight back!

I like to make as much as I can from scratch these days, but when I can’t it’s nice to know there are healthy alternatives out there to choose from.

Weight Watchers Smart Ones is making it easier to stay on track with a healthy meal plan without spending time on prep work beforehand. Their products provide a variety of delicious, convenient and portion controlled meals and snacks that contain lean proteins, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. And now they are offering two new breakfast items – like the new Egg, Sausage & Cheese Wrap and the French Toast with Turkey Sausage. Plus, the packaging tells you the Weight Watchers PointsPlus values in each serving, allowing you to conveniently plan for the day. Visit www.eatyourbest.com for more information.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Weight Watchers Smart Ones and received a promotional item and coupons to facilitate my review.”