14 Changes I Made to Lose 162 Pounds in Less Than Two Years
Jodi Davis
| 3 min read
After I lost my weight, I never realized how many different questions I would be asked. Of course there are the typical questions like:
- How much weight have you lost?
- How long did it take you?
- How did you do it?
My response is always the same. I lost 162 pounds, which took 16 months, and the key factor to my weight loss success was (and still is) walking every day for 1.5 miles. It never fails that the person wants to know if I also made changes in my eating habits. Yes, I most definitely did since I knew that for 25 years I had not been making healthy food choices like I should have. If I had, I wouldn’t have become morbidly obese.
I knew that if I wanted to end my obesity, I had to make changes to my eating habits and that it was just as important as becoming physically active. These changes needed to be ones that were simple to make, yet very effective.
Here are some of the major changes I made to lose 162 pounds and keep it off for almost 10 years:
- I cut my daily calorie intake to about 1,200 calories.
- I never skip a meal no matter how busy I am.
- I consume smaller portions and do not take second helpings.
- I substitute turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- I eat whole-grain bread and avoid products made with white flour.
- I enjoy low-fat pretzels or light microwave popcorn instead of fatty snacks before bedtime.
- I keep granola bars or soy nuts in my car for quick, healthy snacks.
- If I consume fast food on occasion, I focus on keeping meals under 350 calories.
- I remember that one bite tastes the same as 20! If I’m feeling tempted by something I know is full of calories and fat, I take one bite and walk away.
- I drink skim milk instead of whole or 2% milk.
- I keep fresh fruits and vegetables at home and keep high-fat and high-calorie items out.
- I drink more water and unsweetened coffee or green tea instead of carbonated beverages.
- I avoid mayo, dressings, creams and butter and use items like hot sauce and mustard instead.
- If I shouldn’t eat it I don’t buy it.
I believe most people know how to eat healthy, it’s really common sense. It’s just that many people choose not to because, well, there are many reasons. I chose not to for those 25 years because I love to eat. But, in 2001 I finally realized that I love my life, my kids, my family and my friends way more than a bag of chips.
Have you made changes in your eating habits that you could share? What are some of the changes you made that helped you successfully shed some pounds too? Share with us in the comments.
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Photo credit: stockvisual
