My "Secret"

I have had so many people ask me what my "secret" is regarding my weight loss. I have a hard time answering this question, because there really isn't any secret, other than eating right and working out. When I first began my attempt at being healthy, I signed up for Take Shape Life (TSFL) which is fueled by Medifast foods. It worked great; I lost 6 pounds in one week, and I felt awesome!! However, not long after being on the program,  I learned that I was allergic to soy (which is the largest component of the Medifast meals). This meant that I could no longer use the Medifast food. I was disappointed, but I started looking for ways that I could continue my quest to health in another way.

Along with the TSFL program, I was given a book that is loaded with ways to live a healthy life. I began following the diet plans listed in this book as my alternative, since I could no longer eat the Medifast food. These alternatives had a very simple idea behind them: low calorie, low fat, low carb. There were many food options listed, including greek yogurt with a half cup of strawberries, a slice of tomato with fresh  mozzarella and basil, sliced turkey on whole wheat bread, and so many more! I began using these ideas to guide my decisions of what I would eat.


Once I had found a way to choose better foods, I needed to find a way to become more active. I had a membership at the Y because my sister is an employee there. I decided to take advantage of this, and I began hitting the gym! When I first started I would do about 30 minutes on the elliptical. While on the elliptical, I would choose the "Weight Loss" option, which basically consisted of 4 minute intervals that would switch from a level 4 to a level 10. After my 30 minutes on the elliptical I would do some weights, alternating my days between arms and legs. My favorite leg workout is definitely the hip abductions. It works the inner and outer thigh, which we all know is somehting that every woman wants to looks great! Once I became more comfortable at the gym, I started branching out and trying different classes that are offered at the Y, such as BodyPump and cycling.

As you can see, there is no big secret to how I have lost my weight. I have used very simple (not easy), but simple ways of changing the way I live my life. The most important key to my personal success has been the motivation and determination to make a change. I have to constantly remind myself why I am doing this, and to not give up. Ever.