How Did I Lose 50 lbs?

In the Past Year I did Everything Different

Here I will try to let you in on all the various ways I used to get down (below!) my goal weight this past year. I started at 210 (sometimes more, if I'd been on a binge). Now I am (6' tall &) hovering at around 155 lbs and hoping to lose just a few more. Any of the links listed below are AMAZON AFFILIATE LINKS, where I earn a small commission on each sale.

Go To Bed Early, Get Up Early

I hit the bed at 8pm every night, so I can read a little, and snooze alot. Sleeping is when the digestion happens and I wanted to make sure it is consistent so I have plenty of rest and rejuvenation. Plus, I am getting alot of reading done: I spend 30 min-1 hour a night on my latest book club read. Here's a list of the titles we are working through this year. My friends and I get together once a month and talk about what we liked and didn't like about each book. Start a book club if you, like me, want to be a better reader. I also use an app to track my sleep to make sure it is worth it! I am usually up by 5am.

OUR BOOKLIST FOR 2024:

Have A Daily "Mini Physical"

First thing when I get up, I weigh myself on my Renpho scale, which tracks all kind of stats such as BMI, water, fat %, muscle mass, protein, goal weight and progress, etc. And, if all that isn't enough, it transmits everything by bluetooth to the app for some fascinating progress reports! If that isnt enough, Renpho also makes a really nice foot massager!

Then I squeeze half a lemon, add a few ounces of water, warm it up for about 15 seconds in the microwave, and then use that warm lemon water to take my morning vitamins. Lemon water becomes alkaline in your digestive system, which has positive benefits for digestion, vitamin C and can reduce bloating. Do not use it if you are sensitive to lemon water. What vitamins? Here is a list of Spring Valley vitamins I recommend for those who want that "able to leap tall buildings" feeling that I have:

Iron
Vitamin B Complex
D3 1000 iu
C 1000 mg
Calcium, Magnesium Zinc
E: 1000 iu

I also test my blood sugar and my blood pressure. This blood pressure cuff, OMRON brand, stores readings for two people, and has been a daily friend. I write all of this down, and you might be surprised at the correlation of these stats to your physical well-being, and weight loss as well. You will definitely be able to track your progress and gain an understanding of the best way to take care of yourself going forward. For example, when I have a fitful night's sleep, I see a difference in my blood sugar. Why not learn more about your own body and how to care for it? I felt sure I was on the verge of Diabetes, so I got this Relion Blood Glucose Monitoring kit and am still using it daily to stay on track. We are always told to take better care of ourselves to live longer, but just how do you get started? This is how.

After all that that, I make a Ryze Superfoods Mushroom coffee https://amzn.to/3XZjvMl

Make sure you buy from Ryze Superfoods, since there ARE fakes out there. Their special blend of mushrooms have really helped my focus and concentration, so I get more done every day. No more nervous energy, just calm focus and working my to-do list every day. Its not a weight loss product, but the ability to focus throughout my day has definitely helped me get my life together. I fix the Ryze coffee just like I used to do with regular coffee: 1 tbsp Ryze, 1/2 tsp Ghirardelli sweetened cocoa, and some Half & Half.

Learn New Skills & Improve Your Social Life

All of the needlearts I can teach you qualify as new skills, but it doesn't just stop there. You could learn a new card game & join a club, start that new hobby you've thought about for years, volunteer for an organization close to your heart, or a political organization. Not only will it broaden your horizons in life, but will open you up to new experiences and ways you can make a difference in this world. It doesn't matter how old you are. The social connections are a bonus as well.

Get Plenty Of Exercise

Getting started with exercise isn't easy if you haven't done so lately. Here are some ideas to try:

Begin a walking practice of 2 or more miles daily. It doesn't have to be running. Build up to a longer walk over time, keeping track of your progress with a smart watch, or just an estimate, such as counting the blocks you have walked, and increasing over time.

Join a gym, and do a half hour of exercise several times a week. this should be daily for the best results. You could also join others for Yoga classes, Dance classes, Pickle Ball or Cycling.

I personally am easily bored, so I have a daily routine of up to an hour of any of these: weight lifting, yoga, swimming laps, cycling, walking, tennis, or spin class. I also make a point of using the sauna for a quick meditation whenever possible. This is easily done by using that extra hour of the early morning wakeup I mentioned above.

There are also good exercise videos available on youtube, Apple Fitness, or other apps and it is easy to find something you will enjoy.

Make Healthy Home Cooked Food A Priority!

I will be sharing some kitchen products I recommend for healthy cooking. And, some of my favorite online healthy chef/bloggers that you might want to check out.