I just wanted to share that I have lost 16 pounds since mid January. (15 pounds would equal three 5 lb bags of potatoes!)
What worked for me? It is a combination of things that has helped …
1) Mind set
I have three children, which I usually kept about 5 pounds from each pregnancy. Then there were the holidays each year; with cookies at Christmas, etc. that added on a few more pounds. I was FINALLY tired of it. I wanted to be able to look at pictures of myself with my family that I wasn’t embarrassed to see or share. I figure that I should get skinny again and just maintain it once I get there.
The other idea I have tried to plant in my head is that this is a life change. This isn’t a short stint that I will do until I lose the weight I want. I needed a new routine and eating change.
2) Exercise
Since I work at home and homeschool my three boys, I found myself having to sit for long periods of time. This was different than my pre-mommy days. I used to be more active with outside work, etc.
I have exercised in the past, but not enough. I wasn’t as dead set on losing the weight like I am now. Back then I exercised about three times a week. I wasn’t serious. Now I exercise 5-6 times a week for about half an hour to one hour each session. I do various things like using the Gazelle, Bo Flex, and AbLounge. I listen to music with headphones to help keep me motivated. Music is an amazing motivator!
3) Watching Food Portions/ Counting Calories/ Water
I watch what I eat more closely. I cut down on my food portions. I didn’t really eat huge portions unless it was something I absolutely loved! I am actually looking at the calorie value per serving size of things that I eat. I eat most of the same foods that I used to eat, since I wasn’t eating horribly anyways. But, now I realize that there are better substitutions for things like Mac N’ Cheese. For years we have been watching what ingredients are in our foods and have learned, for the most part, what foods to avoid.
I found that I tend to take in anywhere from 800-1000 calories a day right now for my height of 5′3 Part of that is burned off with exercise. Once I lose the weight, I will go back to my required maintanence caloric intake.
Starving yourself isn’t a good idea. If I skip meals, I seem to get headaches and feel tired. Small, healthy snacks are good.
I also try to drink lots of water. I read that drinking ice water actually burns calories since your body has to work to warm it to body temperature.
4) Chocolate / Sweet Tooth
I LOVE chocolate. It has always been my weakness. I like other sweets as well, like bubble gum, homemade cookies, etc. Every time I tried to lose weight, it was really hard to suppress those cravings. The mind set, exercise, and watching my food are steps in the right direction to losing weight, but those cravings can really make me lose control. I had finally found a solution, and applied it to the previous three changes and now have the perfect formula to keep me on track.
The key for me were chocolate chews. They are a weight loss appetite suppressant that I get through a company I am now a consultant with. I also often use their other weight loss products. But, really, those chocolate chews have been my saving grace! If you were interested where I get them, go to my store - click here
I am on my way to my goal to lose 40 pounds at least. Perhaps even 45. Then I will be proud to share my photo. 
Yes, even my husband, Michael, is successful with this combination. He has actually lost more weight than I have. Although I have to lose more weight than he does. Guys can lose weight easier it seems.
-Article Copyright © Wendy Shepherd - http://www.wendyshepherd.com
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I recently visited a website for the book, Majesty. I found the author, David Murray, very interesting. I decided to ask him for an interview so that I could learn more about his past work with Disney, his present work on Curious George by Universal Pictures, and his books which have been likened to, The Chronicles of Narnia.