Cheap and Chic Weight-loss: Starting for the Finish

Please ignore the ridiculously goofy facial expression!

I have been attempting to lose weight off and on for about 7 years now. Working a desk job and eating out for lunch everyday for several years conspired to add a bunch of unwanted pounds to my previously petite frame. While I have not been happy with the way I look for quite a while, I haven't been willing to change my lifestyle for more than a week or two at a time. I like my bread and cookies and cheeseburgers and french fries and pizza. So many of the diets I tried took away at least one if not all of my favorite foods. So I'd do a great job for a couple of weeks, lose a few pounds, be miserable and give up. I eventually hit a point a few years ago where I just gave up. I decided I would rather be fat and eat what I wanted.

Then I had a kiddo. Oddly enough I lost all the baby weight within the first two weeks. It was the weight I had gained in the years prior to Munchkin's birth that wouldn't go away. By the time Munchkin hit toddlerhood I knew I had to do something. I was in terrible shape and having trouble keeping up him. Even though I loathe exercising, I made the commitment to three times a week and kept to it for a year. While I was certainly in better shape, I only lost about 5 pounds over the course of the year. I finally felt like I could really make the commitment to stick to the end. I pulled out some old weight watchers stuff and did some research.

I like Weight Watchers because it encourages moderation in all things. I can eat what I want within reason. I still eat my french fries, just not every day. I eat pizza, but only one or two pieces. I have made lifestyle changes - more fruits and veggies, more whole grains, smaller portions, smarter snacking.

I hit my first mini goal this morning! Ten percent of my starting weight. I started in February and have had a few set backs. We went to New Orleans, I got sick, we've traveled a lot. But, every time I've gotten back on track. I think the key to success is the commitment level. I started for the finish. I believe I will reach my goal weight and am willing to do what it takes to get there.

If you are looking for a long term weight loss solution, I would recommend Weight Watchers. It is a realistic, healthy and sustainable program. You can lose weight in a healthy way without giving up everything you love. That was important to me. Cost was also a consideration. I don't have extra funds to put into this and I had found the kit at a garage sale years ago. I also had the points calculator from a previous try. So, it didn't actually cost me anything.

I would love to hear about your weight loss successes. What do you think?