This grandma has read and followed, (at least she thought), all the weight loss tips and tricks to successfully lose weight and keep it off.

Wait! Let’s back up a bit…

There are NO TRICKS to losing weight and keeping it off, however, rather (doable, researched, and realistic tips to place in your daily plan, and tweak accordingly.

I’ve decided to revisit those tips, and find out if they have been particularly updated, or any new and fun things that I can incorporate into my daily life and routine. While I’ve been extremely motivated these past couple of weeks; I’ve joined my local YMCA. Yeah!! Lol <3 PLUS, I’m doing an aerobic dance routine, first thing in the morning.

So now, I’m doing the research, asking questions, and working on tailoring a plan that I can realistically stay with and follow up with.

So, no! I have NOT read/researched/found and followed all tips and advice needed to lose weight and (keep it off; a future/new plan entirely). LOL

I’m so very tired of being on this Yo-Yo, roller coaster (DIET)!!!!!!! And, I know now, that a HEALTHY weight loss program is NEVER called a “diet.”

I’ve been on Weight Watchers, (however, not followed properly, and not categorized with crazy plans), Nutrisystem, and all types of “fad diets,” including the scarsdale and grapefuit diet LOL…only to gain all my weight back. Now the Scarsdale and grapefruit DIET was long, long ago!

Do any of you remember those?
Weight Watchers deserves another look, maybe? 😉

That’s not to say I’m NOT going to try a meal replacement drink or two. I happen to believe they are good choices (as long as you don’t drink them, and only them). Slim fast is one that comes to mind. In fact, I have a few in my fridge I intend on trying. I know they have a lot of good vitamins and minerals in them, and, so many nutrients that I don’t even know about! In addition, most meal replacement drinks have a ton of fiber; which we ALL need for weight loss, and weight loss maintenance.

Important Note: I have to keep in mind an awesome reason and huge motivator that I have for transpiring into healthy; and that is, my grandchildren. =)

Now those precious little ones are not my only motivators; although, they are high up there! <3 <3 😉 I have my other family members, and also, my friends. In addition…I have MYSELF!!

Losing weight is not all that I’m striving for, however; an overall, healthy and active status so that I can be more comfortable and actively thriving as and when I get older.

You know those golden years?

Well, if I am able to achieve my goals here, get to a healthy weight, and not have to be on tons of medicines, I’ll be able to live out those golden years…hopefully. So, going back to the golden years; my goal is; I want to be active and be centered in my grandkids’ lives. Period! <3

Short Version…2019 is the year this grandma is gonna get skinny!! Lol

15 of Tammy’s Tailored Goals and Tips — At Least My Take On Them

Eat Slowly —

I sometimes eat kind of slow; however, there are times I do eat fast, (if I’m real hungry). Remembering to eat slower is a good tip. If you eat fast, you tend to consume more calories because you might (think) you haven’t had enough or that you’re still hungry. Make sense? Another nice tip is if you eat more slowly, you digest your food better, therefore, making your system work more efficient.

Drink Tons of Water —

I think this speaks for itself. Although, there are many tips to point out. Drinking a lot of water is good for metabolism, it helps with hunger, and helps your system work faster. Water also helps with staying hydrated; especially for muscles while working out.

Switch to Dark Chocolate —

Dark chocolate is very good for your heart; that is a given, along with providing essential antioxidants to your body. It also, (helps) control hunger. Through the past couple of years, I’ve learned to like dark chocolate. It’s not better than the milk type, (my opinion), but it’s good that I at least like the type that’s good for you.

Eat Sorbet (in moderation) Instead of Ice Cream —

I love ice cream, LOL…Who doesn’t!? Actually, there are more people than you think that don’t like it. I certainly wish I were one of them. 😉 I’ve been eating sorbet (moderately). I’ve been told that it’s better for you than ice cream. Sorbet doesn’t have any fat. However, it has lots of sugar; and so, it turns to fat. I’ve researched it a bit, and, there are various opinions about it. Anyway, it makes me feel better to eat sorbet. Lol….so, if YOU have an opinion, or you have done extensive research on the topic; I’d sure like it if you shared your thoughts. I eat it every other evening. The other nights, I usually have a moderate sized bowl of sea salt popcorn.

So…if you DON’T like ice cream, you don’t have to worry, right?? lol 😉

Whole Wheat Bread Instead of White —

White bread has lots and lots of starch; which means it is high in sugar as well. Not a good choice when trying to lose or maintain weight. Also, with white bread; most of the good nutrients are lost due to the refined flour, and processing.

You are much better off eating whole wheat or whole grain due to its fiber content which aids with weight loss. It also has loads of vitamins and minerals that our bodies desperately need. Through studies, it is found that just by switching to whole wheat bread (alone) can ward off heart attacks, diabetes, high cholesterol, and, a host of other chronic illness.

Eat More Protein —

First off, fueling with protein gives you energy. That’s why it’s important to increase its levels while walking, running, cycling, and strength training…especially strength training!

Nuts, eggs, peanut butter, beans, lean turkey, beef, and chicken are all healthy protein choices. Fish is also a good source. High protein also helps with muscle loss and speeds up metabolism.

According to Health Line DOT COM, In one study of 19 overweight individuals, increasing protein intake to 30% of calories caused a massive drop in calorie intake.

Eat Veggies and Leafy Greens —

I need to step up my game in eating more veggies than I do. However, I do like eating fresh cucumber, fresh green pepper, fresh baby carrots, fresh/frozen broccoli, fresh/frozen/canned green beans, (if they are cooked right), beets, and potatoes. Ahh, that last vegetable can considerably slow you from losing weight; just like that white bread. A baked, (sweet) potato is a much healthier choice. I have one in my fridge. I’ll probably bake it this week sometime. A baked sweet potato is a first for me, so I’ll let you know how I like it.

Leafy greens are very good for you; especially fresh spinach and kale. They are extremely low in calories; but high in antioxidants, good-for-you vitamins, and also, calcium. In some studies, leafy greens fight off certain kinds of cancer. The two weight loss user-friendly features I like the most are; they are low in calories and are extremely filling.

Always Eat Breakfast —

I enjoy my coffee in the morning; especially since I have my keurig. <3

I usually go until like…(sometimes) 11:00-12:00 to eat, what breakfast/brunch?! At least, I used to. 😉 That’s not good at all!! Since I’ve started working out, all that has changed. Exercising has literally forced me to eat breakfast quite early; as I’m out the door 8:00 – 8:30 for the gym.

We all know; at least most of us, that we have to eat BEFORE and AFTER strenuous activity. Right??

If you’re not aware of this, please, look it up. Going without eating (often), when you workout can lead to a huge drop in blood sugar, more fatigued muscles, feeling light headed, and so many other harmful things that will NOT be good for your health and will surely slow your weight loss considerably. Eat a healthy breakfast, and not a light one. Consume enough calories so that you can workout efficiently and your body can burn fat, and not store it.

Don’t Starve Yourself —

This is a biggie for me. I’ve had to learn from this one WAY too many times. When you starve, you’re not only starving your body; as you are also starving your hair, muscles, heart, brain, relatively ALL your organs. For me, I have to workout in order to lose weight. So, the muscle starving gets my attention big time. When you deprive your body of food and good nutrients, you ALWAYS make up for it when you start to eat again; and end up consuming a ton of calories.

Besides,…depriving yourself makes you store fat!

Don’t Leave Out Fat Altogether —

Not all fats are bad! There are good fats that will actually help you lose weight. Yes, that’s correct. The good fats are like dark chocolate, olive oil, flaxseed, some fish choices, and more. Maybe it stands to reason; if you want to trim down, don’t eat any fats. lol

If you load up on enough lean protein and skip the bad carbs and (bad fat, such as: potato chips, pastries, cookies, donuts…huh?? I LOVE donuts!) lol, and eat healthy fats, you will surely slim down faster. I’m actually still learning with this one. 😉

Weigh Yourself Daily, or NOT? —

I’m so bad on this. I HAVE to see my weight on a daily basis. Some think that it’s unhealthy to do so. For me, it just helps keep me on track when I’m being strict with myself. For a lot of people, (mainly women, of course) get discouraged when they find out they haven’t dropped so many pounds by a certain date. Well, the shedding of pounds depend on many factors. You may be holding water for some reason, or perhaps, a certain food had too many bad carbs, or contained a lot of sodium.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this one. 😉

Workout Daily —

This is definitely a preference. Or, it could be that you simply can’t workout due to disability, or some other reason. If you do take part in regular exercise, you will lose much faster. However, correct form and endurance will make all the difference. If you are doing everything in your power to slim down and get healthy, (the right way), you should add some type of activity to your daily routine.

Strength Train —

Now, this is definitely a preference. Although, strength training is great for toning up your muscles and helps with getting rid of extra skin. IF…done correctly. I’ve heard so many times that if you do the training moves right, drink tons of water, eat enough calories, especially protein, you should be able to tighten up.

Be Around Others —

This is huge for me. Most of you know that I’m a shy person. I’ve gotten better over the years. A few social butterflies are still there. So, it’s important for me to be around people; especially people that need to (not only get thin), however, get to an over-all state of healthy. It’s good for the soul and motivation!

Fast Food In Moderation —

I love a good burger and pizza take out/delivery! I usually allow myself some form of fast food and/or (eating out) once per week. Once in awhile, twice per week. However, I try and plan for these days and maybe, workout more that day, moderately limit calorie intake, eat more protein that day, OR, all the above. The important thing here…(I’ve learned the hard way), DON’T starve on a particular day that you plan to eat out, or when eating foods not so healthy. That only makes you consume extra calories.

I hope you enjoyed a little bit of my journey; and also was able to benefit from my tips. <3

The Thing Is…

I refuse to HAVE to have knee replacements, hip replacements; or any replacements that are due to being over-weight. I also refuse to end up with diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. This grandmother is going to be there for her grandchildren. In addition, I personally want those (golden years) GOLDEN! I sure hope that’s possible. 😉 lol

Thank you for reading! ~~ Share your thoughts please =)