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I lost 30 pounds and I’m keeping it off

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30 Pounds Down

I have lost 30 pounds!

If you’ve been reading the blog, you know that I started on my healthy eating and exercise plan back in May. That means I’m on month 5!!! I wanted to lose weight, feel better, improve my health, and get in better shape. The plan is working!
30 pound weight loss

 

I’ve officially lost 30 pounds (even after eating and with all my clothes on the scale tonight,) and I am down almost 4 sizes in my pants.  So, where do I go from here? How do I maintain a 30 pound weight loss and keep the momentum going?

Healthy Eating

First, I want to let you know that the biggest part of losing the 30 pounds for me was changing my eating habits. I never paid attention to what I ate or when I ate it. Of course, I knew fast food and desserts weren’t helping me at all, but they were convenient and tasted good. I also ate for comfort, ate as a reward, and ate when I was stressed, not just when I was hungry.

Now, I eat 5 meals a day, and that’s it. I don’t really snack, and I don’t eat dessert (except that birthday cake, which was still pretty darn good.) I average around 1300 to 1400 calories a day, and I’m not starving all the time…anymore. It was an adjustment in the beginning for sure.

My average day:

  • Breakfast around 8:30 am – Steel Cut Oats with Cranberries and Blueberries by Quaker. I make it with water in the microwave, so it’s easy, it tastes fantastic (better than regular oatmeal,) and it’s only 170 calories.
  • Meal on the go at 10:30 or 11 am – A protein bar. I like the Zone Perfect or the Simply Zone Bars in any chocolate variety. I stick to ones that are 190 calories or less, and usually have some kind of nuts in them, like almonds or cashews.
  • Lunch around 1 pm – Egg whites on a whole grain or multi-grain with flax seeds 100 calorie Sandwich thin, and slice of low-fat cheese, which is 60 calories. I toast the sandwich thin, so it is crispy and yummy. I also eat carrots, and sometimes an apple. I may have some popcorn or a serving of Special K or Pop Chips.
  • Meal at 3:30 or 4 pm – If I’m on the go, I sometimes have another protein bar or bring a protein smoothie, made with Almond milk, protein powder, and peanut butter powder. Sometimes I have celery with peanut butter powder (you just mix water and it saves you about 100 calories when compared to regular peanut butter,) and some popcorn or a Greek yogurt.
  • Dinner at 6 or 6:30 pm – If I’m tired, I will sometimes have a Lean Cuisine or Weight Watchers frozen dinner. The Chicken Parmesan is amazing. Otherwise, I eat what my family is having, but in smaller portions. Grilled chicken with vegetables, salads, sandwiches, Eggplant Parmesan with Veggie Spaghetti, Turkey or Veggie Burgers on a half of bun, or homemade pizza on whole wheat crust.

I am not getting compensated or sponsored by any of these brands or products. These are the actual things I use and like.  I have included my affiliate links, in case you want to try something. It is no charge to you, and gives me a few cents towards running the blog, if you end up making a purchase. Simply click on the picture below, and it will take you to the page where you can buy it.

  

While my menu might seem boring, it is something that works for me. The protein bars still give me the feeling of eating dessert, and I still need convenience at times with the kids. I will continue to try to add more and more healthy items as time goes on, and hopefully be able to eliminate a lot of the processed food. It’s still a journey.

I also still struggle with drinking more water during the day, but I do drink a lot of iced tea.

Exercise Plan

The second part of my plan to keep the 30 pounds off, is the fitness component. As I told you last week, as a family, we joined a gym. This has really given me the fitness boost I needed. Now, I am able to workout during the day, instead of waiting until my husband gets home. I also have been changing up my workouts by trying a whole bunch of different classes.

So far, I’ve tried:

  • Raise the Bar– This is a class that included weights, push ups, sit ups, and strength exercises for the arms and legs. I used light weights for my first class, and bumped it up a little for my second class.
  • Zumba – This is a funky version of aerobics. There are lots of dance moves combined with aerobic moves. The first class I’m sure I looked really silly, and even the second class today was a challenge following all the moves….BUT, it was a lot of fun and went by really fast. Plus, I was super sweaty when I got done. I also kept moving through the whole class, so I got a good cardio workout.
  • Barre Fitness – This is a class that combines Pilates mat work, Ballet barre work, along with weights, and a fitness band. It’s also a strength and stretching class, not really cardio.

I still want to try another cardio-type class, and maybe even the step-aerobics class. I’ve also used the elliptical machine and stationary bike.

My goal is to get to the gym at least 4 times a week. Since we’ve signed up last Tuesday, I’ve been there 6 times. Hooray!

The bonus of going to the gym is that not only do I get a workout, but the twins get some time to socialize with other kids and new toys to play with…which they love. Once we hit the childcare room, they don’t even give me a second look.

So, I am about falling asleep as I type this, which means it’s time to call it a post. If you have any questions for me, or if you need support, please leave me a comment. I’d be happy to help in any way that I can.

30 pounds is the most weight I’ve ever lost at one time, and I’m determined to keep it off for good. I’m finally feeling good about myself and feeling healthier too.

Do you struggle with weight loss? Is there a way I can support you in a healthier lifestyle?

If you like what you just read please click to send a quick vote for me on Top Mommy Blogs- The best mommy blog directory featuring top mom bloggers

Comments

  2. Congratulations! I recently lost 30 pounds so far this year. I eat healthy, but most of it is accredited to Blogilates. I watch her YouTube videos and follow along the calendar on her app as it’s free and I’m on a budget. I think it’s great to set goals for yourself – kudos to you for going to the gym! Keep it up!

    Reply

  5. Awesome job!! I am on a weight loss fitness journey of my own. It was going great until summer derailed me, but I am back at it today. Heading to my Weight Watchers meeting in a few minutes! Special K chips are the perfect ending to my lunch! Love them! Good luck with the gym!

    Reply

  6. How inspirational is this! I have decided to take a break from working out until we have settled in Germany. Then it’s war on my fat. I’ll have to come back to this to follow your schedule. Thank you for sharing it with us 🙂

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  7. Awesome Shann! The key to maintaining a healthier lifestyle is to find what works for you and it seems like you have. Kudos to you. I wish you well on continuing to lead and maintain a healthier lifestyle.

    Reply

  8. I’m always curious how other people keep their weight loss going. For me, being on campus all day food is always the hardest part because it isn’t available or it is very hard to pack as a commuter student. You provided a lot of good snacks on the go to try :).

    4 times a week to the gym is an awesome goal! 🙂

    Reply

  13. Congrats on your success! After baby #1, I lost all my weight doing spin classes, which I’m still doing through pregnancy #2. It’s so much fun and goes by so fast because of the music. You might try that 🙂

    Esther
    The Cuteness

    Reply

  14. Hi Shann,

    I love it when people share their journey on a blog post. It is much more interesting than anything else. You are doing such a great job at it.

    Changing eating habits is the one thing I sure resonate with. I can proudly say I’m salt and sodium free. I had to be because my blood pressure was sky high. Now when I taste something with salt on it… it is horrid.

    When it comes to eating habits, I like to take away one thing at a time.

    -Donna

    Reply

  15. Congrats on your weight loss, Shann!! I also love sandwich thins so I can still enjoy bread but it’s just not as much! (Great portion control.) I have meant to try the powdered PB so glad to hear about it from you. I’ll check it out!

    Reply

  16. I love reading about what others eat throughout the day to stay in shape and lose weight. I actually just went for a run and it was the first time in a really long time. I start school again today so I promised myself with that, I would also start working out. About to make a healthy breakfast now.

    Thanks for the inspiration!!!

    Reply

  17. It sounds like you’re doing amazing at your diet and trying different workouts! Your meal plan is seriously identical to what I did to get in shape for my wedding and totally balanced/healthy 🙂 I also loved Barre and Zumba (still do!) to get in shape and have fun. Keep up the great work and if you find a way to drink more water, let me know because I’m also terrible lol… buying water bottles (although horrible for the environment) seems to be the only way I am more inspired to drink more (when I see I need to finish 4 bottles/day, I am more motivated?).

    Steff @ http://brighterdarling.com

    Reply

  18. Great job on your weight loss! I lost about 20 pounds a year ago but I have about 10 more pounds I’d like to lose that are being very stubborn. I love zumba, I go when I’m not in a play that is dance intensive (like the one I’m in now, I get a good workout from rehearsals!). I wish my gym offered barre so I could try it!

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  20. Congratulations! I’m also on a weight loss journey and am about 8 days in to my first round of the 21 day fix. Portion control really is key because abs are made in the kitchen (although a good daily workout is important too). I love sandwich thins and look forward to trying some of your other suggestions.

    LiveLifeWell,
    Allison Jones

    Reply

  21. Wow Shann, that is awesome! You are really showing discipline and that’s what I need. I’ve been doing Yoga and toning but I’ve been thinking about adding Zumba to my workout routine.

    I need to take a page from your book missy! Thanks for the motivation!

    Cori

    Reply

  22. 30lbs! Congrats! I’ve got the eating habits down, now I need to focus on the fitness component. I have yet to meet most of my workout goals.

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  23. I would love to get a family gym membership. I’m generally pretty good about what I eat but my physical activity level could definitely stand for some improvement and if I had a gym that I was paying for, I think I would get there, hand off my kids, and exercise more often. Great job on your own get healthier journey, sounds like you’re doing really well!

    Reply

  24. Congratulations!! That’s awesome. I eat pretty much the same things most of the time too. I think it’s a good thing since you know what you are eating and know that they are good for you. I’m glad you are liking all the gym classes. I love barre (except the one I go to has a cardio component). Running is always fun to get into too… the races are really motivating! I recommended the Couch to 5K program if you are interested.

    Reply

  27. Good for you! I know how challenging it can be to start and stick with a program. One of the best things, well, two things, is joining the gym as a family and eating the same thing as your family, just appropriate portions. Healthy living should be a family project. I really don’t think kids should think, “oh that’s mom’s food” when it comes to the food that you eat. Congrats!

    Reply

  28. Hi, Shann
    Congratulation for good result. High-five for your commintment to the program. It really takes will power and program to your plan.You include 3 important parts: food, excercise, and portions. Your journey will inspire many people to be health.
    Thanks for the post.
    -Stella

    Reply

  29. Way to go, Shann! Those results are amazing!! It’s so much harder to plan healthy snacks and meals when you’re constantly on the go, but you’ve done it well. Protein powders and bars are such a diet saver.

    Reply

  33. You’re doing an awesome job, Shann! I’m trying to clean up my eating habits, I’m gonna have to check out some of the things you mentioned. I have the PB2, it’s good! Everyone looks at me like I’m crazy when I talk about powdered PB though lol.

    Reply

  35. I loved Zumba classes when I used to go! You don’t realize that you’re actually getting a pretty darn good workout while dancing (and in my case laughing because I am so uncoordinated)! Congratulations on losing all of that weight and keeping it up!!

    Reply

  36. Shann,

    Thank you for sharing your incredible story with us. Might I add, you look fabulous! I need to lose some poundage myself however, I am stress eating from my job and can’t begin to lose weight until I lose the job. However, when I do I’ll be on a strict diet like yours. Thanks for sharing it and keep up the good work!

    Reply

  37. Go you! This is awesome. I struggle to exercise consistently and seem to have emotional breakdowns when I try things like Zumba (don’t ask me to explain this one…I have no idea). I’m impressed though! Keep up the good work! 🙂

    Reply

  40. Congratulations on your success! Sticking to it can be tough and you’re rocking it! And now after this post I think I need to try that powdered peanut butter- I’ve never seen that before!

    Reply

  42. I really admire your adventurousness! I’ve kinda wanted to try Zumba and stuff, but I’m a tread mill girl all the way…once in a great while, maybe the stair stepper (that thing is a beast!) or the elliptical. I like the products you picked out too. When I was losing my weight, I had to basically overall my pantry and it was so worth it. You just feel better when you’re eating better too. You’re an inspiration! Good job girl! xo

    Reply

  45. WOW this is very inspiring. I’ve just started a new weight loss and get healthy plan and I’m using “Eat to Live” by Joel Fuhrman. LOVE the idea of the protein bars – I hadn’t even thought of that – but I’d need to check the sugar content as that’s one of the reason’s I went on this plan myself – my sugar was up. Great blog!!! Thanks for posting.

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  51. Congrats. I lost 30 but gained some of it back after injury. Anyway, I hope I can get back into exercise and start losing again. Love the products you featured too.

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  53. Awesome! Keep up the great work! Consistency always seems to work for me. If I slip up during the weekend, I try my best to get back on track on Monday. What also helps me is switching up my workouts at the gym in order to fight boredom. Love reading that you are lifting weights!! Good luck!

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  56. I wish I could eat that little to loose weight! I’m about 50 pounds from where I want to be. However, I am nursing my L1 Syndrome 7mo old and I can’t reduce that many calories. I am increasing my water intake at this point and trying to start with oatmeal and/or yogurt in the morning so I can follow up with a meal for lunch and a salad for dinner. My problem is stupid soft drinks that won’t leave me alone 😉

    Reply

    • Well, it took me three years after I had my twins to be able to lose any of it. I really held onto weight while nursing, so don’t stress about it. Focus on your little one, and worry about the weight later. I’m here for support when you need me.

      Reply

  58. I had to read your post because I’m going through my own weight loss struggle and I eathink pretty well but snacking is my main issue so I’ll be trying out some of the snacks you mentioned

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  59. First of all, congratulations!!! I’m currently doing weight watchers and am LOVING it! It’s ALL about what works best for you and your lifestyle and what you’re doing is great!! I’m loving WW and every little improvement is very encouraging. It definitely makes you realize every little thing that you put into your body and makes you reconsider if it’s something you’d really want to have in your body. Thank you for sharing – extra encouragement I needed : ) congrats!!

    Reply

    • Thank you so much, Adriana. I’m glad I could give you extra encouragement, and you sound like you’re doing fantastic! I hope we can continue to support each other 🙂

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  61. Congrats and great job! I’m still searching for the right meal plan for myself. I’m doing the multiple meals, high in veggies and protein but can’t seem to find the right thing for the afternoon meal that helps me keep the energy up and feeling full until dinner. I’ll get it eventually I’m sure.
    Happy to be co-hosting the #HomeMattersParty with you again this week!

    Reply

  62. Great tips!! I sure wish they would help me, but my dumb medicine doesn’t let me lose weight…wish it would!! 🙁 Going to do some of these things anyway, just to be healthy! 🙂 #HomeMattersParty

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  63. I keep saying “once my foot heals I will start exercising”, but I just bought the largest size pants I have ever worn. It is time to find some exercise that won’t aggrevate it and just get busy getting rid of this Blogger Butt. #HomeMattersParty

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  64. Hey there! Stopping by from the Sunday Blog Hop linky on BecauseImCheap.com Thank you so much for linking up! And CONGRATS! This is absolutely perfect timing for me, because I’ve been trying to create my own weight loss plan. I was thinking of doing some of the exact same foods as you did (meal bars & oatmeal & plenty of fruit). So it’s really nice to see someone have such success. Thanks again for sharing this. Hope to see you again on the next linky 🙂

    Reply

  65. It’s so nice to hear that you have found success with your dieting regiment! I think everyone needs to see what works for them, set attainable goals and go for it. Happy to be co-hosting the #HomeMattersParty with you again this week!

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  68. Good for you and THANK YOU for adding in your typical food for a day. This helps me a lot. It is frustrating to read a weight loss post when you don’t know what they did or are doing. It sounds like that gym is perfect. I wish ours was a little better. There are a couple of classes I can take without joining gym but they start at 5:30 which barely gives me any time to get there after my 1/2 commute home from work. (That could be an excuse) LOL! Thanks so much for sharing!

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  69. Great Shann!! Congrats on your weight loss. After reading your post on classes in gym , I was talking to my hubby that I wanted to join a gym which has classes instead of just working out in machines.(I always like to be surrounded by people instead of just machines, you know) He felt the same too as he wants to learn yoga . So we found a gym near by and going there today .Let’s see how it goes. It’s great to co-hosting with you Shann.

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  70. Good job!! I’ve always wanted to try Zumba, someday I will! It’s been fun cohosting with you at #HomeMattersParty

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  72. Wow these sounds great congrats for your weight loss. I also want to reduce 10lbs but I feel very hungry after every hour… Don’t you feel hungry after your dinner??

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  74. Congrats on the weight loss! I really need to start eating healthier, but I’m so scared of failing (again) that I can’t seem to get started. Reading posts like yours always helps push me in the right direction,though. Thanks!

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  75. Congrats on losing 30lbs! I know this is an old post, but I just found your blog and this post came just at the right time. I just had a baby 2 months ago and I keep thinking I need to get back on track as far as exercising and eating healthy, but I keep procrastinating. Your post has given me the motivation I need to stop making excuses and just do it! Thank you for sharing 🙂

    Reply

    • Awe. Thank you so much. I really appreciate that. And I’ve still been able to keep it off 🙂 If you have any questions or need any help, feel free to send me an email.

      Reply

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