Weight Loss Programs and What Really Works

I started to take a really good look at myself and realized as many do that I’m not happy with the way I look. In the past month I wrote two weight loss posts: New Years Resolution Weight loss Progress and 10 Weight loss tips I’m following to help me lose Weight. We all have this vision of what we want to look like and at what weight we were our happiest. The other day my husband and I were discussing what weight we thought was our “ideal weight”.  Being over 40 we both looked back into the past and decided upon a weight were we felt that we were in the best shape. For hubby that weight was 185 lbs. For me I believe my weight would be 130 lbs. Currently we both are atleast 20-30 lbs over weight. We both put weight on over the last 10 years or so ( I had 2 children) and we both know that it’s not healthy so we decided to take a look at several weight loss programs and what really works.

First we discussed trying out programs like Nutisystem. After reading weekly weight loss updates from my fellow bloggers like Lisa From mythoughtsideasandramblings.com who lost a whopping 76 lbs on the Nutrisystem program over a years time. Then there’s Jai and Beeb from ContestCorner.com who have been on the Nutrisystem program for 37 weeks so far and have lost an incredible combined weight of 74 pounds so far. Both are not very far from their weight loss goals and are making fabulous strides on the program. Both bloggers share their journey through weeks of updates and thoughts on the food that Nutrisystem provides.

Reading their updates made hubby and I want to give Nutrisystem a try. We picked up a box Nutrisystems 1 week food supply at our local Walmart. After purchasing the box we got home and discovered that we need to shop some more. There was a list of food that you needed to get that went along with the program food you needed to eat. (they could of put that on the outside of the box so we could of shopped for it at the same time.) The wasn’t as edible as we thought. It was full of flavor just not the right kind of flavor you’d expect. I suppose there’s nothing like home coming. Right?! One thing that the food did was provided a example of food portion size and menu eating regimen. That was good enough for us but just not something we could continue to eat daily. We won’t be buying into the program.

So we began to look else where for other ways to lose weight and what could possibly work. There was the Medifast Meal Plan program that Colleen from shibleysmiles.com is on. She losing weight continuously and still on the program. After 12 weeks of being on the program she’s down 18 lbs. Now that’s quick weight loss.

Weight Watchers has been a program that many of my aunts and cousins have found to work for them. this program involves eating regular food but you count the calories by using a point system. I’ve never personally done it but I have seen it work for others and be really successful. Signing up for Weightwatchers.com is free online but they too charge to continue to use the program but offer menu plans and recipes to help you achieve your weight loss goals.

I love watching Dr. Oz’s Tips on weight loss and I’ve implemented a few. Hubby and I are now eating Dannon light and fit Greek Yogurt (Cherry and Blueberry are our favorite) at least 1x a day sometimes 2 before meals. In an episode of Dr. Oz he explained that 6 oz of Greek yogurt helps to shrink fat cells in your stomach. After eating it for 2 weeks hubby and I both notice that our stomachs do look less bloated. I personally fill up on the 6oz of yogurt and sometimes that’s all I eat for breakfast which isn’t exactly what Dr. Oz says will work to help shrink those fat cells in the stomach. Still drinking lots of water.

One thing that we’ve come to realize that even with all the expensive paid programs out there is that there’s no substitute for proper eating, exercise and staying away from sweets and colas. That’s the one thing most of these diets have in common. They exercise portion control but let you eat low calorie snacks as well as increase the amount of meals that you have a day to compensate for the smaller meal portions and to help ignite your metabolism. You don’t need to pay big dollars unless you simply can’t change your eating style on your own. Hubby and I have learned to incorporate more salads and well as fruits and vegetables. Weight loss isn’t about a magic pill like Green tea or a quick weight loss procedure like the sleeve or even about expensive meal programs. Weight loss is about undoing all the years of bad habits, unhealthy eating and learning a whole new way to look at your food.

Watching programs like the Biggest Loser will show you the proper way to reach your goals as well as can inspire you to work harder. Challenge your self and join in on Biggestloser.com to track your weight loss and keep a food diary. Hard work, dedication and healthy eating, and exercise is the best thing you can do for your self. After seeing the contestants lose between 12 and 8 lbs this week hubby and I are even more motivated than ever. Check back next week as we both update our progress. I’ll try to share our weekly meal journal to give you an idea of what were eating and how much exercise we are incorporating into our daily routine. Hubby has joined the park district gym last week and I’ll be working out at home with my Zumba fitness tapes and 30 Day Shred.

disclosure: Thoughts in this article are 100% my own and honest opinion. No payment or endorsement has been made.