Counting Calories

This is very atypical for my blog, but today at Kelly's Korner it is Show Us Your Life - Diets, Exercise Programs, Weight Loss Ideas and I figured it was something I can greatly relate to so I would give it a try.

Not only am I studying Kinesiology: Exercise Science at school, but I also lost all (I can't believe I'm going to say this, I've only told a few people) 51 pounds I gained with Brode, and ended up losing even more! Different things work for different people, but I HIGHLY recommend calorie counting. You can exercise all day long, but if you go home and eat the same amount as you burned, you'll be stuck. Many people believe that when they eat healthy they assume it is a small amount of calories so they don't count - wrong. Many products like "1/3 less fat" actually have more calories. By writing down what you're eating and counting you feel a little more guilty and are aware of your choices and portions.

I used the "Lose It" program on my iPhone to count calories and it worked amazing for me. You can go the old notebook and pencil route, but it may be difficult to figure out what is in each thing if it is not labeled well. The Lose It app and many websites have extravagant lists of restaurants and grocery store products so it is a lot easier!

While counting calories, aim for 1,200 and by exercising it will be easier to stay around your target! You don't need to exercise for 6-8 hours a day like the people on The Biggest Loser, some simple varying of cardio and weight lifting will be good to get started and stay toned. While I counted calories I also went to the YMCA and did the elliptical, ran on the tredmill, did an ab workout, then lifted weights that focused on upper body.

Before I got pregnant with Brode I had a personal trainer at school so I was in similar shape as playing sports every day in high school. I then gained 51 pounds and did NOT like it. September 26, 2008 when Brode was born I lost 16lbs, but not much after that. February 2009 when I went back to school and Brode was in day care I began working out at 176 lbs and counting my calories and by the middle of June I was back down to 122, 3 lbs under my starting weight!

This years goal is that I want to become more of a runner. I really like training with all of my own weight and resistance. It allows me to work out at home without a huge gym center!


Before and After

(On the left)