Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Basic Tools of Weight Control

Tools of the trade. These are the things I use in my weight loss journey. This is not to say that any of you will absolutely need these things, but they are incredibly helpful to me. These are just the basics. Nothing fancy or terribly expensive. This list of tools will make losing weight an easier task to set out on.

Food Scale: I think this is the most imperative of all the weight loss tools than anyone could buy. Until you know for sure what you are eating how can you know if you're eating too much... or not enough? They aren't expensive at all. There are some that are digital, and some that are lower tech. It really doesn't matter which one you get. Just get one!

Scale: While I think this is a necessity, I want to give warnings about it too. Do not become obsessed with the scale. I say this from a place of experience. I was weighing myself every single day and getting discouraged because of the slight fluctuations. Weigh yourself once a week, TOPS! Currently I am weighing in every other week just to break the habit of the every day addiction. Also, pay attention to how much water you are drinking. The less you drink the more you retain. This will make the scale go up anywhere from 1-5 pounds.

Reusable Water Bottle: Speaking of the stuff.... get one you can take anywhere. Shop around to find one that suits you, this is important. Buying disposable water bottles is not only pricey, but bad for the environment. Just get one you can wash out. Drinking water instead of soda, juice, coffee or tea as your primary beverage will do wonders for your weight loss journey.

Measuring Tape: This tool is far more important than the scale ever will be. Your inches could jump down smaller and smaller, and the scale could not budge an inch. During the last workout I did I lost ZERO pounds, but went down 16 inches over my entire body. The measuring tape will be your friend when you are damning the scale to hell.

Camera: Disposable. Digital. Film. It doesn't matter! Take pictures of yourself from the beginning. Space them out 2-4 weeks. You will be pleasantly surprised at the difference.

Proper Clothing: You don't have to spend a lot of cash here. Ladies, get a sports bra that REALLY holds the girls in. Trust the voice of experience, you will need it. Also, if you are self-conscious about your legs, get cotton capris. They move with you, cover most of your legs and you don't have to worry so much. Men, a t-shirt and loose fitting shorts will do. Try not to go overly baggy in either case. The extra fabric will make you overheat and gets really uncomfortable after a few minutes of sweating.

Good Shoes: This is where the money goes. A good pair of workout shoes can run $100 plus. Look for sales. See what you can find at Sports Authority. This is an investment you will not regret.

These are just the basics. Do you absolutely need them in order to lose weight? No. No you don't. All you need to lose weight is determination and commitment. These tools will just aide you in your journey to health and well-being.

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