You’ll notice on all of my posts that I’ll try to note several things. Whether it’s calories or Weight Watcher Smart Points. These are TOOLS in this weight loss journey. I’ll hyperlink some tools below. This is not meant to advertise but just items that help us with accountability and getting us this far on our journey.

I’m not a nutritionist, dietician or doctor. Before starting any program you should visit with your doctor and get their recommendation. This entire blog is dedicated to our experiences.

To be completely transparent I may benefit in some small way from some of those links. Noom and Weight Watchers do not have free options that I’m aware of but other platforms do.

Tracking Tools:
Noom: This is the first program I used in 2018 that really helped my relationship with food. It can be pricey but it does include a mentor and groups to participate in throughout your journey. This is based in calorie counting with a focus on caloric density of foods that get ranked red/yellow/green with associated calorie limits. The lessons are meaningful and short so it’s easy to learn and track your food. Noom
Weight Watchers: We all know our grandma’s weight watchers. Reality is you can reset your relationship with food and be accountable. The new program is a bit more flexible. You have access to coaches online. You don’t need to go to group meetings like grandma did, unless that’s your thing. Weight Watchers
LoseIt: app based calorie and fitness tracker
MyFitnessPal: app based calorie and fitness tracker
MyPlate Calorie Counter: app based calorie and macro counter, if you’re concerned with protein versus carbs or fat this is your best FREE option.

Kitchen and household Tools:
Instant Pot – I advise when you get these marvelous cooker that you order the extra insert with the non-stick lining and the silicone lids. This is how I cook two soups in a couple of hours. While one is cooking I prep the other insert and just put it in the machine when I pull the other out to cool, more to come on this.
Food scale – this isn’t 100% necessary but is handy if you tend to underestimate portions. This will help you zone in on how much food you’re eating for accuracy in your entries. You can easily find digital food scales at Wal-Mart or Target for under $20.
Spiralizer or Mandolin – If you want to make green veggies more accessible you can turn zucchini and squash into noodles with these tools. You can use them with several vegetables including potatoes but we’re not eating a lot of those these days.
Bathroom scale – do you remember what year you bought the one you have now? If not, order one. I have a Bluetooth scale from Amazon that has multiple profiles. Bluetooth Scale
Fabric or Body Measure Tape: Oh how I wish both of us had taken measurements before we started this journey. Fact is there are going to be plateaus…and you’ll be mad, like mad mad. But some things will be changing, just not the scale. It’s good to be able to measure and see the changes as well.
Garbage Can: Toss the junk food. Don’t wait to start on Monday, or next month. Start now and get rid of the crap you know you shouldn’t be eating. We’ll give you some great substitutes real soon that satisfy cravings and are a bit healthier for you.
Big Water Cup: If it helps you drink more water order one on Amazon with all of the lines on the side for the times you need to meet in drinking your water. But reality is if you’re getting serious you need to cut back on the sugary stuff and get more water. What you need depends on your body but 3-4 bottle or foundation sodas a day is most of my calorie count in a day for food. This includes watching what you put in your coffee…or tea.

Motivation Items:
Take a picture, right now: Save it in a special folder and use it in the future. You won’t always see the changes your body is making while it’s happening. Before and after pictures are POWERFUL. They show progress you don’t see in the mirror, don’t take them for granted. Get real and take a picture.
Goals: Write them down. Make small goals at first, 10-15 lbs at a time. Do NOT aim for more than 2lbs per week, that’s just not healthy, attainable or able to be maintained long term.
Podcasts: I’ll probably quote the “Cut the Fat” podcast a lot. They’ve taught me so much. More about cutting the fat and being strong than just being “skinny fat”.

Comment below if you think there is something I forgot.

This post will get added to as frequently as I think of anything. So subscribe and drink some water!