Long Term Weight Loss Solutions | i should be mopping the floor
Homepage Projects and Crafts Free Fonts Free Printables and SVG Files Printables Journals and Planners Facebook Covers and Device Wallpapers Spring Projects and Printables


Long Term Weight Loss Solutions

This post for Weight Loss Solutions contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Affiliate, I make a small portion when these links are used, at no additional cost to you.

It's been nearly five years, but I've made it to 150 pounds lost. I'm sharing several of my favorite long term weight loss solutions with you today. This has been one of the best decisions I've ever made: taking back my health. And these weight loss solutions are definitely do-able for anyone. Check them out below. 

Long Term Weight Loss Solutions
Nearly five years ago, I started down (yet another) weight loss journey. I had no way of really knowing it at the time, but it's one that has completely stuck with me and turned my world upside down (in a good way). I never dreamed I'd lose 150 pounds (like...ever). And it's been one of the most incredible journeys that I can't imagine my life without. I've shared about my experience a couple of times, but I was excited to give you all an update on what I'm still doing, what I've changed, and what no longer worked. 


Long Term Weight Loss Solutions

If you've been following this blog for a bit, you may remember that I've shared previously about how the Trim Healthy Mama program has changed my life. I want to start out by saying that this isn't a sponsored post. I've done this program on my own, apart from blog life. But, it has worked so well for me that a year or so into it, I started sharing what I was doing...in the hopes of inspiring others to take control of their health, too. I'm sharing the latest on this 150 pound (and a few more to go) walk with you below.
Weight Loss Solutions
And, as I've mentioned before, my husband does this with me. He's lost over 60 pounds. We still continue daily walks, as pictured above, as a major part of our weight loss (and maintenance).

Before and After Photos

Please note: this post contains an inordinate amount of photos (of myself...kind of weird and not the norm for a blog about printables). I purely included these as inspiration in the before/after situations. Personally, those are what inspire me the most when I read others' stories. They tell the visual story of nearly five years of work, so I did feel compelled to include quite a number of them. My prayer is that they inspire others. But, please be kind when leaving a comment or pinning/sharing any of these. I'm definitely a real life (vulnerable) person sharing these with you...and some of the before ones are quite raw and unpleasant (well, for me, anyway). I just ask for kindness in comments. 

Weight Loss Solutions for Obesity

Trim Healthy Mama for the Long Haul

While I won't go into detail today about what this program is, you can read my previous post on my initial start with Trim Healthy Mama here, along with my first follow up post here. Today, I'm sharing how we've continued to make this work for our life, for almost five years now. But here are a few tidbits regarding how the THM life still works for us: 
  • For the most part, we still follow the Trim Healthy Mama plan and rarely deviate or cheat. You can purchase the Trim Healthy Mama plan book here on Amazon. Plus their Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook and Trim Healthy Table Cookbook. Be sure to read my initial post about the plan here before diving in...it's not for everybody (especially if you don't love cooking).
  • While we follow the plan, we now do a lot of "crossover meals" on the plan, which include both healthy fats and healthy carbs. In the first few years where we had a lot more weight to use, we stuck to the two main fuel categories and rarely did crossovers. But, since we're nearing maintenance mode, and still walk a lot, crossovers fit our lifestyle quite nicely.
  • While there is certainly a learning curve to this particular plan (I started and stopped multiple times that first year), once you learn it and are committed, it's definitely second nature. I rarely think about it now...it's my lifestyle that I don't plan on deviating from.

Before and After Weight Loss Solutions

Staying With It

As many of you know, the past two years have held a great deal of loss for us. I lost both of my parents within a year and a half of one another (my mother's death in 2018 was a complete shock when she passed away moments after a massive stroke, and my father's death this past February was after a six-week Pancreatic Cancer battle). I'd be lying if I didn't say I worried about my health during those times. But, I never faltered with my plan...well, I take that back. Once, I ate a carton of ice cream shortly after my mom's death. I woke the next day with the worst "sugar/carb hangover" that I've ever experienced and that cured any other thought of going rogue. 
  • I can't stress the word "commitment" enough. I'm committed to my health for life. I'm ridiculously empowered by it. And I don't let things like holidays or celebrations make me second guess that commitment. I find ways to eat my way and still make it work. Yesterday was my birthday. I had a Trim Healthy Mama chocolate cake instead of a sugar-filled bakery one. And I loved it and still felt celebrated!
  • The beauty of the plan I'm on is the magic three hour window. If you do fall off the wagon, in three hours, you have this automatic restart. 

Weight Loss Solutions that Work

Accountability is Everything

I am held accountable by myself, along with several other people who are very aware of my lifestyle. This would not be easy to go alone.
  • My walking buddy is a biggie to me. She and I meet every weekday morning at 8 am and walk for nearly two hours (in the summers, we roll it back to 7 am due to Texas heat). We even walk in inclement weather. We also challenge each other with other ab or arm or leg workouts we may text to one another every now and then. I don't know what I would do without Sandy! She's seriously one of my biggest accountability factors. 
  • My husband is my other walking buddy for weekends and holidays. He also keeps me accountable (not in a bossy way or anything like that) on the menu front. My kids know our lifestyle, too. It's gotten to where they don't want to get food at places that don't have many choices for mom and dad, too...which is pretty neat of them!
  • I have a therapist, too. I started seeing a grief counselor after my mom died. My weight loss is a part of our regular rotation of topics. She often asks me where I am with it and how it's going. She offers great pointers, too, which I do tend to follow readily.
  • My doctors are also all aware of my weight loss and cheer me on at each visit. I'm a thyroid cancer survivor, plus I live with what is called a prolapsed uterus, so I have a few specialists I see many times a year. They are all so incredibly encouraging. I recently had a chat with my OB about extra skin and his thoughts on removing it. He told me I should wear it like a badge of honor. Not sure I'm sold on that, but he's so proud of me that it makes me smile.

Weight Loss Solutions that Really Work

Tips for Long Term Weight Loss

  • Changing things up is a biggie. This was one of those tips my therapist told me that really stuck. I do hit plateaus from time to time and she's always the one I whine to about them. Changing exercise and food helps. I added in tennis this summer and this winter, I've added sit ups and push ups. I do still continue the six miles/15,000 steps a day in addition to those others. I'll also change up meal times or do four small meals instead of three regular ones in a day.
  • Drink an incredible amount of water. More on that below.
  • Try going dairy free for small periods of time. This always gets my system back on the weight loss train. It's not my favorite (I love cheese so much), but it does the trick. I usually just do it for a week here and there and it works like a charm. 
  • Find accountability groups to seek answers and inspiration. I'm in several THM groups on FB that are all super helpful. I have several THMers I follow on Instagram, too, that are open to chat anytime. 
  • Don't eat past 7pm. I struggle with this, but when I do it, it works like a charm and keeps me on track. 
  • Know that the longer you get into your journey and the less you have to lose, the longer it takes. This past year, I've still lost weight, but it's been at a snail's pace since I'm getting close to my goal. 

Weight Loss Wardrobe Ideas

Clothing for Weight Loss
I get asked a lot how I keep up with clothing when my size is always decreasing. This is definitely something a clotheshorse like me kind of has to keep a tight reign on. No lie, clothes shopping is a lot more fun in my smaller sizes, but I am very mindful of the fact that I'm not at my goal weight and all of these clothes are still in the temporary form, in one way or another. 
  • Since I do sew, I alter some of my clothing myself. The middle blouse above is one of my favorites (I have about a half dozen of the no-iron button blouses from Land's End that I love). These blouses are really easy to alter. I've taken them all in many inches more than once. The one pictured is a size 20 that I estimate has been altered down to a 12 or 14. 
  • I shop thrift stores whenever possible. The smaller my size has gotten, the more clothes seem to be available. I look for the brands I like and know fit me. I now only wear jeans from Loft or The Gap because they fit me perfectly. I know exactly what size I wear in each and find them often at thrift stores. The outfit on the above left photo is entirely from Goodwill...the sweater is actually Banana Republic.
  • I shop ThredUp all the time, as well as sell my old clothes with them (I can't resell the altered ones, though, that's against their policy). The dress on the above right is from ThredUp. I love that I can sort by size, brand, inseam, etc. If you've never shopped them, here's a code for $10 off your first order
  • Through both ThredUp and thrift stores, I also maintain a good workout wardrobe since two hours of every day is spent in workout attire. It actually makes me feel better about myself to put on proper workout attire that actually fits and works well for me (phone pockets are a must for me!).
  • My biggest expense is walking shoes since I go through them quickly doing six miles a day. But, it's an essential that I don't skimp on. 

Cooking at Home

Healthy Cooking Weight Loss Solitions
Even prior to the pandemic, we cook our meals at home most of the time. It's so much better and we have more control over what we eat. That's not to say we don't love a good meal out, we just use that as a treat (but still stay within our plan's parameters). 

Weight Loss Solutions for Couples
Above are a few snippets of our combined weight loss. My husband's weight came off a lot faster than mine, but I did catch up (and now weigh less than him!). Also, I never in a million years would've taken a photo in a bathing suit, but here we are. Be sure to read about my vacation tips for staying on plan in my second weight loss post here


Drinking Water

Daily Water Intake
For awhile, I had switched to iced tea during the days, but I've found that water is better overall. I now drink two of these bottles every day (that's 128 ounces...one whole gallon). Yes, I use the bathroom a lot. But, I try to stop the water intake shortly after dinner to help with that. You can purchase this same bottle (with the motivational times) here on Amazon. 

Healthy Hobbies

Gardening for Weight Loss
One other thing my therapist recommended was adding a healthy hobby or two to my days. After a nine year absence, I found my way back to gardening. Over the spring and summer months, I get about 3,000 more steps a day when I'm tending to my gardens, composts, and flower beds. Plus, the food is the icing on top (well, not actual icing, huh?). I also grow a lot of my own flowers that I use in my home in my cutting garden. And, since I'm in Texas, I've already set up low tunnels to get a jump on things for the spring. My carrots are doing fabulously and it's only January! 


Other Helpful Tools

Apple Watch for Weight Loss
While for years, I've preached about my cheap step counter (it's still a good one if you want to see it here), my family bought me an Apple Watch for my birthday and told me it was time to upgrade. I'm slowly trying to transition to using it for my health and fitness. But, clearly, old habits are hard to break. I wear my old one next to it, much to my teeanagers' chagrin. I promise it's just for the learning curve. I think.

Dairy Free Creamer
Another new item to enter my life this year is this dairy-free creamer from Califia farms. It's amazing. I used flavored Nut Pods for a while and still like them, but this dairy free half-n-half is seriously incredible (almost as good as heavy cream but without any guilt). I get mine at Walmart. I like this unflavored one, but the vanilla is also tasty. This is for my daily coffee.

Trim Healthy Mama Success Story
And yes, I still have about 30 more pounds to go and definitely plan to get there on this plan. I hope this inspires someone else to take control of their health...it's the best feeling ever. If you have any questions, let me know in the comments and I'm happy to help. 

Long Term Weight Loss Ideas





66 comments:

  1. Congratulations!!! That is awesome and I am hearing you - I have lost 26.2kgs (57.7 lbs) and feel like a new person. It is an amazing feeling :-)

    ReplyDelete
  2. How wonderful for you both! Very inspirational!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Congratulations! While I haven’t had to follow a weight loss diet, I have needed to start following a low fodmap diet. The first year was really hard. But once you start feeling better ( and I do) that is a huge motivation. I realized recently that it’s been 9 years! And it’s wonderful to share what works with others to help them on their journey. A side benefit was losing about 30 pounds, but the great part is being able to maintain. And totally agree enjoying to cook is a big plus. Congratulations again and thank you for all you share with us.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Awesome, Lady Absolutely Awesome.!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. sooooo happy for you both!!! I lost my weight, 50 lbs, with Weight Watchers, & have kept it off for over 20 years. I pretty much follow Mediterranean diet while continueing as a free Lifetimer w/ WW.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Congratulations. What is this three hour window you’re talking about?

    ReplyDelete
  7. Inspirational! Clearly, beautiful on the inside and out! <3

    ReplyDelete
  8. Congratulations! I’m sure it’s been hard at times, but you stuck with it! Good luck and prayers on the last 30 pounds!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Beautiful you! So glad you found a plan that works for you and your family. An added bonus is teaching your teenagers good eating habits. We should all tap into your motivation and determination for having a healthy lifestyle. Thank you for the encouragement.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thank you for sharing your journey! You are an inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Wow! You look amazing! I have 100 lbs to lose, and your story has motivated me to try again. Thank you for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  12. Wow! So encouraging! I am close to where you were at the start. I have lost 20 lbs since the pandemic started but have much more to lose. Checking into the tips you have posted. Thank you for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Fellow THMer here! I love seeing these types of pictures! Congratulations on your weight loss! I absolutely agree that this is a lifestyle and for me, the health benefits are key. I didn’t have many pounds to loose, but my health was a mess. I’m so thankful for the THM lifestyle and all the healing ingredients that we have learned about along the way. Blessings!

    ReplyDelete
  14. This is so awesome! You look amazing! Keep it up mama!

    ReplyDelete
  15. You look fantastic! What an inspiration for all of us!

    ReplyDelete
  16. You look fantastic, way to go!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Congratulations!!! You should be SO proud!!!

    ReplyDelete
  18. You have inspired me! CONGRATS on your incredible journey!!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Wow, thank you for sharing your story. You’re amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Amazing!! I can't even manage to stick to a diet for a week!!!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Wow! You are an inspiration. Congratulations! I need/want to lose 50-60 lbs. so these tips are great. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Congratulations on your weight loss journey. Eating healthy and exercise are the key. You look fabulous and I wish you the very best getting to your goal.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Congratulations, Kristi!! You are amazing and I loved reading about your routine! Thank you for sharing your weight loss journey with us. You’re an inspiration! Also, I LOVE my Apple Watch. It’s helped to get me motivated to exercise daily.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Congratulations 🎉‼️💥 Most of all thank you for sharing your story/photos. I am a breast cancer & MCA stroke survivor so I completely understand the importance of healthy eating, exercise etc... I too live in TX, originally from San Diego so I get the walking in the summer 🥵🥵 Bravo yo you & all your hard work & your husbands ✅ Have a blessed day🙏🏼♥️

    ReplyDelete
  25. You both look healthy and beautiful 😍 💕. Send you loves from Canada 🇨🇦

    ReplyDelete
  26. All of your photos are great! I always admire your style. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  27. You look AMAZING! Congratulations!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Congratulations! Thank you for sharing your trials, triumphs and tips. I've lost 19 pounds and my husband has lost 30. I am so encouraged by your post.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Congratulations! What an inspiration you are. You've shown hard work and perseverance really does pay off!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Congratulations! You are amazing and such an inspiration to all. Thank you for sharing your story.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Kristi, This is so inspiring and uplifting and really warms my heart. Thank you so much for sharing this journey with us!! And thank you for the creamer recommendation! I am a Nutpods user, but your description of this one sounds too good not to try!!!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Congratulations! I am sure it isn’t easy to put yourself out on display. It is wonderful to know that you are not alone and by you showing this to us, you help a lot of others. Thank you and way to go.

    ReplyDelete
  33. I’m a doctor who mainly works with obese patients and I want to let you know how proud I am of you! You have achieved SOmuch!!! I believe when you reach your goal weight you should get the excess skin removed. My health group pays for removal because it becomes a health issue with infections

    Mary

    ReplyDelete
  34. FANTASTIC! Over 30 years ago I lost 160 lbs. after being diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. The journey was not easy, but well worth it! It has gotten easier thru the years. Keep up the good work!!

    ReplyDelete
  35. I woke up this morning and recommitted to my weight loss. I lost 45 pounds prior to the pandemic and have gained almost all of it back, STRESS EATING, BOREDOM. And with it came limited ability to exercise due to the weight. I also have to lose 150 pounds (A PERSON !!!!). When I opened my mail, there YOU were! It was a sign from the universe. I adore you and all you do each day to share your talents but little did I know your journey! Much continued success and I will take my photos along the way as well. I did take some but not consistently. THANKS,Jean

    ReplyDelete
  36. What a great success!! Keep it up. I have lost over 30 lbs. since my husband died in 2018 and I am happy with where I am now. Losing weight is a huge life-long battle for most of us. Congrats!

    ReplyDelete
  37. You Rock!! Congrats!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Awesome! You have done an incredible job losing this weight. I've been overweight since I was in third grade but lost 90 pounds following an illness and have kept that off, plus lost a bit more. I still have around 60 pounds to go. It's a great feeling!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Amazing story!... and inspiring too. Congratulations!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Congratulations Kristi, You look amazing even though you still have a few more pounds to go.
    I know you can do it. God's always there watching over us no matter what we are doing or where we are
    at in life's excursion. Prayers for your success.

    ReplyDelete
  41. You look amazing! You are an extraordinary inspiration! Thank you for sharing your journey with us. It gives me hope to help me lose 100lbs. Thank you also for sharing your beautiful watercolor paintings in your e-mails. I look forward to receiving them and they brighten my day. Thank you for sharing this wonderful talent with us. Prayers for peace and comfort at the passing of your loved ones.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Congratulations Kristi!!! Thank you so much for your honesty and very inspiring words. I appreciate you! I agree with others that you for sure are beautiful inside and out! Any recommendations on a weight loss journey for someone who doesn't like to cook?

    ReplyDelete
  43. Congratulations, Kristi, thank you for sharing with us. you're an inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Congratulations!! You look wonderful! Thank you for all the freebies you offer us. God Bless!

    ReplyDelete
  45. You are amazing. What an uplifting inspiration you are to so many of us that struggle with weight loss. Keep up the great and wonderful work!

    ReplyDelete
  46. Congratulation!!! There is good advice in your post for all of us! While I don't have a weight problem, I do need to exercise (walk) more to help my osteoporosis. I also need to drink more water, but have trouble in that area. If I drink water at the wrong time, I end up feeling sick. It has been that way my entire life & no doctor can seem to figure out why. I thank you for sharing your journey & transparency and am cheering you on as you "walk" the last part of this weight loss journey!

    ReplyDelete
  47. Wow, Wow and more Wow's, your journey is incredible and inspiring!!!!! Congratulations!!!! It is awesome that you had a buddy to go through this journey with and that you have stuck with it. Keep it up!!! ... and thank you for all the printable that you share with us. You are very talented!!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Kristi, You are amazing... in addition to producing a fabulous blog, you seem to be an incredible person! People like you shine, keep up your positivity, life is ours for the taking. Keep up the phenomenal work!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Thank you so much for sharing your journey. You are in an inspiration for me as I start on my own journey of weight loss with a similiar goal.

    ReplyDelete
  50. You are fantastic!!! Congratulations!

    ReplyDelete
  51. Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!! I also need to lose 150 pounds. I started on the 1st. Thank you for sharing your story, tips, and before and after photo's. You are an inspiration to many, including myself. Good luck on keeping it off for good!

    ReplyDelete
  52. Kristi!!!! Congratulations!!!! I need to losse about 150 pounds also and you have given me hope. I have tried WW a couple of times and always get to a plateau, just can't go any further. Thank you so much for continuing to share your story!!

    ReplyDelete
  53. Kristi, I just want to commend you on the generosity of spirit you showed in sharing this with us. I am absolutely certain that your vulnerability in sharing your personal story made someone else feel better about their own weight situation. Thank you for being so open in a world that can be very judgmental about weight.

    ReplyDelete
  54. I'm so proud of you! What a challenge you've faced. Great job. Keep going until you reach your goal.

    ReplyDelete
  55. It's a whole person less! Congratulations on slimming down, and thank you for acting as my own inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  56. Super fabulous job !!! Your story IS very inspiring!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  57. Oh. My. Goodness! You look AMAZING, and I know you FEEL so much better! Thank you for sharing this with us, your followers. If you would ever like to hear my story, I'd be glad to share it with you. In the meantime, YOU GO GIRL!

    ReplyDelete
  58. YOU are a total inspiration. Thank you for sharing. I am so proud of you, I need to follow and do better so I can be proud of me too.

    ReplyDelete
  59. Congratulations!! So happy for you.

    ReplyDelete
  60. Congratulations!! You look great! You and your husband both look so healthy and happy. Very happy for you.

    ReplyDelete
  61. Yay you!!!! Awesome! I think all your tips are super smart and doable. Thank you so much for sharing your story.

    ReplyDelete
  62. This calls for a WOOOOO HOOO ! I do find your post inspirational and that includes the pictures ! Thanks for sharing and keep it up - you Rock girl !

    ReplyDelete
  63. What you achieved is incredible - you are an inspiration and sharing may encourage others on a weight loss journey. Congratulations!

    ReplyDelete
  64. I love your story. I love it. Congrats to you. I am heading in the same direction. I want to love me back to the old me that was thinner. In looking at the photos, it is so interesting to me how much your face changes. How different you appear in the face. If it was only your face that you can see, would people recognize you? Congrats on your weight loss....you are an inspiration. Alot of what you said, starting with commitment is what I also heard from others. Commit. Make yourself important enough. I am so excited to start following along and finding my new old self.

    ReplyDelete