My Favorite Weight loss Must Haves

First off I want to thank all of you that have become followers or are reading this finding something you enjoy and becoming a follower.  I truly appreciate each and everyone of you!  I could have never imagined the wonderful response I have gotten for my little ol' blog.  I love it, and each of you!  I did say I had a big surprise for you all when I hit my 200th follower, well, I did hit it, but have also hit a small wall.  My big surprise was a giveaway, a really cool giveaway, but the owner of the shop still hasn't given me the final green light.  I am soooooo sorry.  I promise, as soon I have the green light I will have something really great for you all.  I hope this doesn't change your mind about becoming a follower. Anyhow, to today's post...

I was called by one of my best buddies Leslie from college this past weekend.  

Leslie from my wedding

She asked if I would be in her wedding in September.  I was thoroughly excited. You know how exciting it is to get engaged and start all of the fun of planning your dream wedding?  For those that haven't experienced it yet, it's an amazing thrill.  Anyway, I got all giddy for her and thought back to those days for myself, then I thought about how I'm going to look in a dress, and reality hit me.  UGH, I love to dress up, but I'm not my college self, well, correction the weight I was at my wedding.  So I decided I have plenty of time, and the weight loss/eating better and watching better starts now!  

I want to share with you the things I use and can't live without when I'm truly watching my weight.  First is a great diet Journal or notebook that you can write down your calories.  YES, it's a lot of work, but it's the only way I have found that I can be accountable for the calories I intake.  This is my favorite

This one breaks everything down for you, it has stickers for when you do good, it has a chart in the front, and it has a small food guide in the back.  The best part about this one, is it's small enough to fit in your purse or diaper bag.  I found mine at Barnes and Noble.

The next must have is The Biggest Loser Complete Calorie Counter

This has every food that you can think of and all the nutritional info in it.  It is also small enough to carry around in your purse

If you have an iPod touch or iPhone, The Fitness Pal app is pretty cool to have.  You wouldn't need the two above if you have it.  It counts your calories for you, tells you how many you have left, and you can put in your exercise and it calculates how many food calories you have remaining.  I love this because I'm really bad at calculating how many food calories I have after exercising.  Usually I don't, then I haven't eaten enough calories to loss the weight. I think that sounds so weird, but I learned that if you don't eat enough calories, you can't lose the weight.  

I think it's important to have a great pair of running or walking shoes.  If you don't know, they are different.  If you run, they are made differently than walking shoes, are vise versa.  So whichever you choose, please be sure to have the right shoes.  I like these

It's important to try on several pair and see what's comfortable for you.

I also feel that the only things you need are one of these

or these

I learned the last time I decided to lose weight that I didn't have to spend big money for a gym membership or a lot of equipment.  All you need is some open road and get out there and walk.  Watch what you eat, and yes you can eat the things you love, but you have to count the calories you intake and burn out!  Bob Harper said on the Biggest Loser one time, if you want that dessert, you can have it, but limit it to ONCE A WEEK, not anymore.  

I have found that all of this works, if you put the time into it.  You have to ask yourself, is your health and happiness worth the work?  We all make choices, choices for ourselves and our families.  If you want something badly enough, you will choose to do it.  I hate the excuse I don't have time, that's crap, just sayin.  30 mins 3 to 4 days a week, can be found for yourself.  Like Nike says, JUST DO IT!  Be strong, and power on.  You are not alone, I'm here doing the same thing.  If you need motivation I will be here to PUMP YOU UP!    

All of the products shown are things I purchase with my own money, nothing was given to me for review, and they are all my personal opinion.

Have a great day, and make it the first day to your weight loss success!  Love, BJ