Losing weight on your own can be difficult that’s why I have put together this list of the top five tools that I used to lose over 95 pounds. The links that I am sharing in this post are affiliate links however you DON’T pay anymore than regular prices and I get a small commission, which I think is a win for everyone!
Tool #1: Food journal
I have not followed a specific diet or exercise plan on my weight loss journey. My journey has been an intuitive eating approach and I’ve kept myself accountable by using a food journal. Each morning I plan what I eat for the day. Again, no specific food plan. I planned for whatever we had on-hand, what my family was eating or chose ahead of time a meal to order, if I was eating out.
I made my plans each morning because that is when I felt my best and could really focus on how to show up as my best self that day. I found that if I waited to plan until much later, I was more likely to plan for what would feel or taste good, rather than what my best self would choose to make progress towards her weight loss goal.
This journal was a great tool because I was able to fill in my daily food plan as well as there was a place to evaluate whether or not I stuck to it. Don’t skip that part! The evaluation part really helps you identify trends on when you most often eat off-plan. I also really loved that it had a place to journal about feelings as well. You can grab your own copy of this journal HERE or click the picture below.
Tool #2: Scale
Yep, I said it. The scale. Although the scale shouldn’t be your #1 tool on your weight loss journey, it still has its place.
I love this scale because it uploads my data directly into the FitIndex app on my phone. I love looking at my historical data through the graphs especially. It helps me keep perspective. Whenever you see the scale go up a bit, it can be really disappointing but when I look at my weight loss graph over the past couple years, it helps me remember that weight goes up sometimes and it’s not the end of the world. Want to grab this digital scale? Get it HERE.
This might not be a great tool for you if you struggle with seeing the number on the scale fluctuate. If that’s you, I highly recommend reading this blog post on How to accept any number on the scale.
Tool #3: Digital Tape Measure
The scale is useful however it is not the KING of measuring weight loss success. That’s why my third weight loss tool I recommend is a digital measuring tape. This measuring tape was a GAME CHANGER. Previously, I used an ordinary sewing tape and would often have to ask my husband for help holding it when measuring my arms but not with this!
This measuring tape has a place to hook the end of it so you can loop it around different body parts. There is also a button that pulls it in for a snug fit. SO easy. It also pairs with the FitIndex app on my phone and will keep track of the changes for all of my different body parts. This is such an amazing tool. It really helps you stay motivated to see the body measurements decreasing even when the scale might not be going down. There is also a special button on this that sends the measurement right to your phone over Bluetooth. It literally doesn’t get any easier than that. If you want one, get it HERE.
Tool #4: Treadmill Desk
This was crucial as the pandemic hit and I was working from home. My activity dramatically dropped as I no longer had to walk from the metro to my office. I used a shelf across my treadmill arms for a long time however I was beginning to get some pain in the legs and realized that the walking and being slightly bent over was causing strain on my muscles.
The lift on this treadmill attachment was perfect for keeping my head upright and not straining my muscles. And what’s even better is that this attaches to a treadmill you already have! Check it out HERE.
Tool #5: Habit Change
By far the most influential tool on my journey has been changing my habits and tracking them. I absolutely LOVE James Clear’s book Atomic Habits.
This book really helps you understand how habits are formed, how to change undesirable habits and create more desirable ones. I used this book in changing my night time snacking habits, creating the habit of writing a daily plan and getting to bed earlier. The way he teaches is so clear and understandable. I have no doubt it will change your life too (and not just with weight loss!). Don’t wait, grab a copy TODAY.
So that’s it! Those are my top five weight loss tools that helped me lose over 95 pounds.
Comment below which one you are excited to try!
Your Coach,
Andrea