# # POST TITLE HERE

My Top 5 Weight Loss Must Haves!

December 2, 2013

On my weekly weekend recap, I happily reported that I lost 5 pounds this past week.

However, I lied. 

When I went to my doctors appointment this afternoon, I was actually informed I lost 8.2 pounds.

Um... AWESOME!

I can not wait to write all about my plan and what I am doing, but I need about seven more weeks before I can, so bare with me. I am doing some trial and error and experimenting. 

Last week, I had a complete blood panel done. Basically a physical. I have been honest about my weight struggle this year. I do not really want to go in a lot of detail on this entry, but basically January through April my body was put through hell. Pair the physical pain with mental and emotional, and it resulted in me "letting myself" go for a while.

You see, I have lost over 100 pounds. My journey first started in September of 2008 when I was 19 years old. Here is the thing though: the journey never ends. Just because you lose a significant amount of weight, does not mean the journey is finished. It is a complete lifestyle change. I did a great job of keeping it off until earlier this year. 

Since obtaining my new job at the end of October and making some big changes in my life, I have been a lot happier. Actually not just "a lot happier", but unbelievably happy. I almost feel like a brand new person. I tell some people I have been "reborn". Thus, I have picked myself up, dusted myself off, and now I am back at kicking ass and finishing getting the weight off that I have gained this year - all 34 pounds of it. I am down 8 right now - that is a start.

Gaining a significant amount of weight this year made me really worry about my health. My heart, blood pressure, cholesterol, thyroid, and most of all, possibly obtaining diabetes. Well, I am elated to say that when I went to my follow-up appointment today everything was perfect. I am in tip-top health. I definitely did not expect that. I thought maybe I have screwed my thyroid up from gaining weight, that I was in danger to develop diabetes, and that my blood pressure would be through the roof. To be honest, I was just scared that I had completely thrown my health away. That is how low I have felt this year.

Since health and fitness are the two of the biggest parts of my life, I thought I would share my current top 5 must haves to help aid in my journey! I would also leave to hear what you guys use as well. What has helped you? Please feel free to leave your tips in the comments below. We all need support and advice!

1.) Coconut Oil

As crazy as this sounds. I eat one tablespoon of this a day. I literally put a tablespoon in the jar, scoop it out, and force myself to eat it. It really does not have must of a taste. I think most of the struggle is mental. Initially my mind wants to think it's butter so I almost gag eating it, but then when I taste it, I am fine. Of course you can also cook with it! Use it as a non-stick spray. The benefits of coconut oil will literally astound you! I buy mine at Earthfare and I also know it can be found at Trader Joe's and Whole Foods. Click here to read all about the amazing benefits!

2) Quest Protein Bars

These bars save me from hunger and when I am go-go-go, which is 95% of the time. You truly have to be careful about the protein bars that you eat. Most of them are NOT better than candy bars, literally 90% of protein bars out there have more sugar than candy bars! They also can be loaded with additives. Quest Bars have 21g of protein which is perfect as a meal replacement. I eat 6 "small" meals a day and a Quest Bar paired with an apple is ALWAYS my meal #2. Furthermore Quest Bars have 21g of carbohydrates and 17 of those is dietary fiber. That is fantastic! 80% of people do not get enough fiber in their diets so this is a great source. To show you how even more amazing Quest Bars are, most of them have just 1g of sugar. Not to mention the taste. They are absolutely delicious. And I say that as a picky eater. My top two favorites are chocolate chip cookie dough and white chocolate raspberry. I buy them at GNC mostly. You can buy them by the box or as singles! GNC always has a special on them as well -- buy 3 get 1 FREE! They can also be ordered online on Quest Bar's website. 

3) Vitamin B12 Injections


This may sound a little odd, but it isn't. Instead of taking a vitamin B12 pill, I opt to get an injection. Naturally, a persons body does not absorb a "pill" as well as it does an injection directly into the blood stream. Vitamin B12 Injections have changed my life. However, they do not cause weight loss. What B12 does is improve your overall well being. I am NEVER fatigued at work anymore. I am able to handle stress and pressure easily, my mood is constantly stable and positive, and I simply feel so much better. I work out in the evenings and sometimes I am exhausted by the time 5 o'clock rolls around. I work in a corporate office environment, but I am the Office Manager. That means I NEVER sit down. I run around all day, so some days the last thing I want to do  is go to the gym when I get off of work. Oh, and you can forget me getting up early to go workout. I hate morning workout's. B12 has helped me so much with that. I have a lot more energy and best of all that energy is not coming from sugar or caffeine. I get my injections at a place called "Medi Weight Loss". They are $10 a week there. Medi is national franchise with locations throughout the United States. I have heard a lot of people tell me they are also available at primary care doctors offices as well as other weight loss clinics. If you do not have a "Medi Weight Loss" clinic around you, I would search and call around for any wellness practices in your area. Another benefit; a lot of insurance companies cover the injections! Thankfully since my company has a "wellness" program, I get reimbursed for them. Check with your employer as well, it can't hurt!

4) My Health Journal and "Life" Planner
Aside from a strong mind, organization is one of the top 3 most important aspects of losing weight. I use my planner to record expenses, write grocery lists and meal ideas, appointments, goals, and more. I use it to list all of my thoughts. My planner was designed for it too! I bought it at Target for $20 and best of all, the dates are not printed in there, you write them. So if you buy it today, it starts today. Every health professional and doctor I have ever spoken with has told me how imperative recording your nutrition and workouts are and that if more people did and stuck with it, they would see such a difference. I use my journal to list out my daily nutrition and exercise. My journal is nothing but a simple pink notebook that I also bought at Target for around $1. One may think it is time consuming, but it really isn't. It takes me maybe 10-15 minutes a day. And lets face it, if you really want something, you will make time for it. Recording what I eat keeps me in check. It ensures I do not under or overeat, that I am consuming the adequate amount of proteins, fiber, etc. A lot of times, if you take the time to write your diet out, you would be surprised at how quickly calories can add up! By keeping myself prepared and organized, I stay on track and motivated. I have noticed that I always do better losing weight when I keep up with it in my journal. 

5) BCAA's.


BCAA's are "branched-chain amino acid's". YES! They are essential! These are amazing and must haves for ANYONE who engages in any type of exercise and/or physical activity. They do not cause you to gain weight  nor are they dangerous, they are solely for muscle recovery and they absolutely make a difference. They also help fatigue. I take two capsules after every training session and two in the morning when I first wake up. If I wake up tired, sore, and stiff in the morning, as soon as I take two of them, they make me feel like a new person. Branched-chain amino acids stimulate the building of protein in muscle and reduce muscle breakdown. Another interesting benefit of them is that they prevent faulty message transmission in the brain cells of people with advanced liver disease. I buy mine at GNC and order through Bodybuilding.com. 

45 comments

  1. These are a few very good ideas. WOW!!! 8.2 lbs in one week. Yippee! I can't wait to read about what you are doing to achieve this fabulous results. I had heard about the benefits of coconut oil, although I never heard about eating it just by itself. This one thing I will definitely be trying.

    Barbara @ www.allmylivesnow.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I use my journal to list out my daily nutrition and exercise. Phuket

      Delete
    2. Thanks a lot for sharing us about this update. Hope you will not get tired on making posts as informative as this. Health

      Delete
  2. So glad you had a good trip to the doctor! You go girl! 8.2 lbs is a lot for one week!!
    I've heard a lot of things about coconut oil - I will have to check out that link you shared.
    How many grams of sugar do the Quest bars have? When John and I were checking out protein bars I couldn't believe how much sugar some of them had!
    Thanks for sharing your must haves!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Cool ideas- especially keeping the food journal... I REALLY need to get better about this! xo

    ReplyDelete
  4. This was extremely informative and helpful. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  5. You are so on top of things!
    I have heard of coconut oil and now need to check out your link. Do you have an opinion on apple cider vinegar? I have heard a lot of benefits of it and have also heard of people drinking it by the tablespoon before meals.
    Glad you are feeling re-born and loving your new job! :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love you. I've been stuck… I feel like no matter how much I work out these days (which is not an insane amount but way more than I ever have) I haven't lost any weight or made any kind of progress. Life saver. I'm heading over to Amazon right now. <3 Oh and congrats on the lbs! That's an awesome start!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I LOVE coconut oil!! Congrats on the weight loss girl! You are an inspiration to all!

    ReplyDelete
  8. yay for you on the 8lbs down!! I love cooking with coconut oil, I have never tried taking a scoop of it, i dunno if I can muster the courage lol!

    ReplyDelete
  9. ive heard about coconut oil before but never tried it!! we just ran out of non-stick spray so maybe i'll look into it as an alternative :)

    i'm happy that you are continuing working on your fitness and health!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I swear by amino acids. I actually started a new amino acid product, Blox. It's a silk chained amino acid drink. Its like your normal BCAAs on crack lol, but in a good way. GNC sells it. I get the fruit punch. It is amazing. I drink it before a work out and after. The taste is CRAZY delicious, like Hawaiian Punch. No sugars. Congrats on your 8 lbs!! I am working on my "last" 10 pounds. Those are the worst!!! well, in my world so far :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. You are kicking butt girl! I take my BCAA's in liquid form, but the caps sound even better. I swear by Myo-D Omego 3 for healthy fats. Having a plan and tracking is the best way to see results!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I have such a hard time writing down what I eat, mainly because I know it is so bad lol. I am for sure working on it baby steps right?!?!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Love me some coconut oil, it's the best thing ever!

    keep rocking it out lady

    ReplyDelete
  14. I think a journal is a MUST when trying to lose weight. I've tried so many times but a journal is one of the things that's kept me accountable. Some of these things on your list I've never heard of! Stopping by from the link-up!
    Meghan @ Lipstick Skulls Blog

    ReplyDelete
  15. what a great post!!! i need to try quest bars!!

    ReplyDelete
  16. I hear you on the coconut oil...it too reminds me of butter when i'm eating it so most times I try to just add it to my green spinach smoothies. I also add some wheatgrass (powder form)...have you ever tried that? I love your list and its perfect timing since I recently gained some unwanted weight...I lost some seventy odd pounds nearly 14 years ago and have managed to keep it off mainly through exercise. but now that i'm in my forties I realize that its more about the food I eat. you inspire me to write down my food intake. thanks!
    I think we all struggle, the important thing is when you fall down (in your good habits) you have to pick yourself back up, keep going and try again. congratulations on doing just that :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. I have been looking for an energy booster for the longest time. your post convinced me to try the B12 vitamins. :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. 8 lbs in a week? Girl! I cant wait to hear what you are doing!! I have GOT to drop some l-b's and tone up this stomach of mine. I have heard a lot of people talking about coconut oil and I haven't tried it yet, I need to get on that!!! I have also heard a lot of good things about Quest bars so I will look those up to. I used to take vit b pills and when I went to have my thyroid checked earlier this year, I found out that I am dangerously low in vit B. They gave me nose spray and that didn't work, I got prescription pills and that didn't work. Now I get monthly injections, hopefully it will bring up my levels! It is crazy how much energy B-12 brings you, you certainly know when you don't have enough!

    ReplyDelete
  19. I want to hear more about these injections.. I am ALWAYS tired. plus I never knew about taking my BCAA right when I wake up & when I get home from working out.. I thought it was 30-45 minutes BEFORE working out.. Love learning new things every day!!!! I am so happy to have you back in bloggy land btw!!

    ReplyDelete
  20. I use Coconut Oil for my hair as a conditioner and for cooking but have never thought of injesting it straight out of the container LOL. I'll give it a try though because im a believer that Coconut Oil works for ANYTHING! Have you ever seen "My Big Fat Greek Wedding?" The part where the brides dad thinks Windex helps everything? Well, thats me with coconut oil. I just found out it helps with dandruff! Who knew?

    Kristen @ Your Beauty Fix

    ReplyDelete
  21. I made a special trip to GNC today (there is one in my hometown and i've NEVER been there) I bought 5 different Quest Bars and oh my my, yummy! Thank you for the recommendation! I can't wait to try the other flavors and I can't wait to go back to the store. Loved it!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I never read this type of article before. I appreciate you for the article you have written. Thanks.

    healthy weight loss  

    ReplyDelete
  23. So glad you had a good trip to the doctor! You go girl WOW!!! 8.2 lbs in one week. Yippee! I can't wait to read about what you are doing to achieve this fabulous results. I had heard about the benefits of coconut oil,Thanks to sharing your article.I am trying to lee my weight fast.

    ReplyDelete
  24. These are a few very good ideas. 8.2 lbs. in one week. I had heard about the benefits of coconut oil, although I never heard about eating it just by itself. I've heard a lot of things about coconut oil - I will have to check out that link you shared. It is amazing. I drink it before a work out and after. I also add some wheatgrass (powder form)...have you ever tried that? I love your list and its perfect timing since I recently gained some unwanted weight. I have GOT to drop some l-b and tone up this stomach of mine. I have heard a lot of people talking about coconut oil and I haven't tried it yet. I use Coconut Oil for my hair as a conditioner and for cooking but have never thought of injesting it straight out of the container. Thank you for sharing about TOP 5 WEIGHT LOSS. I think it is very helpful to less weight. I am trying to less my

    weight fast.



    ReplyDelete
  25. Health researchers have found that people can only restrict their eating patterns for a short period of time before they crave the variety of a more balanced diet. hcg drops amazon

    ReplyDelete
  26. Your articles are very well written and unique. <a href="http://fatreducingdrinks.info/>Fat Burning Tea</a>

    ReplyDelete
  27. Weight gain is common in pregnancy and that is desirable too, but that gain should be regulated and monitored specially for those who were overweight or obese. Read this article to find stores with apetamin effective ways to avoid excess pregnancy weight gain.

    ReplyDelete
  28. A sexier body is within your reach with women's body shapers. When the temperatures rise, so do the hemlines in summer fashions, and there is literally a perfect best shapewear for tummy item to get the sexy figure of your dreams.

    ReplyDelete
  29. I see the greatest contents on your blog and I extremely love reading them.

    dinner for weight loss indian

    ReplyDelete
  30. This is the sort of information I’ve long been in search of. Thanks for posting this information. App Download

    ReplyDelete
  31. You are very articulate and explain your ideas and opinions clearly leaving no room for miscommunication.
    Please Kindly check My web:
    buy youtube watch hoursYou are very articulate and explain your ideas and opinions clearly leaving no room for miscommunication.
    Please Kindly check My web:
    buy youtube watch hours

    ReplyDelete
  32. You are very articulate and explain your ideas and opinions clearly leaving no room for miscommunication.Please Kindly check My web:"buy tiktok comments''

    ReplyDelete
  33. Nutravesta Proven Weight Loss Diet Pills
    What Is NutraVesta ProVen?

    ProVen is a very helpful supplement for weight reduction. It not only provides weight loss support, it also promotes detoxification, which makes it a double-action formula.

    The best part is that all of the ingredients are organic, well-studied beforehand, and of top quality. Much research and testing by professionals has gone into this product to ensure its effectiveness and safety.

    Additionally, natural ingredients tend to suit folks better. It comes in an easy to swallow capsules that are taken once a day and is easy to incorporate into your daily routine.

    Nutravesta Proven Review (Video Watch Now)

    ReplyDelete
  34. A sexy body is within reach with body shapers for women. When the temperatures rise, so do the hemlines in summer fashions, and there is literally a perfect best shapewear for tummy item to get the sexy figure of your dream.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Great blog post. I used to be checking continuously this blog and I am impressed! You have posted helpful information about Corset waist trainer keep posting.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Are you looking for bras that hide underarm fat and still give you the hourglass figure? Then these five bras that hide underarm fat review are for you.

    From a dozen revise we choose these 5 bras as they are amazingly effective to hide underarm with their unique design and quality fabric. Apart from these, they are great for push up and wear for all day as well. So let’s check the list and find your desire bras!

    ReplyDelete
  37. If you want to your lose weight you need a waist trainer . You take supplements & same exercise besides you need a waist trainer . Because a waist trainer gives you a sexy waist.

    ReplyDelete
  38. A superbly written article, if only all bloggers offered the same content as you, the internet would be a far better place.
    Root Canal Treatment cost in Chennai

    ReplyDelete
  39. I am sure it will help many people. Keep up the good work. It's very compelling and I enjoyed browsing the entire blog.
    we are here at dental direkt which provides best zirconia crowns in india

    ReplyDelete
  40. Hey, this is an incredible and fabulous post. The Contents of your blog are good and intriguing. Keep posting such contents zirconia crown cost in india

    ReplyDelete

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for not only reading my blog, but taking the time to leave a response. If you notice that you do not hear back from me, please ensure you are not a "no-reply" blogger.

Keep in touch:
Twitter: FitnessBlondieL
Instagram: FitnessBlondieL
Say hello: Liz@TheFitnessBlondie.com
PR: Business@TheFitnessBlondie.com