By Luz Chavez on April 19, 2010
Feature photo by Lisa Brewster
Weight loss troopers, how was your first week of the weight loss challenge? Anyone doing this besides me? If so, please blow up the comments board! How much weight did you lose? What new healthy foods did you try that were surprisingly good? Which ones had you running for cover? What did you do for exercise? What motivations kept you on track?
If your week went well, and you’re pumped about how great your body feels, congratulations! Reward yourself–not with food, but with an outing or something you’ve been wanting to buy. Tickets to the Latino Film Festival? to the CeU concert?
If your week didn’t go all that well, cut yourself some slack. The first week is always the toughest. Give yourself time to transition, but stick with the challenge. Revisit your goals and make a plan of action.
For example, my body wasn’t working with me last week. Even though I jogged four days and ate healthily, I’ve only lost half a pound. I’m incredibly disappointed, but I’m not going to quit. One good thing has happened. Since the first weight loss article, I’ve managed to quit smoking. Four out of five people who quit smoking gain weight, so I should take any weight loss as a good thing. I still need to meet my 10-week goal, however, so I need a plan of action. I’m going to try again to lose 2 pounds this week, so my action plan is to add flaxseed and more fruit to my diet, drink 4 glasses of water every day (eventually working up to the “8X8″ rule) and exercise longer on four days.
What are your weight loss goal and action plan for the week? Share your strategy in the comments section, and keep in touch throughout the week. Then check back on Monday for another update as well as info on obesity in the Latino community.
WEEK 2 TIPS
1. Dehydration slows metabolism, so drinking water should be a top priority for anyone wanting to lose weight.
2. Rest should be a top priority too. Fellow insomniacs, lack of sleep makes you gain weight so fight your inner urge to be a keeper of the night.
WEEK 2 RESOURCES
Nutrition Tracker
Heart Healthy Latino Recipes
Previous Articles
Gozamos Weight Loss Challenge: Survive the Weekend
Gozamos Weight Loss Challenge: Week 1
Gozamos Weight Loss Challenge: Call to Action
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10 comments
VigilanteFantastica says:
Apr 19, 2010
My updates for this week:
I have been gaining weight for the past 4 years mainly because I became a couch potato. I like this idea of the “weight loss challenge” because it motivates me to know that I am not alone in this. I walked four times this week for an hour to an hour and half, increasing my pace little by little. Since I am vegetarian, I have been eating vegetables but also adding other sources of protein such as tofu and quinoa to my daily meals. I also have been more conscious about my calorie-intake. This weekend was challenging because I had an event with friends that I needed to attend, but I kept myself focused and chose a healthy dinner (as your tips recommended: “there are plenty of healthy choices out there”). I had a seared tuna salad with tomatoes, green peas, vinaigrette, and olive oil. It was delicious! “No alcohol” was hard but I kept myself focused. The results: I started feeling better already, and I have lost 3.5 pounds since Monday. Wow!
VigilanteFantastica says:
Apr 19, 2010
My updates for this week:
I have been gaining weight for the past 4 years mainly because I became a couch potato. I like this idea of the “weight loss challenge” because it motivates me to know that I am not alone in this. I walked four times this week for an hour to an hour and half, increasing my pace little by little. Since I am vegetarian, I have been eating vegetables but also adding other sources of protein such as tofu and quinoa to my daily meals. I also have been more conscious about my calorie-intake. This weekend was challenging because I had an event with friends that I needed to attend, but I kept myself focused and chose a healthy dinner (as your tips recommended: “there are plenty of healthy choices out there”). I had a seared tuna salad with tomatoes, green peas, vinaigrette, and olive oil. It was delicious! “No alcohol” was hard but I kept myself focused. The results: I started feeling better already, and I have lost 3.5 pounds since Monday. Wow!
Lucy says:
Apr 19, 2010
My updates for the week:
Well, it started off good eating more fish and chicken along with fresh vegetables. I love love fresh veggies. I actually lost 2 pounds at the end of the week. But then along came the weekend family fiestas and it all went out the door. My goal this week is to have a plan of action before I attend the next family party so I don’t indulge. Any suggestions?
Lucy says:
Apr 19, 2010
My updates for the week:
Well, it started off good eating more fish and chicken along with fresh vegetables. I love love fresh veggies. I actually lost 2 pounds at the end of the week. But then along came the weekend family fiestas and it all went out the door. My goal this week is to have a plan of action before I attend the next family party so I don’t indulge. Any suggestions?
Priscilla says:
Apr 20, 2010
Hi Luz,congratulations on your weightloss!Don’t worry you’re not the only one out there! I started last week. Even though I am unable to exercise the way I’d like to due to an injury I still lost 3 lbs,and I did it with water! I did not change what I was eating just managed how often I was eating it,and didn’t eat past 5pm.I also drastically cut down on my coffee(2 half cups,easy sugar-yes,sugar,I don’t like Splenda or artificial sweetners,and the half cups concept,well that’s just so it gives me the gratification of going to the coffeepot twice) and I eliminated the soda. That’s it for me,sister! I don’t want my system to go into shock and up and quit on me!
So as far as,what I did to be proactive,I slowly implemented the good,heathy source of hydration(water)and began to eliminate the ones that deplete your system of it (dark soda and coffee,caffeinated drinks) I now drink up to 1o bottles of water a day,I literally wake up craving water!….I’m sorry, yes,the fruits and veggies looked scrumptious,neatly gathered together in the produce aisle….so for the time being ,that’s where I left them! Those suckers had my insides turning! I’m a woman with taste buds, I don’t have a sweet tooth but don’t have a produce one either(with the exception of tomatoes,I love them),I prefer my meats and beans,eggs,and salsa verde. But this week I will find a way to,incorporate salads into my day,to help keep me fuller longer and up my water intake. – A trick I learned while on a weight loss program was to drink water prior to eating a meal,it helps with portion conrol. Drink the water,wait 15-20 minutes,then eat. You will be full in no time. Sticking to portion control that way was easiest for me,otherwise,I’m going for seconds!…but not anymore! I was complimented last weekend on my “beauty” a man actually walked up to me,introduced himself and complimented my “package”. He said,he loves women with curves, and said not only were my curves attractive but my face was beautiful,flawless,and glowing…..I said thank you and walked away…..giggled to myself and said “Ahhhhh,must be the water!” Keep up the good work Luz, you inspired me and that was like moving a mountain-literally! So thank you and hope to hear from less of you next week, I know you will hear from less of me! My goal is to lose another 3 lbs. Goodluck to all, have a great week!
Priscilla says:
Apr 20, 2010
Hi Luz,congratulations on your weightloss!Don’t worry you’re not the only one out there! I started last week. Even though I am unable to exercise the way I’d like to due to an injury I still lost 3 lbs,and I did it with water! I did not change what I was eating just managed how often I was eating it,and didn’t eat past 5pm.I also drastically cut down on my coffee(2 half cups,easy sugar-yes,sugar,I don’t like Splenda or artificial sweetners,and the half cups concept,well that’s just so it gives me the gratification of going to the coffeepot twice) and I eliminated the soda. That’s it for me,sister! I don’t want my system to go into shock and up and quit on me!
So as far as,what I did to be proactive,I slowly implemented the good,heathy source of hydration(water)and began to eliminate the ones that deplete your system of it (dark soda and coffee,caffeinated drinks) I now drink up to 1o bottles of water a day,I literally wake up craving water!….I’m sorry, yes,the fruits and veggies looked scrumptious,neatly gathered together in the produce aisle….so for the time being ,that’s where I left them! Those suckers had my insides turning! I’m a woman with taste buds, I don’t have a sweet tooth but don’t have a produce one either(with the exception of tomatoes,I love them),I prefer my meats and beans,eggs,and salsa verde. But this week I will find a way to,incorporate salads into my day,to help keep me fuller longer and up my water intake. – A trick I learned while on a weight loss program was to drink water prior to eating a meal,it helps with portion conrol. Drink the water,wait 15-20 minutes,then eat. You will be full in no time. Sticking to portion control that way was easiest for me,otherwise,I’m going for seconds!…but not anymore! I was complimented last weekend on my “beauty” a man actually walked up to me,introduced himself and complimented my “package”. He said,he loves women with curves, and said not only were my curves attractive but my face was beautiful,flawless,and glowing…..I said thank you and walked away…..giggled to myself and said “Ahhhhh,must be the water!” Keep up the good work Luz, you inspired me and that was like moving a mountain-literally! So thank you and hope to hear from less of you next week, I know you will hear from less of me! My goal is to lose another 3 lbs. Goodluck to all, have a great week!
Luz Chavez says:
Apr 20, 2010
Hey Lucy! For tips on how to survive family dinners, check out the “Survive the Weekend” article. Basically:
1. Eat beforehand and only nibble on something healthy at the meal.
2. Look around for the healthiest dish and enjoy that.
Also:
- Take a healthy dish to share with everyone, and try to mostly eat that.
Luz Chavez says:
Apr 20, 2010
Hey Lucy! For tips on how to survive family dinners, check out the “Survive the Weekend” article. Basically:
1. Eat beforehand and only nibble on something healthy at the meal.
2. Look around for the healthiest dish and enjoy that.
Also:
- Take a healthy dish to share with everyone, and try to mostly eat that.
Luz Chavez says:
Apr 20, 2010
Hey Priscilla! Congratulations on the weight loss and thanks for the excellent tips! Glad things are working out so well for you.
I have to increase my water intake. I have a dangerous camel-like ability to go days, even a week, without drinking a single drop of water. I’ll follow your tip about drinking water before eating. Thanks!
Luz Chavez says:
Apr 20, 2010
Hey Priscilla! Congratulations on the weight loss and thanks for the excellent tips! Glad things are working out so well for you.
I have to increase my water intake. I have a dangerous camel-like ability to go days, even a week, without drinking a single drop of water. I’ll follow your tip about drinking water before eating. Thanks!
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