One of my goals on my trip was to eliminate excess weight while detoxing from life’s stress. My weight dropped below my marathon weight. The day we returned, I weighted 202 pounds. Losing 11 pounds in 7 days was a relatively easy feat. I didn’t need Weight Watchers, NutriSystem, Jenny Craig, or all those other weight loss systems. I did follow the basics they all teach.
Exercise
Hiking is a more strenuous form of walking. We walked roughly six miles a day on inclines with about forty pounds in our backpacks. The steady pace didn’t drain me. I didn’t burn out like I did after the marathon. I have been mentally and physically able to continue my exercise regime after the trip.
Diet
The key to my weight loss during my trip was controlling my intake of food. Not only did I burn calories, I capped my calories. My diet on the trip was much healthier than my regular diet. I planned the amount of calories I consumed, when I consumed it, and how I consumed it. There was nothing to make me stray from my plan. We grazed on nutrition bars and healthy snacks all day. My only issue on the trip was staying properly hydrated.
Momentum
The hardest part of weight loss is maintaining weight loss continue my success in everyday life. Temptation is everywhere. Mom’s tasty cooking dances in the air. Empty calories from soft drinks sabatoge the weight loss plan. Restaurants with high calorie delights taught me at social gatherings and while I drive to work. Life’s time constraints limit when and how I exercise. It’s a challenge but it can be done.
Now that I’ve returned, I’m looking for strategies to continue my success. Do you have any tips or ideas that you’d like to share?
