My tools for success

Lots of people keep asking me what "tools" I am using for success so that is what I have decided to share now.

Attached is a new picture of my most used tools.

I have found that to be successful in this journey I have started I need to be prepared ahead of time. Having my meals that come from Take Shape for Life auto shipped once a month has kept me from ever running out. I have also found the need to go grocery shopping regularly to keep the foods on hand that I want to eat. I purchase vegetables and meats. I also use some 0 calorie 0 sugar carbinated drinks and occasionally diet soda. We used to eat out regularly and since starting this plan we do so much less often. We do still eat out occasionally, but I have found that I would prefer to eat at home.

I have purchased myself a cute insulated lunch bag to keep my foods in. This is a fun way to always have healthy food choices with me at all times.

I have a 1 gallon water jug I keep on my desk at work and a smaller one for carrying with me other places. This keeps me drinking enough water and enables me to have my shakes no matter where I am.

I am addicted to the taste of salt and it upsets some people to see me use salt because the sodium is the main cause of my kidney stones. I have tried many other spices and kept coming back to salt until I found a salt substitute that has no sodium and gives me the flavor I crave. I keep one in my purse for when we are not eating at home too.

My grill is a lifesaver because it cooks the meat options so quickly. The grill plates come off for easy cleaning.

I have a food scale but must confess that I do not use it regularly. I used it at the beginning and once I learned the approximate sizes I do not use it all the time, but if it is something I am not familiar with or if it's been awhile I do use it to reck myself and make sure I am getting the appropriate amounts.

Dr A's Healthy Habits book and workbook. A great tool that has helped me figure out why I do the things I do and has taught me lots of healthy habits and tips.

My cell phone is a tool I use to keep in touch with my health coach. She encourages me and gives me lots of tips and encouragment. She has been where I am. I have also listened to the doctor line and called the nutrition line with questions along the way. It has been very important for me to keep in contact with my health coach to keep me from giving up or straying along the way.

My family and close friends supporting me has been a HUGE tool for success for me along the way. I have been able to attend family gatherings on holidays and even go on several camping trips including a whole week at the gold mine in Peters Creek and stay on plan because of the support offered by them. Benny often comes home before me and cooks for me so dinner is ready when I get here which is awsome so I am not starving and still have to cook something. He has also been known to bring me dinner at work so that I can eat with enough time before my exercise class.

I have recently started exercising. Everyone who knows me well knows I have never enjoyed exercise, but my body is starting to enjoy and actually crave exercise. It feels good to get healthy and be happier.

Special thanks to my health coach, my family and my friends who are encouraging me and supporting me.