10 Weight Loss Tips

From time to time, I receive questions from my blog readers about what helped me lose weight and how I've maintained my feel great weight for so long.

Over the years (and through plenty of trial and error), I discovered what worked for me. Here's a list of my top 10 weight-loss tips!

Before losing weight, I always used to try to "squeeze" exercise into my busy life, but, nowadays, I make it a daily priority—almost like brushing my teeth.

Exercise isn't extra credit when it comes to losing weight and living a healthy lifestyle. I make sure that I do something active every single day of the week. It's not always a four-mile run or a Body Pump class. For me, a relaxing Vinyasa yoga class or a 45-minute walk around the neighborhood with my dog counts too.

Every Sunday, I jot down my exercise goals for the week on my calendar. Sometimes last-minute plans get in the way, but I generally stick to my schedule once I've put it in ink.

Plus, when I have a clear plan for my workouts, I don't wander around the gym aimlessly and waste precious exercise time.

I didn't realize just how many calories I was consuming, so tracking what I ate helped keep me aware of what I was putting in my mouth.

I don't count calories anymore, but I track what I eat (and when I exercise) on my blog,

Carrots 'N' Cake, which keeps me accountable.

I love to eat, but large portion sizes are what led to my weight gain in the first place.

Now I eat smaller portions of my favorite foods, but "plump" up my meals with low-calorie ingredients that add volume and extra nutrients, such as arugula, spaghetti squash, canned pumpkin, or other fresh produce. I eat fewer calories overall, but the size of my meal prevents me from feeling deprived.

When I first started losing weight, I was a slave to the scale as a way to gauge my progress. Over time, I've learned that the scale is not always the best measure of weight loss.

Today, I use how my clothing fits as a way to monitor my weight. For instance, if my jeans feel snug, I know it's time to step it up at the gym or cut back on sweets.

Regular exercise helps me build muscle, so my weight might not change on the scale, but my jeans will definitely fit differently when I've splurged a little too much!

These magazines are constant motivation and keep healthy eating and fitness interesting, especially when I really don't want to get on the elliptical!

Plus, I get tons of great ideas for meals and workouts from them.

Every Sunday I sit down and plan a week's worth of meals. I make the majority of my meals at home, which means I have more control over how many calories go into it.

I'm also able to

save money by making sure I use up all my fresh produce.

It's such a small thing to do, but it sets a healthy tone for my whole day. Plus, fruit is low in calories and packed with vitamins and nutrients!

This might seem like a "duh" tip, but just remembering to eat smaller servings of my favorite foods helped me lose weight.

Maintaining my weight is all about balance. If I overindulge at a weekend barbecue or mindlessly munch throughout the afternoon, I don't throw in the towel. I make sure my next meal is healthy and move on.