Get the Tools!

So you're ready to start shedding the pounds?  You're ready to hear about the secret to losing the flab.  What is the secret?  Where is the magic pill?  What is the quick-fix?  You may be surprised regarding what I am going to say...

First of all, you'll need some tools...

Weight Loss Tools:
1. A Scale
2. A Measuring Cup
3. A Food Scale
4. A Calculator or Computer
5. Time / Patience

Are you shocked? Surprised? Disappointed?  Sorry, no magic here.  We will get into how each of these items are essential to weight loss over the next few weeks. 

Scale

You'll need a good scale to weigh yourself.  I recommend spending a little extra on this one. You do get what you pay for.  Also, I recommend a digital scale.  You can spend anywhere from $20 to $200 on a scale.  I have tried several scales over the years and recently found a scale that I really like.  It is produced by a company called Withings.  Now, many of you know that I am somewhat of a tech-geek, so this scale was right up my alley.  Check it out here.

I recommend weighing yourself everyday - Yep, EVERYDAY!  You should do it at roughly the same time (I recommend in the morning right after you use the restroom).  You want to create a standard for your weighing.  What I mean is, weigh yourself every day at the same time, wearing the same thing (or preferably, wearing little or nothing), and the same scale.  

After you weigh yourself, chart it.  You can create a spreadsheet on your computer or just us a simple piece of paper.  

The changes will be slight, perhaps only a few tenths of a pound each day, but you will see a trend.  Here is my latest trend:

I'll tell you, seeing this trend is very motivating.  If it is going down you feel very successful and want to keep it up.  If it is going up you tend to pay more attention to what your doing / eating.  

Update: My weight loss since Jan 6th, 2011: 12.5 pounds