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Useful Tips From a Women Who Used Nutrisystem

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"Diet and exercise" is the most popular answer you'll get if you ask, "How do I lose weight?". But Teresa Bleifus knows from her own experience that it takes a little more than that oversimplified phrase. When Teresa began her Nutrisystem journey, she weighed 290 pounds.

Teresa went from a size 26 to a size 6–145 pounds lost*–with Nutrisystemand became one of four Nutristar Giveaway winners in 2015. "I have lost weight in the past and have never been able to keep it off," Teresa says, knowing how hard starting a weight loss journey can be after having experienced failure. But after not being able to ride a rollercoaster with her son due to her weight, Teresa knew it was time for a change.

Are you counting down to your goal? To help you get there, here are 10 more weight loss tips from Teresa Bleifus, who lost 100 pounds… and then some:

1. Set a long-term goal.

"My long-term goal was to be able to go a store and try on normal size clothes. I had never been able to do that, and when the day came that I did, tears rolled down my face."

2. Set short-term attainable goals.

"My first goal was to last 20 minutes on the elliptical. Then it was to lose the first 100 pounds by the time my child started school in the fall. Then it was to look fabulous on my 50th birthday. Now it's just to maintain my success."

3. Get started on an exercise routine.

"I started with the elliptical at 15 minutes at level one and then progressed slowly. One of my greatest fears was to get injured and derail my weight loss."

4. Add a measure of weight lifting.

"When my son wanted to paint stripes on my arms for July 4th so I could wave my flags, I decided to start with light free weights. The major factor in my success is Nutrisystem, but working out and toning up is key."

5. Use the Nutrisystem support system.

"Day one I started using NuMi to count calories and track my exercise. This is very simple and is tremendously helpful to make decisions on food choices, especially at the end of the day."

6. Get rid of old clothes that don't fit.

"I kept one dress as a reminder and got rid of everything else. Because I went from a size 26 to a size six in 18 months*, I wasn't in one size very often. Don't break the bank; go to goodwill or a thrift store and buy just what you need to get by. Don't buy things you really love, because you really don't want to keep them. Then when you get to where you want, buy the good stuff. Make sure you treat yourself!"

7. Surround yourself with a great support system.

"That doesn't mean all overweight people trying to lose weight with you. My work 'cheerleaders' would bring me veggie platters when it was potluck. When I went to my friends' houses with my Nutrisystem food for dinner, they didn't make me feel bad. They supported my efforts."

8. Get rid of the toxic people in your life.

"It is amazing where they come from, but stay on the lookout for those who don't want you to change and ignore them."

9. Embrace the new you.

"As my weight came off, I began to not recognize myself. A trainer at the gym had me look in the mirror and tell myself, 'This is who I am and I'm never going back.' I still have to do this from time to time when I don't recognize myself."

10. Believe in yourself.

"In the end, you have to respect and take care of yourself. You only have one body, so go take care of it!"

Nutrisystem helped Teresa attain her weight loss goals and also feel more confident about herself. The skills that Nutrisystem teaches you are to enjoy pre-portioned meals and to supplement with healthy snacks and home-cooked meals. With over 150 meal options, you can still lose weight and eat great food. Whether you want to lose 100 pounds, or 20 pounds, Nutrisystem can help you get there.

UPDATE: The awesome folks at Nutrisystem are extending a special offer to our readers. Follow this link to receive 40% off every order and free shipping for as long as you're on the program. As an added bonus, you'll also receive free turboshakes with your first order!

*Expect to lose 5 pounds your first week, for an average 1-2 pounds per week. Results vary based on starting weight and program adherence.

This content is sponsored by Nutrisystem.

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