Essential Weight-Loss Tools

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With the temperatures as high as they are, we need to stay hydrated. Report

Great article! Thanks! Report

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Have most of them Report

Some great tools I use. Report

Great article! Report

For me, wearing real sportswear clothing has been the biggest key point. I bought some old navy compression leggins and they stay dry. You feel flexible they are great. Report

Thanks for writing this article! Report

This article was very much needed Report

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The mind is everything. What you think you become. –Buddha Report

You don't even need a fancy tracker. A good pedometer works just fine. Report

MapMyRide is great for bike riding. Free app on smart phones. Report

I used and use all of them. Probably the most important is my activity tracker. Keeps me focused and moving. Report

Garcinia Cambogia is just another fad diet. Your friend I am sure has also followed cutting calories and added some type of exercise to her routine. Not all people can take this diet supplement with out side effects. Talk to your doctor before trying this or any over the counter diet supplement. Report

Let's see... My SP tracker is garbage and stopped working inside a month and all the staff did was mess around email after email until I wanted to scream. I have forgone the scale, measuring devices and all those to a crazy thing called common sense. And you can use the SP app that is free to track food rather than pay them for one that is total junk. The only real useful tools and advice on this article are the shoes and water bottle and anyone with a brain stem can figure those out. There will be plenty that don't like my comment but guess what? I've lost 50lbs since the end of February can you say the same? At some point not too far in at all, common sense takes over and the ridiculous measuring stops. And then you see this article for what it is, an ad to sell you SP junk from either them or their affiliates. If you really are one of those sheeples that needs a scale, get the Biggest Loser one, Walmart for $20. You out in the food and not only do you get the weight but you also get the calories and fat. Even with that you'll use it a month before the novelty wears off if you're truly into losing weight or changing your lifestyle. Report

Nice article. Some see it as an ad, I see it as informative. Some people may not be up to speed on tools for healthy living. But like one of the replies, these are not essential, but they are helpful. For me, I like my SPAT, sneakers, spark app (although I've been more diligent in writing it on paper for visual recall). Report

These items are nice to have, but I don't feel they are essential to weight loss. You can learn portion sizes by using the relatable size method and common sense. I do have a scale like the one pictured (but mine is orange) and it does come in handy, but I haven't always had it and I lost weight without a scale, and to be honest, I don't use it all that often, still. Measuring cups are cheap. You can get a whole set at Dollar Tree for... a dollar. I use these frequently. :) A nice water bottle is a luxury... however, I also have glasses at home and sometimes you can get a free BPA free water bottle for free at some events. :) An activity tracker is also a luxury. I have had a Fitbit One for over a year, and I like it, but I still have to track specific exercises if I want to keep track of them, it's a fun gadget, tho, I won't deny that, and it can be motivating to get your numbers up and your flower to grow. :) The apps are cool, but a little notebook tracks well too. I don't have the option of an app. I'm sure if I did, I'd enjoy that little bit of fun. Good shoes. This is where I wouldn't skimp, get good shoes that fit your feet and are comfortable when you walk/run/dance/workout, the best you can afford. So when it's all said and done... you can still lose weight without most of these things... but, spend money on good foods and good shoes if money is tight. Report

I think all of things are important but really boils done portion control & better food choices. Report

I have 2 scales; 1 at home and 1 at work. I get funny looks when I'm at work, but it allows me to grab stuff for a salad at the supermarket before coming to work as opposed to a pre-made salad that I have no control over. My at work scale and measuring cups also allow me to participate in the many pot lucks we have. A lot of the food is not necessarily "bad", it is just the uncontrolled portions. Report

Has anyone heard anyting about a supplement called Garcinia Cambogia? Afriend of mine has been taking it and claims to have lost 55lbs.in 3 mos. Just wondering if anyone else has seen or heard of this stuff. Thanks, steve r. Report

Like the blog. Have to grab a couple of these. Report

I love this blog. I owe most of these tools or one that is similar and I agree they are keys to my success. Report

I enjoyed this blog. This is a list of things I have or figured out I should get to make this journey a lifestyle change. Thanks for the links. Report

I believe that I need tools to keep me motivated. I use my Lose It app to track things for me while I am on the go. It's a free app so I can use where ever and I like that. My media player is also helpful as my music keeps me motivated. Report

Ehh on the highly commercialized nature of this post, but I guess the money has to come from somewhere seeing as SP is free. That being said these are very handy things to have depending on your needs/desires.

My food scale and measuring cups and spoons have changed my life and now that I've gotten used to them serving myself food is soo quick and easy. I pack myself 2 tablespoons of pumpkin seeds every day and make delicious yogurt in the morning with yummy things like wheat germ and cocoa powder.

I desperately want to get a good pair of running shoes, but I just got a wii fit off someone for cheap so those will have to wait. Also it's winter in Montreal, so I won't be stepping outside without my rain boots and thick socks on my feet for months.

I have a water bottle that's about 1/3 of the size of the one shown here. It's a lot smaller so I need to refill it often, but I'm at school or work most of the day where there are plenty of fountains, faucets, or water coolers handy so it doesn't bother me. Plus it's a good reason to get up and move if only for a little bit.

I'll definitely be looking into the Apps that are mentioned too! Report

Hmm, I like this SparkBlog today.

A few years ago, I paid a little more than I would have normally for a beautiful glass-topped food scale (between $50-$75, can't remember exactly), and I have to say, it's my favorite weight loss tool. I had a cheapie spring-loaded scale prior to buying it, so that terrible experience helped me appreciate the easiness of the electric scale. Not only does it help me lose weight, but it helps me BAKE more accurately too - as in, no more guessing (rounded or flat in a cup?) how much flour or sugar to put into a recipe. :)

That ChicoBag bottle sling bag looks awesome. I currently have some waterbottles that are handy as they come, but with that sling, it would make life so much easier to lug around. I will look into that!

I have the SP Diet and Fitness Tracker - BEST $3.99 I ever spent. And yes, I had the free version before, but this paid version runs so much smoother. Plus, I can spin the wheel and get points for reading articles while away from my computer! Report

I've found using smaller plates and bowls to be a useful tool for weight loss. I think we've all read the studies that showed that the bigger the plate, the more likely we are to heap it with food. So, if you want to down size your body, down size your plates and bowls. Report

I happen to like this article, for beginners its a great way to get started and keep motivated. Report

No gadgets needed! just eat whole foods and watch your portions and for me: eliminate wheat. The biggest tool is your MIND! Report

I have the same shoes! I got a second pair the same actually because I like them so much more than the other shoes I've had! Report

I'm a little disappointed that this article seems more like an ad than an informative article. These are helpful tips, though. Report

I have a form of each of these that I use. When I use them all, plan and track what I eat as well as exercise I lose weight. When I'm missing one of these I'm not as successful. I'm more of a tortoise when it comes to losing weight, but I've kept it off for a little over a year so I'm doing something right ;) Report