Weight loss... frank discussion :)

[devotchka]

I wanted to start and honest and frank discussion about weight loss and ask what worked for you guys? Diets/exercise plans, etc. I have tried WW and I am not really disciplined enough to keep track of my food to the point of writing it down. I've tried other things like that to no avail, so I don't think it's for me. I did really well on atkins in my mid-20s. I came back from college and my "freshman 20" had turned into more like a "Freshman 40-60" so I didn't feel great. I worked out and did the modified atkins (ate fruit but no bread/pasta/etc....) I lost 40 lbs and then lost the last 20 w/ a combo of a clean diet and exercise. Since then I have gained all 60 back + another 13 (!!!) and I feel awful. I really need to take stock of my life and start a new plan. I've been trying to watch what I eat and have smaller meals, as well as more balanced (less carbs, more veggies and protein) but I can't say that I have devoted my life to this. In a pinch, I have gone to fast food (something I used to be SO AGAINST) mostly in the mornings when I'm too overwhelmed and rushed to work to make myself food, etc. I wish I could say that this happened when I went back to work, but it's really more like something that happened when I stayed home w/ Max. I had some depression issues and food was comforting. 

Today a Mom from Max's preschool sent some photos from the b-day party we went to a few weeks ago of one of his buddies and I was horrified at what I looked like. My face is just so big! Who is this person? I know, negative self-talk is not great but it's just how I felt. I don't realize how big I am until I see pictures. 

Anyway - just curious what has worked for you guys and if there are any books/websites/whatever that you could recommend. TIA! Love you all. 

[imimahoney]

I need an incentive to drop weight. Either an event, a prize or trip, etc. I never do it because I just want to be healthy. Usually after starting with the incentive I'm able to stay on track once it's done but do hit lows and can plateau.

I have written me weight on my mirror before to keep me in check. I can easily hide the scale but if it's taped to the wall that is hard to hide.

Ww and going to the gym are the only things that really work for me.

[puppylove64]

I'm sorry you are feeling like this. I always feel most successful when I have someone else to help me. I used to do great at going for about a 2 mile walk every evening, when I had a friend to go with. I loved doing Zumba when I had friends in the class with me. I've also heard or people dieting having a friend keep them accountable by texting each other whatever they eat. That way you aren't tempted to eat junk if you know you will have to text it to your buddy. That is really all I have! I hope you can find something that works for you

[rubber pants]

You know I do the BeachBody thing. I've lost 30+lbs myself because of the challenge groups I've been a part of. They are motivating and keep me accountable. A bunch of ladies in here can vouch for that.

I'm not going to vomit salesy stuff in this post. If you ever want to learn more, please PM me. Id love to help you.

You are beautiful, no matter what you weigh. ((Hugs))

[devotchka]

Jul 24, 2014 17:56:56 GMT -5 imimahoney said:

I need an incentive to drop weight. Either an event, a prize or trip, etc. I never do it because I just want to be healthy. Usually after starting with the incentive I'm able to stay on track once it's done but do hit lows and can plateau.

I have written me weight on my mirror before to keep me in check. I can easily hide the scale but if it's taped to the wall that is hard to hide.

Ww and going to the gym are the only things that really work for me.

The gym has worked for me but I am finding that now that I am working FT and have Max it's really hard for me to make it to the gym. I could on the weekend but then that's my time with him. Same w/ evenings. H is trying to get me to go and he can put him to bed but I feel so bad bc he wants me to put him to bed! (Max does) and I feel like it eats into my time w/ him. Obviously something has to give here and its going to be my time w/ him. The thing I've been talking to H about is having him p/u Max 2 days a week and I can go to the gym straight after work on those days.

[devotchka]

Jul 24, 2014 18:02:48 GMT -5 rubber pants said:

You know I do the BeachBody thing. I've lost 30+lbs myself because of the challenge groups I've been a part of. They are motivating and keep me accountable. A bunch of ladies in here can vouch for that.

I'm not going to vomit salesy stuff in this post. If you ever want to learn more, please PM me. Id love to help you.

You are beautiful, no matter what you weigh. ((Hugs))

Thank you! I am tearing up already. You guys are amazing.

[devotchka]

Jul 24, 2014 18:01:57 GMT -5 puppylove64 said:

I'm sorry you are feeling like this. I always feel most successful when I have someone else to help me. I used to do great at going for about a 2 mile walk every evening, when I had a friend to go with. I loved doing Zumba when I had friends in the class with me. I've also heard or people dieting having a friend keep them accountable by texting each other whatever they eat. That way you aren't tempted to eat junk if you know you will have to text it to your buddy. That is really all I have! I hope you can find something that works for you

That's a good plan! I need to find a buddy to do this w/. Maybe my friend from work...

[imimahoney]

Jul 24, 2014 18:03:20 GMT -5 devotchka said:

Jul 24, 2014 17:56:56 GMT -5 imimahoney said:

I need an incentive to drop weight. Either an event, a prize or trip, etc. I never do it because I just want to be healthy. Usually after starting with the incentive I'm able to stay on track once it's done but do hit lows and can plateau.

I have written me weight on my mirror before to keep me in check. I can easily hide the scale but if it's taped to the wall that is hard to hide.

Ww and going to the gym are the only things that really work for me.

The gym has worked for me but I am finding that now that I am working FT and have Max it's really hard for me to make it to the gym. I could on the weekend but then that's my time with him. Same w/ evenings. H is trying to get me to go and he can put him to bed but I feel so bad bc he wants me to put him to bed! (Max does) and I feel like it eats into my time w/ him. Obviously something has to give here and its going to be my time w/ him. The thing I've been talking to H about is having him p/u Max 2 days a week and I can go to the gym straight after work on those days.

Working out with a kid is so hard. I would make a schedule like twice during the week and an hour over the weekend to start. Max will be fine and you deserve some workout time!

[redmonkeystomper]

The gym has worked for me but I am finding that now that I am working FT and have Max it's really hard for me to make it to the gym. I could on the weekend but then that's my time with him. Same w/ evenings. H is trying to get me to go and he can put him to bed but I feel so bad bc he wants me to put him to bed! (Max does) and I feel like it eats into my time w/ him. Obviously something has to give here and its going to be my time w/ him. The thing I've been talking to H about is having him p/u Max 2 days a week and I can go to the gym straight after work on those days.[/quote]

I feel the same way about gym time and missing time with Ruby. But my dh reminds me I am going to the gym for her too- to get healthy so I will be around for her and be a good example. I like your plan of having your dh pick Max up so you can go after work. I do that too some weeks and it gives my dh some solo time with Ruby.

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[abbypug19]

I have a looonnnggg way to go but My Fitness pal has really been helping me. You do have to keep track of what you like kind of like WW though. My motivation is mostly to be healthy and able to keep up with 3 kids!

[formerlyllizzyb]

I put on some weight after I weaned Graham last year. I couldn't exercise due to my hip, so I had to lose it solely through diet. I think the My Fitness Pal app is really user friendly.

[EnchantedSoul]

There are several girls on here that I am "friends" with on MFP. It's great having people "like" your progress and leave comments. It's also neat to see other peoples diaries to gauge what you're eating and getting other recipe ideas.

I know how you feel, I don't like what I see in the mirror. Through walking with the kiddos 3-4days a week and tracking with MFP, I've lost 17 lbs in the last couple months (not counting birthing my baby).

I'll be your friend. I'll like your posts if you join MFP. skwcm80 helped me get started. She still checks in with me. I can check in with you. This ish is hard, man. We can do it together.

[Deleted]

I just want to let you know that you are gorgeous. I never see anything but a beautiful woman when I see your pictures! However, I know that if you aren't happy with your weight, its hard to see that for yourself. We are all here for you, in any capacity you may need. I lost a lot of weight with WW, but I think the accountability of the WLC is what really did it for me. Take these ladies up on being MFP friends, check in with the WLC as if you are a participant, or whatever it is that you think you may need.

Hugs lady and let me know if there is any way I can help!

[Na]

Aw honey I am sorry you aren't feeling like your beautiful se
F! I find that doing a program/workout with some structure that I actually enjoyed was key. I hate the gym. Hate it. I do well with at home programs and hot yoga classes. I also found the scale to be more discouraging than helpful. Taking measurements (bicep, bust, waist, hip, thigh, calf) helped me sooooo much. I stayed really motivated counting up the inches lost.I might have a turbo jam program I could send you! It was too hard on my knees but it was fast and easy to learn.

[mumegs]

For me I have to write everything down. Otherwise it's like, OK I have been eating really well today! But I forget the little things that I take bites of here and there, I forget whole snacks that I had, and it adds up. I know it's a PITA but it's not that bad with the WW or MFP apps they have now.

[skiesthelimit]

This will probably be of no help to you, but for me it's my diet restrictions. Not being able to eat so many things means I never eat out and everything I make is from scratch. I've lost 30lbs since giving birth 10 weeks ago because I can't have dairy, soy, gluten, etc.

[orangeblossom4]

For me what has worked the best is the myfitnesspal app and this app linked to my fitbit which tracks how active I am. If I have a record of how many calories I'm allowed, what I eat, and how many calories I earn from exercise I feel like I have no one to blame but myself if I don't lose weight. All the data is easily in front of me in black and white. I don't feel good when the app shows that I'm way over my calorie goal and that motivates me to stay in line. I've also realized that my diet is way more important for weight loss than my workouts. Workouts are great for your health and toning you up, but my diet is more closely linked to my weight. I used to think that since I worked out I could eat whatever I wanted and MFP has shown me that's not the case.

Good luck finding what works for you!

[vthokie]

I have trouble with this because I have thyroid issues and have a lot of trouble losing weight. I joined rubber pants PiYo challenge because I needed some extra motivation to actually DO something. It really does help to have friends keep you in check. I have zero time to workout, so the gym is out (sad, because I enjoy lifting weights) so I get up early and do my workout. I also use MFP to track calories. I already eat pretty well, it just helps me keep an eye on portions. I like it because you can scan a barcode or enter a recipe and it will calculate calories and such for you.
I started off losing and have slowed since, which is normal for me. But I'm still going because I have people to answer to.
Getting up early SUCKS, but it may be a good option for you. Plus, it starts your metabolism going, so that's good too.

[skwcm80]

I've lost a total of almost 60 pounds from higest weight(I was pregnant), and a 40 from my highest non pregnancy weight. What's worked for me is a combination of diet and exercise, but to be honest it's more diet than exercise. I tend to plateau if I don't manage my carb/protein/fat ratio, even if I consume less calories than I burn. I find MFP to be the best tool to manage my weight, it keeps me accountable. That's also the biggest reason why I keep my food diary public.

My sn is the same on MFP if you want to add me as a friend.

[Beener]

MFP is so easy bc it had a barcode scanner so most things can be easily tracked and added.

Put two pictures of yourself on your fridge: at your heaviest and your ideal weight or a time you felt great. That way, when you go the fridge, you will see those and they will hopefully serve as a reminder to make a healthy choice to get back to your goal.

Find a workout that works for you. For me, that's yoga and Pilates. I find them relaxing. Make time for yourself to do this, even if it takes you away from your child for a bit. You're worth it and you're making this healthy lifestyle choice for him, too!




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[breezy8407]

Well, I'm not sure my experience will help,but the only thing that worked for me was calorie counting. This was 5 or so years ago, but I finally realized that sitting at a desk all day and running 3 miles a few times a week didn't give me license to eat chipotle for lunch and pizza and beer for dinner all the time.

I started by counting calories and using the weightlifting program New Rule Of Lifting For Women. Over time, I started eating more of a 40/30/30 protein fat carbs ratio. It worked great. Then I got back into distance running again, so that helped my activity level. I also had a body media fit that tracked my daily burn.

The tracking really helped me learn portions. I can tell you what the calorie count is for pretty much anything now. Plus the data I got from the body media fit helped me learn my averages.

The biggest lesson I leaned was that you have to create a calorie deficit to lose weight, you have to eat less than you burn to lose.

[rainbowchip]

I'm going to also say MFP really helped me but I also needed to have some motivation and I got that in the WLC here. MFP really opened my eyes to what I was eating and I know now what I have to do to lose weight and the reward of being able to complete my day under my calories and have my friends like it is just as awesome as the number going down on the scale.

When I would try to lose weight, I would typically start exercising and then starve myself. With tracking my calories, I found that I don't lose weight if I eat too many but also too few calories. It has helped me figure out my ideal.

It is a little bit of a pain to begin with but once you get the hang of it and get some of your favorite foods and recipes in there it gets a lot quicker and easier.

Also, please feel free to drop into the WLC posts with questions, comments, whines, vents, accomplishments, or to get support.

[Deleted]

Jul 24, 2014 21:57:34 GMT -5 skwcm80 said:

I've lost a total of almost 60 pounds from higest weight(I was pregnant), and a 40 from my highest non pregnancy weight. What's worked for me is a combination of diet and exercise, but to be honest it's more diet than exercise. I tend to plateau if I don't manage my carb/protein/fat ratio, even if I consume less calories than I burn. I find MFP to be the best tool to manage my weight, it keeps me accountable. That's also the biggest reason why I keep my food diary public.

Yeah, same here.  I do 40/30/30.  I have to eat tons of protein/fats and really cut carbs to lose weight.  

You'd be surprised that 30% carbs is actually very little.. because even without obvious starch like rice, pasta, cereal - the others like dairy, fruit, veg, all has carbs.

I do exercise, but like all the others have said, it's diet that really affects my weight.  Lots of exercise just makes me hungry.

[dixeedeluxe]

Jul 24, 2014 21:57:34 GMT -5 skwcm80 said:

I've lost a total of almost 60 pounds from higest weight(I was pregnant), and a 40 from my highest non pregnancy weight. What's worked for me is a combination of diet and exercise, but to be honest it's more diet than exercise. I tend to plateau if I don't manage my carb/protein/fat ratio, even if I consume less calories than I burn. I find MFP to be the best tool to manage my weight, it keeps me accountable. That's also the biggest reason why I keep my food diary public.

My sn is the same on MFP if you want to add me as a friend.

Truth.

However, running made me not care about how heavy I am.  I talked a big game about being body-positive before that, but now I know that I had no idea what being body positive was.  I still struggle.  But, MAN, I'm strong.

Obviously, as a commuting full time working mother of two, I suggest running

[skwcm80]

Jul 24, 2014 22:36:23 GMT -5 @starbound said:

Jul 24, 2014 21:57:34 GMT -5 skwcm80 said:

I've lost a total of almost 60 pounds from higest weight(I was pregnant), and a 40 from my highest non pregnancy weight. What's worked for me is a combination of diet and exercise, but to be honest it's more diet than exercise. I tend to plateau if I don't manage my carb/protein/fat ratio, even if I consume less calories than I burn. I find MFP to be the best tool to manage my weight, it keeps me accountable. That's also the biggest reason why I keep my food diary public.

Yeah, same here.  I do 40/30/30.  I have to eat tons of protein/fats and really cut carbs to lose weight.  

You'd be surprised that 30% carbs is actually very little.. because even without obvious starch like rice, pasta, cereal - the others like dairy, fruit, veg, all has carbs.

I do exercise, but like all the others have said, it's diet that really affects my weight.  Lots of exercise just makes me hungry.

I'm hoping there is another WLC in October because I need something to wean me from this 60% carb diet. 

[vthokie]

Jul 25, 2014 6:24:34 GMT -5 dixeedeluxe said:

Jul 24, 2014 21:57:34 GMT -5 skwcm80 said:

I've lost a total of almost 60 pounds from higest weight(I was pregnant), and a 40 from my highest non pregnancy weight. What's worked for me is a combination of diet and exercise, but to be honest it's more diet than exercise. I tend to plateau if I don't manage my carb/protein/fat ratio, even if I consume less calories than I burn. I find MFP to be the best tool to manage my weight, it keeps me accountable. That's also the biggest reason why I keep my food diary public.

My sn is the same on MFP if you want to add me as a friend.

Truth.

However, running made me not care about how heavy I am.  I talked a big game about being body-positive before that, but now I know that I had no idea what being body positive was.  I still struggle.  But, MAN, I'm strong.

Obviously, as a commuting full time working mother of two, I suggest running

I am hoping to maybe eventually do C25K. I badly broke my ankle a few years ago though, so I'm hoping to lose a little weight first (and not to start doing this in the dead of summer). If I can stick to PiYo and get my ankle strength up, I may do it. That's a future goal though.

[dixeedeluxe]

yes, definitely get your ankle right before starting!

[Deleted]

I have heard that losing weight is like 90% what you eat. And for me, I really need to watch the white refined stuff like sugar and flour. So I do limit bread and pasta and sweets. I eat fruit and all the veggies and protein and stay under my calories. I also use my fitness pal.

Also for working out, it has to be doable. So I got the Jillian Michaels Body Revolution. It's just 30 minutes a day. So I can fit that in.

Good luck and be kind to yourself!

[devotchka]

Jul 25, 2014 6:24:34 GMT -5 dixeedeluxe said:

Jul 24, 2014 21:57:34 GMT -5 skwcm80 said:

I've lost a total of almost 60 pounds from higest weight(I was pregnant), and a 40 from my highest non pregnancy weight. What's worked for me is a combination of diet and exercise, but to be honest it's more diet than exercise. I tend to plateau if I don't manage my carb/protein/fat ratio, even if I consume less calories than I burn. I find MFP to be the best tool to manage my weight, it keeps me accountable. That's also the biggest reason why I keep my food diary public.

My sn is the same on MFP if you want to add me as a friend.

Truth.

However, running made me not care about how heavy I am.  I talked a big game about being body-positive before that, but now I know that I had no idea what being body positive was.  I still struggle.  But, MAN, I'm strong.

Obviously, as a commuting full time working mother of two, I suggest running

I've been thinking about running more. I've never been very good at it but I like how it makes me feel. Having plantar fasciitis/calf issues lately though, Idk if I can do it. I should definitely try though. H is so much happier when he runs!

[devotchka]

Thanks for sharing and the advice guys! I really appreciate it. I feel better already

Exercising, watching my carb intake and processed food intake and going to bed early are the keys. If I go to bed early, I don't snack at night, and I don't really snack at work during the day since I stay busy enough. Sometimes fruit or something

THANK YOU ALL!!! You guys rock.