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Laura.Jane
PeaNut
PeaNut 554,303
May 2012
Posts: 42
Layouts: 0
Loc: Pittsburgh, PA
 |  Posted: 1/29/2013 3:00:30 PM
I'm sure this has been asked many times on here but I'll ask again.
Who has lost a lot of weight? How did you do it? I'm not asking so much exactly what you ate but how you keep yourself on track for weeks and months and years on end. Did you have a turning point or an epiphany? Did you use gradual changes or big changes?
I'm 29, have struggled with my weight since age 13 and find myself now at my highest weight ever with over 100 pounds to lose. Obviously I feel awful. I have really, really tried in the past. Two or three times I really thought I had it. I thought I had truly changed my lifestyle only to gradually backslide and regain all plus some. I truly, fully understand that this needs to be a permanent lifestyle change and not a diet that you go on and off.
I've done restrictive (low carb, south beach) approaches and also very moderate ones like weight watchers and calorie counting.
I am an otherwise logical, sensible, self controlled person. In this area I just can't seem to get it together long term despite the fact that over the years there is nothing that I've put so much effort into.
I need this time to be permanent.
Advice? Thoughts? Inspirational stories? |
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not2peased
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 260,865
May 2006
Posts: 12,872
Layouts: 0
Loc: Northeast
 | Posted: 1/29/2013 3:03:12 PM
cognitive behavioral therapy. even though I "knew" what I had to do I just couldnt seem to get it together long enough to make a permanent change
my therapist helped immensely-I wish I hadnt waited as long as I did
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-Kerry
Let the refining and improving of your own life keep you so busy that you have little time to criticize others.
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**buglvr12**
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 220,209
August 2005
Posts: 2,289
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 1/29/2013 3:05:33 PM
I am doing Weight Watchers. In 4 weeks I have lost 6.2 lbs. I have almost as much as you to lose. I know this will be slow but I'm not focusing on that. I'm focusing on all the wonderful food I can have. I know I will get there!
Good luck to you! You can do this and you deserve this. |
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jeremysgirl
PeaNut
PeaNut 568,351
October 2012
Posts: 96
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 1/29/2013 3:09:58 PM
I tried various programs and I found that anything where I had to track my food I was focused on food all day so that didn't work. I lost 80 lbs by exercising and eating half of what I put on my plate. I wanted a granola bar, I ate half and threw the rest away. It was really wasteful, I know but it was easier and I didn't deny myself anything I wanted to eat. | |
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BergdorfBlonde
Getting blonder every day
PeaNut 162,956
August 2004
Posts: 10,040
Layouts: 0
Loc: LI girl, livin' in the gulf
 | Posted: 1/29/2013 3:11:43 PM
I was just discussing this with my mom. Having worked for the diet industry, I know the % of people who are able to maintain weightloss for over 5 years (it's pretty darned low). The only ones who are able to succeed for that long are the ones who keep going to a meeting once a month or check in. It's just like AA.
I lost and gained weight so many times in my life. The one time it "stuck" was when I did Jenny Craig (for the 3rd time!). This time I bought their "lifetime" package. It was a commitment ($300 back then). I went once a week to one-on-one counseling (a lot like therapy appts!!), and once a week to a group meeting where we learned about behavior and nutrition. We even got homework back then. I can't tell you how it impacted my outlook on food/diet, etc!!!
So, I went from a size 20 to a size 2, but the important part was that I kept it off for over 8 years. I kept going to check in bi-weekly at Jenny Craig for a few years, when they told me that once a month was fine. They were my lifeline. I ended up working for them, which was great! Sadly, I saw so many clients come in and out because they wanted a quick fix and would only get the introductory package, and I knew that would land them right back to where they started. It's not a quick fix. It's a learning process, and maintenance is even harder! You need a great maintenance program to succeed.
My mom did it with Weight Watchers (I can't deal with group meetings--I have no patience) and I did it with JC. We both kept it off for over 8 years. That's certainly a minority though. I really believe that most sound programs will get you there, but they're all worth NOTHING without a sound maintenance plan. |
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*Leanne*
As a matter of fact, I am a Tudor princess!
PeaNut 34,268
March 2002
Posts: 12,877
Layouts: 0
Loc: Calgary, Alberta
 | Posted: 1/29/2013 3:42:21 PM
My way isn't the answer for everyone but after being overweight for my entire life I had a gastric bypass ...
I lost almost 100 lbs and it has been a literal life saver since I believe that I was on a direct path to heart disease, diabetes, and who knows what else ...
I have kept almost all of that weight off since 2006 and other than becoming lactose intolerant I've had no other negative side effects ...
Surgery isn't for everyone but it is an option ... I eat pretty clean and move as much as possible ... I lead a healthy life 
Leanne |
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Sue5007
PeaFixture
PeaNut 62,715
January 2003
Posts: 3,840
Layouts: 18
Loc: Utah
 | Posted: 1/29/2013 3:47:30 PM
even though I "knew" what I had to do I just couldnt seem to get it together long enough to make a permanent change
I totally agree that this is a big reason why most people yo-yo with weight...whether it's 10 pounds or 100 pounds. Myself included.
Not only do you have to get your heart into it, you have to get your head into it...and then find a way to keep them there...which is the hardest part. Not only as you lose weight be when you reach your goal, it's never "over" or "done. That's why so many people say it's a "lifestyle change". You have to be willing to be the one person in your family or at work or in your circle of friends that chooses to eat different and get physical activity into their daily schedule.
Sparkpeople.com has some great tools, but remember you have to find what works for you.
Along those lines I also heard a little bit about "reactive foods". Even healthy foods don't work the same for everyone. http://lyngenet.com/the-blog/
Good luck! |
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newscrapper05
PeaAddict
PeaNut 198,410
March 2005
Posts: 1,831
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 1/29/2013 3:48:36 PM
Not really a solution for you but one little tip - don't look at it as losing 100 pounds. Look at it as losing 5 pounds 20 times. Not nearly as discouraging!
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papercrafting
PeaNut
PeaNut 380,938
June 2008
Posts: 284
Layouts: 0
 | Posted: 1/29/2013 3:50:59 PM
I'm just starting my weight loss journey, and to suppliment what I learn in WW IU am reading a book called " The Power Of Habit" I knwo I need help. I shocked myself when during a convo with my WW leader I saud "success is for other people" .
I've been pondering this and have decided it can be for me, too.
Good luck | |
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**Angie**
Pea Who Should Be Cleaning!
PeaNut 145,006
May 2004
Posts: 10,835
Layouts: 91
Loc: at home in front of the computer
 | Posted: 1/29/2013 3:54:40 PM
I've lost almost 50 pounds since last April. I changed what I ate and started keeping track of how much I ate. For me, accountability to someone else (my son) kept me going. He was learning my bad habits and starting to get pudgy.
I know that if I had started exercising more (than a daily 20-30 minute walk), I would have lost even more weight. My goal for this year is to lose 50 pounds. I figure if I keep up the healthier eating and start actually moving more, an extra 10 pounds won't be that hard. |
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megmc
AncestralPea
PeaNut 497,090
January 2011
Posts: 4,869
Layouts: 0
 | Posted: 1/29/2013 4:02:45 PM
2 hours of exercise every day, and no wheat. I lost 40 pounds that way
but
I fell, got very sick from taking aleve, couldn't exercise started eating again.
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Emanon
PeaAddict
PeaNut 530,985
November 2011
Posts: 1,007
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 1/29/2013 4:17:17 PM
I have lost over 70 pounds since May and DH has lost 125 and has made his goal in the same time period through WW. It really is a change of lifestyle rather than a diet, and you have to go in with that in mind. I feel like the plan they teach you to follow is simply a more sound way of eating and being aware of everything that you are putting in your mouth. The new 360 program also has you evaluating the spaces you live/work/play in as well since they also impact your losses/gains. It all goes hand in hand to help you meet your goal.
Good luck!! | |
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CreativeEngineer
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 134,808
March 2004
Posts: 6,137
Layouts: 4
Loc: East Coast
| Posted: 1/29/2013 4:24:54 PM
I've lost 30 lbs since Aug and have 10 more to go.
Very restrictive "diets" just won't work long term for me. The more I tell myself I can't have something, the more I crave it. So I decided to start really exercising. I try to exercise 5 times a week for at least 45 minutes. Elliptical, inclined tread mill (12 , or running. I ran 4 miles at lunch today. I LOVE to run. It's so relaxing to me. It's just me and the road. I have to love what I'm doing or I won't stick with it.
I also try to eat better. More veggies, less junk. Smaller portions and wait 15 minutes. Most of the time I don't want the seconds. Drink lots of water. It fills you up and flushes you out. Double bonus. 
Good luck. Take it one day and one pound at a time. You'll get there! |
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No1UKnow
PeaAddict
PeaNut 381,935
July 2008
Posts: 1,870
Layouts: 1
Loc: The land of Toto
| Posted: 1/29/2013 4:25:25 PM
I don't think there is a magic answer. Everyone has to do what works for them. The *only* thing I ever found that worked was to track every calorie I ate and every step I took. That would drive some people insane, but unless I made myself aware of what I was eating, I was bad about grazing. I lost 70 pounds that way. Then I went back to school, let stress get to me and regained 30, but I am now headed back down the scale. And yet again I find myself tracking my calories and exercise. Otherwise I will not see results. |
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fredfreddy
Alex told me to change it
PeaNut 120,522
December 2003
Posts: 19,052
Layouts: 543
Loc: never in one place very long (...in San Jose, CA)
| Posted: 1/29/2013 4:55:31 PM
Slow and steady. The most I have lost is 40 before I got married. I started 10 months ahead and did it in 6. I bought a dress I knew I could fit in if I lost the weight.
I am doing WW again and am down 7.6 in 3 weeks. It really is a long process. Planning ahead, having the support of your family, keeping the crap out of the house, keeping busy, coming up with an exercise routine, and writing everything down is what works for me. |
Alana
it rhymes with banana
mom to a 20 yo dd, 13 yo ds, and 10 yo ds and a scrapper for 12 years | |
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Michelle Rae
PeaAddict
PeaNut 11,947
March 2001
Posts: 1,694
Layouts: 23
 | Posted: 1/29/2013 5:04:40 PM
I lost 100 lbs on Weight Watchers in 2008. I still struggle but it's what works for me.
How I got motivated was not completely focusing on what I'd look like but how I'd feel, how much more I could do and how I'd be healthier.
I've walked 1/2 marathons and many 5ks. I could never have done that before. I can do activities with my son and not beat myself up because I am too out of shape.
The motivation has to come within. Good luck. |
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scrappinghappy
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 38,979
May 2002
Posts: 5,305
Layouts: 71
Loc: Anywhere one or more of my kids are
| Posted: 1/29/2013 5:47:08 PM
I'm on that journey now. Using WW combined with Cognitive Therapy and hypnosis. Also joined a gym and am working out diligently every other day.
I'm down almost 20 pounds in 18 weeks.
I'm a pastry chef and I'm talking to dh about switching careers. I just can't see myself at a healthy weight in my current work environment. Not seeing me in retail either so not sure what to do that will totally take me away from a food based career without completely re-educating myself. |
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vanmama
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 3,281
March 2000
Posts: 2,360
Layouts: 0
Loc: central Illinois
 | Posted: 1/29/2013 5:55:40 PM
Boy, did this thread title make me go  ! My name is Laura Jane, so when I saw who posted it I was, like, when did I post this?
I, too, have a lot of weight to lose and have been giving myself a pep talk winding up to this Friday, February 1st. I do better when I have a target "start" date...
4 years ago, I was diagnosed with Type II diabetes and started following a low carb diet. I did so well with it, worked very hard, and then added walking in a few months later. I felt soooo much better and lost about 25 lbs or so. Then I had surgery, still walked a bit while off on medical leave, but when I went back to work after 7 weeks, I was absolutely exhausted and gave it up. Over the years, the pounds have started coming back on.
This week is it! I MUST get it together FOR MY HEALTH! I have been reading all the threads that talk about any type of dieting or exercise and am hoping I can be successful for longer.
*sigh* I have no willpower! |
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joelsgal
Not so clever.
PeaNut 161,666
August 2004
Posts: 5,621
Layouts: 40
Loc: Chicago
| Posted: 1/29/2013 6:00:21 PM
Diet and exercise.
I have lost 80 lbs.and I did it with changing my eating habits and riding my bike.
I quit eating fast food and crappy food and huge portions and took control. I got my bike out and went for rides. At first I could barely ride 4 miles then last May my Mom and I did a bycicle tour of Tuscany. I rode over 40 miles a day for days. I then started running doing the couch to 5k training program. I raced in many 5k's and then did a 10 mile race in November. I had started my half-marathon training when I got injured.
I allow myself to be human, I love chocolate and eat some everyday.
I think you really need to be in a place in your life where there is nothing more you want to do but lose weight and get healthy.
For me it was the trip to Italy, i knew I wouldn't have been able to do it if i didn't lose the weight. Now I want to do a full marathon so that keeps me motivated.
Find your motivation and you will find success. |
Vicky
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Heckofagal
PeaNut
PeaNut 319,348
May 2007
Posts: 460
Layouts: 1
 | Posted: 1/29/2013 6:10:54 PM
I was determined that 2013 was going to be the year of a "better" me. Have joined WW again and am in 2 biggest loser contests. After 3 weeks I have lost between 4-5 pounds. As a gal who COULD stand to lose 100 pounds I feel like this is very slow. I will be happy to lose 50 pounds. I've struggled with thyroid issues and have learned my Reverse T3 is way high and everything I've read said this will slow down metabolism. I've also read some people with high RT3 have leptin resistance so I've ordered a book with a diet aimed at reducing leptin. It's getting frustrating.
I'm also frustrated with the stigma associated with overweight people. I know I look at obese people and think "why do they let themselves get that way?"... And I am fat myself! | |
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Compwalla
Pastafarian Pea
PeaNut 11,942
March 2001
Posts: 19,828
Layouts: 39
Loc: Vacaville, CA
| Posted: 1/29/2013 6:12:00 PM
I am down 79 lbs from my heaviest. For me, it was a long slow process of changing what and how we ate. The first small changes started in 2008 like getting HFCS out of our diet. Then we started eating more produce, eating only pastured meats, etc. I lost about 25 lbs on my own and got stuck. I joined WW 15 months ago and that was the last piece of the puzzle for me.
Mostly it's a decision every day about how you want to treat yourself. My mom has type II, my sister had a stroke at age 48, my cousin dropped dead of a heart attack at 43, and another cousin had a quadruple bypass at age 40. I can't change my genes but I could change my lifestyle. My health is better, my docs are pleased as punch with what I've done, and I feel loads better. I knew for me, weight loss surgery was not for me. For me personally it would have meant giving up and deciding that I wasn't able to control my own behavior. And I knew I could not live with the specific lifestyle changes required after wls. Being fat is hard, losing weight on your own is hard, the after effects of WLS are hard. I went with the hard I thought I could live the happiest life with. |
Virginia
I distrust those people who know so well what God wants them to do because I notice it always coincides with their own desires. --Susan B. Anthony
Blog link - Dryer Lint
Aprons and More | |
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MichyM
Macro PhotograPea
PeaNut 15,409
May 2001
Posts: 7,714
Layouts: 17
Loc: Queen Anne Hill
| Posted: 1/29/2013 6:22:09 PM
I haven't read the replies yet, so my apologies if this is redundant.
I'm at 75 pounds lost since March 1st of last year. I'm 51.
For me, I was just READY. I spent about 2 weeks beforehand preparing myself to make changes to my eating. I did a lot of reading and researching, and decided for me I didn't want to cut anything completely out of my diet as I didn't feel it would be sustainable long term. Initially I thought I would join WW, however I was travelling a lot last spring and knew I couldn't make it to meetings for the first couple of months. So I started on my own, and figured I'd join eventually, but never did since I have done well on my own.
For me the eating was the first things. I completely overhauled my typical diet, and also worked on portion control. I started recording every single thing I put in my mouth on MyFitnessPal.com, and kept my daily caloric intake to 1200 per day. I like using the app as it also tracks calcium, protein, carbs, etc. It also syncs to my Fitbit.
I have chronic neck and back issues due to a long ago car accident, so I was very nervous to start a fitness plan. I had a horrible flare up late last spring, and decided to give physical therapy another (yet again) try. This time I ended up selecting a therapist that I REALLY clicked with, and I was determined to do anything I could to strengthen and protect my neck and back. So I actually did (and still do to this day) all my exercises at home daily. It has really helped.
Fast forward 3 months and my PT ended in the late summer. I had casually taken up walking. Then 2 of my friends and I decided to do a 5k about 6 weeks later. That motivated me to really get going, and I started walking 3-4 miles about 5 days a week. I started at 16 minute miles, I am currently at 13.5 minute miles. My goal is 12 minute miles eventually.
I never, ever thought I would say this, but I LOVE walking (I cannot run due to my back). I need that time for myself. Turn on my music and GO. Once or twice a week I walk with friends, but most of the time it's just me. It is my zen time. Even in rainy, windy, wintery Seattle.
A couple of months ago I also took up yoga and take a class once a week. So that, 20-30 minutes of core strenghtening per day, and walking are my exercise.
I knew when I started this that I had to do this in increments. Too many changes all at once just wouldn't work for me. It's taken 10 1/2 months and I'm just a few pounds from goal. Then the really hard part starts, maintaining it.
Oh, and I'm taking up snowshoeing. I am SO excited to do that. I never would thought a year ago that I'd be excited about exercising
Wow, that's the longest post I've made here in years. I hope something out of it is helpful to you! |
Lauren
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My Blog
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PEArfect
AncestralPea
PeaNut 452,048
January 2010
Posts: 4,463
Layouts: 0
Loc: Indiana
 | Posted: 1/29/2013 6:27:53 PM
I lost over 80 lbs following the basic principles of eating clean, exercising, and following the Blood Type Diet a bit too. I would like to lose another 20-30 lbs. |
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V-Diddy
PeaNut
PeaNut 561,387
July 2012
Posts: 34
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 1/29/2013 6:52:11 PM
I've lost 130 pounds and kept it off for almost three years. Wasn't even close to easy. Had a significant health scare and just had to do it. The keys for me were portion control, eating healthier, finding very low cal filling snacks, writing down everything I ate, making a conscious decision about every thing I put in my mouth, walking a little bit more every day. I also bought myself a good bra that elevated the girls to their former location and made me feel like I had a waist. I got rid of fat clothes as soon as I dropped sizes. I have friends who noticed and encouraged and loved me up anytime I needed it. I had tried WW and hypnosis, and therapy and joining gyms, and a nutritionist and everything else. There's no magic. It's not a matter of "control'" Nothing worked until I made it an absolute top priority and forgave myself for what I'd done to my body and my life. When I slip, I do better tomorrow. I wish you all the luck in the world. I wish me luck too. Some of those 130 pounds had to be lost more than once and I've got more to do. | |
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BergdorfBlonde
Getting blonder every day
PeaNut 162,956
August 2004
Posts: 10,040
Layouts: 0
Loc: LI girl, livin' in the gulf
| Posted: 1/29/2013 7:04:50 PM
*sigh* I have no willpower!
**DON'T: reinforce negative statements like this!!!!!!!!! You will have willpower when you're ready & stronger.
**DO: begin any program that you might think is sound. It's a very personal choice. As long as it's sound and not drastic, it'll work.
**DO: Find out about what to do once you reach your goal weight. If it doesn't have a maintenance plan, it's worth nothing.
**DO: Consider therapy or a program that at least has one on one counseling. It's imperative. You'll only successfully learn how to change your bad habits once you're aware of them. Your counselor needs to be able to speak to you ALONE to figure it all out and have constant plans in motion for you.
**DON'T: think that it's an all or nothing process. Take one step at a time. It took me nearly a year to evolve into my size 2, and I had many side-steps that were worked into my program. It could be done.
**DON'T: skip one week of going into a weightloss centre/clinic just because you thought you were "bad". Getting right back into it is the mark of success.
**DO: find a counselor you could connect with, and one who motivates you.
Being a former weightloss counselor, I could go on and on. I wish you all success in whichever plan you choose to go on. When you're ready, you're ready!! |
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2peafaithful
People not perfection
PeaNut 35,457
April 2002
Posts: 27,809
Layouts: 0
Loc: Right where I should be
| Posted: 1/29/2013 7:07:32 PM
I started losing weight when I was 14. I lost 44 lbs by dieting and exercising when I was 14. I had gained it back after a couple years and when I was 17 I lost 50 lbs. I kept that off for about 2 years and then lost about 50 when I was 20. Then I had babies a couple years after that and the 40-50 lbs I struggled with had doubled. When I was 24-25 I lost 100 lbs with counting my calories and exercise. I kept that off a couple years and than had another baby and gained some of it back. I went through a very difficult time in my life when I was 28-29 and at that point I was deeply in pain and grieving. Life was very, very hard for a really long time. After a few years I had gained 125 lbs. I stayed that way for several years until I decided to have gastric bypass in 2003.
2013 and I have lost 231 lbs. The surgery didn't make anything click with me but it was a great tool to help me in my journey. It took me many years to learn to really toss away the junk eating that I had loved for years. For me the biggest thing that helped me is that I truly learned what a healthy lifestyle was and I tossed my dieting mentality. I was always a all or nothing person and that was a destructive path for me. I would always hear thin people talk about a healthy lifestyle and I thought it was just something a skinny person said and believed. That sounds crazy but I had a belief that they were a skinny person so what do they know about weight??? Obviously a lot more than I did!
Is it a battle for me now? Yes and no. I have changed how I live and eat. I weight about 25 days a month. I am not a slave to the scale but it helps me gage how I am doing. I need the accountability.
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redboots
BucketHead
PeaNut 399,301
November 2008
Posts: 908
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 1/29/2013 7:09:07 PM
I ate better food and moved my body more. It really is that simple. | |
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elphalba
PeaNut
PeaNut 31,845
March 2002
Posts: 460
Layouts: 53
Loc: Poconos PA
| Posted: 1/29/2013 7:22:16 PM
I was never obese or extremely heavy. I have never worn over a size 10 but at my heaviest I weighed 160-something pounds at 5'5 but I was uncomfortable and self conscious.
My biggest change was that I wasn't dieting. I ate anything I wanted in moderation. I payed attention to calories and serving sizes. I found exercises that I enjoyed and stayed active with the kids - hiking, jogging, playing tag and payed attention to burning calories. The one thing that made a huge difference for me is I refused to "drink" my calories - I was downing about 500 calories a day in juice. I still drink coffee (no sugar), tea plain and water. I love food and dessert too much to waste my calories on drinks!
After having baby #6, the weight didn't just fall off so I used MyfitnessPal to retrain my brain on serving sizes and the amount of exercise I need to do daily.
Just by this alone I have maintained my weight (132 - 135 l for nearly 10 years without dieting or restricting anything but drinks really.
HTH! |
Erica
Mom to six kids, two pugs and a cat
2013 Layouts Completed: 131
2012 Layouts Completed: 219
MY BLOG
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Maryland
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 87,597
May 2003
Posts: 8,779
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 1/29/2013 7:25:19 PM
I seemed to gain 5 pounds the past 2 months and it all went to my stomach! I always had a thin stomach, so this drives me crazy! I guess that's what happens when we get older - the middle age spread! I don't even feel that old. So it's back to exercising for me. I was always able to eat anything and everything. Aging!!! | |
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mom22reds
PeaAddict
PeaNut 191,815
February 2005
Posts: 1,947
Layouts: 4
Loc: Moorpark, CA
| Posted: 1/29/2013 7:41:33 PM
I lost a lot of weight recently, and I tracked nothing.
The long and the short of it is I switched to eating clean. I'm not exactly sure how much I've lost because even though I needed and wanted to lose weight, I never made the decision to start a diet one day. I just started making small changes here and there, and they eventually led to a big weight loss.
This all started at the beginning of August, when I returned from a mission trip to Japan. I discovered that my appetite had decreased, which I attributed to the fact that I was snacking/eating less while on my trip. I decided to stick with my new, smaller portions, and things just continued from there. I stopped snacking on the junk food that was always in the office, later stopped my late night snacking at home, later cut out white flour and refined sugars, and so on. I later changed my meals such that I eat about 5 small meals per day, as opposed to 3 large ones. I've pretty much eliminated all processed foods, so everything is "real" and whole, if that makes sense. An example of this is as opposed to eating a 100-calorie serving of Baked Lays, which used to be a regular part of my diet, I'll instead eat a 100-calorie apple or 150-170 calories of raw almonds. I'm eating a real foods that keep me full longer and aren't full of chemicals. I eat tons of fresh fruits and veggies am discovering all kinds of wonderful recipes online that incorporate healthy, fresh ingredients. It's a lot of fun!
As I said earlier, I don't know how much I lost because I never set out to go on a diet. It was just a series of adjustments here and there. But if I had to guess, I would say that I lost 40 pounds or so in 8 months. I went from a size 10 to a size 0. I really need to incorporate exercise (I haven't done ANY throughout this process!) in order to increase my strength and flexibility and contribute to my overall health.
Sonia
ETA: Correction- I lost the weight in 5 months, not 8. |
2013 Goal:
Organize my entire house one drawer, cabinet, nook and cranny at a time!
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Cindy March
1 Pea, 2 Pea, Red Pea, Blue Pea
PeaNut 487,105
November 2010
Posts: 752
Layouts: 0
Loc: Long Island, New York
| Posted: 1/29/2013 7:51:50 PM
Weight Watchers. I was just ready. |
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scrappincolleen
PeaAddict
PeaNut 426,629
June 2009
Posts: 1,252
Layouts: 13
Loc: Kenosha, WI
| Posted: 1/29/2013 8:06:56 PM
Diet and Exercise...Sounds simple right! Not at all though!
I have been overweight since I was I young child. I met a personal trainer 3 1/2 years ago who likes to focus on people with a lot of weight to lose. I was 458 lbs and couldn't walk a block without stopping. He trained me for free my first three months to get me started and has helped me in so many ways. I had done every diet across the sun multiple times, but my mind was never quite right to succeed. Something was different this time, but I'm not sure what.
I lost 140 lbs in 1 1/2 years and turned into an athlete. I started running a little bit at a time and ran 2 1/2 marathons and did 2 sprint triathalons.
Unfortunately on Dec 5 2011 I had a major set back. I was hit head on by a driver who crossed over the center line and am lucky to be alive. I ended up with a broken ankle that needed surgery and months of physical therapy. I literally had to learn how to walk again. I have finally been able to be back with my trainer and in the meantime gained most of the weight I lost back because I fell into a deep depression. I have always dealt with my feelings through food.
I am now working with a therapist to work through why I eat my emotions which is really helping. My journey has completely started over this year now that I am back with my trainer and I have lost 10 lbs since Jan 3rd.
Major weight loss is more of a mental battle than a physical battle.
If you ever need encouragement or want someone to talk to or more information about my journey, the good, the bad, etc, please let me know!
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My Race Tracker!
5K's - PR 44:51
10K's - PR 1 hr 37
10 Mile - PR 2 hrs 40 min set 6/18/11
1/2 Marathon - PR 3 hrs 40 min
I can't believe I'm actually a runner now!!!!
And even better...I'm a tri-athlete!!! | |
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BoSoxBeth
Working for SHALOM
PeaNut 44,871
August 2002
Posts: 17,096
Layouts: 8
| Posted: 1/29/2013 8:39:34 PM
I am losing a bit of weight now.
I am eating close to vegan, but not entirely.
I am eating only whole and "real" foods - NOTHING processed.
I am going very heavy on the fruits and vegetables, including some juicing of fruit/veg juice combos (juicing at home with a machine, that is).
The movie "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead" really inspired me recently to get my act together. I really recommend people check it out. You can watch it for free if you have Amazon Prime. | |
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BEF2008
PeaFixture
PeaNut 183,504
January 2005
Posts: 3,913
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 1/29/2013 8:41:19 PM
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candygurl
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 269,170
July 2006
Posts: 2,462
Layouts: 12
Loc: USA
 | Posted: 1/29/2013 8:49:20 PM
I recently lost 10lbs and since I am close to my goal weight, it has been a slow but steady process.
First things first, prepare your meals in advance!
I eat the same thing for breakfast everyday and pretty much the same for lunch. It doesn't bother me at all, makes my life so much easier since I know what I am having. For breakfast I eat an english muffin with peanut butter and some coffee. I always drink about 3 glasses of water at breakfast too. For lunch, overnight oats with some granola/fruit on top and 3 more glasses of water. Afternoon snack, apples or Kind bars. Then dinner, is always different so I just try to eat 1 serving, focusing on salad and not bread/rice/carbs.After dinner, another 3 glasses of water and 2 pieces of small dark chocolate for dessert.
As for exercise, I run every other day for at least 30 minutes. I did the c25k program and it works! I also had to repeat weeks so just do the best you can! On days I don't run, I try to walk a few miles.
Oh yes, Myfitnesspal is a great app to track your calories/exercise. I no longer use it but it held me so accountable because I did not want to go over on my calories and see the red scores. Of course, there will be days that I did overeat, not exercise, etc. but I just remembered that tomorrow is a new day and a fresh start
Remember, you want to have to do this for yourself and only you! |
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TeachOne
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 2,387
January 2000
Posts: 2,966
Layouts: 12
Loc: USA
| Posted: 1/29/2013 9:34:32 PM
My mom has been juicing and she lost 7 pounds in 3 days. | |
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Tracyarts
Just content to be ME pea...
PeaNut 44,329
August 2002
Posts: 9,527
Layouts: 30
Loc: 8 miles from Galveston Bay
| Posted: 1/30/2013 4:57:09 AM
" Who has lost a lot of weight? How did you do it? I'm not asking so much exactly what you ate but how you keep yourself on track for weeks and months and years on end. Did you have a turning point or an epiphany? Did you use gradual changes or big changes? "
I lost 115 pounds over several years, and am still losing, albeit very slowly now.
I had a turning point at my highest weight. My quality of life was no longer acceptable, and my health was starting to fail. I knew that if I did not make some major changes, I would almost certainly end up housebound by 40 and dead by 50.
I had to completely change my relationship with food. Why I ate, When I ate, What I ate, and How much I ate. First, I had to stop eating simply because food was there and other people were eating. Food can be a social and celebratory thing, but not all social activities and celebrations have to include eating. Then I had to get used to eating regular meals and snacks when appropriate. No more skipping meals, and no eating just because I wanted something. I also had to learn to plan for treats and splurges so I could still enjoy them but in a healthier way. Then I had make good food a priority in terms of time, effort, and money. More home cooked meals, restaurants that cook simple and fresh food, and paying a lot of attention to nutrition. And then once I got the why, when, and what straight, I started working on portion control. Instead of eating to get full, I learned to eat to quell my hunger and keep me nourished until my next meal or snack. I did a lot of measuring and weighing of food at first, but learned how to eyeball serving sizes and use smaller plates and bowls to help keep portions in check.
Exercise was secondary. I hurt my back years ago and have had problems with it ever since. So, I just stay as active as I can, and find ways to exercise that work with my limitations. I mostly do water exercise, but do a lot of gardening and take short walks when I feel up to it. It certainly helps, but wasn't a major factor in my weight loss.
It really was all about changing my relationship with food, and sticking with the changes in the long-term. And I just did it because it's what I had to do. Getting more out of life is pretty strong motivation. And really I'm not missing out on anything or having to struggle through anything. It's just a healthier approach to food and eating, completely do-able for me since I am NOT so much into self-denial and guilt and shame over things I enjoy.
Tracy |
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Jill3cats
PeaAddict
PeaNut 13,181
March 2001
Posts: 1,672
Layouts: 52
Loc: South Florida
| Posted: 1/30/2013 6:22:16 AM
I have lost 30 pounds over past year by eating "clean". Real, whole food. Nothing that says lite, or diet on it. I have also switched to eating organic foods. I do watch my portions but don't track my food. I follow a blog call 100 days of real food. She is a wealth of info!
Good luck on your journey! | |
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jjjulee
BucketHead
PeaNut 522,402
October 2011
Posts: 699
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 1/30/2013 11:52:15 AM
We went vegan, more for health purposes than for weight loss. (The most user-friendly book on the topic is probably Engine 2 Diet.) The weight has fallen off, particularly when we also cut out gluten. (Cutting out gluten is NOT part of the Engine 2 diet.) I think it's important to note that 99% of our diet is actual food that grows in the ground - mostly veggies, some fruit, rice, and beans/legumes. We don't do fake meats, fake cheeses, etc.
I don't look at it as restrictive; none of us ever have any desire to eat a "standard American diet" again. It has reshaped our view of food. I don't have to count a single calorie, I don't do any kind of portion control, I eat until I'm full, then I stop eating.
We do eat out about once a month, and are more lax on the gluten and dairy when we eat out. It's very hard to eat out otherwise. We try to choose restaurants where we have lots of options, and luckily, many restaurants are starting to cater to this way of eating. I don't stress about the occasional meal out, mostly because I know I'll work off the damage with exercise.
It's given us so much energy that now DH and I are both long-distance runners and do a good amount of weight lifting as well. That has totally changed our view on food: now it is used to fuel our workouts (complex carbs, good fats beforehand, quick carbs and small amounts of protein during longer runs, heavy on the protein after workouts to speed recovery.) If we don't eat right, we'll feel it when we're an hour into a long run or bike ride.
I've noticed, amongst my family and friends, of those that have said they were inspired by us, the ones that accomplish the same things we have are committed to it. They just wake up one day and decide that they are worth it, the same way we did. Until you can do that, until you can clean out your fridge and your pantry and decide that you are going to do this, that you are worth the time spent running/walking/swimming/lifting weights/whatever, the method isn't going to matter as much as the mindset.
A friend of mine has summed it up best for me: Eating a cookie gives you less than 5 minutes of pleasure. It's not worth a lifetime of pill popping and surgeries and whatnot to have that 5 minutes of cookie-eating pleasure. (She went vegan and gluten-free and no longer has type 2 diabetes and now has normal blood pressure.) | |
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CMRA
PeaNut
PeaNut 577,483
January 2013
Posts: 35
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 1/30/2013 12:02:37 PM
Here's my short version: Zumba with an amazing instructor that pushes her students - think a bit tamer Jillian Michaels. Tracking everything on My Fitness Pal. Building stamina with Couch to 5k. | |
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Casii
CasiioPEA
PeaNut 128,923
February 2004
Posts: 8,429
Layouts: 112
Loc: Maryland
| Posted: 1/30/2013 12:03:57 PM
Like others here, I didn't go on a diet, per se, but started eating clean. I've lost almost 50 lbs so far. Not quickly, but for me this is a lifestyle change. And I try to look at my journey as more of a marathon than a sprint. |
Ciao,
Casii
Granny Panty Chic
Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on or by imbeciles who really mean it. ~Mark Twain
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guzismom
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 31,617
March 2002
Posts: 9,332
Layouts: 59
Loc: southern new mexico
| Posted: 1/30/2013 1:12:20 PM
Weight loss surgery 11 years ago.
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Marilyn (now in New Mexico!!)
SCUBA diving and SCRAPPING Mom of two
Canon 5DMkII, 24-70 2.8L; 70-200 2.8L IS, 50 1.4;
my blog | |
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***Jen***
That's What She Said
PeaNut 29,051
February 2002
Posts: 10,106
Layouts: 1
| Posted: 1/30/2013 1:50:13 PM
I quit the gym! Honestly! In 2011 I joined a gym to lose 10 pounds. Went pretty faithfully 2x a week and then only once a week doing aerobics, weight lifting classes. Nothing. I even gained two pounds. So 14 months later, I quit out of frustration and financial obligations (hated paying for it).
During November and December, I did nothing except walk. I ate less and gave up morning coffee drinks (instead of doing like 8 a week, I was doing 3 a week, skim milk.)
I weighed myself in January and had lost 15 pounds. I had no idea. I was shocked. I guess the obvious answer was I ate less (even over the holidays). now I'm at the weight I wanted to be at. |
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Ursula Schneider
BucketHead
PeaNut 97,497
July 2003
Posts: 992
Layouts: 94
Loc: Southeastern Arizona
| Posted: 1/30/2013 2:03:30 PM
I lost 70 lbs through Weigh Down Workshop and kept it off until some heavy emotional turmoil hit.
Since then, I've realized that a lot of my overeating is a result of my emotional state. I believe dealing with whatever underlying emotional junk is there is a key to maintaining weight loss for me. I find I have setbacks everytime there is an issue in my life that is out of my personal ability to control. It tends to send me into a spiral.
So for me, that means learning to let go of control and let the chips fall where they may. I am sure the issue is different for everyone, but I think that is often an important place to start.
After that, reasonable eating and regualar physical exertion are important. |
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Shevy
Harley Riding Pea
PeaNut 10,051
January 2001
Posts: 7,247
Layouts: 9
Loc: 10,000 Lakes and Double Cities!
| Posted: 1/30/2013 2:16:47 PM
For me I decided I was tried of living the way I was living. It was an ah-ha moment.
I tracked everything going in my mouth from liquid to chocolate for 30 days. Then I had a pattern of what I was eating, when and how mcuh. I could see where I was going wrong and my trouble spots. I then tracked for 30 days making better choices.
I worked out 5-7 days a week. Cardio mostly. I lost about 35 pounds and got stuck. I made the decision to seek a gastick band proceedure.
Continuing my tracking, my better nutrition and the tool of the band I've lost 55 pounds in about a year.
My suggestions are:
1. Track your food. ALl of it. Even if you cheat. You're not fooling anyone so it does no good to not track it.
2. Cardio. Get your heart rate up to where you can talk, but not hold a conversation for at least 30 minutes every day. DO couch to 5K. Join a gym.
3. Don't think about the big picture. Set 30 day goals and only look to those. Things that push you, but are manageable. Once you reach one, set another one.
4. Reward yourself for meeting goals with non food rewards. A new dress, a personal trainer, some make up...something. It will then remind you how good it felt to meet that goal when you wear it/use it.
5. FInd support form different places. For me, I used many online bloggers, some Peas posts and my husband. Your support system will push you when you need it and listen to you when you need it.
6. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Help with the gym in how to use a machine. Help with a trainer. Help with nutrition. Help with a form of weight loss surgery. If the goal is to be healthy, who cares how you get there. Use the tools that you need to do it and stay there.
My blog in my signature has a lot of my struggles in it over the years. |
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Pete & Nico
