How I lost 21 pounds!

kimbelle_vie

I am by no means an expert, but I am hoping to motivate those of you who are intimidated of starting the journey.

Stats:
SW: 177
CW: 155
GW: 145-120LBS
Height: 5'3
Age: 21

I started in July. I was determined that this would be the last time I would say I want to lose weight. Here are the things I did to help me lose the weight:

1. I joined a gym, I set a goal of working out at least 3 times a week for 30 minutes. My first day I got on the elliptical and struggled to make it to 30 minutes. My first week I told myself that I had to complete a full 30 minutes and then the next week I would increase 1-5minutes. Every week I followed this same routine, until I worked myself up to 60 minutes
2. I stopped drinking soda regular, instead I limited it to one time a month. I drank a (minimum) 60oz of water a day. Now I am up to a minimum of 96oz and as a personal choice I do not drink soda.
3. I weighed in 2x a week. Wednesday and Saturday
4. I created my own rewards system. I got to pick a reward for every 10lbs.
5. At first I would limit eating out to once a month, as eating out is a huge part in my family. Now I don't do this as much. Instead I am learning how to portion control out my meals.
6. When eating fast food, I do not order combo meals. For example burger, fries, soda. I will just eat the burger or just the fries (if I am craving them). My go to place is subway. I follow the same rule. I will get a six inch sub and a bag of bake lays chips (lowest amount of calories 130 for whole bag) or 1 chocolate chip cookie (if I am craving one)
7. I do not treat this like a diet, DIETS DON'T WORK! It's a lifestyle change, which means eat whatever I want just in moderation. I am not going to go low carb If I am not going to do it for life
8. I do not count calories! I never liked counting calories so I don't do it. I do however pay attention to the calories and the nutrition facts. I follow serving sizes. For example a bag of animal crackers is 16 animal crackers for 120, all I eat is 16.
9. Eat breakfast! I buy instant oatmeal or grits. On weekends I may eat cereal/milk, biscuits, or pancakes.
10. I eat the same thing pretty much everyday. I may switch things up like a sandwich for breakfast and oatmeal for lunch, for example.
11. I gradually increase through out my day, meaning small breakfast, medium lunch, and heavy dinner. This really helps me because I like eating dinner with my family.

I know it seems like a lot, but make gradual changes. It won't happen overnight. I never thought I would make it this far. I wear a size medium shirt (from a large), never in my life do I remember wearing one. I went from an 18 to a size 14 in pants. My journey is not done. I am still learning as well, so this list may grow overtime. What's most important is not giving up! You will go through hard times. There will be times when the scale won't move and you feel like a blow fish (lol). There will also be times where you eat way more than you should have. Look up the word Rebound.This is a word you want to remember. One day at a time!

Feel free to add me as a friend or msg me if you have any questions. Or reply below with your helpful tips! Have a blessed day ya'll!

jontucc

Thanks for sharing your changes it makes a lot of sense. I like your outlook in that you still eat the things you like and can socialise but all in moderation and portion control. Well done!

Holla4mom

I'm glad those things worked well for you! Congrats on your loss!

shyamcn

^I just realized that this is probably one of the few circumstances where you could actually congratulate someone for a loss!

@kimbelle_vie‌: Great job! Even though I do not agree with some of you points (for example, I skip breakfast cuz I do intermittent fasting and eat two heavy meals), I do agree that making a lifestyle change is probably the key thing here. The best diet/exercise scheme is the one you can consistently follow everyday.

kimbelle_vie

I agree! @shyamcn‌ before my journey I tried a lot of other people's ways on losing weight and never succeed. Once you find your niche it's clear selling! Thanks for your comments

DebTavares

I don't count calories either, but I am cognizant of the calories in certain foods. One rule I have to space out my meals and only eat at meal time, otherwise I could literally eat all day long.

kendalslimmer

shyamcn wrote: »

The best diet/exercise scheme is the one you can consistently follow everyday.

Very true!

Well done OP for you loss so far! Good luck with the next part of your journey!

Xx

malone099

Great outlook & good job. Best of luck on your journey.

kimbelle_vie

Thank you guys so much!

Lifechangeat44

Thanks so much for your post. I think this is very helpful. I have six months to lose weight before my doctor will place me on diabetic medicine. My docotor is trying to control my diabeties with diet and exercise as I am in the early stage (right at the door). These suggestions, I believe, will help me with my current goals. The only thing is I am a scale junkie and I get so depressed when the scale does not move. I'm really working on this issue. Trying to weigh myself once a week.
Thanks again for sharing. Keep up the good work.

alireymurrell

You are a perfect example of lifestyle change and that is why your weight will stay off. I'm feeling so frustrated bc my wtisbt doing a thing. Do you have meal plans? If love to see your food diary. If you aren't counting calories, how do you use mfp? I'm so over counting the calories and nothing changing!

kimbelle_vie

Lifechangeat44 wrote: »

Thanks so much for your post. I think this is very helpful. I have six months to lose weight before my doctor will place me on diabetic medicine. My docotor is trying to control my diabeties with diet and exercise as I am in the early stage (right at the door). These suggestions, I believe, will help me with my current goals. The only thing is I am a scale junkie and I get so depressed when the scale does not move. I'm really working on this issue. Trying to weigh myself once a week.
Thanks again for sharing. Keep up the good work.

I'm so glad this was helpful! You are the kind of person I want to reach out too.
I understand about the scale issues. What I would do is just put it away for a while b/c it would turn my day upside down. The scale is only one indication of weight loss . There are so many other ways like simply feeling better! You will succeed. Success is your only option! Best wishes

kimbelle_vie

alireymurrell wrote: »

You are a perfect example of lifestyle change and that is why your weight will stay off. I'm feeling so frustrated bc my wtisbt doing a thing. Do you have meal plans? If love to see your food diary. If you aren't counting calories, how do you use mfp? I'm so over counting the calories and nothing changing!

On average a week M-F
Breakfast: instant oatmeal or grits and 32 oz of water

Lunch: ham and cheese sandwich or pbj sandwich. I normally have the sandwich and two other side items. A fruit (maybe), applesauce, animal crackers, goldfish, fruit snacks, graham crackers, etc. 32oz of water. Some days if I did not pack a lunch I will eat subway, a six inch and bag of baked lays.

Dinner: Whatever my mom cooked or is available. I have eaten spaghetti, fettuccine, hot dog, hamburgers, homemade fries, bbq plate lunches from local restaurants, cereal and milk (absolute favorite). My rule for dinner is eat till I am full. When I am full I stop.

kimbelle_vie

Bump!

pjischaos

"The scale is only one indication of weight loss . There are so many other ways like simply feeling better!" ~ kimbelle_vie

This right here is what I have to tell myself everyday! 6 months ago, I started dabbling with the treadmill and Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30. Hubby was no support, whatsoever, even discouraged me at every opportunity. Then he suddenly decided HE needed to lose 50 lbs. I thought, "awesome! We can do this together.".
Not exactly, it turns out. I have severe case of laziness and little willpower, I freely admit it. He has stuck with it and lost a bit over 30 of those lbs, looks great and I really am proud of him for it. Now though, I am back into the treadmill and paying more attention to what I eat. I have been for a solid 2+ wks now and am comfortable with that. He is so not, he just keeps saying how I need to do twice as much work since I only walk 3mph during my 20-45min workouts and he runs 4.5mph for an hour. How I need to just eat once a day, like he does. Tons of little things like that. I'm not saying he's wrong, but I am not him! What works for him does not work for me. How does one handle this and keep on keepin on? I am fine with what I do, and I do feel better! Loads better actually as I know I am getting stronger and can endure more. I know when to push and when to stop for the day, it's my body right.

I love threads like this, these are the ones that keep me going thru it all. Thanks!!

melorastar

That is fantastic! You are my inspiration I've also been trying to change up my lifestyle similarly and seeing results but slowly which made me disheartened, but hearing you talk about your success has perked me back up! Serious big congrats =D

supah11

I like your style because its not those strict workouts/diets

ejuliano85

This is great. I am on my first week and I was afraid of this kind of attitude. I used to snack a lot (unhealthy snacks), eat crappy foods for meals and not exercise. I have started working out in the morning and eating much healthier. I am trying to stick to a certain amount of calories, but not gong to stress when I go over.

You made me smile and help me realize that it is possible to do it by just watching and exercising! Keep it up!!

beachbum4044

It is about the journey, choices, moderation. I want to eat what my family is having and not cook 2 separate meals. I have found that eating 5-6 times a day works for me. Breakfast full of protein, fruit or yogurt a few hours later, salad for lunch, whatever I didn't have for my first snack, then dinner w/ the family. Lots of water all day long. I have started walking on my lunch break and am hoping to drop another 10 lbs in the next 5 weeks. That should get me to a great place prior to surgery and make recovery easier and jumping back in easier. Thanks for sharing!

kimbelle_vie

melorastar wrote: »

That is fantastic! You are my inspiration I've also been trying to change up my lifestyle similarly and seeing results but slowly which made me disheartened, but hearing you talk about your success has perked me back up! Serious big congrats =D

It definitely can be a slow process, but be patient. Sometimes I will look over my journey and think I should be at goal by now, but I remember what's the rush? If this is a lifestyle change then it's for life. Enjoy your journey and you can still be healthy too!

kimbelle_vie

pjischaos wrote: »

"The scale is only one indication of weight loss . There are so many other ways like simply feeling better!" ~ kimbelle_vie

This right here is what I have to tell myself everyday! 6 months ago, I started dabbling with the treadmill and Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30. Hubby was no support, whatsoever, even discouraged me at every opportunity. Then he suddenly decided HE needed to lose 50 lbs. I thought, "awesome! We can do this together.".
Not exactly, it turns out. I have severe case of laziness and little willpower, I freely admit it. He has stuck with it and lost a bit over 30 of those lbs, looks great and I really am proud of him for it. Now though, I am back into the treadmill and paying more attention to what I eat. I have been for a solid 2+ wks now and am comfortable with that. He is so not, he just keeps saying how I need to do twice as much work since I only walk 3mph during my 20-45min workouts and he runs 4.5mph for an hour. How I need to just eat once a day, like he does. Tons of little things like that. I'm not saying he's wrong, but I am not him! What works for him does not work for me. How does one handle this and keep on keepin on? I am fine with what I do, and I do feel better! Loads better actually as I know I am getting stronger and can endure more. I know when to push and when to stop for the day, it's my body right.

I love threads like this, these are the ones that keep me going thru it all. Thanks!!

If you are satisfied with the results you are getting by journey than I say stick with it! It can be hard, but he has good intentions. Maybe you should try explaining to him that you like doing things your way.

TrinNZ

pjischaos wrote: »

"The scale is only one indication of weight loss . There are so many other ways like simply feeling better!" ~ kimbelle_vie

This right here is what I have to tell myself everyday! 6 months ago, I started dabbling with the treadmill and Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30. Hubby was no support, whatsoever, even discouraged me at every opportunity. Then he suddenly decided HE needed to lose 50 lbs. I thought, "awesome! We can do this together.".
Not exactly, it turns out. I have severe case of laziness and little willpower, I freely admit it. He has stuck with it and lost a bit over 30 of those lbs, looks great and I really am proud of him for it. Now though, I am back into the treadmill and paying more attention to what I eat. I have been for a solid 2+ wks now and am comfortable with that. He is so not, he just keeps saying how I need to do twice as much work since I only walk 3mph during my 20-45min workouts and he runs 4.5mph for an hour. How I need to just eat once a day, like he does. Tons of little things like that. I'm not saying he's wrong, but I am not him! What works for him does not work for me. How does one handle this and keep on keepin on? I am fine with what I do, and I do feel better! Loads better actually as I know I am getting stronger and can endure more. I know when to push and when to stop for the day, it's my body right.

I love threads like this, these are the ones that keep me going thru it all. Thanks!!

Wow, nothing like having a supportive partner! pffft.

You could tell him that unless he has a degree in sports nutrition and exercise, he can keep his opinions to himself. Eating once a day? That's crazy. Perhaps you can tell him that a HIIT workout for 30mins is far more effective for weight loss than one hour running on a treadmill.

In all seriousness though, I think the best thing is to have a really supportive group of friends around you, people with similar goals as you. That's what is so great about MFP. If your partner doesn't offer you the support you need, find it elsewhere.

"Do your best and forget the rest" - Tony Horton

juliekathleen135

You just reminded me how I lost the weight the first time around. I never expected to put a lot of it back on, but I have, and now it is time to release it. Agree, diets don't work, lifestyle change does!!! I like the list--something tangible you can keep in your pocket (or on your phone) to remind you of what you are doing. I'm going to do the same!