I Would Like to Thank Everyone Here

Lady_Grell

First off, that's no sarcasm. I genuinely want to thank everyone. I came here yesterday in a terrible mood, bemoaning a few regained pounds (that was apparently water weight) when I had lost sight of the big picture. I received some wonderful advice, and I'm doing my best to implement it all. I'm trying to be more precise with my logging so I know EXACTLY what I'm consuming. From this point on, I'm also trying to make sure to eat enough. I don't want to eat too little, and trying to make sure I'm eating more of what I should. Up until this point in my life, I had never eaten all that much, but I ate all the wrong foods and got far more calories than I would have guessed. Although I have quite to bit to lose (I'm just under 5'4" and currently weigh 215), I'm considering lowing my goal down to 1lb a week rather than trying for 2lb/week. (Actually I think I'm projected to lose 1.9lbs, but that's neither here nor there.)

Now, knowing my history, I usually hit my first big plateau just before 200lbs. Other than just keep chugging along, any advice? Or, should I not even set up myself by thinking that I'm going to plateau soon? I would appreciate your help again.

Quick question: When you first started your lifestyle change, did it make you a bit moody in the beginning? I know I'm a bit overly emotional right now when it comes to issues of weight and appearance.

Arliah

Congrats on realizing and admitting to yourself that the food you ate contributed to your weight. Quite a few people here say what you said (I don't eat much) but fail to realize that it's not about the quantity (a burger is quite small, so is a serving of fries) but about the quality of foods.

Don't think about a plateau just yet. If/when you hit a plateau at some point, don't be discouraged and don't give it! I hit a plateau at 156 and was at it for weeks. Very annoying, but then I made some changes to my macros and workout routine, and then the scale started to move again. I think it's great that you are setting realistic expectations for yourself (i.e. losing 1lb a week). Slow and steady wins the race in the end, even though we all get impatient sometimes and want the weight to drop faster. And for you, it actually may in the beginning.

When I first started, I already was moody b/c of the weight and lack of self-confidence etc. It actually made me feel better to change my lifestyle because it's something that I can control.

Welcome to MFP (and if you need some more friends, feel free to add me).

Lady_Grell

That I had put myself in my current position (and body weight) was one of the hardest things for me to accept. If I had put half as much effort into actually changing my lifestyle as I did in making excuses for why I had gained, I would have been at my ideal weight years ago. It was true - I didn't eat much in quantity, but the problem was the quality was lacking as well. I'm still working at changing my eating habits, but I'm getting there.

tequila5000

From your post, it sounds like you are planning to lose more than just a couple of pounds. You may want to break the process down into a series of goals. Example, set your goal at 5 pounds below where you are right now. When you reach that---celebrate! Then reset the goal to another 5 pounds. And so on. This could also be helpful to minimize the plateaus, because as your body weight decreases, your daily total of needed calories will decrease, and if you are still eating based on your original weight, you might be eating "too many" to see the steady progress that you are hoping for.

Of course, I don't think there is anything that can be done to completely eliminate plateaus, it happens! Just keep your eye on the prize and keep moving forward! By using the tools in front of us, we CAN do it!

crazyjerseygirl

Woooo!
Don't know how to bust plateaus, they kill me as well. This time when I hit one I'm going to start taking measurements. SOMETHING has to get smaller!

Oh and yes I was moody, and hangry, but the more I got used to it the less moody I became. Yesterday I ate cake and peeps and felt terrible and moody, so it does change!

Best of luck lady, keep it up!