9+ lbs gone. 55 - 75 lbs to go!

greengrassgala

Hi Everyone!

Rather than wait to post about my success once I've reached my goal, I though to post about my interim success here, to encourage others who are thinking about starting a new way of living.

I started out in early June with the goal of wanting to lose weight. I was sure how to go about it. However, after reading posts from MFP and articles on the www, I started to get a good sense of the math of weight loss. It wasn't until I started to see weight come off that I realize that weight loss is simply about calories in and out (with the exception of medical issues, etc.). While I have a long way to go in terms of educating myself on nutrition and human biology, I feel comfortable with what I have gleaned over the past month+.

I made very simple changes. I drink more water, walk a few times a week (sometimes I walk everyday) and reduce my portion sizes. I counted calories at first (and may go back to that), but now stick to reducing my portions. Counting calories helped because I now know how much is too much. Is is a precise method? Nope. Am I maximizing my weight loss potential? No. Does it matter? No. Why? I'm totally happy with the way things are going. The small changes I've made have ensured a slow, steady dropping of the pounds AND I can continue to do it because it's REALISTIC for me! That's the best part. The changes are not difficult for me. I can drink some extra water. Reducing portions has become easier with time (especially when I know how many calories there are in some of the things I was indulging in). Eventually, I'd like to expand and do some weight, etc...but for now, I'm comfortable where I am.

The walking has been amazing in a totally unexpected way. I don't find myself being negative or angry nearly as much as before. I also feel less anxious and don't nitpick. Honestly, the walking has totally changed the way I feel. I walk for an hour briskly (less than 20 mins. a mile). Some days I hit 3.5+ miles. Most days, though, I enjoy a 3.2+ mile walk. This suits me just fine.

So, that's the gist of my post. I encourage anyone sitting there reading this to start slow. Barring any medical issues, I am sure you will see results. Exercise clears your mind of the junk you accumulate...it seriously is like a drug without any negative side effects. It's a snowball effect: the more you exercise, the better you feel, the better you feel, the more motivated you are to keep moving!

Thanks for reading!

vadimknobel

congrats!, keep at it!