Always Yo-Yoing with 10lbs to lose

lkelly0402

Hi there!

I am in need of some encouragement/advice.

I have been overweight by about 10lbs for about 6 years. I lose the weight, then get a little comfortable, and my diet isn't as strict and I gain back everything I worked so hard to lose. I truly have to be very strict with my carbs and sugar intake to lose weight, which is a challenge for me.

The last 4-5 months I've been in a slump I just can't seem to get back on track and lose this weight. I was down to almost my goal in March, then I got sick with some stomach issues and gained back am everything I lose. Since then I can't get back on track.

I just want my clothes to fit comfortably again.

Any advice to get out of this slump and lose this last 10lbs for good!

kshama2001

One thing that comes to mind is that your diet is overly restrictive, and thus not sustainable. Unless you have a medical issue requiring you to be very strict with carbs and sugar, try just setting your weekly weight loss goal to 0.5 pound per week, and use a digital food scale to weigh all the food you eat at home, and do your best at estimating meals eaten outside the home.

If you do have a medical issue requiring you to be very strict with carbs and sugar, it's very important for your health to not get comfortable once you're at goal.

SueInAz

If you only have 10 pounds to lose what you're probably really looking to do is firm up, right? Fitting into clothes that are a little tight is something I understand well. I found that when I hit my lowest weight on the scale (122 pounds) a few years ago that I had a very hard time maintaining that weight and living the life I wanted to live. I like to drink beer, I eat out a bit more than I probably should (I just finished my bachelor's degree while working full time so didn't always have time to cook) and I don't want to have to count every calorie every day. Sound familiar?

What I did was develop an exercise regimen I can easily live with. I exercise about one hour per day. Every other day I run and on the weekdays in between I strength train at the company gym with a friend. The strength training is the key. By adding muscle to my body I've lost fat, I've firmed up and lost a lot of the jiggle. My weight is now bouncing between 132-137 pounds and I'm wearing the same clothes that I was wearing at 122-125. The higher weight and muscle mass means my metabolism is a bit higher so I can eat more and maintain my size.

If this sounds like it might be the answer you're looking for look into programs like New Rules of Lifting for Women and Strong Lifts 5x5. You could even just start using the weight machines at your local gym. If you aren't ready for a gym yet, you could begin with body weight exercises or resistance bands at home until they get easy.

Francl27

I've been struggling with that too! Just hoping the motivation will come back... eventually (and I hate strength training).

gothchiq

Got a regular workout routine?