Need to lose 100 + pounds and scared

jls2837

This number seems so big to me and I'm trying to conquer my fears of doing something new and unfamiliar. Does anyone else feel this way when starting a new lifestyle? I've tried SO many times to get in better shape and have ALWAYS fallen off the wagon. What makes this time different? Fear of the unknown and my lack of confidence has been controlling my life.

I'm 3 days into tracking calories and have been walking a mile everyday since Monday. Will I ever get there?

Donutking2006

Good luck, work hard and never give up any thing is possible if you every need motivation hmu

jls2837

health_guard wrote: »

Good Luck! I'm in the same boat. I have 100 lbs. to lose. It seems like a huge number but have confidence and the motivation to succeed. Breaking it up into mini goals seems to be less overwhelming...Like right now I'm focusing on losing 20lbs with a rough goal to have that accomplished by November/December. For me I need to lose the weight no matter how long it takes, just as long as I get there. Add me as a friend if you would like.

Good luck to you! We can both get there no matter what it takes!

louann_jude

I have been there. I was there nine months ago. I weighed 283 the day I started. I came in this forum, logged my food, quit pop, and started losing. I have lost almost 100 pounds. The last two weeks I have been in a plateau, but will break through it.

Besides logging I kept writing down my feelings and prayers. I would explain to myself why I wanted this. It really helped me out so much. Also I went to the Dr and had blood work done. It helps in case there is an under line condition. I am also in talk therapy. It helps having someone to talk to when your having a bad day or week.

louann_jude

Add me if you all want.

jls2837

louann_jude wrote: »

I have been there. I was there nine months ago. I weighed 283 the day I started. I came in this forum, logged my food, quit pop, and started losing. I have lost almost 100 pounds. The last two weeks I have been in a plateau, but will break through it.

Besides logging I kept writing down my feelings and prayers. I would explain to myself why I wanted this. It really helped me out so much. Also I went to the Dr and had blood work done. It helps in case there is an under line condition. I am also in talk therapy. It helps having someone to talk to when your having a bad day or week.

Wow that is amazing!! You should be so proud of yourself!

TuesdayLucero

You can do it! About 7 years I lost 80 lbs through another website similar to this one (Just as good but not free) and it took me a year and a half. It wasn't easy, but it was worth it. I wasn't perfect, but you just have to start fresh every day and do the best you can. Unfortunately after I lost all the weight I went through a couple years of life changes (divorce, single and dating, then new relationship, new marriage) and slowly put all of the weight back on so I'm at it again, but it's totally doable. My biggest tips are:

1. Learn to cook or prepare things within your goals but that bring you joy to eat. Having healthy things to eat but that make you excited to eat them, make all the difference. If you look forward to your lunch, it will keep you from going out and getting fast food.
2. Along with that is preparation. Always plan ahead. Last minute decisions are rarely healthy.
3. If you do end up eating something not as healthy, don't view the rest of the day/week as a pity party free for all. It's not too late to get back on track. Just do better the next meal/day, etc.
4. Find a way to still eat the things you love sometimes. Whether it be in smaller portions with a salad on the side or just figuring out a way to work it into your calorie goal.
5. Find a way to move. You don't have to be a gym rat to loose weight. I have a hard time finding time to get in a full workout, but I try to do several 5 minute mini workouts at work when I can. Sneak into a hallway, breakroom, etc., and do lunges, wall pushups, etc. Anything you can just get your heart rate up a few times a day.

JessicaT1299

I'm in the same boat. I've lost 20 lbs in 5 weeks. While I'm not expecting these types of results all the time, I'm pretty proud. I'm still looking to lose another 100 lbs from this point on, and would love more online support! Please feel free to add me. Best of luck to you all!

EDollah

Have you ever looked back a year and said "I can't believe a year has passed already"? That's how it is with weight loss as well. When I lost 150 pounds (I've since gained back 80 but am dealing with that now, not that it's relevant for this post) I couldn't believe that it happened but this simple formula was proven true: Consistency * time = weight loss, even massive weight loss.

Consistency doesn't mean always perfectly adhering to your plan each and every day. Rather, to me, it means getting back on plan ASAP rather than letting things spiral out of control (which is what caused my re-gain).

Good luck!

ceafva

Hi!

Don't be scared. It's a wonderful journey. I began at 343 on Dec 18, 2015 and I just weighed in today at 230. Still have some to go to reach 150 (or there about). It is easier than you think. And you will change, guaranteed. But the change is so good you will never look back. It's a walk, not a run when we're morbid obese. Losing weight for us is not like losing 5, 10 or even 20 pounds.

Let's connect I would love for us to inspire each other.

Hmeek22

I'm there with you I have 80 to go, we didn't put in on overnight so it will take some time to get it off. Stick with it!!

trekkiegirl8

I agree about the mini-goals. I'm trying to lose about 40-45. That's the ultimate goal but it's not the immediate focus. I joined a couple of challenges here that are "lose 5 pounds this month" type challenges, so that's how I've broken it up in my mind. It's like, okay, first 5 lbs down, now I just have to do this again and again and again. I think when you set a mini goal that is not so daunting to reach and then you reach it, it motivates you to keep going. Plus, whatever you've done during that time, you know you can do it again and maybe a little bit more. I've also been wearing my Fitbit every day and doing some of those challenges. I find I like being part of challenges that are less about competition and more about just trying to reach a goal. I don't have to be #1 on the list.

vnb_208

I'm also in to loose 100 lbs, I started on August 16,2015 I have lost 25 lbs so far. Food is 90% making sure you stay in your calorie deficit, and exercise is 10% from my experience. I started walking a minimum of 4 miles per day, (fitbit help keep track) as well as eating below 1500 calories and working out 5 days a week at least 30 minutes of cardio usually zumba/kickboxing. I use the 3,2,1(well at least try sometimes i go for 3 snacks, 2meals, 1 shake which ever feels right) rule 3 snacks, 2 shakes, and 1 meal under 500 calories per day. Always look for support/friends so feel free to send a friend request ! you got this no need to be scared !

*THIS IS NO A DIET CAUSE DIETS ARE FADS IT IS LIFESTYLE CHANGE & WE MUST STICK WITH IT* at least i tell myself this daily Oh and I do not do cheat days if i want something i eat it making sure it fits into my macros, and i log it. I still consume cheeseburgers just wrapped in lettuce and no bacon, extra veggies no mayo.

guitarjosh

So proud of everyone on the thread. I think you hit the nail on the head - it's about changing your lifestyle. I have changed my lifestyle a few times in my life, and it has always been (and continues to be) extremely hard and scary. I still fall back into old patters and habits, but I try to never give up - change can only happen one day at a time. You don't need to think about the 100 pounds you need to lose, you only need to think about what you can do in this very moment to live the life you want...one day at a time. For me I'm an emotional eater, so one thing I've had to do is really learn to recognize the emotional patters that cause me to "slip" into my old lifestyle. I try to practice compassion with myself when I make mistakes, because that's all part of the path the change. TuesdayLucero had some great practical tips - I now cook all my own food, and know exactly how many calories and macro nutrients I get a day. By being prepared, I am better able to avoid my old patters. It's work, but it's worth it. Again, so proud of you.

omnisis

Don't focus on the 100lbs goal, set a mini-goal for yourself. Say down by 10lbs in 5 weeks and enjoy the journey as you cross of those mini-goals. Perhaps put up a piece of paper with your current weight all the way down to your 100lb goal in descending order with 5 lb intervals. Cross off each weight as you hit another 5lbs down that way you can see visually how you are doing. It will take some time and you may have a few setbacks along the way so be mentally prepared for that. It won't be like those "biggest loser" shows, don't even try to compare yourself to those things. Try to focus the fact that you are now making more health conscious decisions that will lead to a longer and healthier life. Seek out ways to spend time with family and friends while participating in healthy activities. Relax, you got this ;-)

firef1y72

jls2837 wrote: »

This number seems so big to me and I'm trying to conquer my fears of doing something new and unfamiliar. Does anyone else feel this way when starting a new lifestyle? I've tried SO many times to get in better shape and have ALWAYS fallen off the wagon. What makes this time different? Fear of the unknown and my lack of confidence has been controlling my life.

I'm 3 days into tracking calories and have been walking a mile everyday since Monday. Will I ever get there?

I was where you are now a year ago (well actually had 150lb to lose) and it is so daunting to see such a big number of pounds to lose. So set yourself a series of smaller targets, I set myself short, mid and long term goals. A short term goal could be to simply track your food every day for a week, while a mid term goal could be to lose 10% of our bodyweight and a long term could be to lose 25lb. As you pass each goal you can set new ones, some based on actual weight and some on health and before you know it the whole losing weight thing doesn't seem quite so insurmountable. (I'm down 102lb in just under a year and it's only been in the last couple of weeks that I had the courage to put my ultimate goal in to the Fitbit app).

MsRuffBuffNStuff

I lost 105 pounds - it took a year. Give yourself time, don't try to cut calories too drastically and don't rely on exercise to offset a poor diet. You can do it. Lose 10 pounds...do it 9 more times.

notkaseykasem

Set small goals, they're not as scary. I started in January and am down 79 lbs and can't believe how the time has flown. It's not easy. Every day takes work, but you CAN do it!

spngnetwork

jls2837 wrote: »

This number seems so big to me and I'm trying to conquer my fears of doing something new and unfamiliar. Does anyone else feel this way when starting a new lifestyle? I've tried SO many times to get in better shape and have ALWAYS fallen off the wagon. What makes this time different? Fear of the unknown and my lack of confidence has been controlling my life.

I'm 3 days into tracking calories and have been walking a mile everyday since Monday. Will I ever get there?

So much great advice above! Keep at it. I started walking a mile everyday since last week, I've also changed my diet a few weeks prior to that. I've gradually replaced a meal with a protein shake and started drinking a lot more water. I feel different, I don't feel sluggish anymore; and I also look forward to hitting the track everyday. You'll get there, just don't give up

Richie2shoes

I absolutely understand. It is incredibly daunting when you look at that number! Like others have said, set small goals. I get overwhelmed by all the planning - right now it seems like I think about it all the time - planning meals, planning exercise, etc... I know it will get easier though.

Feel free to friend me.

Spears1354

I don't have as much to lose... 35lbs but at my age it feels like I'm trying to move a mountain it's coming off so slow. But you know what? No matter where you're at, nothing positive is going to happen if we keep the same ol same ol right? We are all on here to be the best we can be. I've felt like giving up for sure but I'm finding out fast that MFP is a great motivator! Make friends and check in... We can all help motivate each other. I'm actually in 3 Challenges this month! Lol! Make it fun! Learn a lot! Feel Better! It's Mind over Matter and you can do this!!!