New here and I keep doubting myself

leahvelaz03

Hey everyone,

I have mostly been a lurker, but I figured I'd post since I've been feeling stuck. This is going to be pretty long, if you read it, thank you.

I am 25 years old and weight 169.2 lbs. This is the highest weight I have been not pregnant. I was 157 lbs when I got pregnant with my son and my highest pregnancy weight was about 202 lbs. Even at 157 lbs I had been wanting to lose weight, but I always psyched myself out. When I met my husband in high school I was about 160 lbs and I got down to 127 lbs (which I felt was too low for my frame) just by walking and doing nothing special (no diet change). I wasn't trying to lose weight, it just happened, being young and without a car definitely helped.

I would love to ultimately get down to 135 lbs, but my first goal is 148 lbs; my last weight I felt comfortable at the summer before I went to college.

Here is my question I guess, is it possible for me to get down to 148 lbs in 4 months? I know a lot of people ask this and I know that everyone is different, but is it realistic? My diet sucks. My downfall is chips and candy. I'd say at least 4 to 5 times a week I have a bag of chips and candy a night (the bags you would get at a convenience store, not big family size ones). And lucky me (sarcasm), Dunkin Donuts is right next to my job so I usually start my day with a medium iced coffee with milk and sugar and a donut. I also don't eat too much, but when I do it is usually fast food and late at night due to my husband's work schedule. And I don't drink much water. I know all of what I just mentioned is BAD. And I want to break those habits. I am tired of feeling uncomfortable in my own skin and sluggish.

My husband just got me a Fitbit for Mother's Day and I love it. I have my goal set to 10,000 steps a day. I am an assistant teacher at a day care and I plan on using my hour lunch breaks to walk around town. I don't plan on joining a gym right now so those walks would be my main exercise, a long with some basic planks, hand weights and squats at home.

My big motivation right now is a family trip to Disney World at the beginning of October and I want to push myself to lose weight for that and of course just for a better quality of life in general. I want this. I am just afraid to fail.

Again, thanks for reading it if you did. I just needed to get all of that out to someone, I know my husband it tired of hearing it.

pennoxford

You can absolutely do it! Just give up your chips, sugary drinks and candy, add some exercise, knock out enough calories and you'll be there in plenty of time for your trip. If you haven't visited the website losertown , it motivates me when I can see my possibilities with restricting calories and makes me not want to cheat at all because I want to hit that weight on that date. Good luck to you--just be sure you want to lose weight enough to knock out the bad food. Your biggest desire will be what you follow, so if that's chips and candy they will win until your really change your mind!

MichelleSilverleaf

21lbs in 4 months would be a little over 5lbs a month, which could be possible. You could probably get fairly close but I'd caution against setting a specific date goal. Obviously you'd be better able to decide, but some people can get pretty defeated if they don't hit a weight goal by a date. Also to keep in mind is the closer you get to your goal the slower your weight loss will get, which has nothing to do with ones' diet. If you can fit the crisps and candy into your daily goal there's no reason to necessarily give them up unless you decide you want to cut back, but you WILL have to be super precise with your logging. There's no room for errors. Making some homemade meals would probably help with your sluggishness because you can more easily balance your macros, get more bang for your buck so to speak. Anything that can be made ahead and frozen can really be a huge help. I'd definitely replace the donut to something more worthwhile, but the iced coffee may be fine. Play around with different ideas, eventually you'll find what works for you.

leahvelaz03

MichelleSilverleaf wrote: »

21lbs in 4 months would be a little over 5lbs a month, which could be possible. You could probably get fairly close but I'd caution against setting a specific date goal. Obviously you'd be better able to decide, but some people can get pretty defeated if they don't hit a weight goal by a date. Also to keep in mind is the closer you get to your goal the slower your weight loss will get, which has nothing to do with ones' diet. If you can fit the crisps and candy into your daily goal there's no reason to necessarily give them up unless you decide you want to cut back, but you WILL have to be super precise with your logging. There's no room for errors. Making some homemade meals would probably help with your sluggishness because you can more easily balance your macros, get more bang for your buck so to speak. Anything that can be made ahead and frozen can really be a huge help. I'd definitely replace the donut to something more worthwhile, but the iced coffee may be fine. Play around with different ideas, eventually you'll find what works for you.

Thank you so much. I definitely don't want to obsess over a certain number on the scale. I plan on measuring myself and taking before pictures too. I know that focusing on inches lost can be better than the number on the scale. And I have been looking into meal prepping so I always have good food ready to go.

leahvelaz03

pennoxford wrote: »

You can absolutely do it! Just give up your chips, sugary drinks and candy, add some exercise, knock out enough calories and you'll be there in plenty of time for your trip. If you haven't visited the website losertown , it motivates me when I can see my possibilities with restricting calories and makes me not want to cheat at all because I want to hit that weight on that date. Good luck to you--just be sure you want to lose weight enough to knock out the bad food. Your biggest desire will be what you follow, so if that's chips and candy they will win until your really change your mind!

Thank you! I will definitely check out that website. I really want to try cutting out all of the junk for the rest of June, just to get it out of my body. The chips, candy and fast food aren't even enjoyable anymore. They have just become a habit and I eat them just to eat them. Like, I really have to stop and think about a flavor of chip to get or a fast food to get, so it's not even because I am craving it. I am going food shopping tomorrow to get some healthy food in my house. If I dont have the junk in the house I will be less tempted.

peaceout_aly

leahvelaz03 wrote: »

Hey everyone,

I have mostly been a lurker, but I figured I'd post since I've been feeling stuck. This is going to be pretty long, if you read it, thank you.

I am 25 years old and weight 169.2 lbs. This is the highest weight I have been not pregnant. I was 157 lbs when I got pregnant with my son and my highest pregnancy weight was about 202 lbs. Even at 157 lbs I had been wanting to lose weight, but I always psyched myself out. When I met my husband in high school I was about 160 lbs and I got down to 127 lbs (which I felt was too low for my frame) just by walking and doing nothing special (no diet change). I wasn't trying to lose weight, it just happened, being young and without a car definitely helped.

I would love to ultimately get down to 135 lbs, but my first goal is 148 lbs; my last weight I felt comfortable at the summer before I went to college.

Here is my question I guess, is it possible for me to get down to 148 lbs in 4 months? I know a lot of people ask this and I know that everyone is different, but is it realistic? My diet sucks. My downfall is chips and candy. I'd say at least 4 to 5 times a week I have a bag of chips and candy a night (the bags you would get at a convenience store, not big family size ones). And lucky me (sarcasm), Dunkin Donuts is right next to my job so I usually start my day with a medium iced coffee with milk and sugar and a donut. I also don't eat too much, but when I do it is usually fast food and late at night due to my husband's work schedule. And I don't drink much water. I know all of what I just mentioned is BAD. And I want to break those habits. I am tired of feeling uncomfortable in my own skin and sluggish.

My husband just got me a Fitbit for Mother's Day and I love it. I have my goal set to 10,000 steps a day. I am an assistant teacher at a day care and I plan on using my hour lunch breaks to walk around town. I don't plan on joining a gym right now so those walks would be my main exercise, a long with some basic planks, hand weights and squats at home.

My big motivation right now is a family trip to Disney World at the beginning of October and I want to push myself to lose weight for that and of course just for a better quality of life in general. I want this. I am just afraid to fail.

Again, thanks for reading it if you did. I just needed to get all of that out to someone, I know my husband it tired of hearing it.

First step, stop the doubt. Second step, make the changes. At first they're hard...really hard. Try bringing a protein bar in place of that donut (you can still get the coffee, don't worry! Fellow coffee lover here). Pack a lunch. Meal prep on the weekend to make it easier throughout the week. Once you start, you'll see changes in the way you look and feel within a month and that alone will be motivation to push harder and keep going. The steps goal is a great start as well! Cardio is important in weight loss. If you're looking for body composition as well, definitely look into weight lifting. But start off with cardio and nutrition based focus to get in a healthy routine and good habits.

leahvelaz03

peaceout_aly wrote: »

leahvelaz03 wrote: »

Hey everyone,

I have mostly been a lurker, but I figured I'd post since I've been feeling stuck. This is going to be pretty long, if you read it, thank you.

I am 25 years old and weight 169.2 lbs. This is the highest weight I have been not pregnant. I was 157 lbs when I got pregnant with my son and my highest pregnancy weight was about 202 lbs. Even at 157 lbs I had been wanting to lose weight, but I always psyched myself out. When I met my husband in high school I was about 160 lbs and I got down to 127 lbs (which I felt was too low for my frame) just by walking and doing nothing special (no diet change). I wasn't trying to lose weight, it just happened, being young and without a car definitely helped.

I would love to ultimately get down to 135 lbs, but my first goal is 148 lbs; my last weight I felt comfortable at the summer before I went to college.

Here is my question I guess, is it possible for me to get down to 148 lbs in 4 months? I know a lot of people ask this and I know that everyone is different, but is it realistic? My diet sucks. My downfall is chips and candy. I'd say at least 4 to 5 times a week I have a bag of chips and candy a night (the bags you would get at a convenience store, not big family size ones). And lucky me (sarcasm), Dunkin Donuts is right next to my job so I usually start my day with a medium iced coffee with milk and sugar and a donut. I also don't eat too much, but when I do it is usually fast food and late at night due to my husband's work schedule. And I don't drink much water. I know all of what I just mentioned is BAD. And I want to break those habits. I am tired of feeling uncomfortable in my own skin and sluggish.

My husband just got me a Fitbit for Mother's Day and I love it. I have my goal set to 10,000 steps a day. I am an assistant teacher at a day care and I plan on using my hour lunch breaks to walk around town. I don't plan on joining a gym right now so those walks would be my main exercise, a long with some basic planks, hand weights and squats at home.

My big motivation right now is a family trip to Disney World at the beginning of October and I want to push myself to lose weight for that and of course just for a better quality of life in general. I want this. I am just afraid to fail.

Again, thanks for reading it if you did. I just needed to get all of that out to someone, I know my husband it tired of hearing it.

First step, stop the doubt. Second step, make the changes. At first they're hard...really hard. Try bringing a protein bar in place of that donut (you can still get the coffee, don't worry! Fellow coffee lover here). Pack a lunch. Meal prep on the weekend to make it easier throughout the week. Once you start, you'll see changes in the way you look and feel within a month and that alone will be motivation to push harder and keep going. The steps goal is a great start as well! Cardio is important in weight loss. If you're looking for body composition as well, definitely look into weight lifting. But start off with cardio and nutrition based focus to get in a healthy routine and good habits.

Thank you! Any specific protein bar you recommend? I might not cut coffee out completely, just make it a small and only a few days a week. I love coffee.

peaceout_aly

leahvelaz03 wrote: »

peaceout_aly wrote: »

leahvelaz03 wrote: »

Hey everyone,

I have mostly been a lurker, but I figured I'd post since I've been feeling stuck. This is going to be pretty long, if you read it, thank you.

I am 25 years old and weight 169.2 lbs. This is the highest weight I have been not pregnant. I was 157 lbs when I got pregnant with my son and my highest pregnancy weight was about 202 lbs. Even at 157 lbs I had been wanting to lose weight, but I always psyched myself out. When I met my husband in high school I was about 160 lbs and I got down to 127 lbs (which I felt was too low for my frame) just by walking and doing nothing special (no diet change). I wasn't trying to lose weight, it just happened, being young and without a car definitely helped.

I would love to ultimately get down to 135 lbs, but my first goal is 148 lbs; my last weight I felt comfortable at the summer before I went to college.

Here is my question I guess, is it possible for me to get down to 148 lbs in 4 months? I know a lot of people ask this and I know that everyone is different, but is it realistic? My diet sucks. My downfall is chips and candy. I'd say at least 4 to 5 times a week I have a bag of chips and candy a night (the bags you would get at a convenience store, not big family size ones). And lucky me (sarcasm), Dunkin Donuts is right next to my job so I usually start my day with a medium iced coffee with milk and sugar and a donut. I also don't eat too much, but when I do it is usually fast food and late at night due to my husband's work schedule. And I don't drink much water. I know all of what I just mentioned is BAD. And I want to break those habits. I am tired of feeling uncomfortable in my own skin and sluggish.

My husband just got me a Fitbit for Mother's Day and I love it. I have my goal set to 10,000 steps a day. I am an assistant teacher at a day care and I plan on using my hour lunch breaks to walk around town. I don't plan on joining a gym right now so those walks would be my main exercise, a long with some basic planks, hand weights and squats at home.

My big motivation right now is a family trip to Disney World at the beginning of October and I want to push myself to lose weight for that and of course just for a better quality of life in general. I want this. I am just afraid to fail.

Again, thanks for reading it if you did. I just needed to get all of that out to someone, I know my husband it tired of hearing it.

First step, stop the doubt. Second step, make the changes. At first they're hard...really hard. Try bringing a protein bar in place of that donut (you can still get the coffee, don't worry! Fellow coffee lover here). Pack a lunch. Meal prep on the weekend to make it easier throughout the week. Once you start, you'll see changes in the way you look and feel within a month and that alone will be motivation to push harder and keep going. The steps goal is a great start as well! Cardio is important in weight loss. If you're looking for body composition as well, definitely look into weight lifting. But start off with cardio and nutrition based focus to get in a healthy routine and good habits.

Thank you! Any specific protein bar you recommend? I might not cut coffee out completely, just make it a small and only a few days a week. I love coffee.

A medium iced coffee with skim milk isn't too bad calorie wise. They sell Stevia liquid sweetener at most grocery stores to replace the sugar. I really like Grenade protein bars and Oh Yeah ONE bars..both can be purchased online or in store at GNC. The Grenade White Chocolate Cookie tastes like a Hershey's Cookies & Cream bar!

leahvelaz03

peaceout_aly wrote: »

leahvelaz03 wrote: »

peaceout_aly wrote: »

leahvelaz03 wrote: »

Hey everyone,

I have mostly been a lurker, but I figured I'd post since I've been feeling stuck. This is going to be pretty long, if you read it, thank you.

I am 25 years old and weight 169.2 lbs. This is the highest weight I have been not pregnant. I was 157 lbs when I got pregnant with my son and my highest pregnancy weight was about 202 lbs. Even at 157 lbs I had been wanting to lose weight, but I always psyched myself out. When I met my husband in high school I was about 160 lbs and I got down to 127 lbs (which I felt was too low for my frame) just by walking and doing nothing special (no diet change). I wasn't trying to lose weight, it just happened, being young and without a car definitely helped.

I would love to ultimately get down to 135 lbs, but my first goal is 148 lbs; my last weight I felt comfortable at the summer before I went to college.

Here is my question I guess, is it possible for me to get down to 148 lbs in 4 months? I know a lot of people ask this and I know that everyone is different, but is it realistic? My diet sucks. My downfall is chips and candy. I'd say at least 4 to 5 times a week I have a bag of chips and candy a night (the bags you would get at a convenience store, not big family size ones). And lucky me (sarcasm), Dunkin Donuts is right next to my job so I usually start my day with a medium iced coffee with milk and sugar and a donut. I also don't eat too much, but when I do it is usually fast food and late at night due to my husband's work schedule. And I don't drink much water. I know all of what I just mentioned is BAD. And I want to break those habits. I am tired of feeling uncomfortable in my own skin and sluggish.

My husband just got me a Fitbit for Mother's Day and I love it. I have my goal set to 10,000 steps a day. I am an assistant teacher at a day care and I plan on using my hour lunch breaks to walk around town. I don't plan on joining a gym right now so those walks would be my main exercise, a long with some basic planks, hand weights and squats at home.

My big motivation right now is a family trip to Disney World at the beginning of October and I want to push myself to lose weight for that and of course just for a better quality of life in general. I want this. I am just afraid to fail.

Again, thanks for reading it if you did. I just needed to get all of that out to someone, I know my husband it tired of hearing it.

First step, stop the doubt. Second step, make the changes. At first they're hard...really hard. Try bringing a protein bar in place of that donut (you can still get the coffee, don't worry! Fellow coffee lover here). Pack a lunch. Meal prep on the weekend to make it easier throughout the week. Once you start, you'll see changes in the way you look and feel within a month and that alone will be motivation to push harder and keep going. The steps goal is a great start as well! Cardio is important in weight loss. If you're looking for body composition as well, definitely look into weight lifting. But start off with cardio and nutrition based focus to get in a healthy routine and good habits.

Thank you! Any specific protein bar you recommend? I might not cut coffee out completely, just make it a small and only a few days a week. I love coffee.

A medium iced coffee with skim milk isn't too bad calorie wise. They sell Stevia liquid sweetener at most grocery stores to replace the sugar. I really like Grenade protein bars and Oh Yeah ONE bars..both can be purchased online or in store at GNC. The Grenade White Chocolate Cookie tastes like a Hershey's Cookies & Cream bar!

Ok, thank you!

NovusDies

You need a plan that is sustainable through your weight loss and afterwards so you don't regain. Classifying some food as good and others as bad can lead you to feel guilty when you eat the "bad" stuff which is nonsense. I eat chips each week I just don't eat as much as I once did. If it is something you can't control yourself around you do want to keep it out of the house initially just don't be too strict with yourself or you may find yourself bingeing. I have made that mistake more than a few times. Figuring out how to budget your calories to include treats is an important skill to learn.

Your number one priority is maintaining a calorie deficit because that is how you lose weight. This requires accurate logging and for some people that alone can take a few weeks or longer to learn. Getting a food scale (if you don't have one) will help you nail down the accuracy.

If some of your current weight is water weight there is a chance you might hit your goal but I wouldn't bet on it. IMO the most important thing is for you to have a diet that is comfortable and satisfying waiting for you when you return so you don't undo the progress you make between now and then. If you feel deprived and hungry you are very likely going to resist coming back. Short term diets can easily cause a rebound and next time you may have even more to lose. I think you should lose the deadline and focus on building a good foundation.

hroderick

try a free trial of platejoy,com to make eating while dieting fun and free up time for workout

jeanniebeanie59

leahvelaz03 wrote: »

Hey everyone,

I have mostly been a lurker, but I figured I'd post since I've been feeling stuck. This is going to be pretty long, if you read it, thank you.

I am 25 years old and weight 169.2 lbs. This is the highest weight I have been not pregnant. I was 157 lbs when I got pregnant with my son and my highest pregnancy weight was about 202 lbs. Even at 157 lbs I had been wanting to lose weight, but I always psyched myself out. When I met my husband in high school I was about 160 lbs and I got down to 127 lbs (which I felt was too low for my frame) just by walking and doing nothing special (no diet change). I wasn't trying to lose weight, it just happened, being young and without a car definitely helped.

I would love to ultimately get down to 135 lbs, but my first goal is 148 lbs; my last weight I felt comfortable at the summer before I went to college.

Here is my question I guess, is it possible for me to get down to 148 lbs in 4 months? I know a lot of people ask this and I know that everyone is different, but is it realistic? My diet sucks. My downfall is chips and candy. I'd say at least 4 to 5 times a week I have a bag of chips and candy a night (the bags you would get at a convenience store, not big family size ones). And lucky me (sarcasm), Dunkin Donuts is right next to my job so I usually start my day with a medium iced coffee with milk and sugar and a donut. I also don't eat too much, but when I do it is usually fast food and late at night due to my husband's work schedule. And I don't drink much water. I know all of what I just mentioned is BAD. And I want to break those habits. I am tired of feeling uncomfortable in my own skin and sluggish.

My husband just got me a Fitbit for Mother's Day and I love it. I have my goal set to 10,000 steps a day. I am an assistant teacher at a day care and I plan on using my hour lunch breaks to walk around town. I don't plan on joining a gym right now so those walks would be my main exercise, a long with some basic planks, hand weights and squats at home.

My big motivation right now is a family trip to Disney World at the beginning of October and I want to push myself to lose weight for that and of course just for a better quality of life in general. I want this. I am just afraid to fail.

Again, thanks for reading it if you did. I just needed to get all of that out to someone, I know my husband it tired of hearing it.

I am much older than you but my downfall is chips and all salty snacks...cheetos ...all that stuff.. so hard to give up
but we can motivate each other ..You can do it . I am 138lbs 5'2 and should be about 120 so we can do it.
I just started back on here tonight and saw your post .
I am heading to Dinsey land with my husband and grandson in October also ....so lets do it!!!
I started walking with my dog in the morning ..1-2 lbs a week is my goal . Just count all your food and limit yourselft to the 1200 cals and it will come off!!

leahvelaz03

NovusDies wrote: »

You need a plan that is sustainable through your weight loss and afterwards so you don't regain. Classifying some food as good and others as bad can lead you to feel guilty when you eat the "bad" stuff which is nonsense. I eat chips each week I just don't eat as much as I once did. If it is something you can't control yourself around you do want to keep it out of the house initially just don't be too strict with yourself or you may find yourself bingeing. I have made that mistake more than a few times. Figuring out how to budget your calories to include treats is an important skill to learn.

Your number one priority is maintaining a calorie deficit because that is how you lose weight. This requires accurate logging and for some people that alone can take a few weeks or longer to learn. Getting a food scale (if you don't have one) will help you nail down the accuracy.

If some of your current weight is water weight there is a chance you might hit your goal but I wouldn't bet on it. IMO the most important thing is for you to have a diet that is comfortable and satisfying waiting for you when you return so you don't undo the progress you make between now and then. If you feel deprived and hungry you are very likely going to resist coming back. Short term diets can easily cause a rebound and next time you may have even more to lose. I think you should lose the deadline and focus on building a good foundation.

Thank you for the tips. I think I will look into getting a food scale to help me. I really am going to try and not stress losing a certain number in my time frame and more focus on how I am feeling.

leahvelaz03

jeanniebeanie59 wrote: »

leahvelaz03 wrote: »

Hey everyone,

I have mostly been a lurker, but I figured I'd post since I've been feeling stuck. This is going to be pretty long, if you read it, thank you.

I am 25 years old and weight 169.2 lbs. This is the highest weight I have been not pregnant. I was 157 lbs when I got pregnant with my son and my highest pregnancy weight was about 202 lbs. Even at 157 lbs I had been wanting to lose weight, but I always psyched myself out. When I met my husband in high school I was about 160 lbs and I got down to 127 lbs (which I felt was too low for my frame) just by walking and doing nothing special (no diet change). I wasn't trying to lose weight, it just happened, being young and without a car definitely helped.

I would love to ultimately get down to 135 lbs, but my first goal is 148 lbs; my last weight I felt comfortable at the summer before I went to college.

Here is my question I guess, is it possible for me to get down to 148 lbs in 4 months? I know a lot of people ask this and I know that everyone is different, but is it realistic? My diet sucks. My downfall is chips and candy. I'd say at least 4 to 5 times a week I have a bag of chips and candy a night (the bags you would get at a convenience store, not big family size ones). And lucky me (sarcasm), Dunkin Donuts is right next to my job so I usually start my day with a medium iced coffee with milk and sugar and a donut. I also don't eat too much, but when I do it is usually fast food and late at night due to my husband's work schedule. And I don't drink much water. I know all of what I just mentioned is BAD. And I want to break those habits. I am tired of feeling uncomfortable in my own skin and sluggish.

My husband just got me a Fitbit for Mother's Day and I love it. I have my goal set to 10,000 steps a day. I am an assistant teacher at a day care and I plan on using my hour lunch breaks to walk around town. I don't plan on joining a gym right now so those walks would be my main exercise, a long with some basic planks, hand weights and squats at home.

My big motivation right now is a family trip to Disney World at the beginning of October and I want to push myself to lose weight for that and of course just for a better quality of life in general. I want this. I am just afraid to fail.

Again, thanks for reading it if you did. I just needed to get all of that out to someone, I know my husband it tired of hearing it.

I am much older than you but my downfall is chips and all salty snacks...cheetos ...all that stuff.. so hard to give up
but we can motivate each other ..You can do it . I am 138lbs 5'2 and should be about 120 so we can do it.
I just started back on here tonight and saw your post .
I am heading to Dinsey land with my husband and grandson in October also ....so lets do it!!!
I started walking with my dog in the morning ..1-2 lbs a week is my goal . Just count all your food and limit yourselft to the 1200 cals and it will come off!!

Thank you! We are similar, we can do this!

leahvelaz03

hroderick wrote: »

try a free trial of platejoy,com to make eating while dieting fun and free up time for workout

Thank you for the tip! I will check it out.

irisswaney3

I love my coca cola, I am an avid bicycler, not a spandex roadie. I do between 18-24 MPH everyday 20-26 miles, some days just 8-10 miles depending on the heat/rain/lightning ( I live in Florida). I have one cheat day per week, not the whole day just one meal which is usually supper with my hubby, I have found a new love, Sparkle Ice Water, it comes in so many flavors and are $1.00 each. They curb your need for carbonation and taste great! I drink one coke per week now on cheat day. I am also a southerner so I love my sweet tea. I have cut that out except one 8 oz glass for supper per day otherwise it's water and I have the sparkling water in between. My message to you is you can do it but never deprive yourself, when you do so that is when you fail. If you eat a handful of chips, who cares! Don't buy the junk, remember what you are trying to do for yourself but you will make mistakes, we are all human. Good luck!

leahvelaz03

irisswaney3 wrote: »

I love my coca cola, I am an avid bicycler, not a spandex roadie. I do between 18-24 MPH everyday 20-26 miles, some days just 8-10 miles depending on the heat/rain/lightning ( I live in Florida). I have one cheat day per week, not the whole day just one meal which is usually supper with my hubby, I have found a new love, Sparkle Ice Water, it comes in so many flavors and are $1.00 each. They curb your need for carbonation and taste great! I drink one coke per week now on cheat day. I am also a southerner so I love my sweet tea. I have cut that out except one 8 oz glass for supper per day otherwise it's water and I have the sparkling water in between. My message to you is you can do it but never deprive yourself, when you do so that is when you fail. If you eat a handful of chips, who cares! Don't buy the junk, remember what you are trying to do for yourself but you will make mistakes, we are all human. Good luck!

Thank you so much! The more responses I get makes me feel better about not having to give up everything I love and deprive myself. I'll have to give sparkling water a try. And your bicycling sounds awesome, I haven't rode a bike in so long. I want to get one!

VUA21

I lost 170lbs. Maintained that for about a year, now I'm back working on losing another 20lbs.

My diary typically has at least one of these as an entry every day:
Cookies (Tim Tams dark) are my favorite
Kiddie cereal (usually Fruit Loops or Cookie Crisp)
Something that has been deep fried (generally tortillas for tosatadas or tacos)
Chips (Hot Fries!!!)

Occasionally fast food (usually the kids meals)

I've lost another 5lbs since coming back, and I don't eat "clean". Sure I have pleanty of veggies, lean protiens, complex carbs, but I don't deny myself foods because they are "bad" (which they aren't).

You don't have to give up foods you love, just eat them in moderation to stick to your calorie budget for your goals.

leahvelaz03

VUA21 wrote: »

I lost 170lbs. Maintained that for about a year, now I'm back working on losing another 20lbs.

My diary typically has at least one of these as an entry every day:
Cookies (Tim Tams dark) are my favorite
Kiddie cereal (usually Fruit Loops or Cookie Crisp)
Something that has been deep fried (generally tortillas for tosatadas or tacos)
Chips (Hot Fries!!!)

Occasionally fast food (usually the kids meals)

I've lost another 5lbs since coming back, and I don't eat "clean". Sure I have pleanty of veggies, lean protiens, complex carbs, but I don't deny myself foods because they are "bad" (which they aren't).

You don't have to give up foods you love, just eat them in moderation to stick to your calorie budget for your goals.

Congratulations on your weightloss! And thank you for responding. It is nice hearing that weight loss is possible while still having snacks as well, in moderation of course.

kommodevaran

You've gotten some great advice already, so some of this is repetition, but I wanted to comment using my own words:

You can calculate whether 21 pounds in 4 months is possible - can you create the necessary deficit? 1% of your bodyweight per week is the upper limit, 1 pound of body fat equals 3500 calories.

But I would not use an event as a motivation for weightloss anyway. Not only is it stressful because you'll feel like you're in a hurry and your holiday is at stake, you'll be tempted to cut corners (eat less than recommended); if you don't lose it all in time, you'll feel disappointed, and you'll probably start to regain when you get home.

And it's not just about what's theoretically realistic, create a calorie deficit and stick to it. You're describing a set of habits and preferences that are very hard to change.

Evaluate your attitiudes/mindset/presumptions: Dunkin Donuts is right next to my job so I usually start my day with a medium iced coffee with milk and sugar and a donut. I also don't eat too much, but when I do it is usually fast food and late at night due to my husband's work schedule. And I don't drink much water. I know all of what I just mentioned is BAD. There is no law that says that you have to buy donuts just because you can. You choose to buy donuts and sweet coffee. You do eat too much, that's how you become overweight. When you eat has no bearing on your weight. Water intake doesn't have anything to do with bodyweight.

VUA21

leahvelaz03 wrote: »

VUA21 wrote: »

I lost 170lbs. Maintained that for about a year, now I'm back working on losing another 20lbs.

My diary typically has at least one of these as an entry every day:
Cookies (Tim Tams dark) are my favorite
Kiddie cereal (usually Fruit Loops or Cookie Crisp)
Something that has been deep fried (generally tortillas for tosatadas or tacos)
Chips (Hot Fries!!!)

Occasionally fast food (usually the kids meals)

I've lost another 5lbs since coming back, and I don't eat "clean". Sure I have pleanty of veggies, lean protiens, complex carbs, but I don't deny myself foods because they are "bad" (which they aren't).

You don't have to give up foods you love, just eat them in moderation to stick to your calorie budget for your goals.

Congratulations on your weightloss! And thank you for responding. It is nice hearing that weight loss is possible while still having snacks as well, in moderation of course.

Thank you, and you're welcome. One thing I forgot was that just like weight loss isn't linear, eating habits don't have to be either. You can "bank" calories from one day to the next if you know you're going to go over because of an event (BBQ cookout, going out to dinner, drinks with friends.. ect). The human body doesn't magically reset at midnight. So if you're normal deficit is set at 1500cal/day and you eat at 1200 plus exercise an addition 300 one day.... You can use those 600 calories for food the next day. Keeping an "average" is what counts. If you go over by 100 one day and then under 100 the next, you're still on track for your goals. There are a lot of people on here that do weekly calories instead of daily because they know thier calories go up substantially on the weekends, so they just eat less/move more during the week.

treysdaddy19

Hell yes tou can do it. Set small goals for yourself that are hard to fail that will keep u motivated. If you count calories try a caloric deficit drop down like 300 for 1 week and see how it goes. You have to eat atleast 3 meals a day breakfast is very important it will jump start your metabolism and have some black coffee cafine helps burn fat..I know at work you're in a rush for lunch and it's just easier to grab fast food. Maybe try and meal prep on Sundays and pre make some foods for a couple days that way it's ready to go and you don't have to rush to make something. Also eat foods that make your metabolism boost. Thier are a bunch if things you can do those are just some things that work for me. Also excersize...I did some of those things and some powders and lost 12lbs in 6 days so you can do it !!!!

NovusDies

VUA21 wrote: »

I lost 170lbs. Maintained that for about a year, now I'm back working on losing another 20lbs.

My diary typically has at least one of these as an entry every day:
Cookies (Tim Tams dark) are my favorite
Kiddie cereal (usually Fruit Loops or Cookie Crisp)
Something that has been deep fried (generally tortillas for tosatadas or tacos)
Chips (Hot Fries!!!)

Occasionally fast food (usually the kids meals)

I've lost another 5lbs since coming back, and I don't eat "clean". Sure I have pleanty of veggies, lean protiens, complex carbs, but I don't deny myself foods because they are "bad" (which they aren't).

You don't have to give up foods you love, just eat them in moderation to stick to your calorie budget for your goals.

This is why it is good to get multiple responses. I can't claim to have one of those types of entries each day although I did have some chicken fingerz from Zaxbys yesterday. (Fun fact, their website gives you a calorie amount and a weight for 5 but when I weighed them it was only 4 for that weight so that would have been 100ish calories more if I had just eaten 5 without weighing (scale power!)). I probably average something many people would not consider "diet" food every other day though. That doesn't make daily wrong or me wrong it is a matter of tailoring a diet to personal preferences.

I also wanted to follow up and say that I don't doubt you. I think you can be successful, hit your goal weight, and be back here giving advice to the next you that comes along. If you were 50lbs heavier I would sign on for having 20ish pounds gone in 4 months easy. It may even be possible at your current weight but from my previous post and a post like @kommodevaran's I think you can see why I am somewhat opposed to deadlines.

ETA: There are not shortcuts to fat loss. Any claim for losing 12lbs in less than a week means that person lost at least 11lbs of water weight not fat. Breakfast does not start your metabolism it starts your digestion so it is optional.

leahvelaz03

treysdaddy19 wrote: »

Hell yes tou can do it. Set small goals for yourself that are hard to fail that will keep u motivated. If you count calories try a caloric deficit drop down like 300 for 1 week and see how it goes. You have to eat atleast 3 meals a day breakfast is very important it will jump start your metabolism and have some black coffee cafine helps burn fat..I know at work you're in a rush for lunch and it's just easier to grab fast food. Maybe try and meal prep on Sundays and pre make some foods for a couple days that way it's ready to go and you don't have to rush to make something. Also eat foods that make your metabolism boost. Thier are a bunch if things you can do those are just some things that work for me. Also excersize...I did some of those things and some powders and lost 12lbs in 6 days so you can do it !!!!

Thank you so much for the tips! I think I will definitely give meal prepping a try so that I at least have lunch ready to go each day.

VUA21

NovusDies wrote: »

VUA21 wrote: »

I lost 170lbs. Maintained that for about a year, now I'm back working on losing another 20lbs.

My diary typically has at least one of these as an entry every day:
Cookies (Tim Tams dark) are my favorite
Kiddie cereal (usually Fruit Loops or Cookie Crisp)
Something that has been deep fried (generally tortillas for tosatadas or tacos)
Chips (Hot Fries!!!)

Occasionally fast food (usually the kids meals)

I've lost another 5lbs since coming back, and I don't eat "clean". Sure I have pleanty of veggies, lean protiens, complex carbs, but I don't deny myself foods because they are "bad" (which they aren't).

You don't have to give up foods you love, just eat them in moderation to stick to your calorie budget for your goals.

This is why it is good to get multiple responses. I can't claim to have one of those types of entries each day although I did have some chicken fingerz from Zaxbys yesterday. (Fun fact, their website gives you a calorie amount and a weight for 5 but when I weighed them it was only 4 for that weight so that would have been 100ish calories more if I had just eaten 5 without weighing (scale power!)). I probably average something many people would not consider "diet" food every other day though. That doesn't make daily wrong or me wrong it is a matter of tailoring a diet to personal preferences.

I also wanted to follow up and say that I don't doubt you. I think you can be successful, hit your goal weight, and be back here giving advice to the next you that comes along. If you were 50lbs heavier I would sign on for having 20ish pounds gone in 4 months easy. It may even be possible at your current weight but from my previous post and a post like @kommodevaran's I think you can see why I am somewhat opposed to deadlines.

ETA: There are not shortcuts to fat loss. Any claim for losing 12lbs in less than a week means that person lost at least 11lbs of water weight not fat. Breakfast does not start your metabolism it starts your digestion so it is optional.

^^^^^ yep. Different eating plans work best for different people. BTW, technically I lost 18lbs in one week - I gave birth, that doesn't count as weight loss though.

The scale is awesome!!!! I found out that my Tim Tam's are actually a bit less than the package says (not by much, so I didn't bother doing the math to change the entry).

I also oppose deadlines, too much pressure to combine weight loss AND a deadline. I have a deadline, but it's due to a scheduled surgery, my goal is 20lbs, but I'm already happy with 5lbs and 10lbs would be great. I've learned a long time ago that if you lose 10lbs in a month or 10lbs in 4 months, the end result is still a 10lbs weight loss.