What's working for me :)

Bizzarrini

Just felt like writing down what seems to be working for me on this journey. My diary is open for all to view.

I started in March and have lost 33lbs so far. I'm 5'8 and started at 185lbs so today I weigh 152lbs. 12 more to go. I am facing the challenge of maintaining and steadily shaving off this final stone so I do not know if my current strategy will see me through or not but wanted to share so far.

Firstly, I don't ever consider my macros and I'm often wildly above or below my calories set by this programme. I eat what I like to - I tend to make pretty healthy choices I think anyway. I just eat smaller portions and am more mindful. I do eat my meals more slowly and enjoy them more. Interestingly I have been consistently over on my fat and sugar (from fruit) for the past 4 months. I do try to eat more protein than I used to and I know that my carbs seem to come in low. However, as a Coeliac I have never really gone overboard on these - although crisps/potato chips were my achilles. I just hope for not too many red numbers at the end of the day! Interesting that fat is not the enemy - particularly polys and monos

I eat very regularly throughout the day, about 8 times including snacks and meals. I try to get my 5 a day every day. I drink water, fruit teas, coffee, wine, gin etc. I eat fish and chips, burgers, ice cream - but not often.

I play squash once a week, waitress 3 times a week and run 5K on a Sat and a Wed (I could not run even half a K back in March -- I promise it gets easier). I have a set of weights but have yet to get into a routine with them.

I have days where I eat nearly 3000 calories and days where I eat less than a 1000.

This is just me and I just hope that by sharing in this section it will help someone else on their journey realise that it does not have to become a regimented set of rules, MFP can be tool just for making you more aware and through awareness comes knowledge and power. For me it's about changing my life with little steps and being patient. It seems to be working.

Peace and love.

rachaelgifford

It very much is an individual journey. Last time I lost weight I broke all the rules and it worked for me. This time, I trued exactly the same technique and got nowhere. I think it is very much what works at the time.

Good luck to you, and well done on your amazing progress.

lindustum

We really need a "I broke the rules and I reached my goal" success section here!

@OP: Congratulations and thank you for sharing! I like your goals of wanting to be an inspiration for others

Bizzarrini

So 3 months on and I've lost another 6 lbs. It is very slow going now and kind of frustrating but I knew this would happen as I near my goal. Rarely log my food these days but still more mindful when I eat. I guess my goal is now 1 or 2 pounds per MONTH instead of per week. That way I hope to be able to transition into maintenance more successfully.

Good luck everyone!

CharChary

lovely and honest post. Glad you found what works for you!