If you had only one piece of advice...

Cella30
Cella30 Posts: 539 Member
in Motivation and Support
Or what was the biggest thing that helped you lose weight?

So many people ask me this and I don't know how to answer. How do I sum up over a year of completely changing everything in my life, into one catch-phrase about how I lost my weight? Need some input on how you guys respond. I want to inspire people, not bore them to death...
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Replies

  • CoderGal
    CoderGal Posts: 6,800 Member
    Lift heavy. The one thing that has given me the greatest benefit aesthetically, emotionally, and health wise, more then losing weight, cardio, or eating healthy, is lifting heavy. Even though it wasn't my thing at first and I was the dancer girl who wanted nothing to do with lifting because I didn't have a clue how and because of so many stigmas and misconceptions about lifting that the majority of people seem to have. I tried the rest first and it never helped me accomplish the flat tummy I have now :) I really wish I could get through to the people who think they'll end up looking manly. I hardly think I did.
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  • sweetpea129
    sweetpea129 Posts: 755 Member
    Cut out all soda. That is what has helped me the most.
  • james6998
    james6998 Posts: 743 Member
    Simple answer for me, realizing that i could make myself into any shape i wanted to. People don't understand that they control how they are going to look. Thats only half of it. Problem is you can't tell someone how good it feels to be in shape, they have to experience it themselves. If it was easy it would mean so much.
  • Junie2013
    Junie2013 Posts: 53
    I would say the key for me is to make 1 change at a time. I have always been one to dive into things and go overboard. This time, I started with just logging. When I got a handle on that, I started trying to hit my calorie goal. Next, I stopped having wine every day. Now I am working on hitting my macros.

    This has been absolutely key for me. I've never approached it this way before, but I was inspired by the quote "If you want something you've never had, you have to do something you've never done."

    I recommend this approach to anyone who has an "all or nothing" tendency. It's a good way to break yourself of that. It's also a good way to get started when you feel stuck and lack motivation to begin. Start logging and the momentum starts to build.
  • cicisiam
    cicisiam Posts: 491 Member
    Take responsibility for your health & fitness, so you do not become a burden to yourself, family , friends or the health care industry.
  • CoderGal
    CoderGal Posts: 6,800 Member
    Take responsibility for your health & fitness, so you do not become a burden to yourself, family , friends or the health care industry.
    This wins so far. Now that is something that hits the spot.
  • itsscottwilder
    itsscottwilder Posts: 317
    Just keep swimming, just keep swimming...
  • holly1283
    holly1283 Posts: 741 Member
    Just keep swimming, just keep swimming...

    You and me both even if it is upstream sometimes,too.
  • jkal1979
    jkal1979 Posts: 1,896 Member
    It's a mind thing as much as it's about diet and exercise.
  • Katla49
    Katla49 Posts: 10,385 Member
    Best advice I have is: log every bite, and move more.
  • krc99080
    krc99080 Posts: 147 Member
    Remember this is chaning your life forever, not just for right now.
  • BeachIron
    BeachIron Posts: 6,490 Member
    Strive for balance in everything you do
  • GBPack93
    GBPack93 Posts: 76 Member
    No matter how out of shape/overweight you are, or no matter how fit you think you are, you can ALWAYS be better.
  • TwoPointZero
    TwoPointZero Posts: 187 Member
    It took years to get into the shape you are in, and it may take years to get out, so be patient. :)
  • prairiewalker
    prairiewalker Posts: 184 Member
    focused perseverance with nutrition & exercise..bottom line...:flowerforyou:
  • SucculentGoddess
    SucculentGoddess Posts: 42 Member
    Drink more water!!

    I know that most of my hunger pangs were now what i recognise to be thirst
  • gigglybeth
    gigglybeth Posts: 365 Member
    Motivation comes and goes, it takes dedication to make lasting changes. There are so many days that I don't want to go to the gym or eat healthy, but I do it because I've made a commitment to myself.
  • kittiesandfarts
    kittiesandfarts Posts: 101 Member
    Just keep swimming, just keep swimming...

    You and me both even if it is upstream sometimes,too.

    Yup, ya just gotta keep at it. Even if you fall off the wagon you just have to get back on. It's all mental for me.
  • Alwayssohungry
    Alwayssohungry Posts: 369 Member
    Slow & Steady
    Don't fall for the fads
    Plan for the long term
    and most important Learn portion sizes
  • BigBrunette
    BigBrunette Posts: 1,543 Member
    Focus on progress, not perfection.
  • alisonlynn1976
    alisonlynn1976 Posts: 929 Member
    Building long-term habits by making one small change at a time.
  • toutmonpossible
    toutmonpossible Posts: 1,580 Member
    Assuming you know the basic qualities of nutrients and the number of calories in the foods you eat all you need do to lose weight is keep track (or have a good idea) of what you eat, weigh yourself a few times a week and make adjustments as needed.

    Exercise, while not essential for weight loss is good for your health and can raise your spirits while losing or maintaining your weight.
  • fizzfizz
    fizzfizz Posts: 94 Member
    think they are probably all personal to the loser!

    mine is "my knees don't get days off" which means that losing weight helps them to function better, a LOT better - willpower is still hard (and in very short supply right now too!) but just knowing that being lighter makes a BIG difference and I have proved it keeps me at it
  • brit__2006
    brit__2006 Posts: 201 Member
    Calorie deficit
    Strength Training
    Measurements (not just scale)
    Listen to your body


    That sums up my time of doing this.
  • bridgelene
    bridgelene Posts: 358 Member
    Be honest with yourself. You can tell yourself and others whatever you want to tell them, and log whatever you do or do not want to log here, but no matter what, your body is keeping track.

    That, and make sure you've seen a doctor to make sure everything is in order to give you the best chance, if you're doing what you need to do. Some things can make it harder than just #'s in vs #'s out, but if there is something off you can adjust your approach and/or perhaps medications. In my specific case, I'm thinking insulin resistance (which admittedly WAS probably kicked off bc I got too fat for my body to be able to handle insulin properly).....increasing my protein and (TRYING) to limit carbs to more natural carbs, along with medication to help my body properly use the fuel has helped me to be more consistent, physically.
  • cstoney2013
    cstoney2013 Posts: 167 Member
    If you have a bad day, make sure you have an epic next day!

    You will hate it, it won't be plesant, but later you will love it

    the exercises that you aviod are the ones that will get you in the best shape usually.

    Wait a half hour afer eating before you get seconds...you probably won't feel like seconds.
  • rachaelgifford
    rachaelgifford Posts: 320 Member
    Drink more water!
  • thistimewillbedifferent
    thistimewillbedifferent Posts: 217 Member
    Great thread! For me personally it was "I really, truly made my health my top priority." I had said I wanted to do things like eat healthy and exercise in the past, but I never carried through. This time I really did make it my top priority, and ensured that the majority of my actions reflected that.
  • mjf0461
    mjf0461 Posts: 470 Member
    For me, I'd say, Take one day at a time working towards your goal. Everyone is different bodies work in different speeds, and burns differently. Don't compare what your neighbor, friend or spouse has done to what you will be able to do. Just do it.
  • cruzcrzyMarie
    cruzcrzyMarie Posts: 251 Member
    Be honest in your logging, make it a lifestyle change, and for me, weigh daily. I know many will disagree with the weighing daily. My dh and I even travel with a travel scale. We are retired, just got back from 30 days in traveling, and stayed within our maintenance weight. Good luck to you. YOU CAN DO IT. YOU ARE WORTH IT.



    Marie

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