How I reached my goal weight...

sassypants0923

I don't know about you, but I'm stubborn. Not really on purpose, but naturally I think.
I've been trying for YEARS to reach my goal weight and I thought I'd summarize how I did it and maybe, just maybe, some of you won't be as stubborn as I am and take the advice from people who have done it.

1. Water... Dam the water, but YES this is number 1. I'm sorry.
2. Weight train. Again sorry, you MUST tone those muscles! You will not bulk up and you may gain a pound or two in the beginning,
But you then will start burning more calories every day and life will get easier.
3. Find cardio that you LoVE and can live with. Mix it up and have fun with it.
4. Food... Beloved food... What you put into your body fuels you and gives you nourishment. Eat foods you love that are good for
You. I'm sorry, but I don't believe in eating unhealthy foods in moderation...you will end up telling yourself that about EVERY
Unhealthy food you eat and then you'll be eating something bad every day. Now I do believe in cheat meals, but they must be
Planned. My opinion. Take it or not... But KNOW that weight loss and maintenance is 95% of what you eat.
5. Talk to people who have done it and take their advice. Sooner rather than later!!

Just my two cents...how about yours?

justaloozer

I am definitely not at goal, nor am I anywhere near it, but I have lost 65lbs in 7 months. Something that I find important to remember is if you fall 100 times, get up 101. Messing up along the way does not mean you should quit.

anewlife1980

Some great tips! I am pretty stubborn too or so I've been told & honestly I think stubborn people have an easier time with this because we aren't willing to fail, too stubborn to give up lol I was going to see this out come hell or high water & so far its been a great 9mths! Congrats to you on your loss.

Winwin101

Congrats on reaching your goal weight :drinker: I love all your points and advice and I couldn't agree more with them. I had to learn all about these pearls of wisdom the hard way but I think that these trials and errors are essential in weight loss and healthy life style change because it is educational and you get to learn what works for you. What I'd like to add is that it is important to educate yourself on proper nutrition and exercise and to pay close attention to the changes in your body so you can adjust them to your needs. But for all those people who are not as stubborn as I’m, following all the great weight loss advice here will get you to your goal with less frustration and wasted time.

JesterMFP

1. Water... Dam the water, but YES this is number 1. I'm sorry.

I don't think water's that important for weight loss at all. I try to keep well hydrated, but don't think it had any bearing on my weight loss.

2. Weight train. Again sorry, you MUST tone those muscles! You will not bulk up and you may gain a pound or two in the beginning,
But you then will start burning more calories every day and life will get easier.

Yep, weight training's a good way of maintaining your muscle mass as you lose weight.

3. Find cardio that you LoVE and can live with. Mix it up and have fun with it.

I'm a fan of cardio for overall fitness, for helping to keep my depression at bay and allowing me to eat more. Not necessary for weight loss, but good for general health and fitness.

4. Food... Beloved food... What you put into your body fuels you and gives you nourishment. Eat foods you love that are good for
You. I'm sorry, but I don't believe in eating unhealthy foods in moderation...you will end up telling yourself that about EVERY
Unhealthy food you eat and then you'll be eating something bad every day. Now I do believe in cheat meals, but they must be
Planned. My opinion. Take it or not... But KNOW that weight loss and maintenance is 95% of what you eat.

I don't see foods as "good" or "bad". I think it's important to have a balanced diet with a wide range of nutrients. I personally would probably have never stuck with losing weight if I'd started labelling food as "healthy" and "unhealthy" and then cut out all the "unhealthy" ones. Wouldn't have worked for me at all. Food is food. I enjoy all the foods I like, in appropriate quantities.

5. Talk to people who have done it and take their advice. Sooner rather than later!!

Agreed. I've learned a ton from people on these boards. Read, listen, learn, do your own research and do what ultimately works for you.

ryry_

I don't neccesarily agree with all of your points listed.

But never the less your progress is great and congratulations! Good luck on all of your future progress and keep up the hard work.

sassypants0923

I don't neccesarily agree with all of your points listed.

But never the less your progress is great and congratulations! Good luck on all of your future progress and keep up the hard work.

I didn't expect everyone to agree .. One thing doesn't work for everyone, but I'm glad others are posting what worked for them as well.

Thank you for the support!

sassypants0923

1. Water... Dam the water, but YES this is number 1. I'm sorry.

I don't think water's that important for weight loss at all. I try to keep well hydrated, but don't think it had any bearing on my weight loss.

2. Weight train. Again sorry, you MUST tone those muscles! You will not bulk up and you may gain a pound or two in the beginning,
But you then will start burning more calories every day and life will get easier.

Yep, weight training's a good way of maintaining your muscle mass as you lose weight.

3. Find cardio that you LoVE and can live with. Mix it up and have fun with it.

I'm a fan of cardio for overall fitness, for helping to keep my depression at bay and allowing me to eat more. Not necessary for weight loss, but good for general health and fitness.

4. Food... Beloved food... What you put into your body fuels you and gives you nourishment. Eat foods you love that are good for
You. I'm sorry, but I don't believe in eating unhealthy foods in moderation...you will end up telling yourself that about EVERY
Unhealthy food you eat and then you'll be eating something bad every day. Now I do believe in cheat meals, but they must be
Planned. My opinion. Take it or not... But KNOW that weight loss and maintenance is 95% of what you eat.

I don't see foods as "good" or "bad". I think it's important to have a balanced diet with a wide range of nutrients. I personally would probably have never stuck with losing weight if I'd started labelling food as "healthy" and "unhealthy" and then cut out all the "unhealthy" ones. Wouldn't have worked for me at all. Food is food. I enjoy all the foods I like, in appropriate quantities.

5. Talk to people who have done it and take their advice. Sooner rather than later!!

Agreed. I've learned a ton from people on these boards. Read, listen, learn, do your own research and do what ultimately works for you.

Thanks for your input!

Sabine_Stroehm

Well done!