Goal to lose 30lbs ASAP, I need help. Please read!

lizj0nes21

Okay so my name is Liz, I will turn 21 on January 7th. I have a 2 1/2 year old son who turns 3 on July 1st. Before I got pregnant when I was 17 I weighed around 120, by the time I went into labor I was 179lbs and after I had my son the weight was dropping off with no effort. When I was working as a server I got down to 135lbs from working so much and constantly moving around at work but I am now a stay at home mom and have been for a number of months now and my weight has slowly started climbing back up. First I got up to 139lbs then to 143lbs, and now when I weighed myself the other day I was 149lbs (with my clothes, boots, and pea coat on, but still it's disappointing). I have been trying to lose the weight, I really have, but I reluctantly fall right off of the work out wagon. I got an elliptical a few weeks ago but I have only used it a handful of times. I really do want to lose the weight because it's horribly effecting me mentally and I already have anxiety and depression, I always have, but I can't keep avoiding working out and I don't know what to do. I am incredibly unhappy with myself, I can't even stand to look at myself. I need some advice and guideance and also I think some success stories would encourage me a lot because I think I always stop working at it because I don't see progress soon enough even though I know it takes a while. So if anyone has some advice and routines and success stories and pictures that'd be great! Most of all please help me lose this weight! I'm 5'3" and I currently weight 149 (again, with clothes and boots and all but I can't weigh myself naked yet because I have to buy a scale tomorrow). My goal is to be back down to 120lbs or even 115lbs would be great. I have a goal to show sufficient progress by February 14th. What's a realistic amount of weight for me to lost if I work really really hard these next 6 weeks? Thanks!

CaMeRaGrL

hello! I have nearly the same goal I was 152 3 weeks ago and lost 6 so far with tomorrow being a weigh in. I have a weight loss goal of 32 lbs and I'm 5' 2" so similar height as well. I find sticking to the 1200 cal a day works. I don't exercise much and am noticing the pounds starting to go slowly. so if your like me and not a huge fan of excercising maybe focus more on the diet side of things. Feel free to add me to look at my diary

wheird

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants?hl=guide+to+sexy+pants

Read the above link. And accept that it is going to take time.

lizj0nes21

hello! I have nearly the same goal I was 152 3 weeks ago and lost 6 so far with tomorrow being a weigh in. I have a weight loss goal of 32 lbs and I'm 5' 2" so similar height as well. I find sticking to the 1200 cal a day works. I don't exercise much and am noticing the pounds starting to go slowly. so if your like me and not a huge fan of excercising maybe focus more on the diet side of things. Feel free to add me to look at my diary

Thanks! could you explain exactly what the 1200 calorie a day thing. Is it that your total calories a day is 1200 and is that meaning before or after exercising?

meshashesha2012

you didnt gain the weight ASAP, why expect to be able to lose it ASAP?

wheird

I sense where this is going.

Guinivere

If you really knuckle down, no excuses you might be able to lose 14lbs in six weeks. I've done it. It took discipline and consistency.
Take measurements on your body, not just scale data. If you're working out hard you may see an inches change rather than the scale as fat burns off and lean tissue is put down.

Go for healthy - don't let your impatience make you set unrealistic goals or you set yourself up for failure.

Maybe go by clothing size goal rather than the scale.

See the success board for all the great success stories and pics.

lizj0nes21

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants?hl=guide+to+sexy+pants

Read the above link. And accept that it is going to take time.

I do understand that it's going to take time but that doesn't mean its not frustrating when it's effecting me as much as it is. I'm not askin how to lose 30 pounds in 6 weeks although that would be great fnit was possible, but I am simply askin what's a realistic ammount of weight to lose if working really hard within these 6 weeks because by February 14th I am looking to show sufficient progress and hopefully that will help me mentally because it's ruining my life.

MoreBean13

A realistic amount of weight is 12lbs in 6 weeks.

I would seriously reconsider the "weight lost NOW" attitude, because if you don't you'll lose the weight, and then be back here posting that you're starting over in 6 months.

jennegan1

Considering we are the same height being 149 isnt over weight. Its actually considered being healthy. Plus your a mother now so get used to fact of the matter you are going to wind up carry extra weight now no matter what....Shoot when I was 21 I wasnt even 149 cuz I gave birth that year with my oldest and guess what. I lost weight but it didnt happen over night it happened over years

wheird

Considering we are the same height being 149 isnt over weight. Its actually considered being healthy. Plus your a mother now so get used to fact of the matter you are going to wind up carry extra weight now no matter what....Shoot when I was 21 I wasnt even 149 cuz I gave birth that year with my oldest and guess what. I lost weight but it didnt happen over night it happened over years

There is no reason why a mother has to carry extra weight no matter what.

wheird

A realistic amount of weight is 12lbs in 6 weeks.

I would seriously reconsider the "weight lost NOW" attitude, because if you don't you'll lose the weight, and then be back here posting that you're starting over in 6 months.

When on earth did you get back?!

MoreBean13

A realistic amount of weight is 12lbs in 6 weeks.

I would seriously reconsider the "weight lost NOW" attitude, because if you don't you'll lose the weight, and then be back here posting that you're starting over in 6 months.

When on earth did you get back?!

Today. I got a fitbit for Christmas and it motivated me to start tracking all the things again. :bigsmile:

sunshinenjjr

Liz a realistic goal would be to lose 1/2 to 1 lb a week. There is no reason to eat only 1200 calories a day. I'm 5'1" 125 lbs and I generally eat between 1600 hundred and 1800 hundred calories a day. And I'm still losing weight slowly. You didn't put the weight on overnight so just except that it will take you some time to take it off.

lizj0nes21

you didnt gain the weight ASAP, why expect to be able to lose it ASAP?

ASAP meaning I'm not looking for leisurely guidelines with the minimum requirements to maybe lose some weight. But for the record the weight did come on pretty quick considering I was at a content 135lbs for a long time. And again, as I said the the other person, I'm not asking to lose the 30lbs in 6 weeks, but simply asking people who have been working hard rather than taking their time what type of routines they have or what success they have had so far, what has worked for them and what hasn't and maybe for some advice.

ndj1979

. First I got up to 139lbs then to 143lbs, and now when I weighed myself the other day I was 149lbs (with my clothes, boots, and pea coat on, but still it's disappointing). I

you realize that all that extra clothing probably added about ten pounds right?

emdeesea

A reasonable amount of weight is 1-2 pounds a week. It's less of a struggle when you view it as a lifestyle change and less of this urgency to lose weight NOW.

Your son is watching what you do. Show him how to be healthy.

lizj0nes21

Considering we are the same height being 149 isnt over weight. Its actually considered being healthy. Plus your a mother now so get used to fact of the matter you are going to wind up carry extra weight now no matter what....Shoot when I was 21 I wasnt even 149 cuz I gave birth that year with my oldest and guess what. I lost weight but it didnt happen over night it happened over years

There is no reason why a mother has to carry extra weight no matter what.

Thank you, I appreciate that.

kwantlen2051

You weighed yourself with clothes, coat and boots on! You need to find out what you really weigh, figure out out your BMR and TDEE. And from there set your goal, MFP has calculators to help you determine these and also your daily calorie goal and how much exercise calories to burn. No quick fixes just plain hard work will get everyone the results they want.

lizj0nes21

Considering we are the same height being 149 isnt over weight. Its actually considered being healthy. Plus your a mother now so get used to fact of the matter you are going to wind up carry extra weight now no matter what....Shoot when I was 21 I wasnt even 149 cuz I gave birth that year with my oldest and guess what. I lost weight but it didnt happen over night it happened over years

There are many mothers who are in better shape than they were before they were a mother. Just because I'm a mom does not mean that I have to be overweight. And it may not be considered overweight to but everyone is different. I am not comfortable having a stomach pouch of fat that sits on my lap and bulges over my pants and having thighs twice the size they were before and having love hadles so bad that it's like my *kitten* starts half way up my back. The fact of the matter is that I am not comfortable with MYSELF and just because I am a mother doesn't mean that I have to accept being miserably embarrassed of my own body.

LolBroScience

A realistic amount of weight is 12lbs in 6 weeks.

I would seriously reconsider the "weight lost NOW" attitude, because if you don't you'll lose the weight, and then be back here posting that you're starting over in 6 months.

QFT.

6 Weeks is not a lot of time for significant weight loss. Mild deficit + time will be better in the long run. Did you just decide Feb. 14th for fun? It's not as is you're stepping on stage to be judged by people, doing a photo shoot etc. So whats the rush?

ILiftHeavyAcrylics

Let's assume you're 145 without clothes. That means you want to lose 15-20 lbs. Set MFP to lose 1 lb per week. Then when you get to your last 10 lbs, change to lose .5 lbs per week.

Get a food scale and weigh your food. Log everything accurately. Eat back half your exercise calories.

I'd recommend a progressive loading strength training program to retain muscle while you lose weight.

ndj1979

Let's assume you're 145 without clothes. That means you want to lose 15-20 lbs. Set MFP to lose 1 lb per week. Then when you get to your last 10 lbs, change to lose .5 lbs per week.

Get a food scale and weigh your food. Log everything accurately. Eat back half your exercise calories.

I'd recommend a progressive loading strength training program to retain muscle while you lose weight.

^ listen to this...

angel79202

Try to start using the elliptical, you need food and exercise for the whole equation..
I also recommend strength training

psuLemon

Let's assume you're 145 without clothes. That means you want to lose 15-20 lbs. Set MFP to lose 1 lb per week. Then when you get to your last 10 lbs, change to lose .5 lbs per week.

Get a food scale and weigh your food. Log everything accurately. Eat back half your exercise calories.

I'd recommend a progressive loading strength training program to retain muscle while you lose weight.

This too. Also as a mother you need more calories as you tend to be more active. So you should set you account to lightly active. If you breast feed add another 300 to 500 calories to ensure your baby is getting adequate nutrition. I highly concur on the resistance training program, even if you start with body resistance. If you weight training and eat adequate protein (about 1g of protein per lb of lbm or about 110 to 120g of protein) then it will help with muscle retention. More muscle will allow you to achieve more visual results.

GSXRGIRL61

Hi! Make an appointment with yourself at least 5 days a week to get on the elliptical for a "set" amount of time. I do best when I am listening to music or watching T.V. You could start with 20 minutes a day at a fairly easy level. If you make yourself do this--tell yourself that it's only 20 minutes of your life--in a few weeks it will have become a habit. As your level of physical fitness improves, you can add minutes and levels. Best of all, you don't have to do it all at one time. Let's say you are up to 30 minutes. You could do 10 minutes in the a.m., 10 minutes in the afternoon, and 10 minutes at night. You'll at least be burning some extra calories. Also, figure out exactly how many calories you need. You can do a search for BMR calculator (myfitnesspal has one), which will tell you basically what the amount of calories your body burns by just "being." If you can stay around that amount and burn off 250 extra calories a day through exercise, the weight will come off. Also, if you eat a lot of refined carbs, such as white bread, pizza, most pastas, etc., you should exchange them for green vegetables, fruits, and lean protein. I didn't believe that last part until I tried the South Beach Diet. I lost about 20 lbs. that way (I wasn't part of myfitnesspal when I did that), and now I stay mostly refined-carb free and stay around 120-125. I exercise almost every day. Do I love exercising? No (except for kickboxing when I'm really stressed about something). Do I make excuses not to exercise? Absolutely. But then I tell myself how much better I will feel when it's over, how much better my clothes will fit, and how much better my health will be.

Two books that really made sense to me and that helped me want to lose the weight and have helped me keep it off are The Thin Commandments (Gullo) and I Can Do This Diet (Colbert). Good luck! I hope you win! Have fun storming the castle!

lizj0nes21

Try to start using the elliptical, you need food and exercise for the whole equation..
I also recommend strength training

I'm going to change my diet and use the elliptical but I just don't know how often/how long to use the elliptical for it to be effective and healthy.

lizj0nes21

A realistic amount of weight is 12lbs in 6 weeks.

I would seriously reconsider the "weight lost NOW" attitude, because if you don't you'll lose the weight, and then be back here posting that you're starting over in 6 months.

QFT.

6 Weeks is not a lot of time for significant weight loss. Mild deficit + time will be better in the long run. Did you just decide Feb. 14th for fun? It's not as is you're stepping on stage to be judged by people, doing a photo shoot etc. So whats the rush?

I chose February 14th because it's valentines day and I have plans to dress nice and do something special for my fiancé and I want to be comfortable with myself for that otherwise it's not happening. And it may not seem so important to everyone else but my body is really effecting my mental health in a very negative way more than even my fiancé understands and being comfortable in my own skin will help that.

ndj1979

join a gym, lift heavy using compound movements, eat in calorie deficit, and hit macros….success will come

gigglesinthesun

A realistic amount of weight is 12lbs in 6 weeks.

I would seriously reconsider the "weight lost NOW" attitude, because if you don't you'll lose the weight, and then be back here posting that you're starting over in 6 months.

QFT.

6 Weeks is not a lot of time for significant weight loss. Mild deficit + time will be better in the long run. Did you just decide Feb. 14th for fun? It's not as is you're stepping on stage to be judged by people, doing a photo shoot etc. So whats the rush?

I chose February 14th because it's valentines day and I have plans to dress nice and do something special for my fiancé and I want to be comfortable with myself for that otherwise it's not happening. And it may not seem so important to everyone else but my body is really effecting my mental health in a very negative way more than even my fiancé understands and being comfortable in my own skin will help that.

yes, weight loss with a time line attached to it always works out just fine :huh:

your body won't change that much losing 10lbs. Aiming for a 2lbs week weight loss when you are already at a normal weight is setting yourself up for failure and that won't improve your mental health. A weekly 2lbs weight loss requires a 1000 calorie deficit. You can do your own math and go with 3500 cals in a 1lbs of fat and see how much you would have to work out and how little you need to eat in order to get to your goal.

Addressing your mental health and your body image is something that needs to go hand in hand with your weight loss, because you won't suddenly start to love it just because you dropped some weight.

lizj0nes21

A realistic amount of weight is 12lbs in 6 weeks.

I would seriously reconsider the "weight lost NOW" attitude, because if you don't you'll lose the weight, and then be back here posting that you're starting over in 6 months.

QFT.

6 Weeks is not a lot of time for significant weight loss. Mild deficit + time will be better in the long run. Did you just decide Feb. 14th for fun? It's not as is you're stepping on stage to be judged by people, doing a photo shoot etc. So whats the rush?

I chose February 14th because it's valentines day and I have plans to dress nice and do something special for my fiancé and I want to be comfortable with myself for that otherwise it's not happening. And it may not seem so important to everyone else but my body is really effecting my mental health in a very negative way more than even my fiancé understands and being comfortable in my own skin will help that.

yes, weight loss with a time line attached to it always works out just fine :huh:

your body won't change that much losing 10lbs. Aiming for a 2lbs week weight loss when you are already at a normal weight is setting yourself up for failure and that won't improve your mental health. A weekly 2lbs weight loss requires a 1000 calorie deficit. You can do your own math and go with 3500 cals in a 1lbs of fat and see how much you would have to work out and how little you need to eat in order to get to your goal.

Addressing your mental health and your body image is something that needs to go hand in hand with your weight loss, because you won't suddenly start to love it just because you dropped some weight.

You can't say that losing weight won't help my mental health because you don't know me. And I never said that I was trying to lose the 30lbs within the 6 weeks of my goal date. I don't know how many times I have to repeat myself but all I was saying was that I am trying to show sufficient progress in my weight loss journey because seeing progress will help me feel better about myself in seeing that all of my efforts are for a reason and it will be encouraging. Not once did I say I was trying to lose 30lbs in 6 weeks just that I am simply looking to see progress by my goal date. And my weight is not already a normal weight for me, I am overweight and uncomfortable.