From 363.4 to 197.7 lbs: My One-Meal-a-Day Success Story

kachurka

Hi, I started omad for about a few weeks. I noticed you lost a lot of weight in a very short time. How much did you lose weekly? Also I wanted to know, will my body know where to stop losing weight? Will I have to further limit my portion size as I get nearer to my weight goal? I want to lose about fifty pounds. Thanks!

arguablysamson

kachurka wrote: »

Hi, I started omad for about a few weeks. I noticed you lost a lot of weight in a very short time. How much did you lose weekly? Also I wanted to know, will my body know where to stop losing weight? Will I have to further limit my portion size as I get nearer to my weight goal? I want to lose about fifty pounds. Thanks!

I averaged 2.4 to 3.6 lbs with few plateaus. You will keep losing until that point when your calories coming in equals your calories going out, but with this and all variations of intermittent fasting, you remain in control. It is attainable to work toward your ideal goal weight and stay there by cycling on and off. As for portion size, once you have put yourself at a steady calorie deficit, you will continue to lose until that point that you raise your calories. So your new (lighter) body will need less calories than before, but your stomach will also shrink, which means you won't feel bad. You will be a downscaled version of you, requiring less fuel to survive. No reason at all to worry. It is a pretty fluid process with enough time to adjust and tailor to your own needs.

seltzermint555

Good job, sir. That is awesome.

I agree with those who say the big thing is finding what works for YOU!

I don't know if I would like the one meal per day thing myself. But I've had tons of people lecture me on how I should be eating 6-10 mini meals. No thanks. I have lost over 100 lb happily eating a tiny breakfast (200 cal or less usually) and a large lunch and dinner. I never snack. I almost never eat between 7 pm and 7 am. I know all too well about those armchair dietitians. lol

arguablysamson

Yes, the little meals thing is quite ridiculous, although some support for it seems to have disappeared in previous months.

Great progress. A lot of people have modified my plan to make one that is more them-friendly, which I applaud, of course.

Tall_E

Congratulations! Thanks for your encouragement too. By the way, i understand that skin will gradually tighten up again for most people though it could take over a year and you may still have permanent stretch marks

arguablysamson

Tall_E wrote: »

Congratulations! Thanks for your encouragement too. By the way, i understand that skin will gradually tighten up again for most people though it could take over a year and you may still have permanent stretch marks

Doesn't look like that will happen with my loose skin, but maybe it hasn't finished yet and will get a bit better on me. Either way, I'm not worried about it.

kachurka

I have another question I wanted to know about splurge days. You wrote on your website that once a week one should have a splurge day. What did yours look like? Did you have many males that day, or a big one? Also I noticed after one splurge day I gain back a few pounds- is this normal? But you are right, the metabolism revs up and the next few days I go into an even lower weight. Thx for your answers

arguablysamson

kachurka wrote: »

I have another question I wanted to know about splurge days. You wrote on your website that once a week one should have a splurge day. What did yours look like? Did you have many males that day, or a big one? Also I noticed after one splurge day I gain back a few pounds- is this normal? But you are right, the metabolism revs up and the next few days I go into an even lower weight. Thx for your answers

I am about to do a YT video exclusively on the splurge day. Basically, here is the low-down; it's not essential if you keep close to (or just below) maintenance calories, but generally, losses will be slower that way; on the other hand, if you stay at a big deficit for very long periods of time, the body needs a break and a splurge pays that bill. A day of splurging a week is great for most, but for those with metabolism/sugar absorption issues and/or are extremely obese, sometimes once every two weeks is better.

Some people can't work with splurge days very well because they psychologically get off track with them, but most people can so long as they don't let them get out of hand. Mine were consistently once every two weeks while losing my biggest and I gradually added back in to once a week, and then twice a week, etc. as I moved into maintenance (that's the easiest way, IMO, as a balance of splurge/normalcy sets in).

As far as what I'm eating or how much on those days, hey, it absolutely does not matter, my friend. At first, it was a large, non-portion-controlled meal that ended up being who knows how many calories. Do not even ATTEMPT to track calories on this day! Other times, it was a day of grazing and eating whatever was available wherever I was, nutritious or non. I honestly forage like a bear on those days and the beauty is that just like a bear in the wild, I'll feel too full and be reminded of why and how I don't like doing that very often. lol The bears are nature's most efficient weight-loss machines. Follow their example as I have done and you will enjoy similar results.

But it's nature's way to sometimes splurge. Those who don't ever do it are the exceptions, not the rule. All the big cats and omnivores top off when they eat. This makes up for any macronutrient deficits, plus gives the mind and body overall a break from the low-key stress present during a sustained deficit. And yes, one feels fuller and may gain a bit, followed by a sharp loss the coming week once they go back into deficit. Done well - and under the right circumstances - splurging is an important part of lifestyle management. It really is.

dana7dana7

I had a friend lose 100lbs this way and when she stopped eating this way she gains back 20 but then stopped gaining. So overall 80 lbs isn't bad. Congrats on the weight loss!

lore11a

Bump

kachurka

Thank you arguablysamson! For that very detailed answer! You are the real deal. I think if someone can handle a splurge day, then more power to the. And the next day is crucial because for some reason I have an even bigger appetite, so I have to go right back into omad.

_Figgzie_

Are you still 6'4" after?

rdgfreshstart2016

Great information and motivation in this thread. Thanks for the great post and all the inspiring comments that followed.

tottie_07

Does not seem so odd to me as my dad did this for many years. Worked for him too. You look awesome btw. And more importantly, you have reclaimed your health. Priceless!

arguablysamson

tottie_07 wrote: »

Does not seem so odd to me as my dad did this for many years. Worked for him too. You look awesome btw. And more importantly, you have reclaimed your health. Priceless!

Thanks so much.

tottie_07

arguablysamson wrote: »

tottie_07 wrote: »

Does not seem so odd to me as my dad did this for many years. Worked for him too. You look awesome btw. And more importantly, you have reclaimed your health. Priceless!

Thanks so much.

I am rather enjoying your shared link for more info. I have never actually read anything on this, but only remember dad eating this way 30 some years ago. Thanks for sharing!

bclarke1990

Like others have said. Great job on the weight loss, and everyone has different approaches that work for them. My only concern is that a one meal a day plan seems like it might encourage someone to go from one extreme to the other with regard to eating disorders.

I'm not saying this applies to everyone, but I feel like I would encourage a more balanced lifestyle of simply eating healthy and not using food as an obsession or comfort tool.

arguablysamson

Amber_In_Onederland wrote: »

I've decided to only eat once a day before running into your post (I googled) and happy I did. What an amazing story. My weight loss is so slow..and I really think this is what is going to lead me to lose. Hoping it works and is something I can do for the long run, today's my first day..so far so good.

It will get you losing!

Welcome aboard!

Budgirl2455

Congratulations on your amazing loss. I agree not every way to lose weight is for everyone. This worked for you and you look great. Keep up the great work. Would love to be added as a friend to see food diary. Thank you for sharing your journey.

rabbyduby

arguablysamson i am considering trying this - is this ok for a Type 2 diabetic ? Also what is your website ?

arguablysamson

rabbyduby wrote: »

arguablysamson i am considering trying this - is this ok for a Type 2 diabetic ? Also what is your website ?

Yes, a number of people have been and are diabetic and their sugar levels go down with each meal. Some who have seriously low blood-sugar have to use juice to avoid low moments or else slowly work toward one meal, but most can jump right in. If one wants to do it, it can be done. The results have been FABULOUS!

It is a violation of the TOS of My Fitness Pal to link to my website here on the open boards, so add me as friend and I'll PM you. Or you can go right to the MFP OMAD forums.

26saj

Hello... I have been trying to lose weight over 4 years now....have tried 6 meals a day plan with southbeach diet..got sucess lost few pounds than all plus more came back...tried low fat diets again eating 5-6 times a day but as everyone said with one morsel going in by the time you realise you have binged more than a meal...
I have always been reading on one meal a day diets and before i came across this website i was following other gentlemans story ....he didnt have much to lose.
He lost 30 lbs over 5 months but only diff was he had 2 days in weekend where he wud eat more than once...
Saturday would be eat nething ne time and Sunday 2 meals ....5 days one meal a day...
Here weight loss is little slow but it suites my lifestyle as wid kids it becomes difficult to eat once on weekends....
I started this diet last wednesday.... On weekends ate regular...
I started at 210... Now m 205.2
My concern is that i cant be hungry till eve as m stay home mom....
I eat a small apple at 10 am a big lunch at 1.30-2 pm every day and drink coffee wid 1% milk at 8 pm..
Would you consider this newhere close to your plan?
Or i am ruining it by eating an apple in morning and drinking coffee at night?
Gradually i am going to be strict towards the weekends as well once i get grip on the diet...but my concern is about coffee. I can skip the apple but no coffee

arguablysamson

26saj wrote: »

Hello... I have been trying to lose weight over 4 years now....have tried 6 meals a day plan with southbeach diet..got sucess lost few pounds than all plus more came back...tried low fat diets again eating 5-6 times a day but as everyone said with one morsel going in by the time you realise you have binged more than a meal...
I have always been reading on one meal a day diets and before i came across this website i was following other gentlemans story ....he didnt have much to lose.
He lost 30 lbs over 5 months but only diff was he had 2 days in weekend where he wud eat more than once...
Saturday would be eat nething ne time and Sunday 2 meals ....5 days one meal a day...
Here weight loss is little slow but it suites my lifestyle as wid kids it becomes difficult to eat once on weekends....
I started this diet last wednesday.... On weekends ate regular...
I started at 210... Now m 205.2
My concern is that i cant be hungry till eve as m stay home mom....
I eat a small apple at 10 am a big lunch at 1.30-2 pm every day and drink coffee wid 1% milk at 8 pm..
Would you consider this newhere close to your plan?
Or i am ruining it by eating an apple in morning and drinking coffee at night?
Gradually i am going to be strict towards the weekends as well once i get grip on the diet...but my concern is about coffee. I can skip the apple but no coffee

The most dedicated way to ensure the fastest losses is to go with calorie-free beverages only after the meal, but others have modified the plan as you have and lost weight just fine. Coffee by itself is fine (basically no calories), but fruits have sugar. Sounds like you are making good progress. You can adjust as needed.

26saj

Thank you very much for your time in reading and replying...
Did you ever hit a weightloss plateau in this diet?
Ne tips on that.
I will try and avoid fruits as many days i can.
Thanks again

arguablysamson

26saj wrote: »

Thank you very much for your time in reading and replying...
Did you ever hit a weightloss plateau in this diet?
Ne tips on that.
I will try and avoid fruits as many days i can.
Thanks again

All will hit plateaus. PM me and I can advise you further.

Rockthatbodyat35

Congrats. You look like a complete different person, every inspirational.

pariskathryn

Ah! I remember when you first posted this. I love this method. I have cottage cheese at noon and then nothing until I have a big dinner, has been the most effective method for me so far! I rarely have hunger pangs and when I do, water takes care of it quick.

(edit: i realize my method isn't an authentic OMAD, hehe, but it works v well for me.)

arguablysamson

pariskathryn wrote: »

Ah! I remember when you first posted this. I love this method. I have cottage cheese at noon and then nothing until I have a big dinner, has been the most effective method for me so far! I rarely have hunger pangs and when I do, water takes care of it quick.

(edit: i realize my method isn't an authentic OMAD, hehe, but it works v well for me.)

Hey, a lot of people mix up my plan and make one of their own. Nothing wrong with that.

26saj

You asked me to PM you so you will advise me further....
M sorry i do not know whT that means...
I also want to be a member of your site at a point u mentioned your other website...
As i have 80lbs to lose and i will need all support here please

26saj

Is there Ny one here who want to start this diet challenge wid me...