Slow to Start - But That's a Good Thing

UncoveringAmy

Hi everyone.

I started using MFP again about a month ago. Since then I have lost 1 kg (2.2 pounds).

I had been feeling frustrated because I wasn't experiencing that rapid weight loss that may people on here describe, the water loss, maybe. I kept thinking "If this is how slow it is at the start, what's going to happen a few months down the track?"

But I have come to accept my slow start as a good thing, for a few reasons:

1. It is really making me focus on making healthy, long term changes. I really need to focus on proper weighing and measuring to ensure that I lose any weight at all.
2. I won't become discouraged when my weight loss slows down. It seems as if it will be slow and steady the whole time, and that's okay, because I won't lose hope when I possibly plateau.
3. I'm realising that this is hard work, and it's supposed to be. I have previously lost weight using diet shakes, and all power to people who do so, but it lasted a month before I caved and went back to my old eating habits. The weight piled back on.
4. If I do happen to have any really successful weeks, that will be such a surprise and cause for celebration! Rather than having a zero loss week (and I've had a couple), and being discouraged.
5. I am slowly realising that there is no "one" exercise for me. I get sick of one routine in about two weeks, so I need to constantly find new ways to work out, and slowly build my strength and endurance.

I'm not looking for advice with this post, because I have read so much here and I think I know what I need to focus on and what I need to tweak in order to find what works for me. Just wanted to offer an alternative experience to the stories of people losing so much early on in case others are having the same experience as me.

sarahsue001

I really enjoyed this post.

zoeysasha37

You'll get there :-) it took me almost two months until I really started losing significant weight. Of coarse, I had to get used to weighing and measuring and logging properly, so it may have took me longer then others. But my point is, it finally happened. It will happen for you as well :-)

mebepiglet123

this is the best post I have read in ages.. good on you

wannakimmy

Good for you, hang in there, you will succeed!

UncoveringAmy

Thanks everyone.

Just to illustrate how powerful and effective MFP can be as a weight loss tool:

I decided today to look at my reports. I have looked at these on and off over the last month, since I started on MFP again.

You know what I found by looking at my Net Calories report for the month? On 13 out of 30 days, my net calories came out on or under my goal. The other days?

Yep. Over. Sometimes a little, sometimes a lot.

I think I have still been in that "I walked a bit today, so it's okay if eat KFC" mentality. Possibly not to that extent every time, but sometimes!

At least now I'm aware of it. Awareness has taken me a month to achieve. Oh well, a month isn't that long when you look at a lifetime of bad habits behind it.

Onward and upward (or, downward, hopefully!)

Anyway, if others read this and are still frustrated, definitely check your reports tab. It's really valuable.

clairetomkinson84

Good on you for having such a positive outlook! You will get there! Slow and steady wins the race after all.

Lannister80

You're doing an awesome job, and this was a very motivational post. Slow beginnings build longer habits. You're doing great!

EmilyTabawhat

Thank you for posting this. Its nice to see a post I can relate to, and know I am not alone!

I just started using MFP 18 days ago (yey, streak!), started eating clean and working out (C25K or elliptical for cardio 4-6 days and Daily Burn 30 day challenge) and I've only lost 1.2 lbs, so that will put my on a similar track as you!

I was *hoping* to see some bigger numbers right away since I have a lot of weight to lose, but this morning's weigh in was a big of a let down and I'm a bit bummed today.

slow and steady wins the race, right?

Calliope610

Great post, OP.

Slow and steady wins this race. Successful weight loss is all about sustainability.

I have been an active daily MFP participant, logging food and exercise, for 481 days. My weight loss is 48lbs, so that's 1lb lost every 10 days, or 3lb per month. Sure, I have seen others with very impressive 7 or 10 or 15+lb/mo weight losses. But I'm good with my slow and steady approach because I know there is a pretty good chance I will not experience the "bounce back weight gain" effect when I attempt maintenance. Because what I have done for the last 481 days can easily be done for the remaining estimated 18250 days of my life. Who can say that about some of the more aggressive weight loss plans/diets? So what if it takes me another 380 days to reach my goal? I am very confident I will get there and more importantly, stay there.

spmcavoy1

Yep 89 days and about 7 lbs. I'd rather NOT be starving, be neurotic, be annoyed, or be miserable because I'm being too hard on myself.

The weight will come off in due time, and in the MEAN TIME, I can save money for my new wardrobe

seltzermint555

I think it is really good that you have such a great perspective on this instead of getting discouraged.

I've lost 78 lb on this website and I did NOT have a huge initial loss. Even my first 1-2 months, I was losing at the rate that I chose of 1.5 lb/week, no more and no less.

I started at 262 lb March 2013 and only when I got to the 190s in January 2014 has my loss slowed down to approximately 0.8 lb per week. I am totally ok with that.

rose313

I love this. You are absolutely right and you will do very, very well long term keeping a positive attitude.

blueize70

Very inspiring post!

Isca_1

I started on this site back in April and I like you, took a bit to get used to weighing my food. I am still having trouble adding meals, but I will get it eventually!

I have only lost 8 lbs so far, but what I did do, was take measurements. I took both thighs, hips, waist, arms and bust. I have lost inches, which to me is crazy as it's only 8 lbs. Take measurements!

You are right, slow and steady. It took a life-time of bad habits to get here, it will take some time and effort to get to where we need.

Good luck to you!

chinook44

Great post - thank you!