Switching up a weight loss plan...

kdhamner

I started using Herbalife products a year ago in July. I have lost almost 90 lbs drinking the meal replacement shakes and working out. However, I want to stop drinking the shakes, because now that I understand weight loss, nutrition, and such better, I realize I don't HAVE to use these products to lose weight. BUT, I am honestly terrified that I will gain everything back that I have lost. I remind myself that if I stay in a deficit that will not happen, but in my head I lost weight because of these shakes, which I know isn't true. I lost weight, because I ate at a deficit and increased my activity level.

Is there anyone that has successfully stopped a plan such as Herbalife and continued losing weight? I still have about 50 lbs I want to lose, but I want to prove to myself I can do it without having to drink two of my meals. I still want to drink the meal replacement shake for breakfast, because I love the chocolate cappucino, and I hate eating actual food in the morning, but I would definitely LOVE to start eating real food for lunch AND dinner

Thanks!

mulecanter

I totally get this as I tried all the gimmicks before I finally succeeded. Lucky for you you have physics on your side. Weight gain happens when your calorie intake exceeds your calorie expenditures. So, do what most folks on MFP do--they count their calories using the tools on this site and their home food scale and food labels. I'd transition, start by replacing a lunch shake with an equivalent number of calories in a sandwich or a salad. Measure it all like a scientist so that you have an accurate calorie count. Be anal. The more calorie measuring and counting you do, the easier it becomes. Since your sodium intakes may shift around you will likely see some water weight gain here and there. Don't freak out--weigh every day and expect a saw-toothed graph with a downward trend.

daydreams_of_pretty

I haven't done this kind of diet, so I don't have personal experience. That being said, maybe you could start transitioning to real food. Maybe start with dinner? You could even do real food on certain days of the week. If you took it slow, then it might be easier to do without your fear of gaining weight.

kdhamner

Thank you. I truly appreciate the feedback. I will invest in a food scale as soon as I get paid and start with replacing my lunch shake with a equivalent calorie meal. And thank you for the information that the sodium intakes may cause some water weight gain at first, so I don't freak out. I also agree that I need to start with a slower transition, so the fear of gaining weight doesn't overwhelm me.