How to lose 5 pounds a week.
Skolls081102
Posts: 184
As some of you may have seen in a previous topic, the 5 pound a week weight loss topic is a rather heated one. It seems to be the major consensus that 5 pounds/week is an unhealthy weight loss. I want to post this, not to cause controversy or arguments, but to point out that a good majority of us on MFP are not nutritionists/doctors and should not automattically give advice (even if we think it's in the posters best interest).
On January 2, 2011 I weighed 304.8 pounds. I made a choice- that my weight would ultimately lead to my deteriating health. And seeing as how I have an absolutley beautiful and incredible wife, whom with I have 4 of the most incredible children in the world...I want to make sure that I am around and healthy for all of them for many years to come. So I made a decision...a decision I had made numerous times. Sometimes with sucess...sometimes with failure. But I was determined that it was time. In my mind, it was absolutley the time to lose weight. So on January 2, I completely changed my diet. I went from eating whatever/whenever I wanted, to being regimented. I cut out processed sugar (almost entirely, but it's in a few "healthy" items I consume). I eat breakfast everyday, something I rarely ever did. I began making lunch to bring to work, rather than buying a hot dog, or pizza or whatever fast food everyone else was ordering. I snacked on healthy items throughout the day to keep my metabolism up, and my hunger down.
Those forst 3 weeks were painful. i felt hungry all the time, as my bnody and mind adjusted to not eating sugar snacks at 10 pm. But with just a change of diet I lost 5 pounds a week for 3 weeks straight. A good friend of mine introduced me to MFP and I began even more closely tracking what I was eating. I started using portion control...not eating half a London Broil, just eating my 4 oz. serving. I would get up from dinner and clean all the dishes. Not because I wanted to, but because I knew if I sat at the table, i would keep eating.
After 3 weeks, I started adding in some exercise. Instead of just eating my meals and snacks on my breaks at work, I decided to go walk. 3 times around my building is a mile, and the first time I tried it, it took me 15 minutes to walk that mile. I kept at it, added in a little Zumba here and there (yes, I know...go ahead...guy...doing Zumba...I know the wise cracks are coming...lol). Then my wife introduced me to Jillian "My real job is a Dominatrix" Michaels. I am now on Day 10 (Day 3 of Workout 2).
The beginning of this week was the End of Week 8 since I started my journey. I am down 40 pounds. Yes an average of 5 pounds a week for 2 months straight. I just so happened to have my annual checkup today. I talked to my Doctor, told her what I have been doing. Went over my diet, my exercise, and my 5 pounds/week weight loss for 8 weeks straight. There was no shock, no despair, no horrible news from her. In my situation, I have alot to lose. I would love to get to 220 (we'll see). But, I was way overweight, eating horribly, and not exercising at all (unless you consider running after 4 kids exercise). It's not unhealthy for me to lose 5 pounds/week.
Now I am not saying by any stretch of the imagination that everyone out there should go lose 5 pounds a week. For some people, it would be unhealthy. I myself, have already slowed down...as of right now, I will be lucky to lose 1-2 pounds this week. I know this was rather long and I apologize (but also thank you for reading all of it). My point is this...we are all here to get healthy. And we all want to help each other out. But we all have to remember that sometimes the best advice is..."sorry, I can't help you. You really should talk to your Doctor and get a medical opinion on that."
Thanks for reading everyone...and keep up all your great work. I know I probably wouldn't be where I'm at if it wasn't for my family, and MFP.
On January 2, 2011 I weighed 304.8 pounds. I made a choice- that my weight would ultimately lead to my deteriating health. And seeing as how I have an absolutley beautiful and incredible wife, whom with I have 4 of the most incredible children in the world...I want to make sure that I am around and healthy for all of them for many years to come. So I made a decision...a decision I had made numerous times. Sometimes with sucess...sometimes with failure. But I was determined that it was time. In my mind, it was absolutley the time to lose weight. So on January 2, I completely changed my diet. I went from eating whatever/whenever I wanted, to being regimented. I cut out processed sugar (almost entirely, but it's in a few "healthy" items I consume). I eat breakfast everyday, something I rarely ever did. I began making lunch to bring to work, rather than buying a hot dog, or pizza or whatever fast food everyone else was ordering. I snacked on healthy items throughout the day to keep my metabolism up, and my hunger down.
Those forst 3 weeks were painful. i felt hungry all the time, as my bnody and mind adjusted to not eating sugar snacks at 10 pm. But with just a change of diet I lost 5 pounds a week for 3 weeks straight. A good friend of mine introduced me to MFP and I began even more closely tracking what I was eating. I started using portion control...not eating half a London Broil, just eating my 4 oz. serving. I would get up from dinner and clean all the dishes. Not because I wanted to, but because I knew if I sat at the table, i would keep eating.
After 3 weeks, I started adding in some exercise. Instead of just eating my meals and snacks on my breaks at work, I decided to go walk. 3 times around my building is a mile, and the first time I tried it, it took me 15 minutes to walk that mile. I kept at it, added in a little Zumba here and there (yes, I know...go ahead...guy...doing Zumba...I know the wise cracks are coming...lol). Then my wife introduced me to Jillian "My real job is a Dominatrix" Michaels. I am now on Day 10 (Day 3 of Workout 2).
The beginning of this week was the End of Week 8 since I started my journey. I am down 40 pounds. Yes an average of 5 pounds a week for 2 months straight. I just so happened to have my annual checkup today. I talked to my Doctor, told her what I have been doing. Went over my diet, my exercise, and my 5 pounds/week weight loss for 8 weeks straight. There was no shock, no despair, no horrible news from her. In my situation, I have alot to lose. I would love to get to 220 (we'll see). But, I was way overweight, eating horribly, and not exercising at all (unless you consider running after 4 kids exercise). It's not unhealthy for me to lose 5 pounds/week.
Now I am not saying by any stretch of the imagination that everyone out there should go lose 5 pounds a week. For some people, it would be unhealthy. I myself, have already slowed down...as of right now, I will be lucky to lose 1-2 pounds this week. I know this was rather long and I apologize (but also thank you for reading all of it). My point is this...we are all here to get healthy. And we all want to help each other out. But we all have to remember that sometimes the best advice is..."sorry, I can't help you. You really should talk to your Doctor and get a medical opinion on that."
Thanks for reading everyone...and keep up all your great work. I know I probably wouldn't be where I'm at if it wasn't for my family, and MFP.
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Replies
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*starts eating her specially flavored MFP calorie free rude obnoxious fighting for no reason popcorn*
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I agree0
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thanks for sharing your story. its motivating. keep up the good work!0
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Congratulations on your accomplishment thus far! And yes, running after 4 kids should most certainly be considered exercise
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Good insight, thanks for sharing. And I think you are right, everyone's bodies are different and what is healthy for one is not healthy for another. It appears like the more you are trying to loose, the more "okay" it is to loose more in a week... I was watching that show "Heavy" the other day and the people were losing like, 15 to 20 pounds their first week. And like you said, it starts to slow down.0
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*starts eating her specially flavored MFP calorie free rude obnoxious fighting for no reason popcorn*
buahahahaha i love this girl...i may just order dominos now 0 -
Good for you Mike! Well done. : )0
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Very nicely put. Good luck to you on the rest of your journey and you are doing fantastic!!!0
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I will say that most doctor got 2 days training on nutrition!!! We see people here that their doctor put them on a 900 cals a day. Go to a specialist that is not trying to sell you something.0
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*starts eating her specially flavored MFP calorie free rude obnoxious fighting for no reason popcorn*
*Picks up a piece off the floor...and tastes it...* Is that "butterly delightful"? I like it.0 -
Good for you! What a great story to share! I need the remotivation and this helps! Good going on the rest of your loss. You are determined and you will do it! (and on the Zumba, good for you! my hubby has tried joining me with my dvds, but I think he gets embarassed) :flowerforyou:0
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Good for you! What a great story to share! I need the remotivation and this helps! Good going on the rest of your loss. You are determined and you will do it! (and on the Zumba, good for you! my hubby has tried joining me with my dvds, but I think he gets embarassed) :flowerforyou:
ROFLMAO!!! Oh, I know the embarassing feeling alright. Why do you think we drop the blinds??? I don't want anyone seeing me doing that!!! Tell him it's worth it. My shirt is usually stuck to me at the end (I know tmi)...but seriously, it's a great cardio workout.0 -
Very Well Stated. I have lost 63 pounds in the past and I was determined because of a health scare. I regained 28 pounds back in 2 1/2 years. But I am glad to have found this site because this time, I will be making a life plan change. I can control what I eat but find it hard to exercise. I am studying to become a nurse and there is a reason there are hundreds of ads encouraging exercise.
Most people don't understand how much exercise empowers your body. Certain chemicals are made and released in our brain and then distributed throughout the body. Exercise to the body is like charging your cellphone, laptop, etc.... It allows all parts of your body to perform at maxium levels. The problem is getting and keeping the motivation. To me the best plan for anyone is a plan tailored to that individual person. So yes talking with a doctor is wise before dieting and exercising. The strongest battle is fighting your mind to make the changes your body craves.0 -
*starts eating her specially flavored MFP calorie free rude obnoxious fighting for no reason popcorn*
I think I love you.0 -
Thanks for the story!! I get lots more motivation when i read of stuff like this 0
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LOVE IT!!! GREAT REALITY CHECK!!!!! I needed it, CONGRATULATIONS!!!!:drinker: :drinker: :drinker:0
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I am in the same boat as you. At my last job it was so slow that I only was on my feet for an hour or 2 in an 8-hour shift. Other than that, I went home, watched movies, snacked terribly on bad food, at fast food 2-3 times A DAY, drank 2 full calorie energy drinks (and treated myself to honey buns). I started with a very slow transition. First, minimal fast food, then calorie tracking (meaning I knew what was in everything I ate, but did not try to adjust it), then calorie counting to 1300, then a walk around the block, then 30-DS, now learning to cook fruits and vegetables, and knowing every I can know about carbs, proteins, and sodium. Soon, I want to exercise 30 minutes a day, then who knows! I've lost 31 pounds in 8 weeks, so it's not as much as you, but I've had people say it's still unhealthy. Of course my body is shaken up with all of this change! I have a nutritionist on-call for help and advice, and she is elated with my success, not concerned! What's good for the goose is not always good for the gander.0
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amen, zumba-man!! keep up the good work!0
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Losing 5 lbs is totally normal for someone who has an overweight or obese BMI. Someone who is considered a healthy BMI cannot lose weight at this rate. it's impossible.... period!
Please people, don't give advice if you dont have the answer from a proper sourse.0 -
Great story.
Keep up all the good work and good choices.
I agree totally- everyone is different and every post should be viewed as only a suggestion.0 -
Losing 5 lbs is totally normal for someone who has an overweight or obese BMI. Someone who is considered a healthy BMI cannot lose weight at this rate. it's impossible.... period!
Please people, don't give advice if you dont have the answer from a proper sourse.
I hope this was not directed at my post... I'm confused....I apologoize if I misunderstood your post. It's the lack of sleep....lol0 -
Losing 5 lbs is totally normal for someone who has an overweight or obese BMI. Someone who is considered a healthy BMI cannot lose weight at this rate. it's impossible.... period!
Please people, don't give advice if you dont have the answer from a proper sourse.
I hope this was not directed at my post... I'm confused....I apologoize if I misunderstood your post. It's the lack of sleep....lol
No, I think it was directed to the people who tell you your loss is unhealthy. But they were also reminding people in a healthier range not to EXPECT these results.0 -
Congratulations on your success. I too have lost weight of more than 5 lbs a week when I began losing weight. I started at 270 lbs and was forced to change my diet because I was diagnosed with gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining). This is very painful and feels like acid reflux. I change my diet completely to whole foods and good fats (olive oils, avocado and real butter). At that time I didn't count calories. I just ate a lot of fruits, veggies, real cheeses, fish, chicken and minimal red meats. I joined a gym, hired a trainer and went to as many classes that I could fit into my schedule. I also drank tons of water. Drink half your weight in ounces of wNater. In just over one year I weighed 142 lbs and wore a size 8. I've never been a size 8. I became more active and started to play softball again. Well last July I sustained a knee injury and stopped working out. The result was a 40 lb gain.
Now I am here because I found my motivation again, joined my local gym and now counting calories and optimal nutrition. I started this past Monday and my body is responding well to the whole foods and exercise. As of this morning I have lost 8 lbs even though I began my period yesterday, and we know we always gain a couple of pounds. I believe if The Biggest Loser contestants can lose more than 2 lbs a week so can I.
I just wanted to share my story too. I wish everyone good luck and good health during their loss.
Veronica0 -
Ok...like I said...lack of sleep is a killer. Reread it and I understand. Thanks for all the supportive comments. I like seeing all the success stories on here! Great motivation!0
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I recently had surgery for my apnea (I couldn't wear the mask...made sleep worse), and post-op I lost 15 lbs in 2 weeks. It was that kickstart that led me to want to keep going. I have lost a total of 26 lbs now in 6 weeks, but my pace is more steady at 2 lbs/wk. Glad to hear you are making healthy changes, and your doctor isn't chastising you, but rather encouraging you. As the weight comes off, you will sleep better and have more energy, and you might pace at 4-5 lbs/wk for a few more weeks as you crank up the engine while keeping to a healthy dietary lifestyle. Good luck on you endeavor.0
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First of all... congratulations on your weight loss and reclaiming your life! So excited for you!
I think the concern that people express is not necessarily based on "your" situation... but for anyone else who might stumble across your posts. Someone who has 30 lbs to lose will not be able to lose 5 lbs a week, shouldn't expect it and should not try it.
In my opinion, as long as you are eating well (enough and the right things), exercising (and eating all or most of those calories), drinking water and doing all the right things... and you're losing 5 lbs a week.... WOOOOOHOOOOOO!0 -
Great topic man!
It's good to see more people that are losing at this rate. I feel you too though as I have also slowed from that high a number down to 2-3/week, and the smaller I get the harder it will be.
Keep it up!0 -
Magnificent! You inspire me and I'm glad you posted your regimen. You're right, a lot of us have specific goals to meet and have no idea how to go about it and are constantly reading about how it is unhealthy to lose more than 1- 2 lbs a week.
After having my first child, I made a change somewhat like yours to a healthier lifestyle. I was alone at first, having split from my fiance, but soon, I was eating healthier (Weight Watchers at the time - not their foods, but tracking everything I consumed), not eating past 9, doing muay thai martial arts twice a week (sometimes 2 hour sessions twice a week), and getting at least 8 hours of sleep at night. My toddler and I were on schedule! lol We'd both fall asleep around 10pm, like clock-work! it was the best single life experience I've had! I'd lost 40 lbs in 3 months!
I'm the mother of 2 now, and have been unable to keep up that regimen since relocating. I'm a stay at home mom now, so I don't have that strict schedule that allowed me such structure before. I'm no longer in the city where I studied muay thai (bummer) and there aren't any programs quite like it here. I'm getting back in the gym and creeping toward at fitness addiction that I once had before. I know I can do it again!! I have a lot to lose!
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BTW, a guy doing latin dancing...sexy!0 -
Congrats to you OP! You are awesome!0
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Fantastic, you are an inspiration.......keep doing what you are doing..it obviously works......0
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