Advice from a 100+ lb LOSER!!!!

TamTastic

Hey all!

I have gotten a lot of emails asking me how I have managed to lose the weight I have. I am happy to receive and answer any email I get but just wanted to post something for those that might not feel comfortable emailing me.

I am not an expert by any means, though I feel like I have learned a lot over the past few months. The thing is, I didn't put too much pressure on myself. I started by making one small change after another. At first I just started lowering my calories, then after a few weeks, I started to pay attention to where those calories were coming from, which lead to getting more nutritious foods into my body.....like whole grains, healthy fats, lean protein, low-fat dairy, fruits and veggies. Also, from day ONE, I was drinking a lot of water. I have these cups I got from Ikea...and each one holds 24 ounces. I drink one first thing in the morning before I even allow myself my one mug of coffee for the day. My goal in the day is to drink down at least 3 of these cups, but I often get more than that. Then, that lead to watching my sodium intake....and then I started to add more exercise, slowly upping the time and resistance as I went along. I used to hate exercise and now I absolutely LOVE it and love how it makes me feel.

My point is that if you just take it a week at a time and take baby steps as you go, you start to realize that these changes are almost happening automatically because you are changing the way you think in the process and also educating yourself. No one is saying you have to become a fitness or nutrition expert overnight. You just need to make wiser choices for you.

Probably the biggest piece of advice I can give to anyone embarking on this journey, especially if you have a lot of weight to lose....is to work on your brain. Honestly, it is ALL mental. You absolutely need to change your relationship with food and change how you view food for this to be a permanent change.

I used to think I had to starve and suffer and was basically afraid of food. Yes, I LOVED it and used it to comfort myself, but that wasn't a healthy way of looking at it. I still enjoy food. I love to cook and go out for a nice meal and try different things but I think of it in a completely different way now. I love how you can add a ton of interesting flavors with herbs and spices without a lot of fat. I love realizing that you can enjoy delicious meals and still lose weight. I love that nourising and fueling your body just feels SOO great that it becomes easy to eat healthy. My body protests now if I even eat ONE french fry because I have gotten so used to not eating it and my body is HAPPY because of it.

I just wish I could pass on the willpower I have been granted while on this journey. I am a religious person and pray DAILY for many things, and included in those prayers are that I can continue on this journey with the same willpower and strength that has gotten me this far. I also pray that all of you can find that same strength and willpower to reach YOUR goals.

I haven't come to these realizations overnight. It took many failed attempts to lose weight for me to realize that this HAS to be done right for it to be forever. Yes, losing weight slow and healthy WILL take longer but it won't take near as long as you think IF you stay focused and keep on, keepin on!! September 6th will be ONE year to the day that I started this. And the way my life has changed in this year is astounding!! And by taking the time to change my relationship with food, I am going to enjoy the HOPEFULLY many years to come so much more!

So, the point of this is that I want all of you who are struggling to try to view things differently. Think about why food is even here. It is here to fuel us. To give us energy. To keep us alive. Yes, it can bring us joy and give us something great to taste but that CAN be done in a healthy way too. Food is supposed to contribute to our health, not take away from it. When you start thinking of it that way, it becomes SO easy to eat the foods that will nourish you.

Good luck everyone!!!! I KNOW you can do this!!! You are all in my prayers!

:flowerforyou:
-Tami

TamTastic

Hey all!

I have gotten a lot of emails asking me how I have managed to lose the weight I have. I am happy to receive and answer any email I get but just wanted to post something for those that might not feel comfortable emailing me.

I am not an expert by any means, though I feel like I have learned a lot over the past few months. The thing is, I didn't put too much pressure on myself. I started by making one small change after another. At first I just started lowering my calories, then after a few weeks, I started to pay attention to where those calories were coming from, which lead to getting more nutritious foods into my body.....like whole grains, healthy fats, lean protein, low-fat dairy, fruits and veggies. Also, from day ONE, I was drinking a lot of water. I have these cups I got from Ikea...and each one holds 24 ounces. I drink one first thing in the morning before I even allow myself my one mug of coffee for the day. My goal in the day is to drink down at least 3 of these cups, but I often get more than that. Then, that lead to watching my sodium intake....and then I started to add more exercise, slowly upping the time and resistance as I went along. I used to hate exercise and now I absolutely LOVE it and love how it makes me feel.

My point is that if you just take it a week at a time and take baby steps as you go, you start to realize that these changes are almost happening automatically because you are changing the way you think in the process and also educating yourself. No one is saying you have to become a fitness or nutrition expert overnight. You just need to make wiser choices for you.

Probably the biggest piece of advice I can give to anyone embarking on this journey, especially if you have a lot of weight to lose....is to work on your brain. Honestly, it is ALL mental. You absolutely need to change your relationship with food and change how you view food for this to be a permanent change.

I used to think I had to starve and suffer and was basically afraid of food. Yes, I LOVED it and used it to comfort myself, but that wasn't a healthy way of looking at it. I still enjoy food. I love to cook and go out for a nice meal and try different things but I think of it in a completely different way now. I love how you can add a ton of interesting flavors with herbs and spices without a lot of fat. I love realizing that you can enjoy delicious meals and still lose weight. I love that nourising and fueling your body just feels SOO great that it becomes easy to eat healthy. My body protests now if I even eat ONE french fry because I have gotten so used to not eating it and my body is HAPPY because of it.

I just wish I could pass on the willpower I have been granted while on this journey. I am a religious person and pray DAILY for many things, and included in those prayers are that I can continue on this journey with the same willpower and strength that has gotten me this far. I also pray that all of you can find that same strength and willpower to reach YOUR goals.

I haven't come to these realizations overnight. It took many failed attempts to lose weight for me to realize that this HAS to be done right for it to be forever. Yes, losing weight slow and healthy WILL take longer but it won't take near as long as you think IF you stay focused and keep on, keepin on!! September 6th will be ONE year to the day that I started this. And the way my life has changed in this year is astounding!! And by taking the time to change my relationship with food, I am going to enjoy the HOPEFULLY many years to come so much more!

So, the point of this is that I want all of you who are struggling to try to view things differently. Think about why food is even here. It is here to fuel us. To give us energy. To keep us alive. Yes, it can bring us joy and give us something great to taste but that CAN be done in a healthy way too. Food is supposed to contribute to our health, not take away from it. When you start thinking of it that way, it becomes SO easy to eat the foods that will nourish you.

Good luck everyone!!!! I KNOW you can do this!!! You are all in my prayers!

:flowerforyou:
-Tami

emibmas

:flowerforyou: I've said it before, and I'll say it again...YOU ROCK!
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!:flowerforyou:

GIGINATOR

Thanks for posting this, you truly have been an inspiration for so many of us!!!

PrincessLaundry

YEY YOU!!! And as a woman, how do you feel about your workout calories? Eat them or not? :happy:

neha_duvvuri

Thanks Tam! I was loosing hope on repetitive failure. Will take one step at a time now.
You have a glowing skin. How do you deal with Stretch marks/Cellulite/Loose skin(if any)?
Thanks again!

crazychick

wow your whole outlook and attitude is amazing! could you box it up and ship some over?! :laugh:
you've done so well and i totally agree with all the girls on here...such an inspiration!
Well done u!!
:bigsmile:

Canelitas

Hey Tami - Thank You for your words of encouragement and prayers ... I have over 180 pounds to lose, :blushing:

You Inspire Me .... Congrats! :flowerforyou:

dejones

Thanks so much, I enjoy reading your posts.

Marla64

Sweet lady-- God bless you.:flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:

TamTastic

YEY YOU!!! And as a woman, how do you feel about your workout calories? Eat them or not? :happy:

Oh girl! I eat at least SOME of them every time I workout! Heck, it motivates me a little more some days and I add a few more minutes!

Do I just eat health food all day?? NAHHH!! I eat my light ice cream! Yesterday, I had a HUGE workout...so I had a healthy banana split!! LOL! I sliced a banana, with a scoop of Breyers ff chocolate cookies n cream ice cream and a drizzle of hersheys lite syrup! It was GOOOOOD TOO!!

But, I do eat good for me foods most of the day and then I get to the evening and feel good about having a treat!

TamTastic

Thanks Tam! I was loosing hope on repetitive failure. Will take one step at a time now.
You have a glowing skin. How do you deal with Stretch marks/Cellulite/Loose skin(if any)?
Thanks again!

Well, I do have some "marks" on my belly..but part of it is from pregnancy. I am not overly concerned. I mean, I am never going to be PERFECT but I am accepting of myself..and learning to love who I am. I mean, I am losing the weight and healthier....I might as well enjoy life and stop stressing over every litlte imperfection! LOL!

Cellulite will lessen as you do a lot of cardio and melt the fat off.....and the stuff that doesnt....well, thank your ancestors and just focus on the purty things on your body!

I have a little loose skin in a couple of areas I am trying to work on. Mainly my upper/inner thighs and my tricep area. *Shrug*...whatever. I will work on it and deal with it. It's a small price to pay for being able to shop anywhere and buy cute clothes and have tons of energy!

And my glowing skin?? Thanks!!! I appreciate it. I honestly think its due to the exercise and water I get. Trust me, your body will appreciate being treated right and will REWARD you for it!!!

alf1163

You are an inspiration!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:

soup78

You really are an inspiration to me(and I know many, many more)!!! I keep telling myself slow and steady wins the race, but sometimes it just gets so frustrating.

Thanks for sharing your positive outlook!:flowerforyou:

tanzmamma

You are awesome............... and it's almost your first birthday... aww

That's how I refer to October 1st.... it'll my the first birthday in my new life . I HOPE to join your 100 lb club by then ...

firegirlred

Tam-
Thank you for the advice and motivation. You really are an amazing person. I look forward to your posts, as they are always good for a laugh or a feel good moment, or just plain learning how to do better with my
weight loss goals.

Rae

metco89

thanx for the encouragement and insight i know u r right!!! congrats on your success :flowerforyou:

sindyb9

I read everything you post. you are amazing and inspiring to me. Thank you :flowerforyou:

TamTastic

Hey all! I just wanted to give an example of my breakfast and how I plan it out to fuel myself.

I had a Thomas light multi-grain english muffin toasted with 2 oz of egg whites (I buy the liquid egg whites to have around). I just nuked them and then put on 1 1/2 slices of low-fat canadian bacon and 2 tbsp of 2% sharp cheddar cheese.

This breakfast was 200 cals, 5 g fat, 8 g fiber and 21 g protein. I mean, that is one fuel-packed breakfast. Plus it tastes great!! I am going to add a yogurt or a banana here in a few as well.

:bigsmile:
Tami

Laine

Hey! Thaks for sharing your advice and story (on the other page). I too always pay attention to your posts and use your success to deep me motivated. You seem normal and down to earth--somone I think we all can relate to! Keep on keepin on and huge congrats!!:flowerforyou:

johnsscarlett

You really do inspire me! I read your post and they are always so uplifting. I'm not surprised that you are a praying person. Me too. I am going to print your post and keep reading it! Thanks

timragan

Tam,

That is a great post!

I've had a lifetime struggle with weight and my recent changes in how I view food and the future have been the essential element in losing weight.

As I think about the role that food has played in my life it is no wonder that I gained tremendous amounts of weight. I ate to celebrate with family, I ate when I was unhappy, I ate because it smelled good. There was no logic.

I've worked with doctor through my loss and he says that we should view food as a necessity (much like going to the bathroom) and only eat to replenish energy and then forget about it. I think that is extreme but I don't look to food for any kind of comfort now. I am more in touch with now I feel when I don't get enough nutrition. This is a completely new experience because I was never hungry long enough to know what was going on with my body.

I listened to a fellow speak recently who had weighed 563 lbs and was down to 200. One of his comments that stuck with me is that you have to change what you love. People like me (us) simply can't be in love with cheeseburgers, fries, pizza, etc. and expect to lose or maintain a healthy weight. I have to change what I love or this cycle will only end with my death. Its that simple.

Milestones in my life since I began this weight loss:

I was on 6 airplanes in the last 3 weeks and didn't need a seat belt extension! I've been using extensions for at least 10 years. My seat mates were happy too.

I can cross my legs. How many years since that could happen? I can't recall

I am no longer taking 7 prescribed medications (including 2 strong Diabetes pills) every day.

Diabetes is just about gone.

I rode in the back seat of an Acura last week and it was comfortable.

I have stopped breaking the arms off of chairs. It actually happened at 2 clients. Yikes!

Down from a size 62 waste to 48. Down from a 5X shirt to 2X (and some of them are too big).

Sex. It happens now and I am pretty sure my wife enjoys it. I hope she does.

Fresh foods taste really good. Greasy, high fat, processed foods don't.

Sleep Apnea gone.

Sleeping nest (large throw pillow, 3 regular pillows, 2 smaller pillows) gone. One pillow works.

Snoring gone.

Most of my shoes are too big. Didn't really know that my feet were fat too.

My energy level and ability to think clearly and focus has returned. All were absent from my life.

I could probably go on for a while but I know its boring.

Drink lots of water, forgive yourself for the past, KNOW that you will not make good choices all the time and don't let it derail your efforts, be thankful for the strength you find to keep at it and know that it does work.

Cheers!
Tim R

emibmas

Incredible Job Tim! Thanks for the post!:drinker:

Nich0le

Thanks Tam! :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:

TamTastic

Tam,

That is a great post!

I've had a lifetime struggle with weight and my recent changes in how I view food and the future have been the essential element in losing weight.

As I think about the role that food has played in my life it is no wonder that I gained tremendous amounts of weight. I ate to celebrate with family, I ate when I was unhappy, I ate because it smelled good. There was no logic.

I've worked with doctor through my loss and he says that we should view food as a necessity (much like going to the bathroom) and only eat to replenish energy and then forget about it. I think that is extreme but I don't look to food for any kind of comfort now. I am more in touch with now I feel when I don't get enough nutrition. This is a completely new experience because I was never hungry long enough to know what was going on with my body.

I listened to a fellow speak recently who had weighed 563 lbs and was down to 200. One of his comments that stuck with me is that you have to change what you love. People like me (us) simply can't be in love with cheeseburgers, fries, pizza, etc. and expect to lose or maintain a healthy weight. I have to change what I love or this cycle will only end with my death. Its that simple.

Milestones in my life since I began this weight loss:

I was on 6 airplanes in the last 3 weeks and didn't need a seat belt extension! I've been using extensions for at least 10 years. My seat mates were happy too.

I can cross my legs. How many years since that could happen? I can't recall

I am no longer taking 7 prescribed medications (including 2 strong Diabetes pills) every day.

Diabetes is just about gone.

I rode in the back seat of an Acura last week and it was comfortable.

I have stopped breaking the arms off of chairs. It actually happened at 2 clients. Yikes!

Down from a size 62 waste to 48. Down from a 5X shirt to 2X (and some of them are too big).

Sex. It happens now and I am pretty sure my wife enjoys it. I hope she does.

Fresh foods taste really good. Greasy, high fat, processed foods don't.

Sleep Apnea gone.

Sleeping nest (large throw pillow, 3 regular pillows, 2 smaller pillows) gone. One pillow works.

Snoring gone.

Most of my shoes are too big. Didn't really know that my feet were fat too.

My energy level and ability to think clearly and focus has returned. All were absent from my life.

I could probably go on for a while but I know its boring.

Drink lots of water, forgive yourself for the past, KNOW that you will not make good choices all the time and don't let it derail your efforts, be thankful for the strength you find to keep at it and know that it does work.

Cheers!
Tim R

Hey Tim! Thanks so much and you are full of great info as well! I think all the things you have listed are great examples of why this is about SOO much more than the number on the scale.

I was a snorer too!! And I don't do it anymore! Just the fact that I could run yesterday on the treadmill after already doing an hour + workout on the elliptical was amazing to me. I wasn't even winded! The only reason I stopped was because my legs were tired from all I had done previously!

I wish I could take what I have learned and immediately transfer it into everyones brain! Because essentially, that is what it will take for everyone on here to be successful. They have to get to that same place in their brain.

Take care!!
Tami

SGFlyinHi

Tami you ROCK!!!!!
Keep up the great work.
I'm so proud of you!!!!!!!!!
:drinker: :drinker: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:

shorerider

{ahem} Is this thing on??

(Sung to the tune of "I am Woman" )

"She is Tam, hear her roar
with weight loss too big to ignore
And she's worked too hard to gain it back again!

Because she's made that treadmill fly
and she's made her grocer cry
thinking of all the food she'll never buy again!

Oh, yes, she is Tam
and you better listen to her
Because she know the how and why to tell your fat to hit the door!"

{apologies to Helen Redy}

thank you, thank you.

Shows every night at 7:00pm--tip jar by the door!

arewethereyet

Thanks Tam for the post. :flowerforyou:

I am wit cha on the french fry thing. Went to NYC and had a slice with peperoni..I was sick for days. :frown:

Anyway, you really motivate and encourage me. I want to be the mom whose 25 yr old son friend says " That is your MOTHER?!) ha ha

pinktoque

Wow. Just wow! Both of you, Tami and Tim... how inspirational! There are almost no words to describe how overwhelmingly powerful your messages are.

I am thankful for you both so much. THANK YOU for being that inspiration and giving it your all. And congratulations on such amazing success!

It's love and support like this that has set MFP apart from those other sites out there I've looked into. I've only been here 5 days now and in the morning when I get up now I'm so energized to work out, log it, log my food and watch my progress and I can't wait to hop on the boards and see what everyone else is up to and how they're doing. And I realized today that SoupNazi lives in my hometown and we even know some of the same people. What a small world it is! Who would've thought I'd find her 1800 miles away from "home" while living in a different country even? It really is like a little family and even though I am new I already feel like I'm part of it because of people like you. (Yes, you! *points at everyone*)

Thank you Tami and Tim! :flowerforyou:

2day4ever

Tam, you are as beautiful inside as you are outside. Thank you! i, too, read your posts and I am sooooo inspired by you. Thank you for taking the time and having the heart to share your story. It really, really helps me remember that this is a commitment, a dedication to better health. Thank you for showing it can be done in a healthful, mindful manner.

and, Tim, thank you for your words, too!!! So glad your health has transformed as much as it has. Just totally reinforces Tam's message that treating your body well will have positive results.

And, Shore, the lyrics are AWESOME!!!!

LOVE THIS MFP CULT!!!!!

TamTastic

{ahem} Is this thing on??

(Sung to the tune of "I am Woman" )

"She is Tam, hear her hoar
with weight loss too big to ignore
And she's worked too hard to gain it back again!

Because she's made that treadmill fly
and she's made her grocer cry
thinking of all the food she'll never buy again!

Oh, yes, she is Tam
and you better listen to her
Because she know the how and why to tell your fat to hit the door!"

{apologies to Helen Redy}

thank you, thank you.

Shows every night at 7:00pm--tip jar by the door!

Woohoo!!! :laugh: :laugh: I love that! Thanks!!!! :flowerforyou: