Didn't manage a lifestyle transition very well--starting fre

Samanthor

Hi! I'm Sam! I'm a 25-year-old grad student at USC in LA. I'm new to the site, but not to weight loss. I lost about 40 lbs over the course of a year--including winning my company's "Biggest Loser" competition.

I did all this while living/working on a cruise ship. I know a cruise ship doesn't SEEM like a good place to lose weight, but it really was: the food available in the crew mess is actually quite healthy, and unhealthy snacking wasn't really an option (I could buy food off the ship and bring it back to my cabin, but that required a level of planning not conducive to bingeing). Also, my schedule was so regimented that I could very easily block in time for exercising.

And then in May, I quit my job to go back to school. All of the sudden, I had so many OPTIONS available to me! It was a combination of wanting to eat all of the things I'd been deprived of, and not really knowing how to cook for myself (my family has always been very heavily into fast food). Also, the "break" I'd given myself from exercising turned into...not exercising at all. With my always fluctuating and homework-heavy schedule, it was very easy to tell myself that today was just too busy and I'd do it tomorrow.*

Well...none of my triumphant weight loss clothes fit anymore. And while I was home for the holidays, I weighed myself, and I'm pretty much exactly back to my "pre" weight, which was a big wake-up call.

So....here we are. My goal is to develop healthy, maintainable habits, rather than just losing. I'm trying to learn to cook healthy--specifically, intentionally incorporating in-season fruits/veggies into my diet. This is a really new concept in my life. Also, I'm starting back at the gym. I'm definitely going to work towards getting back up my peak running ability, but I also want to start exploring active, out-of-gym activities (not particularly available to me on the ship). I love the water, so I want to kayak and row, but I also want to walk more--hiking, walking tours of LA, etc.

Also, I've started working out in my Starbuck/BSG costume (the grey tank with backwards racerback). It's had a really positive effect this week...I look forward to putting it on, and it makes me feel waaay tougher. I recommend it for any other nerds out there.

My very best friend has been a MFP for a long time, and she recommended it to me. I'm really happy to be here. I'm posting and introducing myself to all of you because really think that being involved in a community like this will help me in the long-term. You'll definitely be seeing me around!

And now...the pics.

This is me in February 2010. This isn't even my lowest--I was down another five pounds or so by the time I left the ship.


And, for comparison, this is me in the same swimsuit today, about 180 lbs. Note that I can't even velcro it.


SO...here I go again!!


*The only thing I've had an easier time with is alcohol intake. I know, I know, you'd think college would be worse...but it is one big nonstop party down in those crew quarters!

TMLPatrick

I'm in the same boat.... and love BSG.... hah. So say we all.

Edit: Same boat figuratively.... not literally!

mochaphobic

Hi Sam! I started here at 178 pounds last summer and have been slowing taking it off. I gained 5 pounds over the holiday but am back on track again. If you'd like a friend on the journey, please add me as a friend. I'm sure you can do it!!