Reached my 50 lb goal! Didn't diet, changed my lifestyle!

lauriejayne813

Today I stepped on the scale and had lost 50.3 lbs since 1/3/2012. I Just wanted to shout it from the rooftops.

When I started this journey I was a size 20W. The reason I started was not only that I was disgusted at myself in the mirror, but I have had arthritis since I was 14 years old and every joint in my body hurt all the time. I figured if I didn't do something I would be a cripple.

I am now a size 12 and am much more active. I still hate to exercise but know the benefit of it.

What I decided to do, for the first time in my life, was to change my life habits as it related to diet and exercise. I DID NOT DIET and I'm firm on that. I started exercising but not like a fiend, I started eating healthy and alot less preservatives. I still ate the things I loved, but in moderation and I planned then. If I was going to eat something that would make my day over 1200 cals, I made sure I hit the gym as well. When I went out to eat (and we enjoy it) I would go onto their website and pre-plan before I went or ask them for their nutritional information.

My husband was also a great supporter as we both learned how to cook differently and he was supportive. He was skeptical in the beginning because I had failed so many times before, so he is double proud of me for this life changing event.

MFP has been so instrumental. It has taught me the values in the foods I eat and those I now choose not to eat. I have logged every day. Some days were not so pretty but I logged. There have been some very special people I have met here as well. Pushing me when I needed it. What a great MFP family.

So, when I started I thought 50 lbs would be impossible and if I achieved it I would be where I want to be. Well, I will be adding another 25 lbs to my goal. However, I think I'll enjoy the ticker for a day or two showing my goal.

The moral of my story....don't diet, change your life and your experience will be life changing. If I can do it at 51 years old....anyone can!

thomassd1969

Congrats to you, you have found the key to weight loss sucess.

zmzmzm19

Big Hugs to you, you sure deserve it!! I agree with what you've said, it definitely is a lifestyle change........I am so happy for you!!! :flowerforyou:

ginaquinn2

Laurie wow congratulations lady. These past 4 months I've watched you with respect and watched your dedication. Your results give me hope. :flowerforyou: ~~Gina

chunkytum

amazing- good job!

plogan77

Wonderful JOB...Great Story!!!

verptwerp

great job ..... you've done wonderfully .... thanks for sharing !

fitfunk

What a sensible, livable approach. Kudos! That 50 on the ticker is definitely worth savoring.

suz827

Congratulations! You have done very well!

I understand the concept of "diet" being a temporary way of eating and a "lifestyle change" being a permanent way of eating. It sounds from your post that you were limiting yourself to 1200 calories per day. Is that something you plan on maintaining permanently? Or do you plan on counting calories permanently? I applaud you being able to eat out frequently and maintain a 1200 calorie day!

TeTeAngel

Great job, congrats!

lauriejayne813

Thanks for the question. I don't plan on 1200 calories for the rest of my life because when I get to a weight I like then I will go into maintenance mode. I imagine that will be around 1400-1500 per day. I don't plan on counting the calories for the rest of my life, that is why this is a lifestyle change and not a diet. I'm learning while I'm loosing and plan on continuing to develop a life plan. What I have realized, much to my displeasure, is that I will always need to exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle. But that is pretty much a must for everyone as they age. If you keep moving you keep keep moving. So, I hope that answers it. But I do plan on being on MFP for quite a while longer. Good luck with your life plan.

gmack49767

Congrats, I hope to have a success story of my own one day!

Gerald_King

Congrats way to go

laineylynnfit

Congrats on the 50 lbs loss!

kittybear86

Congratulations. You are absolutely right,dieting is not a long term solution.A lifestyle change is better,and so is everything in moderation.Way to go,you are an inspiration.:happy:

kitchensync

Enjoy the ticker!!!! You're awesome!

meglet175

:flowerforyou: Well done! You have accomplished what I have recently set out to do. I'm 46 and started MFP about a month ago as a snug size 16 with the goal of slow, steady, sensible weight loss by simply making healthy choices each day. I've watched my husband maintain a healthy weight for 20 years with that approach, but I've been the yo-yo queen with an all-or-nothing approach. No more! I am 8 pounds down in what I hope to be a 25 to 30 pound journey, and you give me confidence that I can get there! You are an inspiration! Thanks for sharing.