A Seasoned Weight Loss Campaigner

Charlito1989

Hi everyone,
Finding the right spark for weight loss is one of the toughest conundrums a person can experience. In my experience, it has always been something that comes from deep within, where I can suddenly wake up one morning and decide enough is enough; I’m getting back into shape. I am 23 years of age and from the age of 15 my weight has fluctuated between 9.5 stone to 16 stone! An embarrassing episode in one of my classes involving a belt bursting open in front of my classmates!, was enough for me to do something about it. Through eating 3 meals a day, spending a 1-2 hours on a exercise bike, and running for 45-60 mins, I was able to shed 5 stone in the space of 5-6 months. For me a goal is all or nothing and once I dedicate myself to something I become almost demonic in my desire to finish it. In those 5-6 months, I did not miss one day of exercise and can only remember one dietary slip up when I consumed a mars bar during a round of golf. Fast forward to my college years (Aged 19-23), I spent 6 months in a cast when a freak soccer accident left me with a dislocated knee and ruptured ligaments. Add to that your typical college lifestyle and my weight soon ballooned to about 15 stone or so. I graduated last November however, and I’m glad to say I have found that spark once again and have thankfully shed 2 stone since then and currently weigh 13 stone. I aim to shed another stone and a half but more importantly for me, I feel that intense pleasure of feeling fit again.
Key things that I have learned over the years:
1) Control your weight loss – My first bout with weight loss saw me drop to 9.5 stone. My height stands at 5 ft 11 inches so this was not a real good look for me as I basically looked like a gaunt beggar! Have someone monitor you and instruct them to step in if they feel you are losing too much. Exercise and weight loss is addictive!
2) Limit Research – There are literary thousands of articles discussing how to lose weight with each one seeming to contradict the next one! Simply have your 3 meals a day and complete your exercise!
3) Be Mentally Strong – Seriously my biggest challenge over the years have taken place in that space between my ears! I always found that if I could force myself out to run on a cold wet day then I was ahead of the game and it always served as a huge mental boost. Less time researching more time doing! You’ll feel amazing afterwards.
4) The Spark – If you have started the weight loss journey then odds are you have found yours! On those long running/biking sessions there can come a time early on in the session where you basically want to stop! Harness that spark to push through the mental block, when you do you become that bit stronger and that bit more motivated, fight for every minute and fight for every calorie!
5) The First Week is the Hardest – I have encountered many people who quit dieting and exercising on day 2 or 3! It’s the hardest period of time on the weight loss journey hands down! Get through that first week with no slip ups and honestly you will make it! The hunger pains will decrease with each passing day and your body will adjust to the point where it becomes almost second nature after a while!

Wow this is a long post and my first! Sorry if this seems excessive but I just want to share my thoughts and story and apologies if this is in the wrong section also!