4 Months

caitypants86

Hi there,

I've been using MFP for a while now but haven't really been seeing any results. I wasn't taking things too seriously, that is until about 3 weeks ago, when I stepped on the scale for the first time in over a year and learned that I'm just under 200lbs. That means I've gained about 20lbs or so since my last weigh in just over a year ago, at my yearly doctor's appointment. I was pretty crushed when I saw that number, but more than anything, I was disappointed in myself and how I've let myself go. The other day, I asked my boyfriend (who I have been with for about a year and a half) if he thought I had gained weight. At first, he said no - he hadn't noticed. When I asked him again to be honest, he said "ok, yes - you've gained weight - not that much, though. Mostly in your boobs." (I think that was his way of being nice, although I have always had a pretty big chest and it's even bigger now - not really digging that). Even though he wasn't mean about it and never comments on my weight unless I ask him, it hurt and I've been feeling so self conscious lately, especially around him. For the past couple of weeks I've been changing how I eat - I've cut out fast food almost entirely and I'm trying hard to stay under 1500 cals per day. I haven't started exercising yet, though. I have a gym membership (I was going in the fall for a while) and will start using it soon, but I really want to get my diet in check first. The funny thing is, for the past year (when I gained 20 lbs), I had been (speed!)walking 2 kilometres each way to my office, five days a week. I felt healthy, had more stamina, but still ended up gaining weight because I was eating junk food all the time and not paying attention to the calories I was consuming on a daily basis. I entered a "typical" day into MFP, just to see what I was really doing to myself - it was almost 3000 cals. Yikes.

Anyway - I bought really expensive tickets yesterday for a concert I CANNOT wait to go to. The concert is on August 15th. I decided that August 15th will be my goal date for looking and feeling healthy, fit and AWESOME about myself. I want to be able to wear cut-offs and cowboy boots while feeling confident and sexy. I'm tired of my weight and resulting lack of confidence making me bitter and jealous, and holding me back from enjoying life.

I'm not exactly sure how much weight I want to lose by August 15th (roughly 4 months from now) - what is reasonable, do you think? I'm currently 5'6, 198lbs.

Any tips or support would be greatly appreciated!

ilmb87

I'd shoot for a pound a week, so maybe set a goal of about 15-16 pounds.

TimeForMe99

What is your caloric deficit? Assuming it's 500 calories per day that would be 1 pound per week, in a perfect world. May be more or less, depends on a lot of factors. So, say 16-20 pounds. One pound a week is reasonable and sustainable, and you'll still feel great (but you will likely lose some of the boobs).

It's good to have short-term goals, so go to that concert feeling good no matter how much you've lost. Flash your pretty smile and love every minute of it.

Sorry if I've burst your bubble. Think of it this way: on August 15th you'll weigh less than you do now. That's a great thing! And you'll be close to where you were a year ago.