About 600lbs, Time to Lose a Few
Replies
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It's posts like all of the responses to Dani's post that remind why MyFitnessPal is such an awesome place. Support, suggestions, empathy, kindness, a little challenge (as far as working on a defeatist attitude). To all of the lovely people who have written such kind and thoughtful responses, cheers :flowerforyou:
Dani, I wish you health, happiness, and success. You CAN do this. We are all here for you, even if we're not in the same place or have the same goals as far as our weight/fitness.0 -
you can absolutely do this! Start small. Start by logging, and log EVERYTHING. Then you will be able to see patterns of where it would be easiest to cut or reduce. Give yourself a little bit of time with that, get comfortable with new habits. Then add in exercise...it can be as simple as a couple extra trips walking down the hall. Get some light hand weights, or even cans of vegetable, do simple arm exercises. Every extra movement counts as something!
I wish you the BEST of luck and hope to see your progress around here!0 -
Dani--I am also glad that you found this website. It takes such great courage to come on here and and want that change. I didn't start off that size either, I was about 240+ when I started. Like everyone has said, this will be a very long road, but take it with baby steps. Make small changes. I would say get up, move around as much as you can. Also you can sit down and do upper body to get the heart going..simply as just throwing punches when watching TV. Walk to your driveway like a couple may have suggested, and come back, do a little bit more each day, your body will get stronger. Drink plenty of water to stay hyderated. I believe you are a strong person, and you can do this. I'll add you as a friend, whether you accept it is your choice. I will be there if you need some support and encouragement. :happy:0
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Hi good job on starting your journey.
4000 calories is what i eat in almost 3 days and I am seldom hungry... Look through your diary and throw out all your super-manufactured-unnatural stuff.. if the foods you choose are correct you will bring your calories down substantially, and feel better. Your food choices will decide if this endeavor works or fails.
Support, friends, logging all essential but we cannot control your food choices, Only you can, and until your weight allows you higher mobility your calorie count will be your most important change...
You must make up your own mind to save your life, you must decide that you are worth it, you must decide to stick with it.
Good luck.0 -
Good for you. Log your food every day and if you keep within the calculated calories and you will be amazed at how fast the weight will come off. Stay with it. It's a long road. It took you a long time to get the weight on and plan on it taking a while to take it off. My stats are similar to yours. Part of my problem was the meds I was taking but I owe most of my progress to this site and a commitment I made after a trip to the ER. Don't get dissapointed. Lots of support here for you.
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Honey you are taking the first step. It gets easier as you go and I would love to support you and see your progress along the way. Changing your life is difficult no matter what your size but it gets easier after a while. Sending a friend request.
GOOD LUCK ON THIS JOURNEY!!! YOU CAN DO IT!
:flowerforyou: mel0 -
Hi Dani,
Good luck with your weight loss. I will add you as well!0 -
Dani,
I would really love to be friends on My Fitness Pal. like many others who responded, I am not your size, but would like to lose about 120lbs. I have struggled with weight off and on my whole life. Please friend me,
Luliboo130 -
Congratulations on taking the first step. You can do this.0
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Welcome! Glad to have you my dear :flowerforyou:0
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Way to go for taking that first step!
In terms of keeping your calories under 4000, your best bet is to start filling your pantry and refrigerator with healthy foods that give you good fiber, minerals, and vitamins. If possible, throw out any of the processed stuff that is not good for you (chips, frozen snacks like taquitos, etc, cookies, ice cream). I like to keep 1 or 2 unhealthy options in my kitchen, but not more because otherwise I get too tempted!
If you are eating healthy foods like chicken, fish, vegetables, whole grains, and fruit 75% of the time, you can give yourself a little leeway and have some calories for the not-so-healthy stuff. I find that when trying to change how you eat, it's better to make small steps that you can sustain. I know that for my mom, who started doing this a few months ago, she made changes in week increments, adding on like this:
1. Week one: cut out all sugary drinks (soda, juice, etc)
2. Week two: get at least 3 servings of vegetables.
3. Week three: Try to get at least 100 grams of good protein.
Maybe this would be a good step-wise way for you to start making changes? I suggest cutting out soda and sugary drinks first if you drink them normally, because they are the biggest source of empty calories. If you need a substitute, try buying the 0-calorie drink powder options.
Good luck!
I absolutely second the cutting sugary drinks and looking for the fiber and protein! Sugary drinks was my first step and it was amazing to see how many calories I was drinking!! Log honestly, let the bad days just be. For the first part you will go over what your goal is, most likely, but having it all logged really helps you to have a visual of what you are taking in and you can look it over to see what you can tweak.
Also if you make it public, friends will be able to check your diary out as well and they will sometimes make suggestions or give you a thumbs up.
Everyone here is so supportive and helpful of eachother. And we won't think you are obsessive like your friends and family if you spend every day going off about calories or willpower lol...
Congrats on your choice to join MFP and good luck with your goals!0 -
The benefits will far outweigh the challenges ahead. You CAN do this.
The one thing I always have to remind myself is that you do not have to do everything at once. Start by making one healthy change a week and stick to it. All the changes will add up and you will begin to see results. It all depends upon what works for you, mentally and physically. It is a learning experience and not every day will be perfect but keep moving forward and do things that will eventually get you to your goal.
Staying under a certain amount of calories can be difficult at first as our bodies and minds are not accustomed to it. Lots of Fruits and Veggies can help as they offer a lot of food for not as many calories as most other foods. Planning meals helps too. Then you're not caught in a spot where you're super hungry and don't want to take the time to fix something up.
Please know that you are not alone in this!!0 -
Dani,
Congratulations on the first step to your new lifestyle. You can do this. Just take one day at a time. Log Log Log daily. It is very helpful. As far as exercise goes, start slow, pushing yourself may cause injury. Standing up then sitting down is a good start, everyday add a couple more ups and downs.
Remember this is a lifestyle change. It will take time, determination, and dedication.
Feel free to friend me.
Best of luck.
:flowerforyou:0 -
Welcome, my dear. We're all in this together, no matter how much we have to gain or lose. Happy to send a friend request. 0
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Hi Dani,
I am not your size, but I started out at 304lbs. I now weigh 208lbs. as of today. that is since I started this journey in May of this year. I must confess, i am not your typical weight loss person. Yes it has been hard work, I have to pay attention to every bite I put in my mouth. I have to exercise 4 days a week minimum. It is not been easy. But I have a secret tool... I had weight Loss surgery in May of this year. It was the right choice for me and I thank God everyday at the opportunity it has given me. I just rode a roller coast with my four year old the other day. 6 months ago I would not have been able to that. I am truly blessed. Start off slow. Moving of any kind will burn calories. Do the things that you have forgotten you don't do, like bend over and pick up something you have dropped instead of asking someone else. I know that I stopped picking things up because it was uncomfortable.
You can do this !
Add me I would love to be your friend.
thanks,
Miriah0 -
Friend requet sent! I'm littler than you but I really want to cheer you on.
I'm only a few days into my weight loss journey but my strategy so far for feeling fuller is to include 2 cups of lettuce (with salt and pepper, no dressing) and drink a full glass of water with my meals. I'm also taking a fibre supplement twice a day to help feel fuller.0 -
Welcome! Glad to have you my dear :flowerforyou:
^^^This^^^
Well done for being so brave.0 -
Not your size but would definately support you. Add me if you would like too. You've took the first step and You can do the rest.0
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I have a very encouraging and committed friend on here that was where you are and has lost quite a few hundred pounds. You could add her. Her name is Mollie1037. I would be glad to have you, as well.0
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Hi Dani,I'm Bronwyn.
Just wanted to wish you the best .
We all need support ,no matter how much or little we want to lose but I'd like to say that I'm happy to chat if you need an ear or new friend as you start on your journey .
I've just gone back to the gym after years of saying I'll do it. I had to do it for me ,even though others say your fine!
I guess one step at a time and hopefully bigger steps will follow.,it all adds up .But ,the biggest step is the one you have already made to get started : )0 -
Congrats on taking the first step. Feel free to add me as a friend and ask any questions you may have. I remember reading this lady's blog who was 600+. Here's the link to it
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/eye4art/view/where-to-start-when-you-re-morbidly-obese-445696
I thought you might find it helpful and maybe you could add her as a friend for support
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/eye4art
Best of luck. Remember to start by making small managable changes and better choices everyday0 -
You should be really proud that you have made this first - very critical step!
The best advice I can give is: dont give up! it will be worth it in the end!
Also, don't expect so much from yourself in the beginning, it will be hard but you dont want it to be unpleasant, there is a lot of information out there, and it can be really overwhelming!
Try and stick to your calorie limit, no matter what your eating, even though 4000 may not seem like a lot to you, it is manageable (ex. mine is limited to 1200).
Start with small things - liquid calories are killer (like pop, iced tea, cream in your coffee) because they add a lot of calories with out making you full. If you can try drinking mainly water for the first week, that is a great goal. Then you could try and eat at least one healthy meal a day, or at least add in some fruits and veggies that you enjoy.
Baby steps are key, but one thing I like to keep in mind is this quote: "The more weight you want to permanently lose, the more of your lifestyle you have to permanently change!"
Good Luck and add me as a friend! I am going to school for nutrition and this is what I'm passionate about, I will try my best to help you! (and any one else who want to add me!)0 -
Hi Dani,
I just started my fat loss journey, so I may not know what I'm talking about yet, but I would like offer support to you.
My biggest problem with starting this journey was that I wasn't yet ready to give up cookies. What I didn't realize is that there are a lot of other ways to start cutting calories. I love bagels, but after looking at the labels on packages, I found that I could cut about 100 calories by going with thin bagels. I still get the bagel I love without the extra calories. Little changes like that can add up and at least give you somewhere to start.
Try not to think about being deprived of what you love. I found that this helped me alot when I quit smoking. Rather than thinking about how much I wanted a cigarette, I reminded myself of the truth, which was that I didn't want to smoke anymore. I wanted to be a non-smoker. Acknowledging the craving and then focusing on my goal again really seemed to help. Your mind is a powerful thing. Use it to your advantage.
You can do this.0 -
Hi Dani, I am losing but I weighed 284 lbs in March. I am short only 5'2" and I think am in the same boat as you when it comes to exercise. I would love if you would add me because I don't know how to add people. Thanks0
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I noticed your last line said that you are not looking forward to this. Unfortunately, that attitude will keep you right where you are, or make things worse. Try to remember that food is something we need to survive, and nothing more. I hope for your life, that you can tell yourself, that you ARE looking forward to this. I hope you can make the realization, that big changes are needed for you to survive. This place is a great place to start those changes. Your body will thank you in ways you cant yet imagine. Good luck on your path to recovery. I wish you the best.0
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I definitely find it helps to eat regular meals (personally, I go for 3) and have a calorie goal for each meal. I try to aim for approximately equal amounts.
So for you, if you split it into 3 meals, you would have about 1000 calories for each, then another 1000 to spread through the day (in case you go over in one meal, or to be used for snacks!)
And remember: healthier foods generally have less calories, so you can have more of that than you would the less healthy stuff. A bowl of spinach with chicken will probably satisfy you as good as a chicken burger, but be way healthier. And you can still have room for a treat later.0 -
Hey Dani
Wishing you lots of strength and motivation on your journey. Maybe try walking in the pool and gentle walks, put aside 20 minutes a day for this and increase as you can. Food diaries are also great to see where you are going wrong, once I got the visual of what I was putting in my mouth, my brain clicked and now my choices are much better!0 -
Welcome to MFP!!! Feel free to add me! I'm am at 219....hoping to get down to 149 lbs0
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I wanted to add my happiness that you are starting this journey as well.
I know right now the task of loosing weight seems very daunting and scary. You wonder how you are going to eat less than what you do now. I remember many years ago watching that reality tv show the black swan and wonder how the women survived on a 1200 calorie limit, but once I did it, it didn't seem so scary. This time around I added veggies and I have to chew so much my mouth get's tired.
You will have this same experience with 4000 calories once you learn how to make better choices in food. You will be able to eat a higher volume of food and still eat less calories than you were eating before. Just educate yourself and you'll see it's not so scary.
Good luck.0 -
Hi Dani,
congrats on taking your first step towards and new and healthy you. Most people say that's the hardest step, but for me it wasn't. For me the hardest steps are saying no when I want something sweet really bad. Or when I"m really craving fast food. It's also hard for me to say no to food that the rest of my family is eating that I really want, but I want to be healthy more.
I started at 440 lbs. I've lost a total of 186 and have about 90 lbs to go.
It can be done. I agree with a lot of the recommendations here.
First of all, when someone is as heavy as I was, or you are, it is absolutely essential to get medical clearance before starting any diet program and perhaps even be monitored closely by a dr. I worked with my primary care physician, a dietician, and a personal trainer. Of course, I had the funds to do so. I agree with the number 500. But I wouldn't decrease 500 a day it might be a little too quick for your body. You don't want to do anything that is going to shock your system until you are used to your new way of living. I would suggest decrease your caloric intake by 500 calories each week.
I also agree with the fact that you don't have to do major exercise. I couldn't exercise at first because I was too big of a health risk. I had to lose 50 lbs just by changing my diet. And then my dr. cleared me for exercise. I started small, I walked down to the corner of the street and back (that's 3 houses). Then I joined a gym (that I didn't go to for another 3 months mind you). I started with the recumbent bike for 5 minutes. It was all I could handle. And of course the cardio equipment at my gym is upstairs....and I had to take the elevator. Then I eventually started to take the stairs. Then I started not using my handicap parking anymore. And I would park just a little bit further than normal.
Here are a few diet suggestions that have worked for me.
1. Drink 16 oz of water prior to every meal or snack. (This counts towards your daily water consumption too).
2. Eat every 2-3 hours and if you forget then set an alarm. It helps speed up your metabolism, you don't get as hungry as often and it prevents binges and consuming more calories than your intention.
3. Write everything down. Writing brings about awareness and with that awareness comes permanent lifestyle changes.
4. Eliminate sugary drinks (juices, sodas, milk (except the number of recommended servings daily).
5. Find a good vitamin regimen and take them daily.
6. Continue to ask for support as needed.
7. Eat fruits before 3 pm (even though its natural sugar, it's still sugar). You have more opportunity to burn off sugar earlier in the day.
8. Add in lean protein, fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, and more water.
9. Take away processed foods, sweets, white flour, fast food, and anything else that makes you feel bad.
10. I keep track of a feelings journal...I track my emotional feelings before and after every meal along with my physical feelings. Am I more achey than normal, is my heart racing, etc... It just brings about more awareness and helps you identify the things that make you feel bad.
11. Caffeine is a diuretic and for every 8 oz that you drink, you excrete 16 oz of fluids. So make sure you replace that with extra water.
I hope this helps. Please feel free to add me. 0
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