Getting on Track Before 30

rleath
rleath Posts: 35 Member
in Introduce Yourself
I've been struggling with the weight loss thing for years, and I keep making excuses for myself as to why I haven't done it yet or can't do it. I figured it was about time to stop that.

I started making a list of things I want to do in my life before I turn 30 (June 24, 2014) and getting this weight off is on the top. I started my motivation by signing up for a 5K this June 22. I'm not a long distance runner in any sense (even 3.2 miles) so this is a huge step for me, and in the 4 weeks that i started training I've already lost 5 lbs. (I'll take it!)

Right now it's just knowing that working out is only a small part of the battle. I can work out all I want but if i'm not eating the right foods, I'm at a standstill. I just wanted to see what has been working for everyone else. Just any resources anyone can throw at me for motivation I would love it!

I'm really hopeful that I can do this. I just want to step in to a healthier life.

Rachelle

Replies

  • seif0068
    seif0068 Posts: 193 Member
    We are in very similar situations! I turn 30 two days before you, and I ran MY first 5k on my birthday, June 22, in 2011! :) This year on my birthday I am running a half marathon and like you, couldn't even run 3.1 miles when I first started! Ran 9 miles this past weekend - it's amazing how far I have come.

    As of today, I have lost 30 pounds and have reached my goal weight. I am now focusing on getting into better shape and building some muscle so really I would be happy within the range of 5 pounds over/under where I am now.

    I have tried losing weight before without success so this time my focus has been on lifestyle changes; and what that means is incorporating one small change at a time and doing that for a couple weeks until I feel it has become habit before moving on to the next thing. Here's the basic progression of what I've done, one step at a time:

    -Started logging calories. At first I just focused on logging and seeing what I'm eating.
    -Calorie reduction via portion control - being better about measuring and reducing overall without focus on what I was eating.
    -Calorie reduction by reducing liquid calories - started drinking more water, having only one glass of milk per day, and cut down to one soda per day (this is my vice - not planning to give up pop completely)
    -Eating healthier by swapping better choices in my meals. Examples: replacing 100 calorie pack chocolate cookies with apples and peanut butter or grapes. Adding veggies to recipes. Having roasted veggies or salad as a side instead of mashed potatoes or rice.
    -Eating healthier by making better snack and dessert choices. For example: instead of 1 cup of chocolate ice cream, when I have a craving for something cold and sweet, I have half a cup of nonfat vanilla yogurt with a 1/2 Tbsp of caramel syrup. Or, I microwave apple slices and cinnamon.
    -Physical activity - signed up for some races and started a training program (I ran a 5k and a 10k in April, and am doing a half on June 22nd). I also joined a gym so I couldn't use the weather as an excuse not to run.

    I have lost 30 pounds; gone from a size 12 to a size 6; lost 5 inches off my waist; 5 inches off my hips; and 3 inches off my thighs. The best part about doing everything gradually is it really has been a lifestyle change. I won't say it has been a total breeze, but on the whole it has actually been fairly easy because I only tried to tackle one thing at a time.

    Best of luck to you!!! Good luck on your 5k!
  • RobP1192
    RobP1192 Posts: 310 Member
    The working out and eating battle are two battles you mentioned, but don't forget that battle within yourself. Battling this "struggle" with weight loss, don't let it beat you. Dominate it and don't let yourself give up or get discouraged. Tough it out, you can make it happen! Good luck with your 5k!
  • rleath
    rleath Posts: 35 Member
    Thanks so much for the Motivation! I think going in this is the most determined I've been. And this time it's not because I want to get skinny for something or someone. It's because I want to be all around healthy and feel better! I think the running is going to play a big part in my life now. My best friend is an Ultra runner, so she's keeping me motivated on that end.

    I'm just ready to keep on that steady climb no matter how difficult or disheartened I get!
  • jimmymiro12
    jimmymiro12 Posts: 23
    @rleath feel free to add me as a buddy also private message me. I would love to help you out and talk to you more. It is great to hear you are taking the steps towards change.
  • amann1976
    amann1976 Posts: 742 Member
    it is good that you want to workout but let me tell you weight loss begins and ends with what you put into your mouth. working out is for physical conditioning not for losing weight. when you do your five K you will notice there are plenty of people out there running who although bigger than you are in better shape than you.

    so as i tell my cousins who yo yo doing all these fad workouts like hip hop whatever or black girls workout too if you want to lose weight you have to get right in the kitchen. eat lean proteins, veggies, and whole grain carbs during the week then on the weekend have a thing or two you enjoy but that may not be too healthy for you without going overboard.

    proper eating along with proper rest will have you losing the weight and inches you want to get rid of.

    good luck in your journey into the world of 30
  • rleath
    rleath Posts: 35 Member
    Yea I realized the working out on a regular basis is only a small part of what I need to do. I've started to get together with some people who are on the right track of eating and doing meals with them and keeping track of my food in MFP really makes me take a look at what I'm consuming sometimes just out of convenience and knowing that if I just take an extra few minutes or pre-prep I can eat foods that are 20Xs as healthy and usually more filling!

    Thanks so much for the motivation and support!

Categories