Many diets have failed for me. Will this really work?

erinhughes113
erinhughes113 Posts: 21 Member
in Introduce Yourself
Hi there fellow fitnesspals. My name is Erin. I'm 23 and determined. I am fairly new to the calorie counting world... I have only been doing it for about 2 weeks. I have lost 6lbs already but I'm so afraid that this diet will flop just like all the others I've tried. I will say that this diet plan is different than some of the others I've tried and that helps my skeptisms a bit, but I think I need some encouragment.

Also! I am 5' tall and weigh 144 now. I was thinking that my goal should be 110... is this too far fetched? I weighed that in highschool and how many people remain the same size they where in highschool?! I felt I looked a bit too skinny then too. And I think I'm fighting genetics! Alot of the women in my family, including my mother, have thunder thighs and I'm afraid I'm doomed. Does anyone have any advice?

*A bit more about my diet plan: I do a 1200 calorie daily intake and I am currently doing the P90X "Lean" Challenge... I am not able to finish the entire videos yet, but I can manage to do a sweating 30 minutes a day. (I'm incredibly out of shape). I work a desk job. I HARDLY am allowed to leave my desk so I'm pretty much sitting 8hrs a day 5 days a week. I can't afford to go to the gym, let alone I work so far away from home... that's all my life would be is work, gym, then sleep... and I'm married so that won't work. So I do what I can at home. And I'm saving my pennies for a treadmill and other home gym items....

So I guess my real question is... Am I doing this all right? Is it really going to work? It's working now, but will it stop and I gain again?

I'm so afraid it's all for nothing and I'm terrified of the plateau! (Hoping P90X will prevent that with their switch up style) Please help me!
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Replies

  • xmeganxtarax
    xmeganxtarax Posts: 79
    They key thing to remember is this is not a diet this is a lifestyle change. It will work if you stick to it and if you exercise daily. I think 110 lbs at 5 feet tall is good, but you may be setting you goals too high which is why your "diets" are failing. Set small goals, lose 5 lbs by this date, lose 10 lbs by this date etc. As for the plateau, I always hit that when I have about 3 lbs to my goal, which is really not alot. But to curb that you should try HIIT. Google it for more info. Add me as a friend if you need support, friends are always welcome.
  • erinhughes113
    erinhughes113 Posts: 21 Member
    This is extremely helpful. Thank you. I never thought of it as a lifestyle change rather than a diet. That may help my skeptisms some. I have done some research so far but I was wander if the inrormation I'm finding is really correct. I need to get myself past that. I think that's my own battle I will have to fight but I do appreciate the support. I can always use it so I will add you! I will look up more about how to get past the plateau so when I hit it, I know just how to fight it off. Thanks again!
  • xmeganxtarax
    xmeganxtarax Posts: 79
    No problem!! :)
  • sjp_511
    sjp_511 Posts: 476 Member
    They key thing to remember is this is not a diet this is a lifestyle change.

    Truth
  • jlapey
    jlapey Posts: 1,850 Member
    Eat healthy at least 80% of the time (you gotta have a little fun), exercise and get plenty of rest, for the rest of your life. It'll all work itself out.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    They key thing to remember is this is not a diet this is a lifestyle change.

    Truth

    Or as I like to call it...Good Livin'

    OP...yes, it works...if you're willing to make the changes in your life that are necessary to make it work. It's really up to you, MFP is only a tool.
  • AmykinsCatfood
    AmykinsCatfood Posts: 599 Member
    I agree, it's not a diet! The word "diet" brings up mental images of crazy fad yo-yo diets and practically starving yourself. So not the case with calorie counting. You will find that you can eat healthy and still have the foods that you've always loved (in MODERATION)... you just need to either make room for it in your calories or exercise it off.

    I tried the whole eating healthy foods/eating less thing but I still had no idea what I was putting in my body as far as nutrients go. This website has helped me lose 55lbs and still going, just by recording what I put into my body. I didn't think anything would help me lose weight, and now that I know this works for me, I don't have to be afraid of not being able to lose weight ever again. It's a great feeling. Stick with it, log everyday and you will see results :)
  • c_faulkenburg
    c_faulkenburg Posts: 158 Member
    Agree with the lifestyle change. Also, you may want to purchase a food scale and weigh EVERYTHING. Plan ahead.. If you know you are going to dinner, check out their website ahead of time. Try to make more of your life active.. If you and your husband are hanging out on a weekend, make it a walk instead! I went roller skating for my 36th birthday!! Good luck!
  • KenosFeoh
    KenosFeoh Posts: 1,837 Member
    It's not a matter of whether or not the diet will work. The question is: will you work?

    MFP hasn't been helping me very much, but that's because I find it really hard to stay under my calorie limit, also to be consistent about exercise. I have only myself to blame for that.
  • lizzardsm
    lizzardsm Posts: 271 Member
    If you want a lifestyle change, please don't eat 1200 calories/day. Insanity actually has a pretty solid nutrition guide. Follow that! Or look here: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/937712-in-place-of-a-road-map-ver-3-0
  • barnzey901
    barnzey901 Posts: 33 Member
    As long as it's not a diet with an expiration date, it has to be a permanent lifestyle change for it to work

    Just stick to your calories, keep burning off calories with P90x and creating a calorie deficit and you'll get steady weight loss, but you have to be PATIENT!

    Also make sure that your calories are 'good calories' and your not just consuming small amounts of bad foods - just because its within your goal doesn't mean its good for you! Eat to fuel your body
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    Eat healthy at least 80% of the time (you gotta have a little fun), exercise and get plenty of rest, for the rest of your life. It'll all work itself out.

    This!
  • Clemsonlkg
    Clemsonlkg Posts: 66 Member
    Yes it will. Don't give up, and be kind to yourself. Oh, and did I say "Don't give up"? Cause, "Don't." I am 5' tall, 41 years old and started at 196. I have been hanging out at 113-117 for the past several months, so you can do it. :)
  • Fitphobia
    Fitphobia Posts: 12 Member
    Hi - Hope you are successful. Although I signed up for this site a while ago, today is the first day I have been reading and have set the date of July 2nd as my day for a new lifestyle (I thought it would be best to get the holiday weekend over first and give myself time to plan). Keep us posted on your progress :-)
  • likitisplit
    likitisplit Posts: 9,420 Member
    This is a person who may actually need the 1200 calorie diet. I'll add my 2 cents: find good friends who know what they're talking about on the forums. My friends make all the difference for me some days. It's hard to find excuses when the woman who lost over 100 pounds takes her son out in the jog stroller or the one dealing with the catastrophe gets a video in and meets her calorie goals.
  • ironanimal
    ironanimal Posts: 5,922 Member
    I would be wary of starting out on 1200 calories at your age, as that doesn't leave much room to move if you need to readjust later down the road. Being young, you can usually afford to eat a bit more than that.
  • swampgeek
    swampgeek Posts: 23 Member
    The key is consistency and making the right choices. Megan hit the most important point. It is about changing your lifestyle. You can still diet, participate in programs throughout this. As you hit your weight goals you can start setting different goals for muscle mass or BMI, measurements etc.

    You also have to be really honest with yourself about what you eat and burn. Depending on your type of workout ( running vs pure cardio , etc. ) you could even get a heart rate monitor, fitbit and even apps on your gps enabled smartphone. Check out the Apps above to see what you can link to MFP and it will take some of the guess work out of what you are burning. I manage in the IT / Outsourcing field and spend a lot of time behind a desk or in meetings. I am also married and being away from home too long isn't feasible with the kids and my wife working. I walk / run and swim, no monthly fee's and I find both fun. Find every opportunity you can to motivate yourself by doing things that YOU like.
  • 2kidsandatrip
    2kidsandatrip Posts: 98 Member
    This is a lifestyle change and as you continue on with the program you will see how great it will make you feel. Never allow yourself to get discouraged and always remember to lean on the support of the people here on MFP. We are all here on the same journey. I feel the weight you want to get to may be slightly low for you if you felt you were too skinny when you were previously that size. Just gauge as you go, when you feel comfortable with yourself then you can begin to maintain or really push some strength training for toning. But don't give up, stick with it and you will definitely see a change and not just a temporary one, but one that will stay with you from here on out. Keep up the good work.
  • anvacarz_again
    anvacarz_again Posts: 22
    It's not a matter of whether or not the diet will work. The question is: will you work?

    MFP hasn't been helping me very much, but that's because I find it really hard to stay under my calorie limit, also to be consistent about exercise. I have only myself to blame for that.

    Agree with this.

    Diets or eating healthy even has never failed me before, I failed at them. You have to want it, and more importantly you have to be HONEST with yourself. You'll hit a plateau or gain one week and get upset, but did you REALLY try? Or did you eat like *kitten* for a couple of days during that week? Whenever I get upset about a gain, I look through my diary. Oh, right, I ate Sour Patch Kids 3 days in a row and had chocolate cake and pickles for dinner... Duh.

    Good luck!
  • No_Finish_Line
    No_Finish_Line Posts: 3,661 Member
    I'd agree that MFP isn't really a diet plan, more of a calorie counter.

    - forget about the gym. p90x is going to give you a better calorie burn and resistance work out then what 80% or more of gym goers put in

    - consider running outside. spend the treadmil money on new clothes that you'll soon need or perhaps new cooking utensils.

    - The lowest calorie goal in p90x is 1800. they calculate that the program burns 600 cals a day. at 1200 cals input that means your body only has 600 cals to do everthing else it needs too. You'll drop weight hand over fist but a lot of it will be muscle and then it will slow down. recomend you eat at 1800. i see your not really doing the whole program so maybe just add 300 for now so your eating 1500.

    - it probably seems hella gimickie but i do believe in the post workout drink they push. at the very least i recomend eating some crabs and protein immediately after exercise.
  • No_Finish_Line
    No_Finish_Line Posts: 3,661 Member
    the fact that MFP is not a diet is really the amazing thing about it.

    its really a tool that allows you to eat just about whatever you want and if you have the discipline, still come in at your calorie and macro goals.

    personally i think your ultimately better off eating 'clean', once you understand that you do what i said in the last sentance, it seems like your not really restricting so much, or at least it gives you more options and insight and consiquently more control.
  • juliegrey1
    juliegrey1 Posts: 202 Member
    well done on your 6 lb loss,110 is fine if you have a small frame if you are very petit,Im 5 ft 2 and a medium -large frame and 126lbs was the lightest I was ever I was a member of unislim then and I was told if I lost more weight I would be suspended so I went to 134 lbs and it was fine then had a couple of successive pregnancies and here I am again trying to get there!!lol walking and a good diet is a great way to long term weight loss sure it takes time but forget the word diet it places restrictions on you straight away,what you do must be sustainable you wont keep going if its not,this time last year I was about 162lbs now Im at 145 so its going the right way but slow and steady,there are no miracle cures just good food,dont starve yourself and exercise!Best of luck!
  • michellechawner
    michellechawner Posts: 892
    Your other diets have failed because this is more of a lifestyle change, like everyone has said.

    What really helped me is making better choices, eating a lot more proteins instead of carbs (yes I still have them, just not like I used to!) And my FitBit. the website here actually REALLY overestimates calories burned... It said I was burning 250 calories on my walks at lunch, I was really only burning about 100. My Fitbit also tracks my sleep, which my doctor is happy as I am on meds that cause sleeping issues and now we can look at it and assess it together.

    I also spend a lot of time behind a desk as I work IT/Tech support for a small telephone company. M-F, 8-5. I walk at lunch, and my co-workers will attest to me getting up randomly and doing jumping jacks, jogging in place, lifting boxes when shipments come in, etc.

    Here are my stats, in case anyone wants a new friend or thinks they can relate:

    Age: 27
    Highest Weight: 167 (2009)
    Lowest Weight: 125 (2011)

    Diagnosed with Moderate FMS (Fibromyalgia) 3/2012

    Started back on here 3/2013: 142
    Today: 128
    Goal: 120 (then I will re-assess)

    You're going to do great OP, just don't be too hard on yourself. I've learned I'm so hard on myself - last night I went out to dinner and enjoyed - and was almost 800 calories over - I felt so guilty - but, I hadn't had a cheat meal in about 6 weeks. It's all about moderation and learning to re-program your ways and makes better choices each and every day.
  • erinhughes113
    erinhughes113 Posts: 21 Member
    Does it sound like I'm doing the right steps at the moment?
  • erinhughes113
    erinhughes113 Posts: 21 Member
    I do have a scale and weigh everything so this does help A LOT. I feel like it has been very key in my diet.
  • erinhughes113
    erinhughes113 Posts: 21 Member
    Yes it will. Don't give up, and be kind to yourself. Oh, and did I say "Don't give up"? Cause, "Don't." I am 5' tall, 41 years old and started at 196. I have been hanging out at 113-117 for the past several months, so you can do it. :)


    That makes me feel a ton better! Knowing someone out there is the same size as me and is able to reach that weight!
  • luckynky
    luckynky Posts: 123 Member
    Hi. I have lost weight a few times in my life on diets and calorie counting alone. And I've always eventually gained it back, plus more. As you age, you are going to gain weight, even if you never changed a thing. So the challenge isn't just simply to maintain your weight by maintaining your calories and exercise, but you have to actually cut calories and/or add exercise as you age. It sounds daunting for someone out of shape and leading a sedentary lifestyle (like me). But like you, I am determined. You have to make this a lifestyle change, or you will fail. Over and over again. Welcome to the club.

    I've been doing zumba and am losing close to 3 lbs a week when I'm doing 4 days of workouts. Have you checked for zumba on their website? There are millions of classes and they are often held in your neighborhood places. I go to one within walking distance of my house and it's at a veteran's hall. I can do in-home workouts, but they don't motivate me as much and I get distracted when I'm just trying to get started, so I try to get 2-3 zumba classes in per week.

    Good luck!
  • erinhughes113
    erinhughes113 Posts: 21 Member
    The key is consistency and making the right choices. Megan hit the most important point. It is about changing your lifestyle. You can still diet, participate in programs throughout this. As you hit your weight goals you can start setting different goals for muscle mass or BMI, measurements etc.

    You also have to be really honest with yourself about what you eat and burn. Depending on your type of workout ( running vs pure cardio , etc. ) you could even get a heart rate monitor, fitbit and even apps on your gps enabled smartphone. Check out the Apps above to see what you can link to MFP and it will take some of the guess work out of what you are burning. I manage in the IT / Outsourcing field and spend a lot of time behind a desk or in meetings. I am also married and being away from home too long isn't feasible with the kids and my wife working. I walk / run and swim, no monthly fee's and I find both fun. Find every opportunity you can to motivate yourself by doing things that YOU like.

    Thank you. Because you also sound very knowledgable with this, do you think 1200 is too low of a calorie intake goal?
  • erinhughes113
    erinhughes113 Posts: 21 Member
    This is a lifestyle change and as you continue on with the program you will see how great it will make you feel. Never allow yourself to get discouraged and always remember to lean on the support of the people here on MFP. We are all here on the same journey. I feel the weight you want to get to may be slightly low for you if you felt you were too skinny when you were previously that size. Just gauge as you go, when you feel comfortable with yourself then you can begin to maintain or really push some strength training for toning. But don't give up, stick with it and you will definitely see a change and not just a temporary one, but one that will stay with you from here on out. Keep up the good work.

    That makes sence about the feeling comfortable with yourself then evaulate from there. Thank you.
  • Cullinanmarti
    Cullinanmarti Posts: 72 Member
    You are doing great! Do not worry about joining gyms (a walk with your husband after dinners just as good), or fancy equipment (although go shoes are a must have!) . This is a chance to really make a life style change.. Oh and at your desk, you can always do chair exercises. Remember every little bit helps... Do dips between ph one calls or stand when you take a call. Park in the last row of the parking lot. But the best advice is just be patient, kind and loving with yourself. You have the great blessing of time on your side. Watch and record your diet (the studies show y eat better if you record). Be mindful of your choices but do not judge yourself harshly. Most choices become mistakes only when you fail to change for the better. You are capable of wonderful things and weight loss is only a small part living healthfully. Just lean in to the process. You are capable of soooo much. Good luck and add my as a friend if you so desire.....

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