started yesterday. want to see results SOON. any ideas?

13

Replies

  • _firecracker_
    _firecracker_ Posts: 185 Member
    Wth is on your tongue?

    It seems to me you already know what you need to do...move more, drink less and learn not to be so impulsive.
  • Lleldiranne
    Lleldiranne Posts: 5,516 Member
    Look for something other than the scale if you want results soon.

    Give yourself kudos for completing your food diary every day, even if it's not pretty. Celebrate finishing a tough workout, or in finding a workout you love. Pat yourself on the back for drinking water instead of alcohol. Rejoice if you get a couple of friends this week with similar goals and plans.

    It's really all those little things, repeated daily, weekly, monthly, etc that will get you to your goals. It's those things that will keep you going on those weeks when you don't lose, or worse, GAIN (everybody hits those weeks sometimes!). If your measure of success is based solely on the numbers, whether it is scale, inches, bf% or BMI, you will get discouraged at some point. You have to have ways to push on and break through those hard times.

    You can do this. You made a good first step by joining here. :smile:
  • eat less, clean/healthy and workout more!
    literally, in a nutshell
  • Foxtrot2N
    Foxtrot2N Posts: 184 Member
    Play a 72 second clip of Eye of the Tiger while you work out. It worked for Rocky.
  • HefferSprint
    HefferSprint Posts: 124 Member
    Doesn't everyone want to lose it soon? I'd be fit tomorrow if that was an option. :)
  • takerbrat
    takerbrat Posts: 81 Member
    There is some fabulous advice on this thread. For me the key has been motivation. As a mother, daughter, sister, wife, friend, co-worker, community volunteer I have spent the better part of my 45 years putting others first. I used to say that I didn't have time to take care of me but that simply wasn't true . . . I wasn't ready to make myself a priority. On July 1st I accepted a friendly challenge with my son. It is fun and hugely motivating and more importantly, for me to be successful I have had to learn to be selfish with my time and with my health. My goal was to lose 2 lbs/week for 23 weeks and I have lost almost 25 lbs in 9 weeks. I am learning so much about food and what constitutes a "healthy lifestyle". To read about our challenge, posts from guest bloggers, recipes and/or link to interesting info that I have found (like how to make a coffee ground scrub that helps with cellulite and varicose veins), visit http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/takerbrat/view/welcome-547950
  • gramarye
    gramarye Posts: 586 Member
    if drinking is such a big part of your life then you need to change what is causing you to drink before you decide you want to lose weight

    I have to agree with this; I was drinking heavily right for about a year. It was about 40 percent social and 60 percent emotional. Once I was able to address why I wanted to be drunk on every occasion, I was able to cut it back to a reasonable level. Better for my body and my wallet.

    I'm not saying this is your situation, OP -- just that it's worth considering, If only because booze is expensive in calories. (And frankly, makes me hungry, thus back to calories.)

    Of course, Tuesday is karaoke night, so really, I'm just trying to save calories for gigantic glasses of beer today. :D
  • dp1228
    dp1228 Posts: 439 Member
    like someone else said, i give you props for admitting you may give up. a lot of people don't admit that. i must say though that it is going to be a very long, hard and tough journey if you give up every time you dont see a drastic change. I've been doing this for two years, my first attempt ever changing my habits and i cannot tell you how many plateaus i have had. at least over a dozen. you probably will see good results in the first month if you really commit, ex. cutting out drinking, cleaning up your diet, exercising... but it will slow down you absolutely have to keep that in mind. measure yourself in addition to the scale so that you don't get discouraged from not seeing the scale go down in number.

    it sounds like you know this has to be a lifestyle change. it's really all up to you to not allow yourself to give up. we can't do that for you. im 24 and can be really impulsive as well but when it comes to things like your health and weight.... it's really all about how bad you want it.
  • alexrenner2013
    alexrenner2013 Posts: 13 Member
    start the introduction of the Atkins diet which is less than 20 carbs a day. I've been doing it on off for about 2 weeks now and I've already lost 5 lbs. believe me IT WORKS SO GREAT. just have a cheddar cheese omelet for breakfast, chicken every night, veggies in chicken salads and what not and it will be very fast.
  • KeepGoingKylene
    KeepGoingKylene Posts: 432 Member
    Well, to your credit, you're honest and upfront.

    BUT I think the biggest favor you can do yourself is to change your expectations. It did not take you 24 hours or 1 week to get the way you are and it will NOT be erased or undone in 24-48 hours or a week or a month or possibly several months.

    I don't think you're ready. (Unfortunately, I too am honest.)

    Good luck.

    Exactly my thoughts as well. Everything you just said gave me flashbacks to exactly how I was at that age. Here I am now at 33 and finally have the mind set to want to do it (and am doing it). It's not going to happen overnight, heavy drinking will not allow it to happen for sure.
    Now the one thing do want to say is how about you prove us wrong and show you are ready! ;)
  • Darrelkun
    Darrelkun Posts: 152 Member
    Try to find exercises that will tone up your body so you'll see a slimmer effect sooner. Even if you don't lose the pounds, you'll look better in the mirror.

    I noticed after about 3 weeks of The Biggest Loser Boot Camp that I looked a little slimmer in my belly and back regions. I think any kind of abdominal targeted work out (if that's where you notice any undesirable weight) for about 20-30 minutes a day, every day, will give you at least some satisfying results. Note that targeting an area will not help you lose all the weight in just that area, but it will help the muscles develop and become nice and firm.

    Or if you like numbers, try weighing in every day at the same time (preferably right after you wake up). That's what I do to stay motivated.
  • Mborroto25
    Mborroto25 Posts: 79 Member
    well...I also just started exactly a week ago from today and I've lost 6lbs already :) ... Granted, it's not a big loss but it's keeping me motivated :) hope this helps :)

    Reality check, aside from first-week water weight loss... 6 pounds in a week will be the exception, not the norm. Unless you are extremely overweight (250+) most people are most likely going to see 1-2 pounds a week MAX. Some weeks nothing.
    That's exactly what I thought. Those 6 pounds in one week must have been water weight. Seriously.
  • Mborroto25
    Mborroto25 Posts: 79 Member
    Play a 72 second clip of Eye of the Tiger while you work out. It worked for Rocky.
    lol
  • qtgonewild
    qtgonewild Posts: 1,930 Member
    one day at a time. one pound at a time.
  • MsAudreyC94
    MsAudreyC94 Posts: 4 Member
    I do have some ideas for you actually! First start by finding an active hobby you really enjoy, then start adding in little bits of exercise (10mins at a tine) gradually increase these workouts. Then start focusing on what you drink. Try mainly consuming water and if you don't like flavorless drinks try powerade zero, or a decaffeinated green tea! Also think positively and don't be consumed by how quick your results show. I was worried about a quick fix and developed major health problems from my obsession. The change is gradual, but believe me people will notice all the slight differences even if it's just 5lbs. Also inform friends/family you are trying to be healthier and have them help you pick healthy options for nights out etc. best of luck to you! I know you can do it! :)
  • Slow and steady wins the race
  • I'm the same way, I have little patience and get discouraged easily. The big thing on this program is logging in ALL you eat, once I visually saw my intake, I noticed the foods that were taking all my calories away, cut down on my portions and made wiser choices...I made it a point to stay under my daily allowance of calories by exercising and in the first 4 days I lost 3lbs, but the BEST thing about the 3lbs was that I noticed my close were fitting better...this is my 4th week and I'm already fitting into clothes I couldn't wear last fall. Just make sure to cut your portions in half and make healthier choices. good luck!!!
  • MeganMcK11
    MeganMcK11 Posts: 117 Member
    Well, to your credit, you're honest and upfront.

    BUT I think the biggest favor you can do yourself is to change your expectations. It did not take you 24 hours or 1 week to get the way you are and it will NOT be erased or undone in 24-48 hours or a week or a month or possibly several months.

    I don't think you're ready. (Unfortunately, I too am honest.)

    Good luck.
    Agreed.
  • vinny76063
    vinny76063 Posts: 133 Member
    Stop the heavy drinking and and no slipping on diet, in 2 weeks you will notice a difference....The drinking alone is a huge difference
  • NJackson27
    NJackson27 Posts: 4 Member
    Like many others said, you're going to have to change your expectations. Period. If you want lasting results, you have to be patient. You need a lifestyle change, and this is going to take time. You owe it to yourself to lead a healthier lifestyle. So do it. It's really that easy. Decide to make the change, then execute it. If your friends don't support your healthy lifestyle, they aren't friends. Be kind to yourself, understand you will falter at times, but the most important thing is that you keep moving on. Also, make sure you do not deplete your calories to a point where you are not losing.

    Go to this site: http://www.freedieting.com/tools/calorie_calculator.htm and decide what you should be doing calorie wise. Keep in mind, calories are NOT the most important thing you should be focusing on. You could eat 1700 calories worth of pizza, but it's obviously not an optimal choice. Fill your macros out with lean protein, vegetables, fruits, complex carbs (veggies, fruits, whole grains), and limit (and eventually eliminate) all processed foods. It can be controversial, but I really support a gentle three day cleanse (consult with your doctor first) to get any weight loss process started. It's kind of like starting on a clean slate. All of the junk will be processed out, you'll feel more energized, and if you actually make it through the cleanse without cheating it, you will have a little boost of self-confidence that will reaffirm that you are actually capable of sticking to your goals. Good luck! You can do it, you just have to consistently make the choices that foster a healthy lifestyle. Also, kick the term "diet" if you are referring to it in short term. Diets do not work. Making a healthy and permanent lifestyle change will.
  • samcat2000
    samcat2000 Posts: 106 Member
    Sorry if I'm duplicating (didn't have time to read all the posts). I don't know how many calories MFP is telling you to eat, hopefully more than 1,200 cal/day. I saw immediate results (within 2 weeks of starting MFP) just by doing the following:
    1) stopped eating out
    2) logged religiously on MFP what I was eating
    3) closely followed how much MFP told me to eat, and
    4) upped the exercise (meaning I worked out 4-5x week from the day I started MFP).

    I lost 5 lbs in three weeks I think (I was aiming for 1 lb/week). I considered this loss an awesome result and it motivated me to continue. You've got to be patient - 1-2 lbs a week is really good and you'll probably keep off the weight longer if you go slow and steady. I did find out about 6 weeks into doing MFP that my calorie numbers by MFP were on the low end (i.e. I wasn't eating quite enough), so I started doing TDEE to calculate my numbers.

    Also, I agree with the early posters, try to reduce the booze. It's not going to really fuel you through a work out and if you cut some out you can make up some of those cals with foods that will actually sustain you. I don't have anything against booze trust me, but MFP holds me accountable and puts me in a better position to make the decision whether I really want another glass of wine during a meal if it's going to send me over my calories for the day. Sometimes I go over but then I make a point of working my *kitten* off the next day...it's my decision though.
  • grillnchill
    grillnchill Posts: 772 Member
    It has been nearly 45 days for me. It is all been one big learning process. I haven't dropped a lot of weight but I am seeing results in how my clothes fit but more importantly how I feel.

    Set realistic expectations. Read up and educate yourself as much as you can on how this website/app truly works. There's a wealth of information here that can help you get started. You may even make some good friends to help you along the way.

    Be accountable and be patient.

    MFP works as long as you put in the effort. :)
  • briebuck
    briebuck Posts: 35 Member
    hey im sure you are getting a lot of crap for drinking and also the wanting fast results. im the same way
    - quit beer its easy to drink so many beers before you realize what happened. try vodka and diet coke. lowest calorie you can do.

    - measurements and how you feel - give it a week and take note of how you don't feel slow and groggy etc from being loaded down by heavy foods (hopefully)

    - ALWAYS remember salt intake can sabotage the scales. I would gain 3-6 lbs in a day and give up on a diet. it would be all salt and water weight from having salty foods (I love salt) diet soups and food can often times need a lot of doctoring up with salt and spices so allow yourself that but realize the scales are going to go zigzagy.

    - if you don't mind exercising, notice how you can eat more on the log if you work out. so on days im craving something I go to the gym and I don't feel guilty.

    let me know how it goes
  • daniran
    daniran Posts: 233 Member
    Unfortunately, drinking is going to be a draw back. I read somewhere that when you drink alcohol, the body attempts to process it before processing anything else consumed. It wants to rid itself of the "poison". Thus, there is a backup in the digestion area, food sitting, waiting it's turn so to speak. I've gotten the best results (If I'm drinking) juicing green leafy vegetables before or after a heavy night. Less for the system to breakdown and digest. Worth a try!
  • brower47
    brower47 Posts: 16,356 Member
    Is that you in your profile gallery or is that an inspirational photo?

    If really you: Troll

    If inspirational: Get ready to be disappointed because any real results (fat loss, body sculpting) are not going to happen soon but over a long time with a lot of effort put in.
  • moseler
    moseler Posts: 224 Member
    There is no get thin quick scheme here. Just follow the plan and you will see results. Typically, you will see a lot of weight drop at the beginning because you are making changes in your eating habits and you will be losing water weight. But, after that it's all you. You have to be willing to work at it or it won't work. If you don't have the dedication to yourself to make these changes... it won't work. You have to change your mind set.

    The great thing is once you actually commit yourself to making changes... the weight stays off and you learn how your body reacts to food... This isn't a diet plan... this is a diary to help you keep track of your journey.
  • bookworm_847
    bookworm_847 Posts: 1,903 Member
    My advice is don't start if you are not ready!

    I have to agree with this. If you're not ready to change/at least modify your lifestyle, you'll just end up frustrated and disappointed.

    I agree with all of this. Last year, I wanted to lose some weight. I went about it all the wrong way and was expecting really fast results. When I couldn't sustain my approach (starve during the week, go crazy on the weekend, do as much cardio as I possibly could, but no weights... didn't want to be bulky*), and wasn't getting any results. I gave up.

    At the start of this year, I wanted to try again to lose weight. The difference this time is that I was absolutely ready! I learned how to do things in a way that I could keep up and would get me results... not overnight, but results nonetheless. You may want this, but unless you're ready to put in the time and effort, you're going to have a difficult time.

    Be patient, make small changes, browse the forums for advice that the successful folks have given, be consistent, take lots of measurements and photos to mark your progress.





    *The bulky comment above was to further illustrate my lack of knowledge about getting fit and healthy. I know now that strength training isn't going to make me into The Hulk. :wink:
  • mdj68
    mdj68 Posts: 17 Member
    I am 47. If I could go back and speak to my 22 year old self, boy would I give her a talking to.
    I would tell her how eating just a few extra calories a day, combined with too much alcohol, and not enough exercise, was going to make her fat, ugly, and miserable. I would tell her that the longer she keeps up this lifestyle the harder it will be to fix the damage. I would ask her if she wants feel like a 50 year old by 30, or if she wants to feel like a 30 year old at 50. Bugger the fast results, you have the opportunity to choose how you want to look and feel for the rest of your life. I wish I could go back and make those choices again. I can't, but you can.

    This!
  • deksgrl
    deksgrl Posts: 7,237 Member
    There's no magic pill. There's no quick results. If you give up you'll never see results. It might take longer to lose it than it did to put it on. Sad, but it's reality, so just suck it up and get on with it.
  • Sassyallday
    Sassyallday Posts: 136 Member
    Hey, 22. My advice is to focus on making changes rather than seeing changes. I get it. Once you get your mind right for making improvements in your life, you want them to happen NOW. Me too!

    But it takes time to lose weight in a healthy way. So, you may have to celebrate NSVs (non-scale victories) for a while before you see your weight decrease. Celebrate the days when you keep your food diary, exercise, plan healthy meals and start feeling/seeing changes in your body.

    If you are used to an impulse following, hard drinking life, this probably sounds as boring as it gets! But I promise that you won’t be bored at all if you take your time to do this right ‘cause you’ll achieve the success you are seeking.