150 pounds to lose......HELP!!!!!!

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  • I agree with everyone. You need to find what works for you. I find that logging in all week's food enables me to create a grocery list which i can live with. I have chosen the high protein, low fat, no sugar way. Once you detox your body your cravings go away and it helps you stick with your diet. The hardest thing for me is that i like to drink wine and i'm giving it up ... I drink a Protein drink for breakfast, eat a salad with veges for lunch and a high protein snack around 3-4PM. Then when i get home i eat 4-6 oz of meat along with a salad and veges (you can eat up to 4 cups of veges a day). I lost 65 lbs 2 years ago and gained it all back so i'm starting over. Makes me mad that i put over 1 year into it and felt great and now i feel sluggish and tired all the time. Be sure to take vitamins though, you won't believe what a difference they make.
  • sweetpea03b
    sweetpea03b Posts: 1,123 Member
    What I have found that has PROFOUNDLY helped me this time around is understanding the science of weightloss. Most people think in order to lose weight you have to kill yourself at the gym and eat nothing but lettuce. You have to feed your body like you fuel your car. Make every calorie count.. think "is this going to help my body run properly?" if the answer is no.. you're better off without it. That's not to say you can't have a treat now and then... but keep your portions in moderation. Lots of protein (1gram per lb of lean body mass).. be careful with your carbs (I try not to eat carbs past lunch time; remember... your body has to have time to use the carbs. If you eat a huge plate of pasta and then go to bed 10min later your body is going to store it instead of using it because you burn far less calories sleeping than walking, talking, eating, etc.)

    I use cardio as a tool to "earn" calories to eat. Period. If you're already eating at a deficit and you don't need more calories to eat... don't feel obligated to do cardio everyday. That being said.. of course cardio is good for your heart health in moderation. Don't over-do it. I strongly suggest you make some kind of weight lifting part of your routine so you can tone as you lose and prevent muscle loss. Some people think " i want to lose all this weight by doing crazy cardio then I'll tone afterwards". If that works for you great... but why not do both at one time? If you do minimal cardio and introduct weight training from the very beginning you kill 2 birds with one stone. Check out New Rules of Lifting for Women... it will change your life.

    This doesn't have to be a prison sentence... don't start something now you can't live with the rest of your life... because eventually you'll burn out and gain the weight back (I know from experience!.. trying to do it right this time!) Good luck :) Feel free to add me as a friend.
  • mshoneysmile7
    mshoneysmile7 Posts: 80 Member
    It's awesome that you're trying again! I am starting over again too! I also want to lose about the same amount of weight! There's not much that I can suggest because I am still working on it also. I can, however, share what I am doing. For starters, I am trying to log EVERYTHING IMMEDIATELY when eating. That way I won't lose track of what I've eaten and how many calories I have left to eat. Another thing that I'm trying to do is be more reasonable with my goals. My ultimate goal is to lose 120 lbs within the next 1 to 2 years. Since I put in my start weight and my ultimate goal, my calories were set SOOO low that I was STARVING! No matter what I ate... I then changed my goal weight to about 98.5 lbs lighter and noted that I wanted to lose 1.5 per week as opposed to 2 lbs per week. More calories and it won’t feel like I have SOOOOO long to go. One final note is network! It's a lot more fun when you have people with similar goals to talk to whenever you're going through something (whether it's happy or not so great). I hope these pointers help and good luck! I will add you!
  • gmthisfeller
    gmthisfeller Posts: 779 Member
    I would also recommend eating higher protein, lower carbs (breads, pastas, grains). Track everything religiously, and eat something every 3-4 hours to keep your hunger at bay and your metabolism up.

    Drink LOTS of water. If you hate water, Crystal Light is pretty awesome & fairly inexpensive. You are going to get a TON of suggestions. Find the right combination that works for you, and even if you started off with one or two rules and built on that, it would improve your diet. You don't have to drop everything all at once. This is a journey, not a race. :)

    Best of luck!

    +1

    Some of the best advice you will receive around these parts!
  • seekamy83
    seekamy83 Posts: 1 Member
    Focus on getting only decent carbs if you can- fruit is okay (I know they're higher carbs but they're better than a snickers or chips etc) so those types of carbs are okay, when you grocery shop stay out of the middle aisles as much as possible they're loaded with pastas and breads etc. Don't cut out everything just take it a little bit at a time otherwise you'll hate it and quit doing it. Load up on protein and nuts and stuff. Set reasonable goals for each week 1-3 lbs a week, you won't lose immediately it takes a bit of time for your metabolism so don't give up, if you're tracking and doing things right it will work. You don't need to cut all carbs or go to shakes etc those are boring, just eat more of the good stuff :)
  • mebepiglet123
    mebepiglet123 Posts: 327 Member
    Drink plenty of water... Track everything that goes In to your mouth, log regardless of overeating days. Exercise a lot. Don't be too hard on yourself... Do not starve yourself. I found weighing everything helped.
  • iamladibeast
    iamladibeast Posts: 451 Member
    I think you have to be really ready for this journey. It is not a quick fix but a lifestyle. You have to mentally ready for the change. And your diet is very important (by diet I mean what you put in your mouth) the most important. Find an activity you love and do it, you will find that if it's something you enjoy you will stick with it. I have leg problems so for me walking is how I get most of my cardio. I also use the elliptical, which is great without the stress on my leg.

    Surround yourselft with supporters. If you have people in your life that is constantly trying to discourage you, get rid of them. And don't ever compare your journey to someone else's.

    Realize that there are days when you will stumble, that's ok. Just dust yourself off and pickup where you left off. Most importantly never give up on yourself. Remember you are worth it.:flowerforyou:
  • rconarroe
    rconarroe Posts: 1 Member
    I like Mangopickles comment about getting the "Kryptonite" foods out of the house. That could be baked goods, chips, soda, etc. Whatever it is, don't bring it in the house. If you have a craving for something, force yourself to do some squats or push ups. Then eat some green peppers, celery, etc.
  • daniellabella986
    daniellabella986 Posts: 325 Member
    One of the best things to invest in is a food scale. Seriously, it makes things so much easier because you have a better visual as far as portion sizes.

    And of course, don't expect to lose it all in one day. Baby steps and it'll happen with time and determination!
  • Ben_Avery
    Ben_Avery Posts: 22 Member
    I think you have to be really ready for this journey. It is not a quick fix but a lifestyle.....

    ^^^ This as well. You have to be in the right mindset.

    How you go about eating/exercising will be something you need to work out for yourself and what suits. I don't advertise what I did/do because I don't need the "insight" of somebody who has a few pounds to lose. 150 pounds + is a challenge in itself. It is not as easy as just eating right and exercising 30 minutes a day. I can just eat right now, but when I started out I needed other tools to get me onto the right track and break decades of bad habits.

    You will find that most people remove or restrict white rice, pasta, breads, alcohol, refined sugars etc etc.
  • Definitely invest in a decent food scale. I got mine at Wal-Mart for I believe $18.00.

    Another thing you might want to consider is cooking your week's meals in one day and portioning everything out in plasticware (also at WalMart for $10 for a pack of 20ish). I cook one setup for my lunches and I just finished cooking the other setup for my dinners. It saves you the quandary one runs into in the evening after work when he/she doesn't feel like cooking, sometimes resulting in fast food or pizza delivery.
  • StrongWoman13
    StrongWoman13 Posts: 2 Member
    I am right there beside you! Find what works for you. I need to log everything both food and exercise. I got a second job to have a trainer.

    also, I found this " If you are tired of starting over, stop giving up"
  • ndj1979
    ndj1979 Posts: 29,136 Member
    I would also recommend eating higher protein, lower carbs (breads, pastas, grains). Track everything religiously, and eat something every 3-4 hours to keep your hunger at bay and your metabolism up.

    Drink LOTS of water. If you hate water, Crystal Light is pretty awesome & fairly inexpensive. You are going to get a TON of suggestions. Find the right combination that works for you, and even if you started off with one or two rules and built on that, it would improve your diet. You don't have to drop everything all at once. This is a journey, not a race. :)

    Best of luck!

    meal timing and metabolism are irrelevant…

    Low carb has nothing to do with weight loss.

    OP - here is what I would say.

    1. Figure out a 500 calorie per day deficit.
    2. Hit your macros ..set your carbs/protein/fat at 40p/30c/30f
    3. Find a work out program - I would recommend new rules of lifting for woman and starting strength as good beginner books. I would recommend a program of compound lifts where you are lifting heavy.
    4. Buy a food scale and weight, measure, log all of your food.
    5 - you do not have to restrict certain food groups. if you want pizza eat it, just fit it into your daily calorie goal. A lot of people find the 80/20 rule helpful, which is 80% healthy, and 20% whatever you want.
    5 - repeat until you reach your goals.

    There are no magic diets, short cuts, cleanses, etc that are going to speed this process up. It is a marathon not a sprint, you did not get 150 pounds overweight in a week, and you will not lose it in a week…
  • ndj1979
    ndj1979 Posts: 29,136 Member

    1. Cutting out all sugary things (natural sugar from fruits is okay)


    please explain the difference between fruit sugar and sugar from a candy bar…?
  • jojo86xdd
    jojo86xdd Posts: 202 Member
    My goal is to lose 135. All I can tell you is slow and steady is the best approach. Request coming your way! Anyone else can feel free to add me :))
  • Hauntinglyfit
    Hauntinglyfit Posts: 5,537 Member
    Stick with it and you'll make it!

    Good luck!
  • bluesy8899
    bluesy8899 Posts: 68 Member
    So much great advice from some great folks. I too have a good amount of weight to lose. I'm down 35 pounds since August and hope to be close to my goal in a year. I've been a yo yo'er my whole adult life. Planning and tracking everything I eat really does help. The best tool for me is to only work on today, tomorrow will take care of itself. This goes for cravings or wanting to skip a workout, too. If I just do it today and and still feel the same tomorrow, I will satisfy the craving but rarely skip the workout. I wish you the best in your goals. There are some great folks here and so much support. Welcome!
  • dogo187
    dogo187 Posts: 376
    I did it...you can too!!!!!

    Don't quit...make small changes that YOU can live with and maintain...get active, do something...and DONT QUIT!!!!
  • nancybuss
    nancybuss Posts: 1,461 Member
    Lots of great advice already. If you, or any, want additional accountability, feel free to add me. I'd love to help.
    One Day At A Time.

    There will be lots of ups and downs. Remember, always get UP after you fall down, and reach out to us. You CAN do this!

    Nancy
  • oh pick me pick me!

    I need to lose more than half my body weight to be within the healthy weight for height range.
    It's scary- I could lose what husband weighs and still technically be overweight.

    I'm taking it one day at a time- yeah I have the big ultimate goals, but right now my focus is on drinking my water, logging my food (staying under my calorie allowance) each day. Then repeat.

    I have a knee injury at the moment that is limiting my movement - only just starting to be able to walk (hobble really) around the house without using my crutches so exercise is extremely limited. But I'm not letting that stop me or use it as an excuse not to lose weight. My losses will just be smaller and slower until me knee is right.

    Good luck with it- feel free to add me as a friend if you want. :)
  • Cynduck
    Cynduck Posts: 255 Member
    I have 130-150 pounds more to lose as well. Not sure of my final goal which is why the range. You are welcome to friend me and we can support each other on this journey!
  • mgorham13
    mgorham13 Posts: 168 Member
    RE: 150 pounds to lose.......Help!!!!!!


    No you don't.

    You have 10 pounds to lose

    just do it 15 times or

    Lose 15 pounds 10 times

    150 is an overwhelming number, get it out of your head
  • kellyskitties
    kellyskitties Posts: 475 Member
    I still have around 100 to go - so we can go down together if you like.

    I could easily win the "turtle" award - I don't set weekly weight loss goals. I just try to be under my calories, then if not, less than 200 over, then if not - and so forth. Last stop is under maintenance - and sometimes I don't make that - but usually I do. I've slowly dropped weight and I'm ok with that. It's been a comfortable way to do it.

    I tend to get obsessive so I've avoided nearly all goal setting to prevent that. That has done me more favors than anything. I just try to keep improving and if I can't get it right I just try to get it within reason. Any progress is still progress for me.

    I started by just logging. I didn't even change my eating. Had no idea how I wanted to eat - other than I had an idea of "clean" and "paleo" bouncing around. I let those go and just tried tweaking where I started. WOW, has that worked wonders. I upped protein and fiber to help me feel fuller - worked like a charm. I started moving more - and I've dropped 2 pant sizes for real. I don't "hit it and get it" and I don't buy into "all or nothing" mentality. I do what I can, I try to keep improving and I try not to look too closely at the process or I'll over analyze and quit. I am shocked at how far I've come just like that.

    Start however you want, but if you find it's too much too fast, consider my methods. I'm having the best success ever by taking small steps towards a loosely set goal of progress. I do have goals on my page - but it's more like milestones in my head than goals. I don't care when I hit them. I don't have a deadline in mind - just a direction.