If you were me...what would you do?
MrsVin86
Posts: 33 Member
Hi friends,
I am looking to lose about 25 pounds before my wedding (which is August 23rd of this year)...I have been counting my calories to make sure I have a deficit and have been trying to workout 6 days a week...alternating cardio and weight days. My main issue is motivation...but I think the most confusing part of all of this is knowing which is the best way to go about losing the weight. SO many people have SO many different tricks, tips, etc. So my question to all of you is what would you do to accomplish this?
I am 195 pounds, 5'10 with a medium build...I want to be 170-175 by the wedding (that is when I looked and felt my best). Lay it on me friends and be honest!
I am looking to lose about 25 pounds before my wedding (which is August 23rd of this year)...I have been counting my calories to make sure I have a deficit and have been trying to workout 6 days a week...alternating cardio and weight days. My main issue is motivation...but I think the most confusing part of all of this is knowing which is the best way to go about losing the weight. SO many people have SO many different tricks, tips, etc. So my question to all of you is what would you do to accomplish this?
I am 195 pounds, 5'10 with a medium build...I want to be 170-175 by the wedding (that is when I looked and felt my best). Lay it on me friends and be honest!
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Replies
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My stats were very close to yours when I started on MFP.
I followed MFP's plan for losing 1 lb a week, eating back about half my exercise calories (I would have eaten them all back but I think MFP's calorie burns seem high). I lost an average of 1 lb a week, so MFP's calculations worked for me.
Note: that's an average loss. Some weeks I lost more but some I lost nothing or barely anything.
You can do this. Just stick with the plan.
Congratulations on your upcoming marriage.0 -
I agree with Plex! Just follow the calories MFP tells you and, just like you're doing, eat back about half of your exercise calories. You've got this! :flowerforyou: Feel free to add me as an accountability buddy!0
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I just picture myself where I want to be. I can sit on the couch and watch another episode of law and order or i can get up, get my but in gear and keep on working towards my goal body. That's all it takes for me0
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Lift (preferably heavy) moderate cardio, eat adequate protein and have a moderate deficit.
You have 29 weeks or so, that is a pretty conservative timeframe for losing 25lbs in a sustainable manner. Just have to stick to the plan.
Just a few questions, how much are you actually eating? What does your current workout program look like?0 -
If you are logging your calories correctly (accurately measuring food intake) and working out, you will be 25 pounds lighter in August for sure. I would make it a point to walk (cardio) 3-4 times per week for 45 minutes per session.
Set your goals on MFP to lose 1 pound per week, use a "lightly active" profile, and see what calorie goals MFP gives you.
Good luck...stick with your plan and you can definitely make it work by August.0 -
-calculate macros via IIFYM calculator
-weight training
-cardio (optional) I'd say start out with 3 LISS sessions (15-20min) a week then add in some HIIT post workout (10-15 min)
-lose weight and profit
-suppliment diet if need be (protein & multi)
edit:people always overthink the process of losing weight, keep it simple0 -
Lift (preferably heavy) moderate cardio, eat adequate protein and have a moderate deficit.
You have 29 weeks or so, that is a pretty conservative timeframe for losing 25lbs in a sustainable manner. Just have to stick to the plan.
Just a few questions, how much are you actually eating? What does your current workout program look like?
Quoting for truth here.
Lifting will make you look like you've lost the weight whether you have or not so I highly suggest it!0 -
I think the underlying idea most people agree on is creating a caloric deficit...whether through diet alone or by adding exercise. I think the exercise would be key for you to look hot in your wedding dress! The things people don't agree on and where the many different ideas come in to play is that you have to find what works for you. Add some motivating friends here, it has helped me a lot. Best wishes!0
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Doing both strength training and cardio is great! I'm also a HUGE fan of weight lifting. It really helps you get LEAN.
For me (as simple as this sounds) writing down my goals helps. I post them somewhere visible, like my desk, so they're always right in front of me. Obviously it's all up to you, but it also helps to have support. Maybe create a thread for support or look for a free support group online? It always helps to have people cheering you on!
It sounds like you're doing everything right. Best of luck!0 -
Agreeing with everyone... set it to a pound/week and you will be there in no time. I lost about 30lbs in that time frame and it was not a lot of work. I logged faithfully, tried some new stuff like couch to 5k, took some Zumba classes... when the wedding crap really hits over the summer, you'll be SO GLAD you have a fitness-related way to blow off stress
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Lift (preferably heavy) moderate cardio, eat adequate protein and have a moderate deficit.
You have 29 weeks or so, that is a pretty conservative timeframe for losing 25lbs in a sustainable manner. Just have to stick to the plan.
Just a few questions, how much are you actually eating? What does your current workout program look like?
So far these ideas are great I try to eat 1400 calories (what MFP suggested)...and when I workout I do eat some back because I am generally a very hungry person!
My workout program looks like:
Monday - Arm day
Tuesday - Cardio day (I own a treadmill, so I usually do jogging/fast walking in intervals)
Wednesday - Leg day
Thursday - Cardio day
Friday - Core day
Saturday - Cardio day
That is of course when I follow my routine...I was planning on doing this for 9 weeks and then switching it up. Last week I went STRONG and this week I have done horrible.0 -
Lift (preferably heavy) moderate cardio, eat adequate protein and have a moderate deficit.
You have 29 weeks or so, that is a pretty conservative timeframe for losing 25lbs in a sustainable manner. Just have to stick to the plan.
Just a few questions, how much are you actually eating? What does your current workout program look like?
Quoting for truth here.
Lifting will make you look like you've lost the weight whether you have or not so I highly suggest it!
Yup! Only thing is that, especially in the first few weeks, you may not lose much weight, but you will lose inches, which is more important if you're trying to look good in your wedding dress, rather than look good on the scale.
)) 0 -
I think the underlying idea most people agree on is creating a caloric deficit...whether through diet alone or by adding exercise. I think the exercise would be key for you to look hot in your wedding dress! The things people don't agree on and where the many different ideas come in to play is that you have to find what works for you. Add some motivating friends here, it has helped me a lot. Best wishes!
Yes, exactly.
Deficit to lose the weight. (Mandatory)
Cardio for health and to give you more calories to eat (Optional)
Progressive weight strength training (lifting heavy) for muscle retention, bone health, and overall looking awesome (Optional)
ETA - I forgot. Make sure you eat enough protein. 1g / lb of lean body mass, or estimate with 0.75g per lb of your current weight (assumes 25% body fat). That also helps with muscle retention. Should help you feel hungry less often if your usual diet is lower protein as well.0 -
Lift (preferably heavy) moderate cardio, eat adequate protein and have a moderate deficit.
Yes.0 -
Lift (preferably heavy) moderate cardio, eat adequate protein and have a moderate deficit.
You have 29 weeks or so, that is a pretty conservative timeframe for losing 25lbs in a sustainable manner. Just have to stick to the plan.
Just a few questions, how much are you actually eating? What does your current workout program look like?
So far these ideas are great I try to eat 1400 calories (what MFP suggested)...and when I workout I do eat some back because I am generally a very hungry person!
My workout program looks like:
Monday - Arm day
Tuesday - Cardio day (I own a treadmill, so I usually do jogging/fast walking in intervals)
Wednesday - Leg day
Thursday - Cardio day
Friday - Core day
Saturday - Cardio day
That is of course when I follow my routine...I was planning on doing this for 9 weeks and then switching it up. Last week I went STRONG and this week I have done horrible.
don't go by what MFP calculates for you (way too low imo), its a joke...use the IIFYM calculator (just google it and I believe it's the first link). Where is your shoulder, chest, and back training incorporated at in your routine? I agree with what other members said, more weight training and less cardio...0 -
That really is the hardest part... keeping motivated. You have to find what works for you for motivation, for a lot of people here its the positive reinforcement and the accountability to you group of friend/family.0
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Lift (preferably heavy) moderate cardio, eat adequate protein and have a moderate deficit.
You have 29 weeks or so, that is a pretty conservative timeframe for losing 25lbs in a sustainable manner. Just have to stick to the plan.
Just a few questions, how much are you actually eating? What does your current workout program look like?
So far these ideas are great I try to eat 1400 calories (what MFP suggested)...and when I workout I do eat some back because I am generally a very hungry person!
My workout program looks like:
Monday - Arm day
Tuesday - Cardio day (I own a treadmill, so I usually do jogging/fast walking in intervals)
Wednesday - Leg day
Thursday - Cardio day
Friday - Core day
Saturday - Cardio day
That is of course when I follow my routine...I was planning on doing this for 9 weeks and then switching it up. Last week I went STRONG and this week I have done horrible.
Personally, I'd ditch the arm day leg day core day strategy.
My current workout
Workout A: Squats + bench + chins
Workout B: Squats + OHP + deadlift
alternate workouts.
Whole body workout each time.
Here's someone who did a similar workout:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/fivethreeone/view/how-did-i-workout-5708880 -
Lift (preferably heavy) moderate cardio, eat adequate protein and have a moderate deficit.
You have 29 weeks or so, that is a pretty conservative timeframe for losing 25lbs in a sustainable manner. Just have to stick to the plan.
Just a few questions, how much are you actually eating? What does your current workout program look like?
So far these ideas are great I try to eat 1400 calories (what MFP suggested)...and when I workout I do eat some back because I am generally a very hungry person!
My workout program looks like:
Monday - Arm day
Tuesday - Cardio day (I own a treadmill, so I usually do jogging/fast walking in intervals)
Wednesday - Leg day
Thursday - Cardio day
Friday - Core day
Saturday - Cardio day
That is of course when I follow my routine...I was planning on doing this for 9 weeks and then switching it up. Last week I went STRONG and this week I have done horrible.
don't go by what MFP calculates for you (way too low imo), its a joke...use the IIFYM calculator (just google it and I believe it's the first link). Where is your shoulder, chest, and back training incorporated at in your routine? I agree with what other members said, more weight training and less cardio...
My shoulder training is on arm day, chest and back is on the core day. My only other issue is that I have to workout at home, where I live (and poorness due to wedding) keep me from getting a gym membership for right now. BUT as weights get too easy for me I buy a heavier set.
Does anyone have any at home routines that I could add to my regime?0 -
For motivation: what I do is rope someone in to compete with me. Usually it's my mum or boyfriend. We have weekly check ins to see who's winning. Helps me keep going a least.0
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First, realize that 0-2 pounds a week is a safe weight loss goal. You can definitely lose 25 pounds before your wedding.
Sounds like you're doing great with exercise. Make sure you focus on protein. It's okay to go over on protein....it's going over on carbs and fats that will get ya. A nutritionist told me to focus on protein and the carbs/fats will take care of themselves. I've found that to be pretty true.
Get a Fitbit - it's an activity tracker that syncs with MFP. There's a graph on the Fitbit site that will show you the calories you burn each day vs. the calorie intake. As long as you consume less calories then you burn, you're going to lose weight.
Also take measurements. Sometimes the scale isn't so friendly, but the measurements might be a lot friendlier!
Stay the course - you'll get there!0 -
If I were you, I would blow it off and then be too fat for my dress. (True story :sad:)
But seriously, great advice below:Lift (preferably heavy) moderate cardio, eat adequate protein and have a moderate deficit.
You have 29 weeks or so, that is a pretty conservative timeframe for losing 25lbs in a sustainable manner. Just have to stick to the plan.
Just a few questions, how much are you actually eating? What does your current workout program look like?0 -
Have you looked into prices of gyms? I only pay $35 / month and that includes daycare for my 3 kids. Seems cheaper than buying weights every time I need to increase.
I'd recommend a good full-body compound lift routine like Stronglifts 5x5, New Rules of Weight Lifting for Women or Strong Lifts.
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/560459-stronglifts-5x5-summary0 -
That is perfectly doable in a healthy way. Congratulations! Just remember that the dress will fit differently. I would aim to lose your weight by about a month before and schedule your last fitting for then. Eat maintenance after that. It will be good to have one less thing to stress about right before the big day and your dress won't be too big. You can worry about this less if you have a lace up the back style which give you more wiggle room than zippers or buttons.
Anyway, I suggest reading these to answer all of your questions. There is a lot of time and research behind these posts:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/974888-in-place-of-a-road-map-2k13
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants?hl=guide+to+sexy+pants
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/819055-setting-your-calorie-and-macro-targets0 -
Seriously, IIFYM is the way to go.
Protein is important, eat what the IIFYM calculator tells you to and be faithful to your diet! Even if you workout like crazy, what you eat is the single most important factor in weight loss.
You can workout at home- there's tons of bodyweight exercises that will build muscle. For weights, try loading a suitcase or backpack full of books, use a milk jug full of water or sand. Pushups and burpees are full body exercises, start with those!0 -
My stats were very close to yours when I started on MFP.
I followed MFP's plan for losing 1 lb a week, eating back about half my exercise calories (I would have eaten them all back but I think MFP's calorie burns seem high). I lost an average of 1 lb a week, so MFP's calculations worked for me.
Note: that's an average loss. Some weeks I lost more but some I lost nothing or barely anything.
You can do this. Just stick with the plan.
Congratulations on your upcoming marriage.
Ditto0
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