How often do you indulge? And how often do you exercise?

Hi Nique,

I eat whatever I want, even deserts and indulgences, and I work to stay within my calorie goal most of the time. If I go over my calorie goal, I've done it on purpose for a reason. For example, I am in maintenance now and am having a bit of a problem with still losing weight, therefore I'm eating a bit more every few days.

I was happy with my weight two pounds heavier, and it's okay that I've shed a few more pounds, but I don't need to lose anymore weight. I am at a healthy weight for me right now.

Indulge in food and exercise everyday. :-)

I don't deny myself any foods, but I am trying to hit certain macro goals and a few other nutrient goals as well. So sometimes there are some things that I don't eat because it just doesn't fit into my goals. Nothing is off-limits though. I guess the only "cheat" meal I have is mac and cheese (the box kind with the velvetta!). Again, it's not off limits, but it usually doesn't fit easily into my goals. Recipe blogs have been a huge help for me. It gives me great ideas on recipes for meals with lots of fiber and protein (both of which I have very high daily goals). And it never gets boring! That's been the biggest lifestyle change for me. Learning about what's in season and cooking in a different way that's fun and exciting! But I still have my chocolate bars and box macaroni!

As far as exercise, I have a really bad knee, so I can't jump either. I did Turbo Fire, Chalean Extreme, and am currentlyy doing T25 (both have modifiers) and even when I do other exercises, I modify to low impact so that I don't hurt myself. But I workout 6 days a week and I get a great calorie burn. You don't have to be jumping around as long as you're putting everything you have into it. And there are always ways to amp it up. I wear weighted gloves for an extra challenge. But try a few things to see what you enjoy. There are so many options out there for ways to get in some exercise. Like others have said, don't force it. Find the way that you enjoy it.

Hi there! I have found success during my weight loss journey by planning all of my meals ahead. If I plan to eat out one day, I factor those calories into my goal. I eat fried chicken, pork chops, carbs, mac n cheese, etc. All of those food items are measured and/accounted for through mfp. For the most part, I eat a balanced diet of veggie/protein/carb. I steam all of my veggies with minimal added seasoning. I also drink at least 8 cups of water each day. I must say that sweets are my weakness so, I try to stay away from them. I indulge occasionally. Good luck and I hope that you find what works best for you!

I set up a structure for my eating that works with my personality type; I am extremely goal oriented when there's a reward at the end of it (achievement hunter when I'm gaming, bit of a completionist, etc.) I set a few small rules:
1. Weigh in once a week, no more, don't worry about it when it's not weigh in day
2. Start out with 14,000 calories per week, adjust as needed.
3. Keep an eye on sodium levels.
4. Set rewards at certain weights.

I tried to eat clean for 30 days before my first cheat and succeeded, had a lot of heavy meals on my first cheat Dec. 31, 2013. My next cheat after that is to be on March 4, 2014, just a little over 60 days clean eating, I'm trying to progressively add time until I live up to Dwayne Johnson's massive 170+ day clean eating streak he did for the Hercules movie this year. I also set weight goals, at 50lb lost (10 weeks in on March 9th) I bought myself a new pair of boots; I'm currently figuring out what I want to do for 100# lost.

In 2012 I lost nearly 30lbs just working out, not at all watching what I ate and I bulked a lot of muscle with relatively little effort. Keeping that in mind I decided not to work out at all until I got to 50lbs lost, I was 393 to start and really didn't want to break that 400lb mark. This week after a lot of phone tag (I'm a 3rd shift worker, so daytime is hard!) I got my gym membership set up and hit the gym for the first time in a year and a half on tuesday. On Wednesday I went to a truck repair shop and picked up a semi tire, headed to a hardware store and grabbed a sledgehammer; I've managed to get a pretty good workout there. The intention is to work out 3-5 times a week and stay on my goal path of 60 days clean eating, one cheat, 90 days clean after that.

I indulge Thanksgiving, Christmas, and at family reunions because I always get asked "is that all you are going to eat?" and "arnt you going to eat desert?" Sometimes I will indulge after losing a few lbs but I know that's not the way to go.
I exercise everyday at least 30 mins a day. I lift weights and do ab exercises every other day. I'm really happy with myself this is the first time I have been under 200 in about four years. I have been exercising and eating better for Four weeks straight now. have lost 12 lbs in the last six weeks. I think this time I have what it will take to stay motivated. Some people have posted on there social site after I talk about exercising and all about I should not care what people think. I'm not doing it because of what people think I'm doing it for myself, but I can't convince some people that. There will always be people that want to see you exceed and other people convincing you to be happy the way you are. That's why I'm glad I found this site. Everyone is trying to get into shape and they have goals and I can relate to a lot of people on here. Good luck with your Journey!

The word indulge is no longer in my vocabulary and has been replaced by moderation.

I also eat what I like within my calories. I didn't have a cheat day for months... IMO starting off with 'when can I have a cheat day' isn't the best way of making a lifetime change. I have them occasionally now, but still try my best to stay under my TDEE (basically that's your goal plus your deficit, so goal +500 if you are on the 'lose 1 lb a week' setting). I only go over when it's something I really crave and I know I can't possibly eat while staying under my calories (typically a restaurant dessert).

I walk 3 miles most days and lift heavy weights 20 minutes 3x a week too, but I didn't start that way, I mostly did some kind of home video for 30 minutes 5x a week.

I'm prepping for a competition, so for the next 12 weeks I will be indulging exactly NEVER, and working out 6 times a week.

After the show I can relax things a little, and allow myself a cheat meal once a week, and working out 3-4 times a week to maintain my muscle.

I think having 1 cheat day (within reason) per week is important to keep my sanity. I’m not planning to be the next Naomi Campbell and I have a life to live. I’ve been losing consistently.
Listen to your body. I feel hungrier during the day so I tend to have few snacks. I am happy with a small dinner unless I am eating out. Protein is wonderful to make me full for longer so I am trying to add as much protein as possible in my diet.
I work out between 3 to 6 times per week. I never spend more than two days in a row without going to the gym. I do the things I like: spinning, elliptical, Pilates, swimming and weight training. I bike a fair but anyway just to get from here to there.
At 22 years of age you are pretty young. Your metabolism must be quite good. Try to stay in your calorie limits and work out few times a week (do weight training as well) and the weight will fall off.
And buy a food scale. It’s amazing how much we can underestimate portion sizes.