Trying for weight loss... AGAIN-HELP!

juliacatherine1
juliacatherine1 Posts: 71 Member
in Getting Started
Hello everyone! A bit about my weight loss journey and what is going on now. I have been a but chubby my whole life and towards the end of high school I was very heavy and continued to gain after high school. I finally decided I would like to lose weight and started doing research. I made alot of changes, like drinking more water, walking farther when possible and small changes like cutting out things that don't really matter like cutting out cheese on a sandwich, where I can't taste it anyway. I'm not sure over what period of time but I lost 60lbs, and it came off relatively easy in my opinion because I was just making lots of small changes. I kept the weight off for more than 5 years and even continued to lose weight here and there.

So here I am, back up 40lbs! I have since moved several times, started college at the age of 26, as a full time student, moved again and now I have moved to a more stable living situation, I have my own apartment which I share with my BF and I finally have my own kitchen again!

I feel like there has been many factors that have contributed to weight gain for me. I used to sleep in a very secluded area and slept very well, since then I have lived in places where people leave tv's on at night, and now I live in a city. Being a student is more stressful than a full time job, who knew!? Im mentioning these things because I have tried several times to lose weight and it seems like nothing works, not even what worked before! I walk alot and I would like to get back to some light weight lifting, but I severe arthritis in my back. As a result I am unable to also do hiking like I used to. So right now I am trying to lose as much weight as possible via diet, as my doctor thinks this will greatly help with my back issue. Then I can finally get more physical!

So now im coming up on my 30th birthday in July and I really want to start looking and feeling better, but it seems like nothing is working! I have been on birth control and recently changed to non hormonal and I was on anti depressants for a six month period. Im just not sure what is making it so difficult or if my metabolism is just slowing down. HELP!

Replies

  • juliacatherine1
    juliacatherine1 Posts: 71 Member
    I just realized that was really long winded and I still didn't mention I don't get a good night sleep since leaving my secluded nest! I am wondering if that contributes to weight?
  • kingdomsora48
    kingdomsora48 Posts: 22 Member
    Hey, I can relate! Several years ago I lost around 40lbs just by making minor changes in my diet (not even by going on a REAL diet).

    Sleep might have something to do with it, but then again, it could be linked to other things as well. Stress, overeating, portion sizes and physical activities all play a role.

    For me, portion size is my biggest problem. I always felt that I ate pretty conservative portion sizes and cooked somewhat healthy. However, when I actually started measuring out my portion sizes, logging calories using MFP and checking what a portion size was against the box is when I really understood what I was putting into my body.

    For instance, did you know that a portion size of meat is about the size of your palm (4oz)? I just recently discovered that the frozen chicken breasts I bought at Costco were more like 16oz (4 servings!). Its amazing how much we look over food every day.

    As soon as you identify your stressor/trigger (like I said, could be anything I mentioned or maybe something else!), you will know how you need to alter your daily routine to cater to your needs. :)
  • juliacatherine1
    juliacatherine1 Posts: 71 Member
    Yeah I am so aware of how much portions can be warped! I have used my fitness pal a few times before while doing restrictive calorie diets. I reduced 15% from my TDEE. It was so frustrating to see no results! I just feel like all my previous attempts have resulted in nothing and I have even gained weight! I have had a full panel of blood work at the doc and everything seems good. Thyroid checked twice in 2 years! I think stress hormones mess with weight loss, also lack of sleep does the same, but I am wondering to what extent? My BF and I are making changes slowly, next week we are cutting out bread and making low carb dinners. Meaning no refined carbs, cutting out regular pasta and cutting down portions on any carbs we do eat. I am also hoping to start some type of yoga, something calming to get the body moving.

    What are your plans?
    Hey, I can relate! Several years ago I lost around 40lbs just by making minor changes in my diet (not even by going on a REAL diet).

    Sleep might have something to do with it, but then again, it could be linked to other things as well. Stress, overeating, portion sizes and physical activities all play a role.

    For me, portion size is my biggest problem. I always felt that I ate pretty conservative portion sizes and cooked somewhat healthy. However, when I actually started measuring out my portion sizes, logging calories using MFP and checking what a portion size was against the box is when I really understood what I was putting into my body.

    For instance, did you know that a portion size of meat is about the size of your palm (4oz)? I just recently discovered that the frozen chicken breasts I bought at Costco were more like 16oz (4 servings!). Its amazing how much we look over food every day.

    As soon as you identify your stressor/trigger (like I said, could be anything I mentioned or maybe something else!), you will know how you need to alter your daily routine to cater to your needs. :)
  • terbusha
    terbusha Posts: 1,483 Member
    The #1 thing that will help you stay the course is a support system. Someone who you can call when you feel like you are slipping. Someone that will call you out (privately) when they see you slipping when you don't see it yourself. Let's buddy up so we can help each other! Also, I help run weight loss support groups on Facebook. We can friend there too (www.facebook.com/terbusha). I'd be more than happy to answer any questions you may have if you're interested.

    Allan
  • juliacatherine1
    juliacatherine1 Posts: 71 Member
    Thanks Allan, I will FR you next time im on. I am really trying to get my BF to be good on this diet. He has also previously lost about the same as me and gained back just about the same too, from eating extravagant meals while away on business. He does better on super restrictive diets like 5 hour body or calorie counting. I Just cannot do that! He can be such a bad influence sometimes! Im not much for sweets but he is, and even when he did calorie counting he would sacrifice lunch for dessert after dinner. . I used to not eat desserts at all! So we are trying starting next week to cut some things out and eat healthier, maybe try some of those strange paleo desserts.
    The #1 thing that will help you stay the course is a support system. Someone who you can call when you feel like you are slipping. Someone that will call you out (privately) when they see you slipping when you don't see it yourself. Let's buddy up so we can help each other! Also, I help run weight loss support groups on Facebook. We can friend there too (www.facebook.com/terbusha). I'd be more than happy to answer any questions you may have if you're interested.

    Allan
  • terbusha
    terbusha Posts: 1,483 Member
    Julia,

    That can certainly be tough. One you to keep in mind is that unrequested advice can lead to friction. No matter how bad we want something for someone, no matter how good it may be for them, if they are not ready to commit or come to the decision on their own, it won't stick. The best way is to lead by example and sooner or later, they'll come around.

    Allan
  • juliacatherine1
    juliacatherine1 Posts: 71 Member
    He wants to lose also but he only feels like he can with very strict guidelines. Like no sugars of any kind! Not even a tomato! I'm just like, I'll have a bite of cake and that's it, he can't even go near it without going overboard.
  • Sunshine2plus2
    Sunshine2plus2 Posts: 1,492 Member
    If you burn more calories than you you take in the weight will come off! Eat right and exercise! It will happen and please be patience! It didnt come on overnight and its not going to come off overnight!

Categories