Things I’ve learned and things I’m learning….

lessismoreohio
lessismoreohio Posts: 910 Member
in Motivation and Support
Things I’ve learned and things I’m learning….....

I’ve been on this My Fitness Pal journey since mid-August 2013. I’ve lost 29 pounds. That works out to about a pound a week. Slow but steady wins the day. Some things I’ve learned since August and some things I’m learning……..

1. I used Weight Watchers off and on over the years, and I lost about 20 pounds in Weight Watchers in the year prior to joining My Fitness Pal. Weight Watchers is a fine program, but I find My Fitness Pal works better for me (plus it’s free).

2. The desire for chicken fried steak eventually goes away, so does the desire for a Big Mac and a Charleston Chew.

3. The desire for pizza still lingers. I know all things in moderation, but it’s so many calories and so many carbs and sodium.

4. Occasionally, I fast for 24 hours or 36 hours and just drink coffee and water and diet Coke. This may or may not be healthy, but it makes me feel alive.

5. I’ve also found an occasional day of not counting calories does me well. The trick for me is to not have too many of these. I don’t attempt to track calories or exercise on these days. Some people like to track calories and exercise during their “free” days or their “binge” days, but I don’t need the guilt. Forgive (self) and forget.

6. Now that the weather has broken towards spring and I won’t have to / be able to shovel snow (its great exercise!), I’ll finally get around to starting my walking, jogging and running program (wish me well…). I should have started this in August.

7. Wearing a nice (expensive) suit to a business function that I haven’t worn since 1999 (yeah I’m old) tastes better than any food I’ve given up to get to this place.

Replies

  • taracangel
    taracangel Posts: 24 Member
    Great post Les!

    I agree and feel the same with pretty much everything you wrote. I only joined MFP this past January and am stilling learning a lot. I will never do a Weight Watcher's or any other program again because I too feel that MFP is the best for me, the easiest to follow and the support is amazing.

    Losing about a pound a week is actually the best way to do it. I've heard and read many times that the slower you lose weight, the more likely it is to stay off. Many people think they have to lose a ton of weight in a short period of time but that's not a healthy way to do it. We are looking at a sustainable lifestyle after all. As for eating pizza, I let myself have a night off once a week, after weigh-in of course, where I eat something that is higher in calorie but soooooo yummy. And yes, I will enjoy a glass of wine or two (or three) if I want and the next morning I'm back to staying under my calorie total and I get a workout in as well. When you mentioned the sodium, it's funny that I am also reconsidering eating certain foods if the sodium is way too high.

    One final word, you're so right about nothing tasting better than being healthy and looking good feels. You're doing awesome, so keep up the great work!!!
  • uconnwinsnc
    uconnwinsnc Posts: 1,054 Member
    There are long stretches where you won't achieve as much as you wanted. Accept it and keep pushing on.
  • toad493lbs
    toad493lbs Posts: 39 Member
    Very nice post Less. I love number 7. I have a nice suit that is now to big for me so its the same feeling only backwards.
  • tahneesummers88
    tahneesummers88 Posts: 52 Member
    Awesome positive read!

    I think the true successful key to weight loss is to find what works for you.. I have attempted to lose weight twice now, this being my third time.. both different ways and both has led me to put the weight back on. I am giving the MFP thing a go now, and it is working for me! I don't feel like I'm depriving myself and I love the fact that you are accountable within the diary of what goes into your mouth and how hard you workout. I really really love MFP. And yes, FREE is a bonus! Great to find something that worked for you!
  • lessismoreohio
    lessismoreohio Posts: 910 Member
    There are long stretches where you won't achieve as much as you wanted. Accept it and keep pushing on.



    Very true; thank you for posting.

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