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Restarting - your experiences?

loriwarnerpaulsen
loriwarnerpaulsen Posts: 17 Member
in Social Groups
So I started my weight loss journey in February and did really well..for a while. then, I leveled off at about 20 lbs. I'd gain one, lose one...it encouraged me to just not worry about it and not record my food. Then we went away for Easter weekend and I ate pizza, ribs, biscuits and gravy...you name it. now, I didn't go nuts on portions but the fat content was insane. And then I had a gallbladder attack which reminded me WHY I want to eat better. So for the past week, I am back at it and feeling better! I've dropped a couple of pounds and just feeling better about myself.

But I know I will fall off of the wagon again and I just want to know that I will always get back on the wagon. :)

What have your experiences been?

Replies

  • SoosannahK
    SoosannahK Posts: 238 Member
    I am a chronic restarter since 2011 and hoping this is my last restart and I stick with it, I will do well for a few months, lose 20-30 lbs, something happens, whether it is vacation, don't feel like cooking and start eating out A LOT, or just tired of doing it. Then I am off the "Menu" as I like to call it.

    After I gain back my weight and my pants are tight again, I start all over. I don't know what is wrong with me. I recently quit smoking and that has inspired me to get with the program and stay with it. Even though weight loss is always in my mind, I am trying to put developing healthy habits in the forefront and hopefully the weight loss will follow.

    On a bright note, we keep coming back!
  • rainbow198
    rainbow198 Posts: 2,245 Member
    Sorry to hear about your gallbladder attack. :(

    I've been chubby most of my life. Way too much eating and not enough physical activity. I've lost 10 - 20 lbs here and there through out the years but the weight never stayed off for long.

    Once I turned 30 I slowly started going from overweight to obese then it got to a point where I knew I had to do something if only for my health.

    I used to restrict foods and do great for a few weeks and I saw weight loss. Yay! Then I'd get comfortable, binge a little and figure I've already messed up so what's the point in dieting again so I would give up. It was a never-ending cycle!

    This time around I decided to do things completely different compared to what I did before.

    I started researching the science behind weight/fat loss. I learned about the effects of sugar, protein, fiber, sodium, carbs etc. in the body. I tried all kinds of different workouts and sports and discovered new things I enjoyed. I trained myself to eat smaller portions, drink less pop and alcohol and eat more things like greens and veggies. I found ways to enjoy the foods and treats l love with less guilt (by making or recreating things at home, using substitutions etc.) Most importantly no foods were off limits (although I did cut out chips and ice cream for a couple of months).

    It took a little while but before I knew it things started to fall in place. I saw inches drop off before I saw the scale move, which was very frustrating, but after I learned why that was happening, I put the scale away, stayed consistent and ended up making a lot of progress over a course of about 15 months.

    Now I'm 80 lbs lighter and been maintaining for a over a year. The difference between now and my past is that everything I did this time everything was sustainable (armed with knowledge, no strenuous workouts, no dieting or restrictions).

    I guess we all have to find our own way and there is no right path for everyone.

    If I can recommend one thing is to try and change your mindset. You said "But I know I will fall off of the wagon again". Turn it around and say "I know I will get back on the wagon again and stay on". :)

    Lastly, logging in here everyday really helps to keep me on track. I have a great group of active friends and even chatting with people who aren't on my friend's list helps too.
  • loriwarnerpaulsen
    loriwarnerpaulsen Posts: 17 Member
    Thanks to you both for you great stories. I always like feeling less alone. I know that what I am doing now is a lifestyle choice that makes me feel a lot better about myself and that I will need to do this forever. But like others I have found things that are healthy that I CHOOSE over the higher fat and carb options. I'm trying to put veggies first on my choices even if I eat something less "healthy", I started with the veggies so that I want less of the other stuff.

    I really like the food diary. It makes me accountable to myself and is a huge help.

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