Is losing weight supposed to be hard?

WendyTerry420 · May 2014

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I've always read and heard about people complaining about weight loss being too difficult, or that it's too complicated. I'm on day 48 of my weight loss "journey" if you wish to call it that, and there's been absolutely zero challenges I've faced. I lift weights 3-4 days a week, and eat at a 500 calorie deficit and I've lost 16 pounds.
So what's the big deal with weight loss? Why is it considered to be so impossible?

I'm finishing up my second year and have to agree. I think some people find it hard because they haven't really figured it out yet.

I would agree that it's simple. Easy is another thing. And, if one of my kids got seriously sick, you know that tracking calories would be the last thing on my mind.

I think easy depends on your frame of mind. I have had my own personal stressors, and I have decided not to log here and there, but that's just life. Life sometimes throws you a curve ball, and you have to react.

That doesn't make it *hard* to lose weight, once you find what works. And obviously, I realize that some folks have medical conditions, and some may be on birth control or other meds that directly cause weight gain. I'm not dismissing that. I'm just saying, that for me, I struggled for *YEARS* to figure it out. Once I finally learned how it works, and figured out the right macros/calorie goal for *ME* personally, then it was easy. I used to drop and gain 20 pounds from diet pills and such. Now I'm lighter than I've been since my kiddos, and I've been able to maintain that for over 9 months without tracking daily.

So, that's why I said the people who struggle are people who haven't figured it out. Or they could have some medical condition, which I didn't mention in my earlier comment, but yes, for some, that's simply a fact.

Many of the people who struggle haven't figured it out yet. However, I've had this conversation with my friends list. and some of the people who have been really successful and inspirational, etc. admit to still struggling with it. Different people have different challenges.

That's true.

And there are always exceptions. When I go on my 8 week furlough (coming up), I will likely gain if I don't bust my butt with extra exercise. Reason? I won't have money to intake adequate protein, which for me, the difference between 15% and 20% is *the world*

So yeah, reasons, sure. But that doesn't mean I *have* to gain 78ish pounds back. No. Maybe I'll gain 10 in water weight. Maybe I will take more walks without increasing cals. I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. But in spite of my reasons for being unable to do what I must, it's still an easy thing to do when I *am* able to do what I must.

dawnawoodward · May 2014

I dont think he will make it 20 years,,,,,with his "intelligent" all knowing mental capacity and his "Oh so Charming" personality, I think the closet he is hiding in will reveal no real GF and a secret inner hatred of himself and all people just as he actually decides to fake committing suicide to garner attention only to let his true intelligence show as the faulty planning turns into the real deal.

RIP

UpEarly · May 2014

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<Ducking as I write this>

As a 40 year old woman, I found losing weight to be pretty straight-forward and simple. The weight didn't come flying off quickly, but it was steady, reliable and generally easy for me this time around.

My past efforts to lose were difficult and destined for failure because I over-complicated everything with diets, huge calorie deficits, and long lists of forbidden foods. If I went off my rigid track even a little, it always snowballed into a return to the bad habit of overeating all the time and proclaiming myself a failure.

As soon as I realized that all I needed to do is cut a minimal amount of calories from my daily intake (250 in my case) and work harder at moving throughout the day, everything else fell into place. I continued to eat all my favorite foods (not even the diet/light versions). Most days I ate over 2000 calories and still lost consistently. I went from 202 to 152 (my initial goal weight) in about eight months. I went on to lose another 16 pounds over six more months, before finally settling around 136 lbs. (I'm almost 5'9"). I've hovered between 135-140 for a little over two years now.

I don't want to minimize anyone else's struggles because we're all different. But for me, it was easy.

Well I will come out swinging at you and say....yeah for me it is easy to. However unlike our friend here I have enough experience to recognize the challenges and enough empathy to sympathize with them.

No need to swing at me!

I was very careful to qualify everything I wrote with 'personally' and 'for me', and end my post with 'I don't want to minimize anyone else's struggles because we're all different. '. I'm just trying to say that it finally clicked for me, but I empathize that the struggle in daily and ongoing for many, many people.

RHachicho · May 2014

:drinker: :laugh:
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I think the majority of us are reading this laughing to ourselves quietly because we know they're trolling

+1 I decided to play too XD. It looks fun.

MyChocolateDiet · May 2014

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All of this he's 18 and I'm 4o, 41, 42, 45 implies an inherent difference in BIOLOGY in aged people that makes it hard.

Besides my injuries I have to consider when choosing exercise I wasn't aware that there was some biological or physical state that my age bestows on me that nullifies CI/CO? I thought as far as I don't have PCOS or thyroid problems which are rare, I have the same methods as any other human. Am I misinformed? Have I misread hundreds of threads?

I agree with OP that calories in calories out is all there is to it, that conceptually it is easy. I disagree that as an adult balancing your own personal needs with your responsibilities to others is "easy".

The backlash is largely centered on OP's lack of life experience and overall smugness and arrogance.

OK but that wasn't part of his original OP or his thread title. I think he only said so far that the weight loss plan is easy. I don't think he has called adulthood or the responsibilities "easy" but has simply encouraged people (in a blunt style) to work out those challenges and find a way? I read over his posts which seem limited to this thread and that was my read on his posts anyways. I fear people may be reading more into what he is saying just from personal perspectives.

_errata_ · May 2014

I've always read and heard about people complaining about weight loss being too difficult, or that it's too complicated. I'm on day 48 of my weight loss "journey" if you wish to call it that, and there's been absolutely zero challenges I've faced. I lift weights 3-4 days a week, and eat at a 500 calorie deficit and I've lost 16 pounds.
So what's the big deal with weight loss? Why is it considered to be so impossible?

doctorsookie · May 2014

You're an 18 year old male. Get back to me when you're a 45 year old woman.

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

UpEarly · May 2014

show previous quotes

<Ducking as I write this>

As a 40 year old woman, I found losing weight to be pretty straight-forward and simple. The weight didn't come flying off quickly, but it was steady, reliable and generally easy for me this time around.

My past efforts to lose were difficult and destined for failure because I over-complicated everything with diets, huge calorie deficits, and long lists of forbidden foods. If I went off my rigid track even a little, it always snowballed into a return to the bad habit of overeating all the time and proclaiming myself a failure.

As soon as I realized that all I needed to do is cut a minimal amount of calories from my daily intake (250 in my case) and work harder at moving throughout the day, everything else fell into place. I continued to eat all my favorite foods (not even the diet/light versions). Most days I ate over 2000 calories and still lost consistently. I went from 202 to 152 (my initial goal weight) in about eight months. I went on to lose another 16 pounds over six more months, before finally settling around 136 lbs. (I'm almost 5'9"). I've hovered between 135-140 for a little over two years now.

I don't want to minimize anyone else's struggles because we're all different. But for me, it was easy.

youre not alone. once you figure out that you really want it and how to do it, its simple. the hardest part is not drinking it all away on the weekends, but then again, OP is still underage so he's still got a year (or 3 depending on where he lives) to figure that one out

Ooof - tell me about it! I have a serious affinity for GOOD craft beer. One 12 oz bottle of bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout can set me back 400 calories! It's a complete balancing act! haha

paulawatkins1974 · May 2014

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And with the attitude you have, the only way for your girlfriend to get the boyfriend she deserves is TO FIND A NEW ONE

Look back in history and tell me, how many of the greatest leaders ever were complacent, weak willed,etc.?
I'll wait

you by good young fella are complacent and weak willed...otherwise you wouldn't ahve been 30lbs overweight.

Exactly

Being overweight doesn't necessarily imply complacency or being weak willed
Nice try though

So you came out of the womb overweight?...

Everything in life is a choice, whether it's conscious or not.
Did I choose to be overweight? Yes. I had zero problem with being overweight, and I still had the qualities that I did then that I have now
The only difference is that I got tired of having a belly

And which qualities are those?

Akimajuktuq · May 2014

This thread reminds me why I'm so glad I'm not 18 anymore.

And only the smartest young men usually survive past early adulthood. I don't have a lot of hope for the OP. :ohwell:

lizc0616 · May 2014

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I've always read and heard about people complaining about weight loss being too difficult, or that it's too complicated. I'm on day 48 of my weight loss "journey" if you wish to call it that, and there's been absolutely zero challenges I've faced. I lift weights 3-4 days a week, and eat at a 500 calorie deficit and I've lost 16 pounds.
So what's the big deal with weight loss? Why is it considered to be so impossible?

:smokin: your killin me! :laugh:

FatFreeFrolicking · May 2014

It took me 15 minutes to figure it out.
I guess I'm ignorant :sad:

Shouldn't you be in school…?

MyChocolateDiet · May 2014

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I've always read and heard about people complaining about weight loss being too difficult, or that it's too complicated. I'm on day 48 of my weight loss "journey" if you wish to call it that, and there's been absolutely zero challenges I've faced. I lift weights 3-4 days a week, and eat at a 500 calorie deficit and I've lost 16 pounds.
So what's the big deal with weight loss? Why is it considered to be so impossible?

Haylair!

ZoeLifts · May 2014

Wow.

This has got to be the most successful troll thread I have ever seen! Keep feeding him! this is making for a good afternoon.

Nah, I've seen better. He was called out as a troll too early on for it to be successful. 4/10, maybe 5/10.

RHachicho · May 2014

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All of this he's 18 and I'm 4o, 41, 42, 45 implies an inherent difference in BIOLOGY in aged people that makes it hard.

Besides my injuries I have to consider when choosing exercise I wasn't aware that there was some biological or physical state that my age bestows on me that nullifies CI/CO? I thought as far as I don't have PCOS or thyroid problems which are rare, I have the same methods as any other human. Am I misinformed? Have I misread hundreds of threads?

I agree with OP that calories in calories out is all there is to it, that conceptually it is easy. I disagree that as an adult balancing your own personal needs with your responsibilities to others is "easy".

The backlash is largely centered on OP's lack of life experience and overall smugness and arrogance.

OK but that wasn't part of his original OP or his thread title. I think he only said so far that the weight loss plan is easy. I don't think he has called adulthood or the responsibilities "easy" but has simply encouraged people (in a blunt style) to work out those challenges and find a way? I read over his posts which seem limited to this thread and that was my read on his posts anyways. I fear people may be reading more into what he is saying just from personal perspectives.

I understand what you are trying to say but honestly if that is really the case then he needs to learn to convey this attitude far more effectively. Because everything about his delivery suggests a smug immature person belittling people for not being able to do something that he is decided is trivial. And frankly I think that is in fact .. the case. I am sorry but I believe you are trying to imagine virtue where none exists.

glickman1 · May 2014

I dont think he will make it 20 years,,,,,with his "intelligent" all knowing mental capacity and his "Oh so Charming" personality, I think the closet he is hiding in will reveal no real GF and a secret inner hatred of himself and all people just as he actually decides to fake committing suicide to garner attention only to let his true intelligence show as the faulty planning turns into the real deal.

RIP

Very nice assuming I screenshotted it and I'll be sure to use it as motivation the next time I'm hesitant to go as hard as I can while working out

Aaron_K123 · May 2014

show previous quotes

<Ducking as I write this>

As a 40 year old woman, I found losing weight to be pretty straight-forward and simple. The weight didn't come flying off quickly, but it was steady, reliable and generally easy for me this time around.

My past efforts to lose were difficult and destined for failure because I over-complicated everything with diets, huge calorie deficits, and long lists of forbidden foods. If I went off my rigid track even a little, it always snowballed into a return to the bad habit of overeating all the time and proclaiming myself a failure.

As soon as I realized that all I needed to do is cut a minimal amount of calories from my daily intake (250 in my case) and work harder at moving throughout the day, everything else fell into place. I continued to eat all my favorite foods (not even the diet/light versions). Most days I ate over 2000 calories and still lost consistently. I went from 202 to 152 (my initial goal weight) in about eight months. I went on to lose another 16 pounds over six more months, before finally settling around 136 lbs. (I'm almost 5'9"). I've hovered between 135-140 for a little over two years now.

I don't want to minimize anyone else's struggles because we're all different. But for me, it was easy.

Well I will come out swinging at you and say....yeah for me it is easy to. However unlike our friend here I have enough experience to recognize the challenges and enough empathy to sympathize with them.

No need to swing at me!

I was very careful to qualify everything I wrote with 'personally' and 'for me', and end my post with 'I don't want to minimize anyone else's struggles because we're all different. '. I'm just trying to say that it finally clicked for me, but I empathize that the struggle in daily and ongoing for many, many people.

Oh no I agree with you, I was just being cute with the "come out swinging" thing based on your "duck". I don't think you are wrong. I don't think the OP is wrong in saying that conceptually weightloss is easy. It of course becomes much easier when its all you have to care about.

VoodooSyxx · May 2014

show previous quotes

<Ducking as I write this>

As a 40 year old woman, I found losing weight to be pretty straight-forward and simple. The weight didn't come flying off quickly, but it was steady, reliable and generally easy for me this time around.

My past efforts to lose were difficult and destined for failure because I over-complicated everything with diets, huge calorie deficits, and long lists of forbidden foods. If I went off my rigid track even a little, it always snowballed into a return to the bad habit of overeating all the time and proclaiming myself a failure.

As soon as I realized that all I needed to do is cut a minimal amount of calories from my daily intake (250 in my case) and work harder at moving throughout the day, everything else fell into place. I continued to eat all my favorite foods (not even the diet/light versions). Most days I ate over 2000 calories and still lost consistently. I went from 202 to 152 (my initial goal weight) in about eight months. I went on to lose another 16 pounds over six more months, before finally settling around 136 lbs. (I'm almost 5'9"). I've hovered between 135-140 for a little over two years now.

I don't want to minimize anyone else's struggles because we're all different. But for me, it was easy.

youre not alone. once you figure out that you really want it and how to do it, its simple. the hardest part is not drinking it all away on the weekends, but then again, OP is still underage so he's still got a year (or 3 depending on where he lives) to figure that one out

Ooof - tell me about it! I have a serious affinity for GOOD craft beer. One 12 oz bottle of bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout can set me back 400 calories! It's a complete balancing act! haha

Heh. Yeah it took me a while to figure out that one could actually stop drinking Southern Comfort when there was still Southern Comfort to be drank. Who knew?

_errata_ · May 2014

I've always read and heard about people complaining about weight loss being too difficult, or that it's too complicated. I'm on day 48 of my weight loss "journey" if you wish to call it that, and there's been absolutely zero challenges I've faced. I lift weights 3-4 days a week, and eat at a 500 calorie deficit and I've lost 16 pounds.
So what's the big deal with weight loss? Why is it considered to be so impossible?

No_Finish_Line · May 2014

I've always read and heard about people complaining about weight loss being too difficult, or that it's too complicated. I'm on day 48 of my weight loss "journey" if you wish to call it that, and there's been absolutely zero challenges I've faced. I lift weights 3-4 days a week, and eat at a 500 calorie deficit and I've lost 16 pounds.
So what's the big deal with weight loss? Why is it considered to be so impossible?

when everything is going well, it is easy.

but something got you there in the first place, and when conditions are that way again, it wont seem as easy.

Hellbent_Heidi · May 2014

I dont think he will make it 20 years,,,,,with his "intelligent" all knowing mental capacity and his "Oh so Charming" personality, I think the closet he is hiding in will reveal no real GF and a secret inner hatred of himself and all people just as he actually decides to fake committing suicide to garner attention only to let his true intelligence show as the faulty planning turns into the real deal.

RIP

ummmm....WOW - I just figured he's learn some life lessons after a being dumped by some girl and taking solice in a lot of ice cream, but you took it to a whole new level....

Hellbent_Heidi · May 2014

deleted (duplicate post)

chivalryder · May 2014

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Wow.

This has got to be the most successful troll thread I have ever seen! Keep feeding him! this is making for a good afternoon.

Nah, I've seen better. He was called out as a troll too early on for it to be successful. 4/10, maybe 5/10.

I dunno. 13 pages and people are still tying their panties into knots because of him.

MyChocolateDiet · May 2014

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You're an 18 year old male. Get back to me when you're a 45 year old woman.

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:explode:

Making it like it's an age specific thing makes too many older women give up, not even start, or turn to wacky methods that can be weaksauce at best, and dangerous at worst, and financially draining most of the time. It's NOT HARD. It's simple. It just takes time and effort. No matter the age. Last year I lost 25 lbs easy. EASY I say. And I'm no spring chicken.

_errata_ · May 2014

I've always read and heard about people complaining about weight loss being too difficult, or that it's too complicated. I'm on day 48 of my weight loss "journey" if you wish to call it that, and there's been absolutely zero challenges I've faced. I lift weights 3-4 days a week, and eat at a 500 calorie deficit and I've lost 16 pounds.
So what's the big deal with weight loss? Why is it considered to be so impossible?

likitisplit · May 2014

show previous quotes

<Ducking as I write this>

As a 40 year old woman, I found losing weight to be pretty straight-forward and simple. The weight didn't come flying off quickly, but it was steady, reliable and generally easy for me this time around.

My past efforts to lose were difficult and destined for failure because I over-complicated everything with diets, huge calorie deficits, and long lists of forbidden foods. If I went off my rigid track even a little, it always snowballed into a return to the bad habit of overeating all the time and proclaiming myself a failure.

As soon as I realized that all I needed to do is cut a minimal amount of calories from my daily intake (250 in my case) and work harder at moving throughout the day, everything else fell into place. I continued to eat all my favorite foods (not even the diet/light versions). Most days I ate over 2000 calories and still lost consistently. I went from 202 to 152 (my initial goal weight) in about eight months. I went on to lose another 16 pounds over six more months, before finally settling around 136 lbs. (I'm almost 5'9"). I've hovered between 135-140 for a little over two years now.

I don't want to minimize anyone else's struggles because we're all different. But for me, it was easy.

Well I will come out swinging at you and say....yeah for me it is easy to. However unlike our friend here I have enough experience to recognize the challenges and enough empathy to sympathize with them.

^^This. I'm with Wendy. Once I got it figured out, it was kind of like clockwork. I was never too hungry, I did the exercise I can do in a day. Gave myself the freedom to not beat myself up for not doing more and lost the weight.

It's not like that for every successful person on my friend list. Some people do exactly all of that, including losing the weight and it's JUST NOT EASY for them. Every meal, every day takes effort. Every run, every lift feels like a battle. and they do it.

Who am I to look down on that?

UpEarly · May 2014

show previous quotes

<Ducking as I write this>

As a 40 year old woman, I found losing weight to be pretty straight-forward and simple. The weight didn't come flying off quickly, but it was steady, reliable and generally easy for me this time around.

My past efforts to lose were difficult and destined for failure because I over-complicated everything with diets, huge calorie deficits, and long lists of forbidden foods. If I went off my rigid track even a little, it always snowballed into a return to the bad habit of overeating all the time and proclaiming myself a failure.

As soon as I realized that all I needed to do is cut a minimal amount of calories from my daily intake (250 in my case) and work harder at moving throughout the day, everything else fell into place. I continued to eat all my favorite foods (not even the diet/light versions). Most days I ate over 2000 calories and still lost consistently. I went from 202 to 152 (my initial goal weight) in about eight months. I went on to lose another 16 pounds over six more months, before finally settling around 136 lbs. (I'm almost 5'9"). I've hovered between 135-140 for a little over two years now.

I don't want to minimize anyone else's struggles because we're all different. But for me, it was easy.

Well I will come out swinging at you and say....yeah for me it is easy to. However unlike our friend here I have enough experience to recognize the challenges and enough empathy to sympathize with them.

No need to swing at me!

I was very careful to qualify everything I wrote with 'personally' and 'for me', and end my post with 'I don't want to minimize anyone else's struggles because we're all different. '. I'm just trying to say that it finally clicked for me, but I empathize that the struggle in daily and ongoing for many, many people.

Oh no I agree with you, I was just being cute with the "come out swinging" thing based on your "duck". I don't think you are wrong. I don't think the OP is wrong in saying that conceptually weightloss is easy. It of course becomes much easier when its all you have to care about.

Gotcha! I agree - the complications of adult life definitely add to the challenge. :-)

WendyTerry420 · May 2014

Umm so far I'm a few pages in...and is it just me or is this "18 yr old" simply saying a lot of the things the rest of us say?

CI/CO
No excuses
Find a way
Problem solve
Have a WHY

etc, etc, etc.

I read the thread title and thought "finally someone gets it, it doesnt' have to be 3 hours on the treadmill, eating a mushroom and a cucumber and having hunger 'pains' for the rest of the day, yo-yo dieting and extemely low cal goals to get the weight off FAST". I'm a few pages in and I'm still not sure he's not just saying mostly the same.

Once you get the basics down and have a plan it's pretty much smooth sailing with some minor bumps when crap happens, but that's few and far between and not really indicating the weight loss itself is hard but that one's own priorities were shifted temporarily or permanently as the case may be.

So far I'm inclined to want to hire the OP as my motivator and K.I.S.S. coach.

TYVM!

Yes, minor bumps happen, and you flippin' figure that shiz out! You deal with it, like you deal with anything in life. And it sucks *while* it's happening, sure.

But yes, K.I.S.S.

CI/CO
No excuses
Find a way
Problem solve
Have a WHY

etc, etc, etc.

If you haven't had success, keep trying until you figure it out. Keep reading. Keep listening to the smart folks on here, Like Sidesteel and Sara, et al. See a doctor if needed. Keep trying.

Once you find the right macros/calories for *your* life/body, then keep pushin and doing what works. Bump happens? Grab a bandaid and an ice pack. Bridge to cross? Cross that bish and just get it done!

Aaron_K123 · May 2014

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All of this he's 18 and I'm 4o, 41, 42, 45 implies an inherent difference in BIOLOGY in aged people that makes it hard.

Besides my injuries I have to consider when choosing exercise I wasn't aware that there was some biological or physical state that my age bestows on me that nullifies CI/CO? I thought as far as I don't have PCOS or thyroid problems which are rare, I have the same methods as any other human. Am I misinformed? Have I misread hundreds of threads?

I agree with OP that calories in calories out is all there is to it, that conceptually it is easy. I disagree that as an adult balancing your own personal needs with your responsibilities to others is "easy".

The backlash is largely centered on OP's lack of life experience and overall smugness and arrogance.

OK but that wasn't part of his original OP or his thread title. I think he only said so far that the weight loss plan is easy. I don't think he has called adulthood or the responsibilities "easy" but has simply encouraged people (in a blunt style) to work out those challenges and find a way? I read over his posts which seem limited to this thread and that was my read on his posts anyways. I fear people may be reading more into what he is saying just from personal perspectives.

I understand what you are trying to say but honestly if that is really the case then he needs to learn to convey this attitude far more effectively. Because everything about his delivery suggests a smug immature person belittling people for not being able to do something that he is decided is trivial. And frankly I think that is in fact .. the case. I am sorry but I believe you are trying to imagine virtue where none exists.

Oh no OP is a smug immature prick, I was just saying that I agree that weight loss is about calories in versus calories out. I don't think OP has any insight to offer and I find is arrogance amusing.

Francl27 · May 2014

It was easy for me too. Got much harder as I'm getting close to my goal and that I'm in the normal weight range... as going over when you have a smaller deficit can pretty much negate the deficit.

Is losing weight supposed to be hard?

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