From 363.4 to 197.7 lbs: My One-Meal-a-Day Success Story

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Replies

  • Twenty7d
    Twenty7d Posts: 2 Member
    I tell you. You did great... Iv watched a documentary on koisans and they eat about once a day. I learned alot. I think we modern people eat way too much. Iv went on twice a day morning and night, it was crazy hard at first but it changed how i see food etc.
  • lisanangel
    lisanangel Posts: 148 Member
    Please feel free to add me. I have 28 pounds to lose .I'm 4'8 I'm 43 years young !!
  • mcpostelle
    mcpostelle Posts: 418 Member
    Congrats! Indeed 1 meal a deal does work and a lot of cultures now-a-days still eat this way. You're weight loss is not only noticeable, but also very inspirational!!! Keep it up! :drinker: :flowerforyou: :drinker: :flowerforyou: :drinker: :flowerforyou:
  • lisanangel
    lisanangel Posts: 148 Member
    Please feel free to add me. I have 28 pounds to lose .I'm 4'8 I'm 43 years young !!
  • chesnity3
    chesnity3 Posts: 960 Member
    Awesome!
  • harmar21
    harmar21 Posts: 215 Member
    I haven't started this yet, as it is still my backup plan, but one question I have is how do you think constantly switching time slots for meal would affect it. For example, I REALLY like to eat out at lunch with coworkers, so it would be nice for my meal to be at lunch time. However, if I am not eating out with coworkers or on weekends, I rather have my meals at supper. Do you think it would be fine if I didn't stick to same time slot every day and kept swapping between the two, or should I really just stick to same time. (hardest part I guess would be the times I have to go 29-30 hours without eating)..
    Reason I ask it I think it would be hard for me to bring in my OMAD to work. I could definitely do it sometimes, but it limits the type and/or quality of food.
  • LinDiSm26262
    LinDiSm26262 Posts: 234 Member
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1411922-starting-omad-introduce-yourself-here
  • arguablysamson
    arguablysamson Posts: 1,709 Member
    harmar21 wrote: »
    I haven't started this yet, as it is still my backup plan, but one question I have is how do you think constantly switching time slots for meal would affect it. For example, I REALLY like to eat out at lunch with coworkers, so it would be nice for my meal to be at lunch time. However, if I am not eating out with coworkers or on weekends, I rather have my meals at supper. Do you think it would be fine if I didn't stick to same time slot every day and kept swapping between the two, or should I really just stick to same time. (hardest part I guess would be the times I have to go 29-30 hours without eating)..
    Reason I ask it I think it would be hard for me to bring in my OMAD to work. I could definitely do it sometimes, but it limits the type and/or quality of food.

    I wanted to elaborate more on this; many ask if they can vary their time slots, but just asking the question to one's self can often answer it--if you vary your mealtimes, then you are no longer eating OMAD. :-? One meal has to last 23 hours until you eat again, so if you eat when you have an urge, then you naturally will be throwing off the next day's schedule or eating more than once.

    All should remember that CONSISTENCY, just like on any eating plan, is key. Your body needs to be used to when you do what. And eating is no different. Your body will respond better if you set the eating window and pick an eating time within that window. Your body can then predict your habits and adjust your metabolism accordingly. That is very, very important.
  • granddaddy1477
    granddaddy1477 Posts: 1
    Dear Arguablysamson,

    Inspiring story! Great work. Did you do any physical activity during your OMAD journey? I work out a couple of time a week and am interested in adopting OMAD plan. Please advise.

    Granddaddy
  • ianthy
    ianthy Posts: 404 Member
    You did it your way and that's all that matters. Well done!
  • arguablysamson
    arguablysamson Posts: 1,709 Member
    edited October 2014
    granddaddy1477 wrote: »
    Dear Arguablysamson,

    Inspiring story! Great work. Did you do any physical activity during your OMAD journey? I work out a couple of time a week and am interested in adopting OMAD plan. Please advise.

    Granddaddy
    At first, it was just light walking and bicycling. Once I got to 260-240, I added in pushups and faster walking/stair-stepping. Then, finally, weights at around 215-ish and running at 200 and downward. And running is what REALLY takes you to the next level. It is something all should at least remotely aspire to at some point.

    My advice in PMs to all regarding exercise has been...

    1. If you are seriously obese, DO NOT exercise since the chance of injury is too high and the benefits too low since fat is deposited around the internal organs and results in extreme stress, and therefore, cortisol being produced, which slows down weight loss progress (take a look around at how many threads are on the subject of "I'm exercising, why can't I lose?"). Just keep moving regularly and being as active as possible. This is VERY important.

    2. If you are just a few lbs overweight, but not obese, then begin with walking, to walk-running, to running, if possible. This may take a while depending on a lot of factors and health issues. The only other precaution here is regarding level of activity; you may need to eat more based on how active you are. This depends on the individual. It is never good to engage in hugely taxing amounts of physical exercise on low calories, so adopt your OMAD plan to your lifestyle.

    One other thing...

    3. It never hurts to reward your body with the meal about 30 minutes to 1 hour after the most strenuous workout. Try to have a good and dependable workout routine established.

    A few variables notwithstanding, the OMAD layout is very versatile and can be adjusted to the individual.
  • bonkers1224
    bonkers1224 Posts: 80 Member
    WOW JUST WOW :)
  • bootcamp85
    bootcamp85 Posts: 64 Member
    unbelievable transformation.
    You look great.
    And hey, Everyone is different and what may work for someone else, may not work for you (Eating one meal a day).
    Hey, Kudos to you....You look absolutely fantastic
  • ShantelRae72
    ShantelRae72 Posts: 57 Member
    Hi there have been reading all the posts and great job. I am 43 year old single mother at 240 pounds. I started this 3 days ago after stumbling on your story. So far seems to be going great. I am a terrible binge eater. My ? Is what do you consider a splurge day. Eating healthy all day or what you want a few times a day. I want to make sure I do this right. Im picking up the apple vinegar tommorrow. Thanks
  • ShantelRae72
    ShantelRae72 Posts: 57 Member
    edited October 2014
    Seems to be working great on work days. I'm planning Sunday as splurge day . Basically what's to much or really what's to little to push metabolism into high gear because these days are neccasary for good results correct ? Also been doing my 1 meal pretty low carb
  • arguablysamson
    arguablysamson Posts: 1,709 Member
    edited October 2014
    Wow. This makes 96 people now doing this because of me. lol

    ONLY AFTER the first two weeks, bring in the one splurge day per week. In the splurge, you can do grazing all day or one crazy meal, but it's up to you. Then, when done, resume eating at your normal mealtime. From then on, each week can have a splurge day, but never two back-to-back.

    So, so many people find that they see progress right after the splurge day. You'll feel like a lion after he has splurged, so just lay around and enjoy! For those concerned about the binging, yes, this will control the tendency (so long as the plan is followed faithfully).

    Sunday was my weigh day, but the splurge days always varied for me. Don't stress about quantities. Just fill up your plate or count calories (I prefer the plate myself), but consistency is the key. No second portions and no grazing! Sit down to eat and get up and you're done! You'll be getting less calories than you otherwise would have been, and thus, will be on your way to big losing.
  • ShantelRae72
    ShantelRae72 Posts: 57 Member
    thank you. So I hsd my splurge day yesterday ( didnt know about two weeks) so can I keep my splurge day always on Sundsy because you said mix it up but that would be my hardest day. I am going to start over now for two weeks no splurge? also I just picked up the apple vinager from health food store it says can be daily or is there a reason you only do it twice a week. Sorry for all the questions. oh and is two splurge days nessecary for better resultsand can i have whatevet I want on that day...the splurge days just have me confused on what and when
  • ShantelRae72
    ShantelRae72 Posts: 57 Member
    sorry more specific is junk or fastfood allowed on splurge day
  • arguablysamson
    arguablysamson Posts: 1,709 Member
    edited October 2014
    1) For the first half-month I did this, I did it with apple cider vinegar every day with orange or grape juice. Then I went to twice a week. It's up to you. It can be daily. Just felt excessive to me to do everyday with such acidic stuff.

    2) Just about ANYTHING is allowed on ANY day. You will lose all the same. :wink: You can do junk food. Just know that it can make you experience more hunger pains on your lean days. Caution is advised with any straight sugars. Splurge days...it matters not.

    I was so scared of failing at first that I decided to almost never touch a single piece of cake, candy, or cookie etc. and can literally count on one hand the times I splurged with sugar junk until about the 6th or 8th month I was doing this. This was what caused me to develop a rule that whatever I put into my body needed to not just taste good, but be beneficial in some small way. So, for sweets, I went to honey sandwiches and/or peanut butter sandwiches.

    I've sense gone to giving myself sweet treats here and there and I can enjoy them without worry nowadays whether I'm doing one or multiple meals. So make that call for yourself.
  • ShantelRae72
    ShantelRae72 Posts: 57 Member
    Thanks so much. I have basically cut out all sweets. I was doing low carb for so long ( got nowhere) that Im trying to tell myself I can eat bread again but Im still paying attention. Yesterday had the first day off besides Sunday and It was hard but simpler somehow because I kbew I just couldnt eat till it was time. thanks for answering back .Today Ill weigh in at work. Congrats again and Ill keep you posted.
  • pattyebricker
    pattyebricker Posts: 149 Member
    Bump
  • LinDiSm26262
    LinDiSm26262 Posts: 234 Member
    arguablysamson wrote: »
    The one meal a day thing doesn't bother me at all .. but it would never ever work for me. I hate eating .. I am not a food person. I only do it now to keep me breathing, but if I could I would just avoid it altogether. Well except chocolate .. lets be honest.

    How did I get fat .. junk food and pop and endless eating a couple of bad food items.

    So .. my only question, how much did you eat in that one meal ? You never did disclose that.

    My meals can be 200-300 cal for lunch or supper, so having a to eat 6 times that in one meal would be very very hard.

    But you do deserve credit for your progress. Your one meal must have been one **** of a meal though.

    Losing, I started out ridiculously nuts. 700 calories a day. I got smarter and quickly upped this to between 1,100 and 1,400 per day, and later, to 1,400 to 1,600. My loss was consistently fast, especially after getting above 1,100 calories. I had short plateaus and averaged 2.4 lbs per week.

    The one-plate rule is for starting out, but yes, you fill up a standard-sized 10-inch plate full as I describe in the article. Everything is on the plate with the exception of one healthy calorie beverage. All others are non-calorie for the rest of the day. And you can't get more than 1,878 calories on one plate. I've tried.

    This will work for anyone. But snacking or grazing - on anything - is why and how people get fat.

    Now that I'm maintaining, I'm at 2,100 to 2,800 calories a day. That fills two to three plates easy. Tonight was about 3,000 calories, mostly protein. I vary my days and still follow my tastes. Eating is serious work now. For the first time in my life, I have to work to tank up and the only time I think about food is basically when I get ready to prepare it--aside from some occasional phantom cravings from the old days.

    "Hunger high" is pretty cool. It feels so good to run on reserves after you're used to it.

    bump
  • OMADJay
    OMADJay Posts: 2 Member
    Arguablysamson,

    I was motivated to join this site after I came across your OMAD success story and read through many of your posts. I am inspired by your results, and am ready to get out of this rut of obesity and lack of control I have been living over the past 8 years or so. My current physical stats are similar to your 'before' stats. I am a 37 yr old man, 6 ft tall, 350lbs. I am so ready to change my life and take control.

    I marked my calendar to start the OMAD lifestyle on Nov 1, 2014, and created my username to identify with my new eating habits. I look forward to getting some positive changes in my life. I expect it will be tough but so worth it if I can get to a place that you are now living. I learned a lot from your posts; especially my obsession with the scale that has really psyched me out, and that I would be better off avoiding junk food altogether as moderation does not work for me with food.

    Thank you for your contributions to the better good. Wish me luck.

    OMAD Jay
  • ShantelRae72
    ShantelRae72 Posts: 57 Member
    Well.I weighd in on tues 1 week from starting OMAD and I lost 10 pounds so excited . I only did my splurge day on Saturday and have basically cut out sll sugars and bad carbs and I'm eating pretty healthy. I had a rough day Tuesday. ( tired and ligjt headed) but ate a good meal. that night with a piece of fruit and have felt great ever since. Im wondering when is the best time to excecise before or after meal ( I hope before) Thanks so much now the girls in my shop want to
    try it.
  • ShantelRae72
    ShantelRae72 Posts: 57 Member
    nevermind just saw after the meal
  • arguablysamson
    arguablysamson Posts: 1,709 Member
    OMADJay wrote: »
    Arguablysamson,

    I was motivated to join this site after I came across your OMAD success story and read through many of your posts. I am inspired by your results, and am ready to get out of this rut of obesity and lack of control I have been living over the past 8 years or so. My current physical stats are similar to your 'before' stats. I am a 37 yr old man, 6 ft tall, 350lbs. I am so ready to change my life and take control.

    I marked my calendar to start the OMAD lifestyle on Nov 1, 2014, and created my username to identify with my new eating habits. I look forward to getting some positive changes in my life. I expect it will be tough but so worth it if I can get to a place that you are now living. I learned a lot from your posts; especially my obsession with the scale that has really psyched me out, and that I would be better off avoiding junk food altogether as moderation does not work for me with food.

    Thank you for your contributions to the better good. Wish me luck.

    OMAD Jay

    Hi, Jay.

    It will work. Just do the plan and then live your life. Don't get obsessed and don't get impatient (like a lot of people do and just quit before their bodies have time to make long-term metabolic changes -- about 4 to 6 months).

    Keep a steady hand and avoid extensive deviation from the plan if at all possible (this includes "trying" new things like many others do around these parts when they get bored with their progress).

    And it doesn't matter what anyone else does or says. It's you that's in the driver's seat. Take the lead and you will change yourself and your life forever.

    Everybody talks about losing weight. You will be one of the ones who actually goes out and does it.

    :-)

  • Emma2346
    Emma2346 Posts: 1 Member
    Wow! This thread is so inspiring. I'm starting today. I'm not excessively overweight but I do struggle with weight loss. I'm hoping to lose about 20lbs and think I can achieve it with OMAD. Keep posting your stories people and a big well done to OP
  • arguablysamson
    arguablysamson Posts: 1,709 Member
    edited November 2014
    A couple more pics, the last taken about four months ago...
    Screenshot2014-11-10at75733PM_zpscd7e6642.png
    363 lbs
    0b3e0161-16d7-4463-bbf4-998b93f7c6c0_zpsa05ba57b.png
    197 lbs
  • rainbowblu
    rainbowblu Posts: 119 Member
    One of my best friends eats one meal a day, she has never been fat..at least not in the 12 years that I've known her. Her one meal a day is always KFc or fast food, but hey..she has been a size 6 forever so to each their own and congrats on your weight loss!
  • OMADTammy
    OMADTammy Posts: 30 Member
    You look wonderful.... This was my normal way of eating until life led me to 3 meals a day and some. I have to congratulate you on your weight loss. You look amazing....... I have been trying everything out there with no success due to I have consumed myself into thinking I have to eat 3x a day. As of yesterday I just went back to OMAD and what I have realized is I'm not as hungry as I thought I was. Just out of curiosity, how long did it take you to lose your weight?

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