This is ridiculous!!

pdwhitlock wrote: »

I hear ya! I began almost four weeks ago and have so far only lost 10 pounds. It seems so small for the huge effort I've been putting into this that often times I wonder if it's worth it. Not to mention, I haven't seen any change in over a week.

It's all about attitude. Instead of ONLY LOST 10 POUNDS. You should rejoice in the accomplishment of losing ten pounds in a month. You do realize at that rate you would lose 120 pounds in a year? This is a slow process. Remember for most of us gaining the weight was also a slow process. So long as you are moving in the right direction you are winning. All the work getting to your goals is simply training yourself in this new lifestyle. Enjoy the process.

ShellyBell999 wrote: »

"Change your attitude, change your life"

Need to stop thinking its and end to being overweight but a ride to fit and healthy

Luck!

This speaks to me. I feel like I've already "succeeded," even though I still have a lot of weight to lose. For about three years now my attitude towards food and fitness is just different than it used to be, but it's taken a lot of determination, hard work, and patience to get here. I'm more aware of my physical self than I was before and I don't hate my body anymore. Believe me, it's far from beautiful, but I'm strong and somewhat fit. I can do hard things and I'm proud of what I've accomplished so far. I'm not waiting for some distant future when I'll be a size 4 and life will be rainbows and pretty music -- for *years* I had this idea that when I got skinny everything else would fall into place. I'm happy with now. Does that make sense?

It doesn't matter whether you have 5 pounds or 200 pounds to lose. It takes effort and commitment, and we can all do this. It is not easy for anyone. With the statistics being what they are, the biggest challenge is staying committed after reaching your goal and not allowing yourself to go back to old habits and regaining. I know that I will be logging for the rest of my life. Thank goodness I found MFP. If I did not save my life, I at least made what is left of it more healthy and at a "normal" weight. If I can do it (in my 60's) anyone can! Best of luck to everyone!

Runyan2002 wrote: »

Well the less you need to lose, the harder it is to lose it.

This isn't necessarily true. A calorie deficit is required no matter what your goals are. While it may be true that a heavier person burns more calories doing the same activity as a lighter person, that doesn't make it any easier. That heavier person is carrying more weight. That isn't easier. When a 130 pound person may struggle to run a mile, can you even imagine running that mile with a 50 or 100 lb backpack?

The heavier person has likely also had more years of complacency with a bad diet. They may be used to eating more calories and so cutting down to half that may be harder for them than somebody who has not been overeating by such a huge margin for so long (because if they were, they'd have further to go).

I don't think any one pound is inherently harder than another based on starting weight. Not physiologically anyway. Mentally, sure it may be harder to stay motivated when you've felt like you've been doing it so long, making those last few pounds a challenge. It may also be easier because you've developed new tastes and helpful habits.

Its all about finding those 3000 calories. No matter where you're starting from.

I've lost 50 lbs so far. I have gone off and come back. As soon as I stop tracking my calories, I either stay the same or my weight starts to go up. I don't do the whole "healthy" thing. I've tried that in the past and it doesn't work for me. I eat and drink whatever I want as long as I stay within my calories. I've become very conscious of portions and calories. Whereas I used to sit down with a bag of chips and eat half of it, I know take out a handful, put the bag back and then count the calories. I also try to fill in my diary for the day first thing in the morning. I can fill out most of it and whatever is leftover I add as I go along. Plus, definitely do some exercise. If for no other reason then to get more calories that you can eat for the day. I walk and burn about 200-250 calories every day. That's extra calories that I get to eat. I use a heart rate monitor so that I keep accurate count of my calories burned. Some say that you can't lose weight by just walking and have to run and/or lift weights. Well, 50 lbs later, I'd like to see them prove that theory!

Don't ever give up. Don't be sitting here next year at this time and think "if only I stuck to it I would be at goal today".

yoovie wrote: »

because motivation isnt the secret ingredient.

it's commitment.

That is one of the best comments I have read!

stanker859 wrote: »

I hear all these AWESOME. Successes stories about women and men losing 70 80 90 even 100lbs just by changing their lifestyle and they have the discipline to do it! I'm trying to lose just 35 lbs and it's seems like the impossible. I've had so much trail and error when it's come to weight loss and it's just ridiculous anymore! I no 35 lbs is actually quite a bit of weight to lose but it's not nearly as much as some people have lost. Why is it so hard for me to stay motivated when I hate my body and I feel so large and bulky and just plain FAT! I feel determined I will conquer weight loss this time! Feel free to add me so I can help get y'all motivated and y'all can return the favor as that's the hardest part of weight loss as it seems to be!!!

youre just like the rest of us , hang in there , if youre unhappy with your body, know that you can and you will change it and as you start to see progress you will get that motivation you lack, dont give up , we are all fighting the same battle , you will be the success story you read

I wasn't able to lose my last eight pounds until I cut my sugar to 25g per day and kept my carbs under 100g per day. I eat plenty of good fats, protein and veggies. After a while of eating like this, I found I wasn't very hungry and the cravings are gone. My sugar intake was too high, even though my calories were fine and it stalled my weight loss.

yoovie wrote: »

because motivation isnt the secret ingredient.

it's commitment.

Agreed.

I understand and support you.