Anyone else have to struggle like me?

So, I have been overweight since a kid. 164 lbs at age 9 and 218 by age 12. I was born into poverty. 25 years later I fought and escaped. I lost 120 pounds Biggest Loser style (literally, I was a contestant). But have found that 1 hour a day and watching calories simply doesn't cut it for me for losing weight. I put back on 25 lbs and although I am proud to still be down over 90, I just cannot fathom that my life requires 1-1.5 hours a day, plus saying below 1500 cals to MAINTAIN! Losing is a whole different game for me. Is there anyone else out there that just has to workout A LOT, and REALLY hard, and REALLY watch everything and cut out almost everything (grains, alcohol, etc) JUST TO lose weight. I saw a girl on Instagram and she lost 110 pounds in 11 months. I asker her how she did it, she said working out 2-3 hours a day, no alcohol, and low carb. I mean for those who REALLY struggle. Im talking those who have really had to fight for it-not just someone who got lazy and gained weight later in life. I am talking about those who have ALWAYS been overweight. Is this your life now? A daily fight? I am not complaining. I am just really trying to comprehend that it truly requires this much work to get and keep it off. ANYONE else out there relate? And yes I have had thryoid tc checked. If I work out hours a day, cut back cals, and do not drink I lose. If I workout 1 hour a day, watch cals, and even go out to eat 1-2 times a week, I gain or just maintain. CAN ANYONE relate?
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Replies

  • bulk_n_cut
    bulk_n_cut Posts: 389 Member
    yeah everyone really struggles ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
  • jenncornelsen
    jenncornelsen Posts: 969 Member
    Guess im one of those lazy people . Good luck though
  • thatguynick
    thatguynick Posts: 106 Member
    I've always been overweight, even though growing up I rode a bike, hiked, played basketball during PE, etc. I will admit I did spend time in front of the tv and ate for the most part typical southern food, but still I was active because all of my friends were skinny and I had to try to keep up. Much later in life I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, which makes losing weight a lot harder. I'm on medication for it now, which helps.
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    Guess im one of those lazy people . Good luck though

    Me too....
  • azulvioleta6
    azulvioleta6 Posts: 4,195 Member
    I have to get an hour or two of exercise every day and eat under 1400 for maintenance. I tend to do an hour of something intense and an hour of something lighter (walking) or fun (dancing). I also have to seriously limit my carbs.

    I have five different metabolic diseases. If I want to stay anywhere near a normal weight, this is how hard I have to work. It sucks, but that's just reality.
  • LOVEMYFAMILY_1206
    LOVEMYFAMILY_1206 Posts: 11 Member
    edited April 2015
    I struggle as well. If I do not carefully watch my calories, and exercise at least 4 times a week, I blow up balloon style! I have always been on the thick side. I have lost 50 pounds 4 times in my life, but since having 2 kids, it is harder then ever. I am 5' 2 and I weighed 189. Since doing my fitness pal and buying a fitbit, I am down to 177. Sooo.. you are not alone :-D
  • williamwj2014
    williamwj2014 Posts: 750 Member
    Another whiney post about how not being able to drink alcohol and eat cheese burgers every day all day is hard....
  • maasha81
    maasha81 Posts: 733 Member
    I have PCOS so my weight can easily buffoon if I don't have portion control. I was always at a healthy weight but not fit. Taking that extra 1 to 1.5 hr to workout 4 - 5 times a week is worth it to me ...and it can be a challenge at times but I love that post-workout rush!

    I also noticed as I have crossed 32 yrs that it has become so easy to gain weight ..I figure my metabolism isn't what it used to be.

    I don't view any of it as a struggle or chore but a lifestyle change.
  • LOVEMYFAMILY_1206
    LOVEMYFAMILY_1206 Posts: 11 Member
    Another whiney post about how not being able to drink alcohol and eat cheese burgers every day all day is hard....
    I thought this was a support forum? why say anything if you cannot be nice? maybe give some advice or tips instead of making fun of her post?
  • williamwj2014
    williamwj2014 Posts: 750 Member
    Another whiney post about how not being able to drink alcohol and eat cheese burgers every day all day is hard....
    I thought this was a support forum? why say anything if you cannot be nice? maybe give some advice or tips instead of making fun of her post?
    You're right I should of been nicer. Too many threads like this with the same story and how it mentions not being able to drink alcohol/eat whatever.

    Simply put, If you look at weight loss as something temporary and have the old mindset ingrained into your head instead of looking at eating healthier as your lifestyle, it will be a "struggle" as OP put it. There's a difference between want and need...you don't NEED alcohol and cheeseburgers, you want them because they're much more satisfying than eating say, chicken breast. Creativity is how maintaining weight/losing will make you successful in the long run..I find myself getting bored of the same meals so I have to get creative in the kitchen without giving in to the unhealthy alternatives. Don't get me wrong, moderation is key if you do want to go there..

    As for working out..do you not have any fitness goals? Set some goals..no matter how big or small, set some and it will have you looking forward to working towards it. 1 hour a day is not going to kill you...

    Anyways,

    TL;DR- Get creative with your meals, create fitness goals.

  • csteuter
    csteuter Posts: 87 Member
    Another whiney post about how not being able to drink alcohol and eat cheese burgers every day all day is hard....

    Yeah, must be easy for some people to judge because their weight loss journey is so easy. I guess we all wish we were you.
  • bulk_n_cut
    bulk_n_cut Posts: 389 Member
    Another whiney post about how not being able to drink alcohol and eat cheese burgers every day all day is hard....
    I thought this was a support forum? why say anything if you cannot be nice? maybe give some advice or tips instead of making fun of her post?

    because OP never asked for advice. OP asked for sympathy. No one appreciates someone being a martyr.
    csteuter wrote: »
    Another whiney post about how not being able to drink alcohol and eat cheese burgers every day all day is hard....

    Yeah, must be easy for some people to judge because their weight loss journey is so easy. I guess we all wish we were you.

    this and OP's post is infuriating to those who have accomplished their fitness goals, because it implies their journey was easy. wishing to be like the successful ones isn't helpful to anyone. working as hard as the successful ones, on the other hand...
  • jenncornelsen
    jenncornelsen Posts: 969 Member
    Another whiney post about how not being able to drink alcohol and eat cheese burgers every day all day is hard....
    I thought this was a support forum? why say anything if you cannot be nice? maybe give some advice or tips instead of making fun of her post?

    because OP never asked for advice. OP asked for sympathy. No one appreciates someone being a martyr.
    csteuter wrote: »
    Another whiney post about how not being able to drink alcohol and eat cheese burgers every day all day is hard....

    Yeah, must be easy for some people to judge because their weight loss journey is so easy. I guess we all wish we were you.

    this and OP's post is infuriating to those who have accomplished their fitness goals, because it implies their journey was easy. wishing to be like the successful ones isn't helpful to anyone. working as hard as the successful ones, on the other hand...

    Honestly I found her post demeaning to those of us who gained later on. She did say 'just got lazy' thanks shes a real sweetheart. Saying her struggles matter more than mine doesnt leave me with good vibes. I have worked so hard to get where I am do I really not matter? Ugh end rant just seriously read her words
  • bulk_n_cut
    bulk_n_cut Posts: 389 Member
    Honestly I found her post demeaning to those of us who gained later on. She did say 'just got lazy' thanks shes a real sweetheart. Saying her struggles matter more than mine doesnt leave me with good vibes. I have worked so hard to get where I am do I really not matter? Ugh end rant just seriously read her words

    ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
    oh well whatcanyado
  • jenncornelsen
    jenncornelsen Posts: 969 Member
    Honestly I found her post demeaning to those of us who gained later on. She did say 'just got lazy' thanks shes a real sweetheart. Saying her struggles matter more than mine doesnt leave me with good vibes. I have worked so hard to get where I am do I really not matter? Ugh end rant just seriously read her words

    ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
    oh well whatcanyado

    Lol suppose ill go eat that amazing cheeseburger
  • NowSteffy50
    NowSteffy50 Posts: 33 Member
    I think everyone feels this in some way " the universe is unfair". I have a diabetic mother-in-law who shouldn't eat sugar, but convinces herself she knows better than her doctor, and will get away with it. Alcoholics convince themselves they can have a 'safe' drink and smokers are convinced that it is everyone else who gets cancer.

    It is hard. We all know it. And if you are very successful at putting on large amounts of weight (like me), then its probable that your body's chemistry is tuned to do so, and that tuning will fight against you for every ounce you want to lose or want to keep off.

    But if this site tells you anything, is that lots of people do manage to lose the weight and most find their own way to deal with the compromises they need to live with in order to remain at their healthy weight. We will always be FAT people, but hopefully, at the end of our journeys, we will be FAT people who know how to successfully stay at a healthy weight.

  • DKG28
    DKG28 Posts: 299 Member
    Grew up overweight. Sat the dinner table every night hearing my sister being told to eat more and have dessert because she was underweight while I wasn't allowed seconds and dessert. We were equally active and my mom cooked homemade healthy everyday. No one says the universe is fair. Some people have to work harder to have the same thing another person has without hard work. Even if you had an explanation, it won't change your circumstances. Only you can do that by the choices you make. I can't tell you why I eat less and weigh more than my entire family, but that's the way it is and I'm choosing to do something about it.
  • LOVEMYFAMILY_1206
    LOVEMYFAMILY_1206 Posts: 11 Member
    Another whiney post about how not being able to drink alcohol and eat cheese burgers every day all day is hard....
    I thought this was a support forum? why say anything if you cannot be nice? maybe give some advice or tips instead of making fun of her post?
    You're right I should of been nicer. Too many threads like this with the same story and how it mentions not being able to drink alcohol/eat whatever.

    Simply put, If you look at weight loss as something temporary and have the old mindset ingrained into your head instead of looking at eating healthier as your lifestyle, it will be a "struggle" as OP put it. There's a difference between want and need...you don't NEED alcohol and cheeseburgers, you want them because they're much more satisfying than eating say, chicken breast. Creativity is how maintaining weight/losing will make you successful in the long run..I find myself getting bored of the same meals so I have to get creative in the kitchen without giving in to the unhealthy alternatives. Don't get me wrong, moderation is key if you do want to go there..

    As for working out..do you not have any fitness goals? Set some goals..no matter how big or small, set some and it will have you looking forward to working towards it. 1 hour a day is not going to kill you...

    Anyways,

    TL;DR- Get creative with your meals, create fitness goals.

  • purebredpolly
    purebredpolly Posts: 318 Member
    Yes! I must work hard for every ounce lost, and I must fight to keep it off.
  • sharebear2012
    sharebear2012 Posts: 122 Member
    Alexandra wrote: »
    So, I have been overweight since a kid. 164 lbs at age 9 and 218 by age 12. I was born into poverty. 25 years later I fought and escaped. I lost 120 pounds Biggest Loser style (literally, I was a contestant). But have found that 1 hour a day and watching calories simply doesn't cut it for me for losing weight. I put back on 25 lbs and although I am proud to still be down over 90, I just cannot fathom that my life requires 1-1.5 hours a day, plus saying below 1500 cals to MAINTAIN! Losing is a whole different game for me. Is there anyone else out there that just has to workout A LOT, and REALLY hard, and REALLY watch everything and cut out almost everything (grains, alcohol, etc) JUST TO lose weight. I saw a girl on Instagram and she lost 110 pounds in 11 months. I asker her how she did it, she said working out 2-3 hours a day, no alcohol, and low carb. I mean for those who REALLY struggle. Im talking those who have really had to fight for it-not just someone who got lazy and gained weight later in life. I am talking about those who have ALWAYS been overweight. Is this your life now? A daily fight? I am not complaining. I am just really trying to comprehend that it truly requires this much work to get and keep it off. ANYONE else out there relate? And yes I have had thryoid tc checked. If I work out hours a day, cut back cals, and do not drink I lose. If I workout 1 hour a day, watch cals, and even go out to eat 1-2 times a week, I gain or just maintain. CAN ANYONE relate?

    Yep that what it takes to maintain in my experience. Like you if I eat out too much, drink too much alcohol or miss out on my workouts I start to gain. My maintenance calorie intake before exercise is about 1400 (pretty low). Just the way it is. Good luck maintaining! It is worth it.
  • crazyjerseygirl
    crazyjerseygirl Posts: 1,252 Member
    Alexandra wrote: »
    So, I have been overweight since a kid. 164 lbs at age 9 and 218 by age 12. I was born into poverty. 25 years later I fought and escaped. I lost 120 pounds Biggest Loser style (literally, I was a contestant). But have found that 1 hour a day and watching calories simply doesn't cut it for me for losing weight. I put back on 25 lbs and although I am proud to still be down over 90, I just cannot fathom that my life requires 1-1.5 hours a day, plus saying below 1500 cals to MAINTAIN! Losing is a whole different game for me. Is there anyone else out there that just has to workout A LOT, and REALLY hard, and REALLY watch everything and cut out almost everything (grains, alcohol, etc) JUST TO lose weight. I saw a girl on Instagram and she lost 110 pounds in 11 months. I asker her how she did it, she said working out 2-3 hours a day, no alcohol, and low carb. I mean for those who REALLY struggle. Im talking those who have really had to fight for it-not just someone who got lazy and gained weight later in life. I am talking about those who have ALWAYS been overweight. Is this your life now? A daily fight? I am not complaining. I am just really trying to comprehend that it truly requires this much work to get and keep it off. ANYONE else out there relate? And yes I have had thryoid tc checked. If I work out hours a day, cut back cals, and do not drink I lose. If I workout 1 hour a day, watch cals, and even go out to eat 1-2 times a week, I gain or just maintain. CAN ANYONE relate?

    My social worker told me to view overrating the way alcoholics view drinks. You take it one day at a time.

    You've struggled a lot, and yeah it sucks, but reality sucks.

    As for the hour a day exercising, maybe exercise harder? Heavier weights etc?
  • dianna1286
    dianna1286 Posts: 37 Member
    Alexandra wrote: »
    So, I have been overweight since a kid. 164 lbs at age 9 and 218 by age 12. I was born into poverty. 25 years later I fought and escaped. I lost 120 pounds Biggest Loser style (literally, I was a contestant). But have found that 1 hour a day and watching calories simply doesn't cut it for me for losing weight. I put back on 25 lbs and although I am proud to still be down over 90, I just cannot fathom that my life requires 1-1.5 hours a day, plus saying below 1500 cals to MAINTAIN! Losing is a whole different game for me. Is there anyone else out there that just has to workout A LOT, and REALLY hard, and REALLY watch everything and cut out almost everything (grains, alcohol, etc) JUST TO lose weight. I saw a girl on Instagram and she lost 110 pounds in 11 months. I asker her how she did it, she said working out 2-3 hours a day, no alcohol, and low carb. I mean for those who REALLY struggle. Im talking those who have really had to fight for it-not just someone who got lazy and gained weight later in life. I am talking about those who have ALWAYS been overweight. Is this your life now? A daily fight? I am not complaining. I am just really trying to comprehend that it truly requires this much work to get and keep it off. ANYONE else out there relate? And yes I have had thryoid tc checked. If I work out hours a day, cut back cals, and do not drink I lose. If I workout 1 hour a day, watch cals, and even go out to eat 1-2 times a week, I gain or just maintain. CAN ANYONE relate?


    Growing up I was the only overweight person in my family. Now, I'm the skinniest. It took a long time including hours at the gym but anyone can do iy
  • D_squareG
    D_squareG Posts: 361 Member
    Quit blaming everyone but the one who puts the food in your mouth. Sorry. Just reality.
  • D_squareG
    D_squareG Posts: 361 Member
    And oh, by the way, I grew up in an 8 x 35 trailer and I don't blame it for my weight issues.
  • slimmimi81
    slimmimi81 Posts: 9 Member
    It takes a lot of self control.. I've been using this app for almost 4 years I managed to maintain myself now at a healthy weight. It's not easy but it's just a life style change I don't see it as being on a diet nor do I count my calories daily (I pretty much already know my intake)but I do try to work out 5 days a week and it seems to keep me at the heathy weight I should be.
  • CrazyMermaid1
    CrazyMermaid1 Posts: 356 Member
    Why are there so many mean people on these threads?
  • mausbop
    mausbop Posts: 554 Member
    If the OP said something you don't like, that doesn't allow you to say something not nice back. She is clearly struggling and in a down/bad mood, no need to be picky on her words. << this doesn't allow her to say something bad too, we agree on that.

    Anyway, don't let yourself be discouraged, everyone is different and what works for me maybe doesn't work for you. Maybe the problem for you is not just the carbs but something else too, there are so many nutrients in food. Track down what you eat and keep an overall view of the foods. If you weight daily and track that down too, you can maybe see a "pattern" ?
    I'm not an expert so I can't say much, hope this helps or inspires some other advises.
  • ladyblive
    ladyblive Posts: 7 Member
    I have no excuses other than I just love food, it's like being a drug or alcohol addict the only difference is that you do not need drugs or alcohol to live so you can abstain from those whereas you obviously need to eat to live how can you abstain from food, it feels like a punishment. An alcoholic would find it difficult to drink in moderation or a drug addict to use in moderation but that is exactly what foodaholics have to do, yes it's difficult.
  • ladyblive
    ladyblive Posts: 7 Member
    When you have a bad food day don't beat yourself up about it just say to yourself that was bad I'll do better tomorrow and keep going that is what I do.
  • NoIdea101NoIdea
    NoIdea101NoIdea Posts: 659 Member
    OK, i'm a bit confused by this post...

    Weight loss is HARD. End of. Do you have a medical condition which makes it near impossible to lose weight? If not, you should count yourself lucky because that truly is difficult.

    We all struggle; in fact, losing weight is as much a mental thing as it is a physical thing. Take those with eating disorders for example, especially something like Binge Eating Disorder. I struggle with BED, and i can lose weight, but very slowly; for example, i'll lose 3lbs, binge and put on 1lb, eat healthily again and lose another 4lbs, then gain another 2lbs....and unless you've been there, you have no idea the mental 'difficulty' and hardship that comes with trying to keep control over something like that to lose weight.

    I was very overweight as a kid, and then i lose all the weight after anorexia. It was going through recovery that i went in the complete opposite side of the scale and found myself binge eating, and ended up gaining 30lbs. So are you calling me lazy? Because i find that extremely insulting.

    I feel like i'm rambling, but as i said, i'm a bit confused by this post and how to react about it. I know OP is just venting about how difficult it is, but the 'lazy' quote was out of order and actually quite offensive to everyone who has struggled with weight loss goals. We all struggle, you're not a special snowflake, and if it really is that difficult then go and get yourself checked out by a doctor and make sure there aren't any medical conditions stopping you from losing weight. I do wish you all the best, i really do, because i can appreciate how difficult it is and how disheartening it is to put in so much work and not see the result you want straight away, but you're not the only one who struggles. And that is one of the reasons MFP is such a great place, because there are people who are struggling who are willing to support each other.