It's not that hard..
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I think you did an awesome job. True it's not easy, if do anyone would do it. I think when you say it's not hard, it's not hard in concept. Outs just the application. Being consistent, and diligent that's where the problems come.0
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SingRunTing wrote: »I wanted to add that I think the hardest part for me is patience.
Calculating and sticking to a calorie deficit is easy for me. It's only hard to continue to trust the process when your weight is fluctuating around instead of going down down down. Having the patience and trust in the process is the hardest part for me.
Hear hear!0 -
MenonWaves wrote: »It's not that hard if you don't have a life. If you are losing weight to have a social life, a relationship, to enjoy more activities, giving up 4 hours a day exercising is no big deal. I am giving up social activities and time I spend with family and friends to fit in those four hours in addition to working a full time job and spending at least six hours a night trying to start my own business and the daily practicing, writing and recording that comes with being a musician. I don't even meet my caloric intake (I'm usually a about 700-900) in trying to schedule meals around when I can work out and everything else I do. I even canceled my vacation because the hotel where usually stay has closed their gym for renovations and everything else is now booked.
Yes, this is so easy...
Weight loss is about calories, math and eating at a deficit. Simple as that. No way do you need to (or should) be exercising for four hours a day. I did NO exercise at all when I was in my active weight loss phase, and I lost the weight with no issues at all.
As for not having a social life because you're trying to lose weight-seriously? I'm married with 3 kids and we have a crazy schedule between two kids in hockey, music lessons, girls scouts, church activities/volunteering, hobbies etc etc. You can make this whole thing as simple or as complicated as you want-that's on you. I chose to keep it simple-ate at a calorie deficit and lost the weight. That's it. Lost almost 60lbs and I've been successfully maintaining for over two years now.
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I'm not finding it hard at the moment, though I'm trying not to take it for granted, because it might not always be like this. So far, the hardest part was learning to spread my calories out throughout the day, but my habits are pretty much fixed by now.
My co-workers like to ask about my progress every Monday (weigh-in day) and when I tell them, they start whooping and clapping and whatnot. I really don't know how to react because I don't feel like I truly did anything.0 -
MenonWaves wrote: »It's not that hard if you don't have a life. If you are losing weight to have a social life, a relationship, to enjoy more activities, giving up 4 hours a day exercising is no big deal. I am giving up social activities and time I spend with family and friends to fit in those four hours in addition to working a full time job and spending at least six hours a night trying to start my own business and the daily practicing, writing and recording that comes with being a musician. I don't even meet my caloric intake (I'm usually a about 700-900) in trying to schedule meals around when I can work out and everything else I do. I even canceled my vacation because the hotel where usually stay has closed their gym for renovations and everything else is now booked.
Yes, this is so easy...
No. You are making it hard. You are being too hard on yourself. Relax. Don't fight your cravings, but when you crave eat 'some' of what you want, not 'until you can't stuff any more of what you want in your stomach'. Don't exercise for 4 hours *every day* especially if you're not even getting to 1200 calories. If you're getting headaches from not eating: EAT.
But, also make sure you're actually counting, measuring, etc. Cause there's nothing worse than thinking you're starving yourself and not seeing progress, when you're actually over-feeding yourself.
And also accept that 'progress' is .5-2lbs/week if you're doing it right. SLOW. It is what it is.
If you're doing all of this and literally not seeing progress? Then you may have a metabolic disorder and need to see a doctor, not kill yourself at the gym...
And to the OP: yep. Easy-peasy! Stupid easy-peasy... as soon as I accepted the above. I don't even really exercise (and apparently, can't. Think I gave myself a hernia doing *two* situps last week. How stupid is that, especially from an avid horseback rider who should in theory have some pretty good stomach muscles XD ), though I go out of my way to not be lazy (always stairs, walk anywhere less than a mile away, etc). Spend all day telling people who tell me it's so great I've lost so much weight because it's so hard, that if they stop thinking all they can do is eat a giant cucumber all day in order to lose weight it'd be a lot easier for THEM too, but... eh. No one wants to believe that. More ice cream and cookies for me I guess
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MenonWaves wrote: »It's not that hard if you don't have a life. If you are losing weight to have a social life, a relationship, to enjoy more activities, giving up 4 hours a day exercising is no big deal. I am giving up social activities and time I spend with family and friends to fit in those four hours in addition to working a full time job and spending at least six hours a night trying to start my own business and the daily practicing, writing and recording that comes with being a musician. I don't even meet my caloric intake (I'm usually a about 700-900) in trying to schedule meals around when I can work out and everything else I do. I even canceled my vacation because the hotel where usually stay has closed their gym for renovations and everything else is now booked.
Yes, this is so easy...
Was going to give you advice but decided hugs were in order instead.
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Put another way, and something that has happened to me twice, actually what made me post the topic - One of your friends comments about your weight loss and asks you how you did it? Was it hard? Do you think I could do it?
Answer A) Sure you can do it. It isn't as hard as you might think. I'd be glad to help you get started if you like.
Answer
You can do it but it's really hard. You have to be dedicated, conscious of what you eat, fight your cravings, increase your exercise and be really patient. It was hard work for me to lose the weight I did and I really had to work at it.
Which answer might inspire them to give it a go?
When I first started I didn't really think it would work. I imagined eating an egg and half a piece of toast for breakfast and having to work out a lot. By "easy" I meant WAY easier than I would have thought! Do I "dumb it down" a little to get someone interested? Yup
Thank you for your perspective! I've found this process very difficult mentally, but reading this thread I'm inspired to try changing my mindset. For the first time in my life I'm enjoying exercise so that's a good start
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Put another way, and something that has happened to me twice, actually what made me post the topic - One of your friends comments about your weight loss and asks you how you did it? Was it hard? Do you think I could do it?
Answer A) Sure you can do it. It isn't as hard as you might think. I'd be glad to help you get started if you like.
Answer You can do it but it's really hard. You have to be dedicated, conscious of what you eat, fight your cravings, increase your exercise and be really patient. It was hard work for me to lose the weight I did and I really had to work at it.
Which answer might inspire them to give it a go?
When I first started I didn't really think it would work. I imagined eating an egg and half a piece of toast for breakfast and having to work out a lot. By "easy" I meant WAY easier than I would have thought! Do I "dumb it down" a little to get someone interested? Yup
But Why does anyone have to blow smoke just for the sake of being "inspirational"? Answer the question, tell your truth, whatever that may be. We already have the diet and fitness industry telling people oh it's so easy no problem there's hardly any hard work involved. And depending on the person's circumstance, that won't necessarily be the case. Whomever is asking is an adult and can make their decision based on the facts, no need for sugar coating, IMO
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This morning I hit -60 pounds. It's been 28 months from a high of 257. People usually say something like "Good for you! Losing weight is SO hard!" Usually I just say thank you and occasionally I will voice what I am thinking "It's really not that hard."
I will admit this is the first time I ever tried to lose weight other than the occasional short lived fads but I really feel that armed with proper knowledge, dismissing all those myths you always heard and having of a terrific tool like MFP had made this SO much easier than I ever thought possible. Not "easy" by any stretch, just not that hard.
For those of you with some success, do you agree or disagree?
I agree.
If I had known how easy it was going to be to lose the 30 lbs I have lost, I'd have done it a couple years ago.
Yes, there were a few challenges, but nothing overwhelming.
And congrats!
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Put another way, and something that has happened to me twice, actually what made me post the topic - One of your friends comments about your weight loss and asks you how you did it? Was it hard?
Funny thing ... my Dr asked me that very question on Thursday.
I had been to see her in early December and when she weighed me, she suggested that it would be a good idea to lose some weight.
So on Thursday, I was in to see her for something else and while there, I asked her to weigh me. She was a bit surprised by that ... how many patients want to be weighed? But she humoured me. Then I asked her to check her records back in December. She was so pleased to see the difference!!
Then she turned to me and asked, "Was it hard?"
My answer ... "No. It was a lot easier than I imagined it would be. There were ups and downs, good days and days where I struggled a bit ... but overall it wasn't too difficult at all."
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MenonWaves wrote: »It's not that hard if you don't have a life. If you are losing weight to have a social life, a relationship, to enjoy more activities, giving up 4 hours a day exercising is no big deal. I am giving up social activities and time I spend with family and friends to fit in those four hours in addition to working a full time job and spending at least six hours a night trying to start my own business and the daily practicing, writing and recording that comes with being a musician. I don't even meet my caloric intake (I'm usually a about 700-900) in trying to schedule meals around when I can work out and everything else I do. I even canceled my vacation because the hotel where usually stay has closed their gym for renovations and everything else is now booked.
Yes, this is so easy...
My life became more social right after I signed up here. Normally, it's not overly social, but it seemed like the second I clicked Submit here, the planets aligned and suddenly my husband I were travelling, going out to dinner with friends, and all sorts of things.
A couple posts above this, I mentioned challenges ... that was one. It required some strategic planning to be able to do the things I wanted and still maintain my calorie deficit.
Fortunately, I love cycling. I've loved cycling since I first hopped on a bicycle when I was about 4 years old, and I've been cycling "seriously" for the past 25 years. So, yes, my husband (who also loves cycling) and I might cycle for 4 hours on a weekend. But not every weekend. My ride today was only about 1.5 hours. Whatever the time or distance, it helps me burn calories, and I love doing it.
But during the week, I just walk for an hour or two as part of my day. A little bit as part of my commute, more at lunch, and a few times a week with my husband in the evening. I enjoy walking almost as much as cycling.
I'm afraid I really don't understand your last statement: "I even canceled my vacation because the hotel where usually stay has closed their gym for renovations" So what? Aren't there other activities around the area where you planned to go? Hiking? Swimming? Kayaking? Cycling? Even just going on long sight-seeing walks?
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^^ That's actually one of the reasons I feel like I need to rest after most vacations. It seems our job is walking on those days0
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For me, it's definitely about research! Knowledge is one of the greatest tools. If you just do a little reading on weight loss you'll find the secrets. It doesn't have to be sold to you through an infomercial, or at a kiosk in the mall. That's where the internet helps out so much because everything is right there at your fingertips!!0
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ObiWanJacoby_ wrote: »For me, it's definitely about research! Knowledge is one of the greatest tools. If you just do a little reading on weight loss you'll find the secrets. It doesn't have to be sold to you through an infomercial, or at a kiosk in the mall. That's where the internet helps out so much because everything is right there at your fingertips!!
That is so true! About 8 years ago a family member that I only see a few times a year lost a bunch. Of course I asked him how and the response was "No whites! No sugar, flour, bread or potatoes." I though no way could I do that!
Another person I know dropped 30 pounds JUST from quitting sugared soda. No other changes. Awesome for them but I never drank much soda so that wasn't going to work for me either.
Now with knowledge I didn't have back then I know that they simply created a deficit in their own way even though neither one of them thought about it like that.0 -
coreyreichle wrote: »"It's really not that hard."
It is "that hard", and you are undercutting the work you put into losing the weight
I get irritated when people say how luck I am to be able to lose weight. B*thc please, luck had nothing to do with it. Walking 4-8 miles a day, coupled with running 9 miles a week and eating less does.
This for sure!
I'm happy for your success OP, but everyone faces different challenges. To make generalizations like "it isn't THAT hard" is a completely unfair blanket statement. Many people face physical and emotional challenges or illnesses, some of which even go unrecognized. Generalizations of this nature can be a huge set back for some readers who believe they should be having quicker success.
I know some people will read this and say/think "suck it up, do better, work harder". For some it's simply not that easy.
As a person with some challenges, I've got to chime in on this. Who says success has to be quick? LASTING success is what matters. If it takes me two weeks to lose one pound vs. one week to lose one pound, it's still a pound lost.
For me, my slowest progression is in the gym. I don't see the gains and progress I'd like to see, but you know what? I just keep going.
I'm not tooting my own horn here, but when you have chronic conditions you can either let your whole life be about those conditions, or you can decide that your life is about you and your loved ones. I chose the latter.
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^^ That's actually one of the reasons I feel like I need to rest after most vacations. It seems our job is walking on those days
I am toying with upping myself to maintenance for vacation to fuel all the walking. Plus I'll be going out for a morning exercise walk with the kids and doing bike rides.
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Congratulations! Its not hard when your mind is focused on it and willing to change. I lost my weight 52+ pounds back in 2008 and have never looked back. It took strength, it took willingness and it took non-excuses for me to do it and I did. So many people want to say I can't lose weight because ...... that is bull. I am proof it can happen if your willing to make the change. I suffer from Type 1 Diabetes, Diabetic Neuropathy and Hypo-Thyroidism don't think for a second I didn't try to lay those excuses on myself, I did. The difference is I was ready for the change, to save my life. Once that decision was made, it was easy to lose the weight and 6 1/2 years later its easy to keep it off. Kinda.
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With a past eating disorder, of two different polar opposites (going from anorexia and then BED while in recovery), its hard. Its been 2 1/2 months and I've only lost 10 pounds. I've been battling my binges.0
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afatpersonwholikesfood wrote: »Considering 95% of people regain the weight they lose by the 5 year mark, I would say you're counting your chickens before they hatch. So sorry that people compliment you on your weight loss. It must be awful.
Wow.
And even if that is the case. Count your chickens. That's almost like saying....most people fail at keeping the weight off, so don't even try.
I'd rather battle the odds than just give up before trying.
I don't think they're saying give up. I think they're saying don't go out and say it's easy-peasy given the high recidivism rate.
Also, because I can't believe anyone hasn't said it yet....Thread title: That's what she said.0 -
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Congrats! I'm down 54lbs, started at 195 now 141. I have to agree, losing weight is not hard. The hard part for me was, and still is, weighing and tracking my food. I was eating all the right foods before (I love veggies in everything!) Just WAY to much of it. Me and my fiance both get home at the same time, make dinner and he can just slab the food on his plate and eat but I have to take a few more minutes to weigh and track before I eat, I kind of feel bad for making him wait. Don't get me wrong he's never ever complained and fully supports me but I still feel like I'm making the food cold.
It has taken me about a year and a half for those interested. 0 -
^^ That's actually one of the reasons I feel like I need to rest after most vacations. It seems our job is walking on those days
I really wish I hadn't been so scale-phobic when I went to NYC a couple of years ago! Days of wall-to-wall walking and being too busy to eat much, I wonder what I lost? I need to go back!0 -
afatpersonwholikesfood wrote: »Considering 95% of people regain the weight they lose by the 5 year mark, I would say you're counting your chickens before they hatch. So sorry that people compliment you on your weight loss. It must be awful.
Wow.
And even if that is the case. Count your chickens. That's almost like saying....most people fail at keeping the weight off, so don't even try.
I'd rather battle the odds than just give up before trying.afatpersonwholikesfood wrote: »Considering 95% of people regain the weight they lose by the 5 year mark, I would say you're counting your chickens before they hatch. So sorry that people compliment you on your weight loss. It must be awful.
Wow.
And even if that is the case. Count your chickens. That's almost like saying....most people fail at keeping the weight off, so don't even try.
I'd rather battle the odds than just give up before trying.
I don't think they're saying give up. I think they're saying don't go out and say it's easy-peasy given the high recidivism rate.
Also, because I can't believe anyone hasn't said it yet....Thread title: That's what she said.
The OP came off as a humblebrag or at least a bit short-sighted to me. Losing weight isn't necessarily hard, but losing weight isn't the whole story. The 95% figure I quoted has truth to it. Another thing is that those 5% that do maintain were typically normal weight before gaining due to a major life change. A lot of people go in saying that THIS TIME is DIFFERENT. A lot of people end up right back where they started. Despite the increasing awareness and government and medical programs aimed at the population's weight, and the billions of dollars spent in the weight loss industry, it just continues to go up. Fat people aren't really getting thinner.
I think it's still very worthwhile to make healthy habits. For me, it's less about restricting (even though I am counting calories and losing weight), and more about eating more "whole foods" and moving more. Working to lose weight seems contradictory given what I posted, but the alternative doesn't make much sense, either.
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afatpersonwholikesfood wrote: »afatpersonwholikesfood wrote: »Considering 95% of people regain the weight they lose by the 5 year mark, I would say you're counting your chickens before they hatch. So sorry that people compliment you on your weight loss. It must be awful.
Wow.
And even if that is the case. Count your chickens. That's almost like saying....most people fail at keeping the weight off, so don't even try.
I'd rather battle the odds than just give up before trying.afatpersonwholikesfood wrote: »Considering 95% of people regain the weight they lose by the 5 year mark, I would say you're counting your chickens before they hatch. So sorry that people compliment you on your weight loss. It must be awful.
Wow.
And even if that is the case. Count your chickens. That's almost like saying....most people fail at keeping the weight off, so don't even try.
I'd rather battle the odds than just give up before trying.
I don't think they're saying give up. I think they're saying don't go out and say it's easy-peasy given the high recidivism rate.
Also, because I can't believe anyone hasn't said it yet....Thread title: That's what she said.
The OP came off as a humblebrag or at least a bit short-sighted to me. Losing weight isn't necessarily hard, but losing weight isn't the whole story. The 95% figure I quoted has truth to it. Another thing is that those 5% that do maintain were typically normal weight before gaining due to a major life change. A lot of people go in saying that THIS TIME is DIFFERENT. A lot of people end up right back where they started Despite the increasing awareness and government and medical programs aimed at the population's weight, and the billions of dollars spent in the weight loss industry, it just continues to go up. Fat people aren't really getting thinner.
I think it's still very worthwhile to make healthy habits. For me, it's less about restricting (even though I am counting calories and losing weight), and more about eating more "whole foods" and moving more. Working to lose weight seems contradictory given what I posted, but the alternative doesn't make much sense, either.
I'd like to see some supporting evidence for the bolded.
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I'm still waiting for it to get easy... I never succeeded with losing weight the healthy way. I lost 70 lbs through restricting and diet pills, gained 30 back, and have been trying to lose this 30 for three years. Posts like these make me feel defective and want to revert back to the old way that worked for me...0
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