Lose 20 lbs by Sept 2016

I'm in with you all.... I hAve about 20 pounds to lose
Sw 283
Cw 166
Gw 145

Count me in

Hi Ewunia99,
Interestingly, I find it easier to stay the course on the weekends. My mind is occupied enough with errands, playing with my dog, yard work, etc., that I'm not totally obsessing over food. That's the trick for me: distraction. However, I'm stuck behind a desk much of my work day and I can easily and mindlessly nibble my way through the day. How do YOU stay on track during the week?

Hi Connie,

Yup... I'm on that path; bringing my own food to the office. I'm finding what works for me personally is not so much the smaller but more frequent meals throughout the day because it turns into constant grazing. Nibble nibble nibble. 3 distinct meals and no snacking works best for me. Still struggling with the "all sorts of junk" that others bring in but I hear ya. Patience and persistence.

Family gatherings: That's a tough one because oftentimes, food = love, right? So not only do we have to deal with our own self control challenges, but also with the pressure from Grandma who made this cake especially for you, or Aunt Mary who made that yummy 5 layer cheese dip because she knows how much you enjoy it, you CAN'T say no it'll hurt THEIR feelings... Argh!!!

1 week down and 1.5 pounds shed, woo hoo!!

Serafina,

Rocky Mountains, I'm jealous!!

What works best for me is portion control and journaling my food. A few years ago I was wildly successful with Weight Watchers. Due to an accident and the inability to exercise (or even walk for a few months), I gained it back quickly and am now back at the starting line.

1200 calories is my goal also... According to all the weight loss calculators out there, I could expect to lose 1.5 to 2 lbs per week with that, but I have a very stubborn, post-menopausal & abused metabolism, so we'll see how that rolls. This week was right on target though!

My passion is backpacking so I tend towards exercise that is low and slow. But endurance exercise requires time that is sooooo difficult to carve out of the work week. I need to get out of my head about that and embrace realistic goals of a few miles a day on the 'mill or half an hour each morning on the yoga mat... Something! Harrumph.

I just Googled ataxia & dystonia... I can only imagine the challenges you're juggling, but the tone of your posts tell me you have an optimistic edge to you. You GO, girl!!!

Hi All--

Julia, I have a similar technique as Connie-- the biggest thing that helps me is eeeeeeeeeevery day, even if I'm super tired the night before, packing my lunch and snacks. I even make sure I have some sort of veggie snack to take in the car with me on the commute home so I don't devour everything in sight when I get home. I also lately have been tracking my whole day at work, so I can try to figure out a decent dinner that will also stay within my goal.

When there are snack and cake at the office -- it's hard. I try to have a little bit but not overdo it.

I guess the biggest thing that helps me during the week is I sneak out to the gym for my lunch break. I prefer to exercise at lunch, it's the best time of day for me. Gets me out of my office, wakes me up. I just won't work out after work I'm too tired.

All that stuff keeps me on track during the week, but these past few weeks I just have not been losing. I'm hovering over the same few pounds up and down. I'm trying to not get too frustrated but, I do have about 30 lbs to lose so it should be easier at this early stage!

I'm trying to figure out ways to get better nutrition rather than just look at calories. I'm definitely eating more whole foods which is helping me feel more energized.
But! I want the scale to move down!

My calorie goal is about 1440 but I do eat more if I work out.

Anyone have tips on how to kick start the scale to move?

In the past I have not been successful sticking to 1200 calories per day but 1350 seems to work for me. I only lose 1/2 or 1 pound per week but I have learned to be content with that.

Yesterday was on track with eating and with adding 15 minutes of strength training with a video. Starting slow and easy but I can feel it in my arms today!

Let's make it a great week!

saransaran wrote: »

In the past I have not been successful sticking to 1200 calories per day but 1350 seems to work for me. I only lose 1/2 or 1 pound per week but I have learned to be content with that.

Yesterday was on track with eating and with adding 15 minutes of strength training with a video. Starting slow and easy but I can feel it in my arms today!

Let's make it a great week!

We've all heard the sayings: "Slow and steady wins the race", "Everything in moderation", "It took more than a week to put it on, it takes more than a week to take it off"... Saransaran, I hope your feeling of contentment isn't just a compromise, because you're doing it all exactly right.

I feel victim to those shows like Biggest Loser. I love watching them, I find them extremely motivating. However, losing 8, 9, 10 pounds a week sets a very unrealistic (and unhealthy) expectation in my own mind and I hate that.

Remember: Every ounce counts.

Here's to a great week, everybody!!!