What I've Learned in 500 days of logging
SisterSueGetsFit
Posts: 1,211 Member
500 days is a big milestone for me! I've said it before, but I'll say it again. This is without a doubt one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life. Here are a few things I've learned in the past 500 days.
* First and foremost, Weight loss is not linear. I've lost, I've gained, I've maintained, I've gained more and I've lost more. This process involves a lot of patience.
* losing weight and looking better will not fix your life.
* there is no magic pill, shake, wrap or combinations of food you should or shouldn't eat. (this is not meant to offend any of my friends who sell these products, this is MY story). You MUST eat less and you MUST move more.
* Weighing every bit of food I put in my mouth is essential for success. Is it a pain in the *kitten*? Sometimes, yes. Is it worth it? Absolutely.
* Everything I do is a choice. Everything I eat or drink is a choice. Some days I make good choices and some days I make bad choices. In the end the only person in control of those choices is me.
* One bad meal, one bad day or one bad month does not equate failure. Do better the next day.
* It's a complete mind *kitten*. Most of the time I have a hard time not still seeing a fat girl when I look in the mirror.
* You have to want to do it for you. Wanting it for any other reason/person will never work.
* Don't give up, because you are worth it.
* It IS possible.
What have you learned?
* First and foremost, Weight loss is not linear. I've lost, I've gained, I've maintained, I've gained more and I've lost more. This process involves a lot of patience.
* losing weight and looking better will not fix your life.
* there is no magic pill, shake, wrap or combinations of food you should or shouldn't eat. (this is not meant to offend any of my friends who sell these products, this is MY story). You MUST eat less and you MUST move more.
* Weighing every bit of food I put in my mouth is essential for success. Is it a pain in the *kitten*? Sometimes, yes. Is it worth it? Absolutely.
* Everything I do is a choice. Everything I eat or drink is a choice. Some days I make good choices and some days I make bad choices. In the end the only person in control of those choices is me.
* One bad meal, one bad day or one bad month does not equate failure. Do better the next day.
* It's a complete mind *kitten*. Most of the time I have a hard time not still seeing a fat girl when I look in the mirror.
* You have to want to do it for you. Wanting it for any other reason/person will never work.
* Don't give up, because you are worth it.
* It IS possible.
What have you learned?
63
Replies
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@SisterSueGetsFit , you've said it so well that I'm not sure I have much to add.....however, after 123 days of logging, I can say that I've learned it is possible to focus less on food - what I ate, what I will eat, when/what my next meal will be - and more on the rest of life. Too much of a focus on food is a major part of what got me to this point.5
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You look fantastic! Well done! I think we started at around the same time and although I have been stalled for about 6 months following losing 24lbs, it's inspiring to see where your dedication has gotten you! Thank you2
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I would just add a couple of observations from my meagre 136 days:
- Fad Diets are just an unnecesarily extreme form of CICO tied up in an expensive bow
- Educating myself on the science behind the numbers was a lightbulb moment. It's not EASY but it is SIMPLE.
- Using the MFP community for support (giving and receiving) and accountability has made a massive amount of difference to me - supporting others who are where I was before and watching the success of other friends in my newsfeed (like yourself) is an inspiration.
13 -
Touche!1
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This is great! 500 days is ALSO great!
- I have learned getting down on myself about the number on the scale isn't being a good role model for my kids.
- I have also learned the concept of weight loss is not linear!
Thanks for this!!!1 -
tinkerbellang83 wrote: »I would just add a couple of observations from my meagre 136 days:
- Fad Diets are just an unnecesarily extreme forms of CICO tied up in an expensive bow
- Educating myself on the science behind the numbers was a lightbulb moment. It's not EASY but it is SIMPLE.
- Using the MFP community for support (giving and receiving) and accountability has made a massive amount of difference to me - supporting others who are where I was before and watching the success of other friends in my newsfeed (like yourself) is an inspiration.
You killed it with "it's not easy but it simple." Forgot that one!
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jenwalkingfurther wrote: »You look fantastic! Well done! I think we started at around the same time and although I have been stalled for about 6 months following losing 24lbs, it's inspiring to see where your dedication has gotten you! Thank you
I've been stalled at 50 pounds for quite some time and recently gained about 6 following laziness and a vacation. Don't worry about it! 24 hounds is incredible and something that very few people achieve. Just keep that in mind. You're doing great, keep going!
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One I haven't seen mentioned -
Exercise isn't necessary for weight loss. It's all about eating fewer calories in a day than your body uses. However, if you choose to exercise, find something you LIKE! If you hate jogging, and think the only way you can lose weight is to jog, you'll never succeed.8 -
Very inspiring! Dedication and persistence is key!!1
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quiksylver296 wrote: »One I haven't seen mentioned -
Exercise isn't necessary for weight loss. It's all about eating fewer calories in a day than your body uses. However, if you choose to exercise, find something you LIKE! If you hate jogging, and think the only way you can lose weight is to jog, you'll never succeed.
BINGO! Another one I missed, thank you.
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I thought of a few more:
* You'll likely look worse before you look better
* Love yourself throughout the process, don't wait for the end result
* It IS possible6 -
Someone wrote 'you only fail if you stop' which is so true. I've been logging for a teeny 186 days or so and thus far I've learned to actually enjoy my food. I now look forward to meals rather than dread them which I did for years. So many 'bad' foods that I couldn't/shouldn't eat ..... Now I just budget for anything and plan so that I always have something yummy in the fridge. If I have banked calories from exercising I can then have that pain au raisin and really enjoy it. I don't feel guilty because I've budgeted for it. I've stopped beating myself up all the time.5
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I have been logging for 414 days and am down 78 lbs. I agree with all the previous comments. I have also found that the scale is my best friend. I weigh in at least every other day which keeps me on track. I may gain a pound in between times but I know I will also loose it quickly. I plan for indulgences. I joined Curves mainly to gain some strength back because basically I hate to exercise....lol. I have found that fad dieting just DOES NOT WORK. My friends on here are a HUGE support because I do not get that at home. I have learned to do this for me and nobody else. I still have 20 lbs to go and I WILL NOT GIVE UP and neither should anyone else. Good luck to you all.8
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*First post
My 493 days of logging has taught me the exact same things!
I've lost over 150lb, with 50lb still to go)13 -
This post I am going to bookmark to give me motivation in times when I need it, I only started my weightloss journey on the 16th January this year (121 days), I have a long way to go yet, I have lost some, usually 1-2 lbs per week, I have learnt so much and I am still learning, I have tried dieting before and only lasted a few weeks, a month or 2 if I was more dedicated, this is the longest I have stuck with it and it was because of 1 piece of very very good advice, my doctor told me: "See it as a lifestyle change, a healthy one, if you see it as a diet you will think of all the foods you cannot have and chances are you'll fail, besides diet has die in it (she said jokingly), seeing it as a lifestyle change or leading a healthier lifestyle you will think more long term and incorporate much loved foods into your daily calories without feeling like your bring naughty" and its so true, I have followed that advice and still do, I have switched a few things like no butter/spread on toast, cheddar cheese to cottage cheese, rice, pasta and bread to brown, fried eggs to poached or boiled, crisps (potato chips if not UK) for popcorn, basically anything I usually have I have switched to lower calorie versions or just eat less of, like before I could easily eat a 150g bag of potato chips that were just under 800 calories without even thinking now if I want that bag of potato chips I will split into half or 1/4 and spread that bag out over 2-4 days also routine is everything.
I also found that those meal replacement shakes (slim fast or cheaper alternatives) help a lot, I have one at lunch time with half a banana or some carrot sticks, I like to make sure I have all the protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals my body needs, it helps me as I am working with a tight money budget.
This is just what has helped me... it may not work for everyone.3 -
Yep, all of the above. I've been logging for 674 days- I lost 30 pounds and have another 10-15 to go but have been stuck since about day 150. The plateau drove me nuts at first but I no longer let it worry or concern me. This is my life now- regular exercise most days (light to intense cardio hiit, roller derby and weights) and better food choices (most of the time!) while continuing to weigh and log. I feel better, look better and have energy. If I eventually lose more, great, if I don't, so be it.1
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Another couple for me...
Pre-logging my entire food diary before breakfast is essential in order to stay on track. Especially when someone brings treats to work. I can check my diary and see if I can make the treat fit, or if I even want to.
Eliminating chocolate, ice cream, and candy set me up to freak out and binge. I allow 200-300 calories every night for dessert. (And it's logged before breakfast.
) 6 -
That is so inspiring! I'm only 81 days in, but that's so much longer than I've ever stuck to a diet.
I've learned that motivation is key. Having both short-term and long-term goals is absolutely necessary. Long-term goals are great to keep in sight, but it can be frustrating to work for weeks or months and not achieve them. If you have short-term goals that you can achieve every few weeks or months will keep you motivated and happy. My short-term goal is to look great in the dress I bought for a wedding in June. My long-term goal is
I've also learned to see past the appeal of food to it's true nature. Sure a giant bowl of ice cream with chocolate syrup and sprinkles sounds amazing and would no doubt taste great, but is it worth ruining your entire day's calorie count for 10 minutes of enjoyment? I could have a huge serving of roasted veggies for half the calories.2 -
SO MUCH TRUTH!
70 days down for me and while definitely not easy, absolutely worth it.1 -
@dolcemaria81 read this, especially the original post.
This whole thread is awesome! My logging looks totally different than when I started in 2012... And that's why my results are different now (actually losing). But it's taken me a long time to fully learn these things.2 -
RamboKitty87 wrote: »This post I am going to bookmark to give me motivation in times when I need it, I only started my weightloss journey on the 16th January this year (121 days), I have a long way to go yet, I have lost some, usually 1-2 lbs per week, I have learnt so much and I am still learning, I have tried dieting before and only lasted a few weeks, a month or 2 if I was more dedicated, this is the longest I have stuck with it and it was because of 1 piece of very very good advice, my doctor told me: "See it as a lifestyle change, a healthy one, if you see it as a diet you will think of all the foods you cannot have and chances are you'll fail, besides diet has die in it (she said jokingly), seeing it as a lifestyle change or leading a healthier lifestyle you will think more long term and incorporate much loved foods into your daily calories without feeling like your bring naughty" and its so true, I have followed that advice and still do, I have switched a few things like no butter/spread on toast, cheddar cheese to cottage cheese, rice, pasta and bread to brown, fried eggs to poached or boiled, crisps (potato chips if not UK) for popcorn, basically anything I usually have I have switched to lower calorie versions or just eat less of, like before I could easily eat a 150g bag of potato chips that were just under 800 calories without even thinking now if I want that bag of potato chips I will split into half or 1/4 and spread that bag out over 2-4 days also routine is everything.
I also found that those meal replacement shakes (slim fast or cheaper alternatives) help a lot, I have one at lunch time with half a banana or some carrot sticks, I like to make sure I have all the protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals my body needs, it helps me as I am working with a tight money budget.
This is just what has helped me... it may not work for everyone.
We all have to do what works for US! You have done great, keep it up!WicklowWanderer wrote: »Yep, all of the above. I've been logging for 674 days- I lost 30 pounds and have another 10-15 to go but have been stuck since about day 150. The plateau drove me nuts at first but I no longer let it worry or concern me. This is my life now- regular exercise most days (light to intense cardio hiit, roller derby and weights) and better food choices (most of the time!) while continuing to weigh and log. I feel better, look better and have energy. If I eventually lose more, great, if I don't, so be it.quiksylver296 wrote: »Another couple for me...
So much YES!
Pre-logging my entire food diary before breakfast is essential in order to stay on track. Especially when someone brings treats to work. I can check my diary and see if I can make the treat fit, or if I even want to.
Eliminating chocolate, ice cream, and candy set me up to freak out and binge. I allow 200-300 calories every night for dessert. (And it's logged before breakfast. )
I agree that eliminating anything sets you up for failure. The only thing I occasionally eliminate is alcohol. The only reason I do that is because I have a hard time controlling it. Some people can do fine, I can't. I slowly introduce it back into my diet often, but usually end up giving it up again. This is just what works for me. : )That is so inspiring! I'm only 81 days in, but that's so much longer than I've ever stuck to a diet.
You've got this. You can take a break, just don't quit.
I've learned that motivation is key. Having both short-term and long-term goals is absolutely necessary. Long-term goals are great to keep in sight, but it can be frustrating to work for weeks or months and not achieve them. If you have short-term goals that you can achieve every few weeks or months will keep you motivated and happy. My short-term goal is to look great in the dress I bought for a wedding in June. My long-term goal is
I've also learned to see past the appeal of food to it's true nature. Sure a giant bowl of ice cream with chocolate syrup and sprinkles sounds amazing and would no doubt taste great, but is it worth ruining your entire day's calorie count for 10 minutes of enjoyment? I could have a huge serving of roasted veggies for half the calories.
TRUTH!adriannenan wrote: »SO MUCH TRUTH!
70 days down for me and while definitely not easy, absolutely worth it.
Keep it up. It gets easier, I promise.
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Love your post
few to add
* that counting calories isn't really that big of a deal and if you find it easy, you don't have to stop doing it. It's like budgeting - you may end up enjoying the feeling that you know where are you at
* that things change and what suits you now may not suit you in few months and there is not once and done this is it. Example I eat salad for lunch. Winter time salad for lunch most days would make me miserable! It worked in the summer, time to find out works in the winter
* That it doesn't have to be hard, you can make it hard if you want to but it really isn't necessary
* That counting when you go over, even quick add 2000 calories madly estimated on day out have benefit. It made me own what I do and avoids - "lets go crazy cos I am off the waggon, so I may as well... "! It all count. It all can be ok if you awn what you choose to do
1 -
This is all true and I like the highlighted part. Even it you don't log it...your body does. The benefit by YOU logging it is that you can make adjustments elsewhere.HappyGrape wrote: »Love your post
few to add
* that counting calories isn't really that big of a deal and if you find it easy, you don't have to stop doing. It's like budgeting - you may end up enjoying the feeling that you know where are you at
* that things change and what suits you now may not suit you in few months and there is not once and done this is it. Example I eat salad for lunch. Winter time salad for lunch most days would make me miserable! It worked in the summer, time to find out works in the winter
* That it doesn't have to be hard, you can make it hard if you want to but it really isn't necessary
* That counting when you go over, even quick add 2000 calories madly estimated on day out have benefit. It made me own what I do and avoids - lets go crazy cos I am off the waggon, so I may as well! It all count. It all can be ok if you awn what you choose to do
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Sorry if I've failed to "quote" any of you, all of your messages are inspiring and spot on. Thank you!
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So much wonderful advice on this thread--not much comes to mind to add, but I wanted to chime in as today is also my 500th day in a row of logging! I know the perseverance it has taken for me, and it is so inspiring to see someone else who has been doing the same over the same time. Huge congratulations to you! Lets make it 500 more!5
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So much wonderful advice on this thread--not much comes to mind to add, but I wanted to chime in as today is also my 500th day in a row of logging! I know the perseverance it has taken for me, and it is so inspiring to see someone else who has been doing the same over the same time. Huge congratulations to you! Lets make it 500 more!
Excellent work and dedication! Here's to 500 more!!!
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just how simple it is to lose weight this way. i just had to eat as much as i was allowed and poof! weight gone.4
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I'm at 151 days of logging but if I hadn't stopped logging during my pregnancy, I'd be up near your numbers!
Most of my "what I've learned" has been mentioned so in very short form:
1. Fads do not work. It is simply a matter of burning more calories daily than my body uses.
2. Physical activities and exercise help me stay focused on my goal but are not my primary weight loss technique. Calorie counting is.
3. Realistic meal planning works best for me. I plan everything very specifically but often leave a bit of wiggle room for the randomness of life. Aka "I ruined supper, now we get ____ instead".
4. Beverages. When in doubt, drink the water. Trust me. If pee is pale yellow then everything is great. Calorie filled beverages never make this girl happy.
5. Messing up one meal once in a while isn't a big deal as long as it doesn't become habit.
6. Surround yourself with great people. Food evangelists and food nazis and judgmental people come out of the woodwork when you start losing weight.
7. No one wants to hear that you lost weight by counting calories and being honest about intake. And the shallow people who liked having "the fat friend" start getting uptight when you are smaller than them.4 -
SafioraLinnea wrote: »I'm at 151 days of logging but if I hadn't stopped logging during my pregnancy, I'd be up near your numbers!
Most of my "what I've learned" has been mentioned so in very short form:
1. Fads do not work. It is simply a matter of burning more calories daily than my body uses.
2. Physical activities and exercise help me stay focused on my goal but are not my primary weight loss technique. Calorie counting is.
3. Realistic meal planning works best for me. I plan everything very specifically but often leave a bit of wiggle room for the randomness of life. Aka "I ruined supper, now we get ____ instead".
4. Beverages. When in doubt, drink the water. Trust me. If pee is pale yellow then everything is great. Calorie filled beverages never make this girl happy.
5. Messing up one meal once in a while isn't a big deal as long as it doesn't become habit.
6. Surround yourself with great people. Food evangelists and food nazis and judgmental people come out of the woodwork when you start losing weight.
7. No one wants to hear that you lost weight by counting calories and being honest about intake. And the shallow people who liked having "the fat friend" start getting uptight when you are smaller than them.
I agree with everything on your list! And I wish you continued success.1 -
One more: Don't forget to enjoy life along the way. Sometimes having the cake/wings/beer/whatever really is worth it and will actually help you stay on track in the long run.5
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