Any "Last Stubborn 20 pounders" out there?

aprilvet · April 2009

April---You are going to have to post your before and after photos before long!!!!

OMGosh...I saw a photos of me recently from the Winter Holidays of '07...I was floored at how bad I really looked. It made me realize how far I've come with just losing about 10 pounds. I'm petite, so every pound counts a LOT as far as showing whether it's for better or worse!

I actually had dh take "on the way" pics of me in my bikini:noway: on Sunday, 4 weeks into P90X. Although I have a long way to go, I didn't want to vomit or hide when I saw them!!:drinker: I'm technologically challenged, so when I get the chance, I'll figure out how to get them, and a face pic, onto mfp!!

I don't really have any good pics of me from the last year, but I'll see what I can find to give you some idea of where I started. My true "before", from about 8 years ago, aren't digital, and I don't have a scanner. They are horrible!!!:mad: I have them tucked away in a cupboard next to the frig for when I'm really in need of some motivation!!!

applepie · April 2009

Thanks.

Like everyone else..it's been a long road, but well worth it. Keep it up everyone. We can beat these last few pounds.

Mickie17 · April 2009

April, you crack me up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well...I'm off to go watch my weekly inspiration: The Biggest Loser. (I also found the Aussie vesion on Youtube...omgosh, it's good too, who knew??? :laugh: )!

Mickie17 · May 2009

What's working for you? I'm in this range, and it's frustrating. I'd love to hear what;'s working for you!!!

I'm in need of a change-up to make my routines more interesting again. Any suggestions???

12by311 · May 2009

I'm currently as frustrated as ever.

I hurt my knee Friday and haven't ran since then. I did lift arms yesterday.

My nutrition has been crap the past couple of weeks. But yesterday, I was on point and I feel rejuvenated and ready to keep going.

Mickie, what's been going on with you?

Mickie17 · May 2009

I'm currently as frustrated as ever.

I hurt my knee Friday and haven't ran since then. I did lift arms yesterday.

My nutrition has been crap the past couple of weeks. But yesterday, I was on point and I feel rejuvenated and ready to keep going.

Mickie, what's been going on with you?

I've been doing okay, then the past two weekends have involved major Food Festivities that I was involved with. UGH!!! It's caught up to me and I'm putting on weight again. I swear I still workout all the time, but OMGosh...it's getting O-L-D, OLD!!!! So I'm looking for something fresh to do, to keep me excited about exercising.

I'm really sorry to hear about your knee...I really do understand, I had sugery a year ago on my left one, and I thought I would never get back to my old self...but I did!!! :happy: Be patient (harder to do than to say, I know). I'm impressed that you are still working out your upper body, good for you!!! Keep it up!!!

aprilvet · May 2009

Hi, Mickie and 12by311!

It's been a while! Mickie, I have to say P90X is THE THING!!!!!! I'm pretty consistent with the routine- 95%, and about 90% good with the nutrition. My shape has changed drastically! I've lost about 2 pants sizes and am much more toned everywhere!!!

Again, when I can figure out the technical thing, I'll post pics- day 60 pics next week.:drinker:

Mickie17 · May 2009

I've got to do this...what would be a good price for it? I surfed the web on it a few weeks ago...and it was a little pricey for a recently laid off teacher. :happy:

mnichol · May 2009

YES - I work out often but I have been probably between 10-20 lbs overweight for 10 years, and as I get older it's getting harder. I've just started "Making the Cut" Jillian says its specifically designed for me ! Lets hope !! I think the giving up of the alcohol will be the most difficult, not that I drink a lot, but I do enjoy a glass of wine at the weekend. I'm about the same as songbyrdsweet, so I would love to know how you are achieving your goal....

Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Free Food Diary

As you get older--you might not even be done growing! :laugh:
When I was your age 4 years ago, I was 154 and over 30% body fat. It has taken a long time to get where I am now and my body doesn't look anything like it did then. It has just taken a lot of trial and error, a ton of hard work, and a lot of patience. I haven't done anything drastically different from what you see here--counting calories and exercising. I just don't give up when I get stuck and I keep track of what does and doesn't work so I can avoid my wheels spinning in the mud. I also don't kid myself into thinking I'm working when I'm not...my workouts are really intense. That stopped me from just looking like a smaller version of my flabby self. :laugh:

I'm frustrated as well. I'm at 143, eating 1200, exercising eliptical 25 (hard), strength training 15 minutes or so, and recumbent bike at home 15 minutes. I guess it boils down to i want it off faster, i'm not a patient person. anybody else feel the same??????????? :frown:

ktduitsman · May 2009

I have had months & months of not loosing weight! :grumble: I wish there was a simple, easy way to this! Professionals say, as long as you are moving & eating right it is all about the numbers in & out. I think that is a crock b/c I have done that forever & still no go! Wish I had the answers for you!! Good luck

lenmana · May 2009

Grrr...I feel ya! Same boat...20lbs left...seems like a big enough number that it would still come off easier.
Right now, I'm just aiming to maintain. Headed out now to a different YMCA...gonna see if they have some new classes I can get excited about! Something fun! I'm driving myself crazy worrying about it all the time.

I did much better when I 1st started...THINK HEALTHY...not #'s...before I knew it 33 lbs gone.

Train the brain!

laurie

GTOgirl1969 · May 2009

I am...I've been basically maintaining since the holidays and I kept trying to kid myself and say that I was still doing OK....but I haven't been as consistent with my workouts lately. I think it began when I sold my elliptical. That always gave me a solid workout. I think I'm going to get another one and start kicking my own *kitten* again!:laugh:

Mickie17 · May 2009

I workout abotu 2 1/2 hours almost every single day...and YES, I get so frustrated. I think I need to be hypnotized or something????

fjtcjt · May 2009

Sounds like you got the exercise part down. I haven't read this entire thread so maybe you described your eating habits already. I have struggled with the last few pounds as well and have recently been told a few suggestions to try and they seem to be working.

Eat 6 meals a day.
Lots of lean protein (Chicken, Fish, lean beef)
Have good carbs (wheat toast, oatmeal...) for breakfast and lunch (sweet potato...)
After lunch only have carbs that come in veggies ( salad, squash, spinach...)
Cutting back on the carbs after lunch helps your body get rid of those carbs the rest of the day and allows your body to burn fat while you sleep!

aprilvet · May 2009

Hi, everyone! It's great to see this thread alive again!

Not that I'm an expert, but I think I may finally have found the trick, after YEARS of moderate fitness and moderate nutrition control. Although I have only lost 4 pounds in the last 7.5 weeks, I have lost over a pants size and changed my entire shape. I am still not where I want to be, but I finally see the possibility of having a body that I'm proud of.

My 3 break-throughs:

1) track your calories consumed and calories burned honestly and eat MOST of your exercise calories back! Not only does this give your body enough fuel for exercise, it's much easier to stick with good eating and make good choices when you get 1500-1600 calories a day as opposed to 1200.

2) find an exercise routine- not a single exercise but something that combines cardio, strength, core, and stretching on different days- that you can stick with. But most importantly, you must PUSH yourself, as long as you don't have any physical reasons not to. You MUST get out of your comfort zone!!!! I have found P90X. It's the thing for me, that keeps me pushing play even when I don't want to.

3) finally, you must overcome those last bad habits. Now, I'm not into perfection. I think perfection sets you up to fail. However, when I want to nosh on the chips after dinner while watching TV, I don't completely deny myself, but I modify- I eat carrots with low-fat dip. BUT, if I really must, I'll put a small amount in a bowl- no more eating out of the bag!!!! You must start making better choices- the "I burned a lot of calories at the gym so I can have a cheeseburger and fries for lunch" mentality doesn't work.

Be patient! Forgive yourself! Try to be more controlled with bad choices- see them for what they are, try to account for them if you see them coming, and push play the next day and continue on your journey!!:flowerforyou:

12by311 · May 2009

Thanks for that aprilvet.

I saw that you mentioned p90x. I'm seriously thinking about getting it. My coworker just started it and he's pretty much in the best shape a person can be in, and he said it was an awesome workout.

I really struggle with getting enough protein. I never realized that I just don't eat that many foods with protein. I eat a lot of veggies and fruits...so I have to consciously think about protein. And I've had to cut back on fruit. :frown:

When I first lost the 23 lbs I packed on during college, I could eat whatever, was mainly concerned with calories. Now, with less to lose, I can tell that my body is majorly sensitive to carbs and sugar.

12by311 · May 2009

Triple post! :grumble:

12by311 · May 2009

.

aprilvet · May 2009

I've got to do this...what would be a good price for it? I surfed the web on it a few weeks ago...and it was a little pricey for a recently laid off teacher. :happy:

Mickie,

The best price I found was actually thru beachbody- $120. You might look for it thru ebay or craig's list but make sure it comes with the plan and nutrition guide, not just the dvds.

hiddensecant · May 2009

I have about 10 more before I hit my driver's license weight, though it's 12 before I'm in the "healthy" range.

I'm doing P90X though so I'm just doing the slimming thing and not watching the weight as much as I am the photos, hehe. I have one in my profile that shows me at Day 1 and Day 25 with only a 2 lb difference. But what a difference!

Hey april, what did you do to your photos? I don't see any in your profile.

Mickie17 · May 2009

Sounds like you got the exercise part down. I haven't read this entire thread so maybe you described your eating habits already. I have struggled with the last few pounds as well and have recently been told a few suggestions to try and they seem to be working.

Eat 6 meals a day.
Lots of lean protein (Chicken, Fish, lean beef)
Have good carbs (wheat toast, oatmeal...) for breakfast and lunch (sweet potato...)
After lunch only have carbs that come in veggies ( salad, squash, spinach...)
Cutting back on the carbs after lunch helps your body get rid of those carbs the rest of the day and allows your body to burn fat while you sleep!

I'm regularly a good eater...but I do have by moments! I think my biggest problem is eating snacks, healthy or not, later inthe evening. I also tend to sabotage myself once I start getting close to my goal. That's definitely a psyhcological thing, I know, but I'm still not quite sure why I do this to myself. I think once I figure that out, nothing will ever stop me from being successful in anything I do. have recently started going to the 6 smaller meals a day...so we'll see if that works, I'm certan ly less starving by the time I eat again. I like the idea of low-to no carbs after lunch...now that's an idea, because that's what I'm drawn to during the afternoon. I think I will try that next week after my weigh in, and see what happens.

PS: Thanks for the great "side info on the PX90"

April-Thank you!!! That's a good ballpark figure to consider.

I noticed the comment about being senstive to food....you know that's what I think my body is doing too. It seems like if I eat seafood or fish, I lose, lose, lose...but beef, chicken, pork I gain, gain, gain! And I do NOT eat a big portion of it. I truly keep it about the size of a deck of cards. My problem is that my family is not big on fish, and with two teenage boys, I cannot afford to eat seafood every night. Anyone else noticing something similar???

jljohnson · May 2009

I'm doing P90X though so I'm just doing the slimming thing and not watching the weight as much as I am the photos, hehe. I have one in my profile that shows me at Day 1 and Day 25 with only a 2 lb difference. But what a difference!

What a difference is right, ghanie!! I'm more and more convinced to try P90X all the time. I'm kind of similar, in that I'm close to my goal weight, so I'd rather focus on toning than on the number on the scale. I might have to bite the bullet and go for it, if I could get similar results.

hiddensecant · May 2009

I'm doing P90X though so I'm just doing the slimming thing and not watching the weight as much as I am the photos, hehe. I have one in my profile that shows me at Day 1 and Day 25 with only a 2 lb difference. But what a difference!

What a difference is right, ghanie!! I'm more and more convinced to try P90X all the time. I'm kind of similar, in that I'm close to my goal weight, so I'd rather focus on toning than on the number on the scale. I might have to bite the bullet and go for it, if I could get similar results.

Most people who go through one round end up wanting to do it again. I know I plan to do this once a year, though probably around September so I don't have to finish in the summer like this round, hehe. Some continue to do it all year round.

My point is, it's definitely worth it, whether you get it strait off the website or find a deal on eBay. You wont see the scale budge much (at least not at first) because of all the new muscles you're activating but you lose fat everywhere and tighten areas you didn't realize needed tightening. And those muscles love feasting on fat as long as you keep them fueled.

Definitely don't bother if you have trouble and/or are not willing to eat ALL your exercise calories. Sometimes you have to eat that and then some to see results.

aprilvet · May 2009

I have about 10 more before I hit my driver's license weight, though it's 12 before I'm in the "healthy" range.

I'm doing P90X though so I'm just doing the slimming thing and not watching the weight as much as I am the photos, hehe. I have one in my profile that shows me at Day 1 and Day 25 with only a 2 lb difference. But what a difference!

Hey april, what did you do to your photos? I don't see any in your profile.

ghanie- as I've said before, I'm technologically illiterate! When I get my husband to help me, I'll post a face pic and my 30 day (too disgusted to take "before" pics:laugh: ) and 60 days pics. I start phase 3 tomorrow!:drinker:

aprilvet · May 2009

P.S. ghanie- your progress is amazing!!!!! Good for you!:flowerforyou:

benw · May 2009

I think I have hit the 20 lbs area. The scale does not go down much. I have been trying to workout harder.

12by311 · May 2009

Good morning all.

I have started reading "Naturally Thin". I read what Mickie wrote above about sabotaging herself when she gets closer to goal. That is definitely me.

Lately, I have eaten sugar sugar sugar and I have no clue why. I guess because it's a chain reaction.

I've also been obsessing about everything. Eating. Not eating. What to eat. When to eat. It's driving me crazy.

This book has inspired me to take a break from calorie counting for a while. I'm going to try to eat protein and complex carbs at every meal. This morning I had oatmeal with a half a cup of strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries. And a protein shake made with low carb whey protein and a scoop of natural peanut butter.

I brought a banana for a snack and I'm having tuna and a salad for lunch.

For a snack after work, before my workout I am going to have some almonds and cheese.

Then for dinner I am going to have veggies and chicken.

And I'm going to eat till I feel satisfied, not full.

I will be continuing my workouts of weight lifting and running and playing basketball.

I am giving this a try for a month. We'll see how it goes. I was just going nuts with all this calorie counting. And I've actually gained a few more pounds.

aprilvet · May 2009

Good morning all.

I have started reading "Naturally Thin". I read what Mickie wrote above about sabotaging herself when she gets closer to goal. That is definitely me.

Lately, I have eaten sugar sugar sugar and I have no clue why. I guess because it's a chain reaction.

I've also been obsessing about everything. Eating. Not eating. What to eat. When to eat. It's driving me crazy.

This book has inspired me to take a break from calorie counting for a while. I'm going to try to eat protein and complex carbs at every meal. This morning I had oatmeal with a half a cup of strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries. And a protein shake made with low carb whey protein and a scoop of natural peanut butter.

I brought a banana for a snack and I'm having tuna and a salad for lunch.

For a snack after work, before my workout I am going to have some almonds and cheese.

Then for dinner I am going to have veggies and chicken.

And I'm going to eat till I feel satisfied, not full.

I will be continuing my workouts of weight lifting and running and playing basketball.

I am giving this a try for a month. We'll see how it goes. I was just going nuts with all this calorie counting. And I've actually gained a few more pounds.

Sounds like a good plan! Good luck- keep us posted!:flowerforyou:

fjtcjt · May 2009

Good morning all.

I have started reading "Naturally Thin". I read what Mickie wrote above about sabotaging herself when she gets closer to goal. That is definitely me.

Lately, I have eaten sugar sugar sugar and I have no clue why. I guess because it's a chain reaction.

I've also been obsessing about everything. Eating. Not eating. What to eat. When to eat. It's driving me crazy.

This book has inspired me to take a break from calorie counting for a while. I'm going to try to eat protein and complex carbs at every meal. This morning I had oatmeal with a half a cup of strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries. And a protein shake made with low carb whey protein and a scoop of natural peanut butter.

I brought a banana for a snack and I'm having tuna and a salad for lunch.

For a snack after work, before my workout I am going to have some almonds and cheese.

Then for dinner I am going to have veggies and chicken.

And I'm going to eat till I feel satisfied, not full.

I will be continuing my workouts of weight lifting and running and playing basketball.

I am giving this a try for a month. We'll see how it goes. I was just going nuts with all this calorie counting. And I've actually gained a few more pounds.

If you are successful at sticking to this plan, you will definitely be headed in the right direction.

IUChelle423 · May 2009

Good morning all.

I have started reading "Naturally Thin". I read what Mickie wrote above about sabotaging herself when she gets closer to goal. That is definitely me.

Lately, I have eaten sugar sugar sugar and I have no clue why. I guess because it's a chain reaction.

I've also been obsessing about everything. Eating. Not eating. What to eat. When to eat. It's driving me crazy.

This book has inspired me to take a break from calorie counting for a while. I'm going to try to eat protein and complex carbs at every meal. This morning I had oatmeal with a half a cup of strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries. And a protein shake made with low carb whey protein and a scoop of natural peanut butter.

I brought a banana for a snack and I'm having tuna and a salad for lunch.

For a snack after work, before my workout I am going to have some almonds and cheese.

Then for dinner I am going to have veggies and chicken.

And I'm going to eat till I feel satisfied, not full.

I will be continuing my workouts of weight lifting and running and playing basketball.

I am giving this a try for a month. We'll see how it goes. I was just going nuts with all this calorie counting. And I've actually gained a few more pounds.

I've been obsessing too and I found the same thing - it backfires! When I deprive myself one day, it seems like the next day, I go completely overboard eating when I'm not even hungry.

Yesterday was one of the scariest moments. I was in a restaurant and couldn't figure out what to order - even the salads were bad for you! The waiter came over and I wasn't ready but I ordered anyways one of the things I had been thinking about. I wasn't sure if I had ordered the right thing and then I spent the rest of the time there obsessing about the calories in the meal (even though I only ate half). I didn't even enjoy it and it put me in a bad mood to the extent that I hardly talked to my friend who was in town visiting!

What is wrong with me?!? So then (unfortunately), instead of coming home and logging it or exercising (like I was planning to), I proceeded to have some pizza and 1/2 a box of Thin Mints! 1/2 A BOX! That "oh well - today is shot anyways" mentality that I have kept at bay the last 3 weeks came back with a vengeance!

I wasn't about to let that attitude carry over, so I logged it this morning and the sad part is that if I hadn't been such a pig at the end, I would have been within my calories (with my exercise calories). As it is, I was only about 225 over, so I'm not going to sweat it that much, but BOY DO I FEEL LIKE A LUNATIC for the way I was acting yesterday! Today is a new day and I'm back on track with a positive attitude.

Any "Last Stubborn 20 pounders" out there?

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