Question for all you Awesome Successful Peeps!

Yes, I still have about 10 to go but its gone very smoothly, 33lbs of it! I did do Couch to 5k, otherwise I eat anywhere from 1500-2000 cals a day, never less and move as much as possible. I also lift weights 3x a week. Thats it, no other money spent!

I wouldn't call myself an Awesome Successful Peep, however I am getting to the point where I'm pretty proud of how far I've come in 11 months after having my son!!

Yes absolutely! Ive lost 85 lbs, it has taken 2 years and 4 months but I have done it. 1-2 lbs at a time. Nixing most of the crap I ate and only eating it occasionally and in moderation. Im happy with my weight now, just want to tone up. Feel free to friend or message with questions. Good luck and keep up the good work!

- JoAnna

I've lost my 29 lbs by eating right, tracking every day, and exercising as much as I can (group classes through a local gym...pilates, indo-row, spinning, combo classes). I am starting weight training this week.

30-day shred isn't really a gimmick, I will say. It's a great exercise DVD. I'd like to work it back into my routine at some point.

Good question.
I am experimenting with eating better at 1600cals/day right now. Haven't really started an exercise schedule yet. I am curious what the nutrition change will do on its own. However I do realize if I want to tone up I need to exercise and lift weights I am just not motivated at the moment.

I started in January and have lost 20 lbs. I eat as healthy as I can, but I don't deny myself of things I just eat them in moderation and watch my calories. I started at 1200 calories and after I lost 10lbs, I increased my calories by 100 calories per day AND increased the intensity of my workouts (adding Intervals was a great thing to do for me!!) and the weight came off faster. After another 10lbs, I increased my calories another 200 AND again increased the intensity of my workouts. I am one week into that and a feel great and am continuing to lose weight. I am on a mission to be in the best physical shape of my life by the time that I turn 50 (next April). I am not here to just loose weight; I am also trying to increase my endurance and strength. This is my current workout:
Mon- 30 min interval biking
Tues- 30 min bike, 20 min weight lifting
Wed- 30 min interval biking
Thurs- 30 min bike, 20 min weight lifting
Fri- 30 min interval biking
Sat- 30 min bike, 20 min weight lifting
Sun- rest; although I do take a pole dance class in the evening an it is a good workout

I also walk my dogs most evenings anywhere from 30min to 1hr.

I'm right there with you! I've lost about 25 lbs eating right and exercising. I'm converting to vegetarianism (or whatever you call it) but I'm being sensible. The thardest thing for me is being patient. I was to lose all 120lbs tomorrow lol.

Sun- rest; although I do take a pole dance class in the evening an it is a good workout

awesome! good for you. sounds like fun!

Well I feel much better about life now I hear all this P90x, and Jillian Michaels, and no carb/fat free mumbo jumbo, and just don't want to mess with all that. I am watching what I eat and exercising. I didn't want to do any particular program other than a reduction in calories, and increase in exercise.

A reduction in calories and an increase in exercise is the ONLY way you can lose weight. All those other "gimmicks" that you're talking about are just another way of doing the same. That's great if you have the money for that sort of thing (I don't). I'm sure that some of them are just the encouragement that some people need. I'm behind them all the way. As for me, I just started watching what I was eating and making better choices. I can't honestly say that I've increased my exercise level, but by having more energy, I have increased my activity level.
You're doing exactly what you need to do. Endeavor to persevere!
Ken

Let's be honest, it's 99% diet. As others have mentioned eat clean and cut your calories a little each day (MFP does that for you) and you'll win in the long run. Exercise will definitely help get you there faster, but the calories is where it counts.

I'm also a proponent of 30 day shred, and keep in mind I didn't have any to lose when I joined MFP. I joined for my sister-in-law who was looking for an app to track her calories. Once I got here I thought I could make some improvements in my running times by eating better. I've done a half-marathon and thought why not try 30 DS. I picked up the DVD from Target for $9, and while it was Jillian's DVD I figured a guy could do it to.

Well, I THOUGHT I was in shape, that is, until I completed this DVD! And if you look through the threads on MFP, others have had amazing results with it.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/345445-the-ultimate-before-and-after-30-day-shred-thread

You can lose the weight, but if you want to shape your body (as you can see from examples in the thread), you'll need weight and/or circuit training. There's also a book called, "The New Rules of Lifting for Women" that have gotten rave reviews on this site.

I'm doing Jillian's Ripped In 30 now and it's the best $9 I've ever spent. It's a great workout program and basically gives you a personal trainer for 20 minutes a day.