This just isn't working...
nwrainyday
Posts: 29
I'm not overweight, but I weigh more than I'd like to. I'm on the higher end of a healthy range for my height. I'd like to lose about 20lbs total and I've lost about 5 so far. But this just isn't working. I really and truly hate working out. I know I have to change that about myself, but it just doesn't stick. I'll get excited to try and focus and then I run out of steam and get bored or frustrated. Also, the calorie limiting is a problem. MFP has me on 1200 calories a day net. I feel deprived ALL DAY LONG. I have what I like to call 'skinny girl syndrome' in that I have been very thin almost my whole life so I am used to eating whatever, whenever, and in excess. I stuff myself at every meal. I never pass up a soda or a snack. But now that I'm in my 30s and had a couple babies, like I said, I'm about 20ish pounds heavier than I'm comfortable with. My clothes don't fit well, and I don't like the way I look or feel. I was able to stick to the plan for a few weeks, which is how I lost the first 5 pounds, but now I'm just done.
So, MFP, what should I do? How do you keep motivated for only 15lbs of weight loss? And how am I going to keep it off? It seems like a lot of work for so little. Is it worth it or should I refocus my energy on liking my new weight more? And seriously, how do you grow to like exercising?????
Thanks in advance for any tips or advice you can offer. -nwrainyday
So, MFP, what should I do? How do you keep motivated for only 15lbs of weight loss? And how am I going to keep it off? It seems like a lot of work for so little. Is it worth it or should I refocus my energy on liking my new weight more? And seriously, how do you grow to like exercising?????
Thanks in advance for any tips or advice you can offer. -nwrainyday
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Replies
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For a start - don't set your goals to "lose 2 pounds a week", as you are already in the healthy weight range, this is pretty extreme and not very realistic.
Try "lose 1/2 pound a week", you will get a much more realistic amount to eat. Trying to stick to 1200 cals for the rest of your life is just going to set yourself up for failure.
As you don't have much to lose, then this isn't going to be easy - I've heard of this being referred to as "losing vanity weight" which I interpret as meaning that your body doesn't need to lose weight to be healthy, you just want a different look.
If this is the case, I think you need to eat at a moderate deficit (back to the 1/2 pound I suggested above) and do some exercise. And my guess is that at this weight, it's not going to be about dropping pounds as much as making some changes to your body shape through exercise.
I think the best way to find something that you will be able to sustain is to find something you enjoy. Do you like to dance - try Zumba, do you like to ride a bike, paddle a kayak, go skiing (might not be an option where you live!)? Have you always wanted to run in a race, go skydiving, learn to scuba dive?
Find a goal that motivates you, then exercise towards that goal.
Good luck!0 -
I'd say, get a personal trainer for a start. You'll have to report to someone at a certain time each week, they'll teach you technique and they'll give you workouts to do that you would NEVER know of without them. Plus you have to pay and it'd be a waste of money to eat crap if you're paying to lose weight.
Find a work out buddy who will motivate you and who works their *kitten* off. Find a gym with a good atmosphere - one that is full of the big buff bodybuilders and gym bunnies and skinny people and overweight people all together. You'll aspire to be the gym bunny, the bodybuilders will be there longer than you so you'll feel like you're spending your gym time wisely and you can 'compete' against the other people. Gym atmosphere is vital. Find an exercise you really enjoy-I used to love Les Mills classes at the gym in London but now I'm back in Oz, I HATE them purely because the gym I was going to here in Oz had no atmosphere. Therefore I quit and got fat and now am cursing myself for not just putting up with the lack of atmosphere.
Take an interest in your weight loss. Start recording how many kilograms you can lift reps/sets at each exercise session and make sure you are slowly improving, get a heart rate monitor to record calories burned and the Nike +shoes/iPod attachment to record how far you run and at what speed and try to beat it every time. Enter into a half marathon or fun run. Start to compete against yourself. Once you get over the 'pain' of exercising, it becomes fun. You can push yourself without walking like a scarecrow from the post-workout pain and you'll see yourself running further and faster, lifting heavier weights etc
I found recording what I was going to eat was more successful than recording what I had eaten. I could plan ahead and ensure I was below calories rather than feeling guilty when I saw I was over my calories or had eaten chocolate.
Cut out pics of hot bodies and clothing you'd LOVE to fit into and put them on your fridge. Print a photo of yourself when you looked good and one of yourself now and aspire to look like the pre-weight gain photo again (don't be defeated by how you look now, you just have to start somewhere and this will be the worst you will ever look).
Make sure you are eating plenty of protein with every meal. It keeps you full and definitely helps with weight loss.
Does this help?0 -
Also put it out there to the public and your friends what you weigh and what you're going to do about it. Recently I posted on facebook that I had reached my heaviest ever (I also put what I weigh which was a brow sweating moment-a girl's weight is supposed to be private hahaha), I was going to take control and get back to my healthy weight. I needed tips from people and support. Tonnes of people sent me messages saying they too needed to get healthy again and tonnes of people cyber highfived me. Now it's out there, I HAVE to lose weight or I'll look like a failure to 300 people. This is now my motivation.
Become accountable.0 -
Stop trying to lose weight and take up knitting, I hear it's easier0
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If you are in the healthy weight range, then even if you're at the higher end... You probably do not have TWENTY pounds to lose.
I agree that you need to modify your weight loss goals. MFP is not going to suggest a 1200 calorie diet unless you're trying to lose 2lbs a week, which is a lot for someone who doesn't have a ton of weight to lose. I am sort of where you are... Frustrated trying to lose just a few pounds... And it really is hard when you're not obese but trying to figure out how to make lifestyle changes that stick. You know you never pass up a snack or a soda. That's just a matter of willpower. I think you would be a LOT better off eating 1400-1500 calories a day worth of healthy food (not empty carbs that make you crave more) than trying to stick to 1200 and feeling miserable about it... Just so you can lose weight faster. You are proving to yourself right now that you are not working with a sustainable plan.
As far as exercise... if you hate working out, then don't work out. Find something you enjoy doing. Bike riding, going for brisk walks, join a gym and take a bunch of classes and see if you actually like any of them.
What I don't understand is why women (in particular) are too afraid to set their calorie goal to something above 1200, but not afraid to gorge themselves on snacks when they feel hungry. Just give yourself an extra couple hundred calories a day, and give it a few weeks (really, a FEW, not one or two). See if you don't feel happier for it. Losing 2lbs a week rather than .5lbs a week is not worth feeling horrible over. Really, you are ultimately doing this in order to feel BETTER, right?
You are only failing because you're setting yourself up for disappointment. It's ok to change your goals.0 -
For a start - don't set your goals to "lose 2 pounds a week", as you are already in the healthy weight range, this is pretty extreme and not very realistic.
Try "lose 1/2 pound a week", you will get a much more realistic amount to eat. Trying to stick to 1200 cals for the rest of your life is just going to set yourself up for failure.
As you don't have much to lose, then this isn't going to be easy - I've heard of this being referred to as "losing vanity weight" which I interpret as meaning that your body doesn't need to lose weight to be healthy, you just want a different look.
If this is the case, I think you need to eat at a moderate deficit (back to the 1/2 pound I suggested above) and do some exercise. And my guess is that at this weight, it's not going to be about dropping pounds as much as making some changes to your body shape through exercise.
I think the best way to find something that you will be able to sustain is to find something you enjoy. Do you like to dance - try Zumba, do you like to ride a bike, paddle a kayak, go skiing (might not be an option where you live!)? Have you always wanted to run in a race, go skydiving, learn to scuba dive?
Find a goal that motivates you, then exercise towards that goal.
Good luck!
THIS!!!! THIS THIS THIS!!!! Especially the part about finding something you LIKE to do that is active. "Workout" xercise isn't for everyone, but if you find a sport, or motion activity that you like, stick with it!0 -
In my opinion it is obvious that metabolisms slow down as you get older. If you stay comfortable with your weight now and keep doing what you are doing you will keep gaining. It's better now to make a change. There's ways to exercise without knowing your exercising. For example, dancing, taking your kids to the park and playing ball with them, bike riding, etc. I had to minimize my calorie intake but sometimes i splurge on the weekends. I'm also at 1200 calories. I've dropped 7 lbs in a month and a half with MFP. You asked if it's worth it and the answer is DEFINITELY YES!!! Just give it a try or else you'll keep just wishing that 20 lbs will come off by itself instead of actually doing something about it. It's not as hard as it seems. Just watch your portions. I must say though you might have to back off the fast food. I did, and I'm feeling and looking better.0
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Your expectations are too high, you gotta hate being out of shape more than you hate exercise and you need to be more realistic in your caloric goals. It ain't working because you're not working it right.
A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer/Group Fitness Instructor
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition0 -
For a start - don't set your goals to "lose 2 pounds a week", as you are already in the healthy weight range, this is pretty extreme and not very realistic.
Try "lose 1/2 pound a week", you will get a much more realistic amount to eat. Trying to stick to 1200 cals for the rest of your life is just going to set yourself up for failure.
As you don't have much to lose, then this isn't going to be easy - I've heard of this being referred to as "losing vanity weight" which I interpret as meaning that your body doesn't need to lose weight to be healthy, you just want a different look.
If this is the case, I think you need to eat at a moderate deficit (back to the 1/2 pound I suggested above) and do some exercise. And my guess is that at this weight, it's not going to be about dropping pounds as much as making some changes to your body shape through exercise.
I think the best way to find something that you will be able to sustain is to find something you enjoy. Do you like to dance - try Zumba, do you like to ride a bike, paddle a kayak, go skiing (might not be an option where you live!)? Have you always wanted to run in a race, go skydiving, learn to scuba dive?
Find a goal that motivates you, then exercise towards that goal.
Good luck!
^^THIS! You took the words right out of my mouth...especially about catering to activities you enjoy. Exercise doesn't have to be a chore. Sometimes it's just finding an activity you like and utilizing that as your exercise. Also, you might do well to give yourself a cheat day once every week or two. Since you are used to eating what you want, it might help you feel less deprived the rest of the week if you let yourself have ONE specific day to indulge. Just make sure you up your activity level that day to avoid undoing everthing you've done the rest of the week.0 -
For a start - don't set your goals to "lose 2 pounds a week", as you are already in the healthy weight range, this is pretty extreme and not very realistic.
Try "lose 1/2 pound a week", you will get a much more realistic amount to eat. Trying to stick to 1200 cals for the rest of your life is just going to set yourself up for failure.
As you don't have much to lose, then this isn't going to be easy - I've heard of this being referred to as "losing vanity weight" which I interpret as meaning that your body doesn't need to lose weight to be healthy, you just want a different look.
If this is the case, I think you need to eat at a moderate deficit (back to the 1/2 pound I suggested above) and do some exercise. And my guess is that at this weight, it's not going to be about dropping pounds as much as making some changes to your body shape through exercise.
I think the best way to find something that you will be able to sustain is to find something you enjoy. Do you like to dance - try Zumba, do you like to ride a bike, paddle a kayak, go skiing (might not be an option where you live!)? Have you always wanted to run in a race, go skydiving, learn to scuba dive?
Find a goal that motivates you, then exercise towards that goal.
Good luck!
I agree with this answer. If you want to look and feel good but are at a healthy weight what u need to do is exercise. Hey exercise inst on the top of the list for fun things to do, but neither is cleaning and laundry but we do it right?
Your body simply wont let you lose weight you dont need to lose, fat loss and scuplting are something you have to do in conjunction with healthy eating... not huge deficit with sodas and chocolate. I think learning how to eat right will be noth beneficial to you and your kids. I would focus on learning how to love activities and exercise rather than trying to eat 1200 cals a day with w rumbly tummy.0 -
Agree that you should find exercise that you like. It doesn't have to be going to the gym. Long family walks, hiking...just something that changes up your normal routine (not sure how much moving you do right now). If you've lost 5 lbs just restricting calories, you may not be seeing any results that you like. If you find a way to incorporate exercise, you will probably see better visible results, and that will keep you motivated.
I really enjoy working out, but I get bored easily. I'll get on a lifting kick for a while, and then get totally sick of it. I'm doing Insanity right now, and it's reminded me that intense cardio gives a high like nothing else! Zumba would be a good place to start.0 -
I am kind of in the same boat. Still in a healthy weight range but I definitely don't look how I want to (or used to!) and it is frustrating. Like always trying to lose those last 10 (or 20) pounds. I look pretty good in clothes, but a bathing suit is a whole different story! I was lying to myself and telling myself that since I wasn't "overweight' that I was fine. But ask me to run a mile and I probably couldn't! So, I stopped lying to myself and realized I have to put in the work to get to where I want to be. I have only been working out seriously for a few weeks, but I can already see a difference. I do not log my calories as I think it takes too much time and I know I don't want to record every bite I take for the rest of my life. I have just cut out crap and am eating healthier and smaller portions. However, I know that some people must record everything and if that is the case, so be it. I have also learned to go by how I feel, how my clothes fit, etc. rather than the number on the scale. It is encouraging to see the number drop, but there is so much more that goes into it than weight. I would rather weigh a few more pounds and be toned with muscle definition than be skinny and flabby. And since I do like to eat, I am willing to work it off. (I don't know how people live off of 1200 calories a day!) I know you said you hate exercise, but like others said, find something you like to do....just do something! It takes time and it is an adjustment, but think of the good you will be doing for yourself and also setting a good example for your family. Take it slow. Something is better than nothing. If you want something bad enough you will make it happen. Don't give up!!!
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I agree...
Having a goal to work towards really helps.
My motivation for exercise is that I want to look good in my bikini on holiday.
Therefore, I'm prepared to work to make it happen.
I find being part of an MPF group really helps keep up motvation too.
Currently, I'm doing 6 weeks to 6 pack wit a bunch of ladies from all around the world.
We communicate regularly and keep each other on the right track.
Zumba is a great idea too and doesn't feel like a heavy workout.
Best to find something you like then work off the extra calories you want to eat.
Hope you find something to help you feel happy with your weight and comfortable in your clothes again.
We all need to work a little harder as we get older.
Best of Luck0 -
I don't have anything to add - the answers already here pretty much sum it up. Losing when you don't have much to lose is a hard, slow process. I'd almost guarantee that you'd have better luck finding an activity you like and slimming down, even if you didn't lose a pound. Keep looking for something you don't mind doing ( Personally, I *like* working out, once I saw results. I hated it until it started working, then I loved it )0
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Research your TDEE -20% of it and it those calories
Exercise well a lot of us make ourselves with very busy lives so as said find something that you like
Zumba is great , walk 60 minutes everyday
Swim
As said forget 20lbs 15lbs if you exercise you'll tone up and can eat higher calories won't feel deprived
I was skinny then 'dieted' I didn't really need to lose any but that turned in 22 years if yoyoing as I was hungry
Do this right you won't be hungry you'll be motivated fit and happy
There's ways to move your body more without hating it x0 -
I was in the same boat (always was thin, could eat what I want, etc.) and over the years started putting on the weight. I was also at the high end of "normal" as far as weight goes. I just started using MFP in November and have lost almost 30 pounds while still eating what I want (just in moderation). I started out at 1 pound a week to lose and I had 1420 as my calories for the day. I never went below 1350 for my calories for the day and am currently at 1530 a day (and I've lost 5 pounds in the past month). I would suggest changing your settings to 1 pound or even 1/2 a pound loss a week. MFP is set so that even if you don't work out you will still lose eating at the set calorie rate (although I personally think exercising helps it move along quicker), so you don't necessarily have to work out. Good luck, you can do this! Just remember to be patient:)0
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Thanks, Everyone! I went ahead and changed my weightloss goal to 1 pound per week, which is what MFP recommended (but I didn't notice before!). Now it has me at 1530 calories a day which is much more doable for me. In fact, today was my first day at 1530 and I ate just under 1200! Go figure. But the most important thing is I wasn't stressing about it all day since I knew I could eat a bit more than before. So thank you all for your kind and thoughtful responses. This was very helpful! -nwrainyday0
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Your expectations are too high, you gotta hate being out of shape more than you hate exercise and you need to be more realistic in your caloric goals. It ain't working because you're not working it right.
A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer/Group Fitness Instructor
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
THIS. You have to WANT it badly enough or you won't stick to it.0 -
I'd go further and change it to half a pound per week. Seriously. That's what I do, and even with that I've lost 7.2 lbs in 4 weeks and I rarely feel deprived because I eat a LOT. Besides... if 6 months from now you're down 10 lbs, you're that much closer to your goal without barely working for it.0
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