15lbs in 50 days!! And here's my secret...

...stop making excuses, start listening to your body & take it one day at a time! That's it, really.

I've tried to lose weight unsuccessfully in the past before but never lasted longer than a month. I would set my goal to lose 2lbs a week, which had me eating around 1,350 cals a day. Well I certainly didn't become morbidly obese eating that little calories a day. So it was a drastic change. I would lose a lot of weight, then I would give up because that goal didn't allow me to eat any of the foods I used to eat. I struggle with cravings, so it was really hard.

So after about seven unsuccessful attempts, I decided to give it one more go this May. I had reached my heighest weight ever, at 257lbs, 5'6. I decided to take pics of myself (you can see them on my profile) & it was an eyeopener. I was having difficulty walking for a long time, and my body ached of pain from being overweight. So I found myself back at MFP again trying to lose weight.

Well, first thing I did was added a group of amazing friends. The support system has been key for me. Then I decided I would take it slow. I set my goal to lose 1lb a week which had me at about 1,900 calories. I decided I wouldn't track my exercise calories, since I wasn't exercising much anyway. I found myself overeating, but I also was able to stay within my goal on many days. I had strong cravings in the beginnning, but I knew the only way to get through it was to not give in. As the days went by, my cravings got less and less. I no longer needed Dunkin' Donuts or Five Guys everyday. And if I went to those places, I would make smarter choices, like ordering a cheeseburger without the bun, which by the way, doesn't taste as good. Well this was great, because it even further lessened my cravings.

You want to know something interesting about me:

1. I don't cook
2. I eat fast food alot
3. I don't own a gym membership

So how did I lose 15lbs!? Well, seriously I've just been folloing MFP's method of calories in/calories out. Because I don't cook, I buy fruits, bagels, microwave meals, chips, etc. But, I'm buying the lower calorie options and when it comes to chips I buy the prepackaged bags, that are like 100 calories. I eat Lean Cuisine, Smart Ones, and Kraft Mac & Cheese. When I go out to eat, I try to make smarter choices like getting water, or planning ahead. I try to avoid restaurants without nutritional information available. And I do allow myself major cheat days. I've gone over by tons of calories, and somehow my body appreciates it.

For exercise, I haven't even set foot in a gym in these 50 days. I started off with walking. I also bought The Biggest Loser for Xbox Kinect. The first couple weeks were hard. I was so out of shape, I couldn't do 5 jumping jacks. Now I can do 25 and so much more. My endurance, strength & flexibility have all increased, solely from playing a video game (and my effort, of course.)

The thing is, there will never be an ideal time to lose weight. But the longer you put it off, the harder it gets. It is easy to get overwhelmed, especially if you're like me & have a lot of weight to lose. You must take this journey one day at a time. Practice consistency & moderation. Be honest with yourself, and track everything that goes in your mouth. Start slow, and work toward more ambitious goals. If you are a binge eater or love fast food, allow that to fit into your plan. Over time, you will realize it is so much better to cut down & make healthier choices. I went from drinkin 0 cups of water a day, to some days drinking over 8 cups. I can go on forever & ever, but I won't.

Your journey is your own. Try to find as much knowledge & information out there, and just be good to your body. I promise it will appreciate you Be kind to youself!