StrongandTender Member

I was going to think up a good, clear explanation of my opinion on what might be helpful, but then I read what leebesstoad wrote and it's SPOT ON!

By home gym, do you mean the local gym you go to all the time or a gym in your house? I assume you mean the gym where you're a member. I'd speak to him directly either way. If that doesn't work, I'd speak to management.

Too true! I bought 10 boxes (to support a former student). Ate 3.5, then I took all the willpower I had, threw away 1/2 box, and gave away the other 6. I made my best friend's kids very happy and the scale is doing what I want it to. But GS cookies are still evil.

Fabulous - super kudos for the burlesque photo! You do great lipstick!

You said for us to be honest. GET HELP!

Sodium makes a HUGE difference for me. I need to keep my sodium down (under 1500) and I need to keep my water up.

My partner is Celiac and has to be gluten-free. While there are many, many substitutes for foods with gluten, going low carb has been the easiest way for her (and now me) to lose weight. Limiting my carbohydrates to those from fruits, vegetables, and nuts has really accelerated my previously stalled weight loss efforts.…

I think your post and pictures might just be the motivation I need the next time it gets hard. You've done amazing work and I can tell how confident you feel. Keep up the awesome work -- and thank you for sharing.

OK. It sucks. With carbs especially. However, I've seen the low carb/no carb light. I can tell you what I do and maybe it'll help you out. I do not eat refined carbs - if it's got flour or sugar in it, I'm not having it in my daily diet. As for the carbohydrates in everything else, I limit those to around 100 grams a day…

Yes! This^! I can't spend the time on here to review or comment on every diary. I can't even keep up with the posts everyone makes, even so, I want to build my MFP community, so friend me up!

Thanks, Dan. I really needed the boost. I'm trying to look down the road for balance and not get tripped up by the potholes on the way.

Yay for taking it all 1 day at a time!

I'm 5'3" tall and currently 233. My highest weight was 252. My goal is 135. I was 144 the summer before fifth grade. I was almost 10.

Fabulous. I hope you bought that dress - it looks great on you!

I've really got to remember that! Thanks.

I went through all these responses multiple times, and except for 5 got a lot of food for thought, advice, support, and compassion. I thought about responding to those 5, but then realized thinking of averages works for inconsiderate/inaccurate/rude/harsh responses to posts, too. As my 5lb/month rate of loss is acceptable…

Yup. This. I want it in his file with a copy of the apology he gives me.

That's beautiful. I need to remember that!

Beautiful. Congratulations on your success. You are inspiring.

No, I'm not complaining. I'm confused and frustrated. If you have an issue with what I - or anyone else - posted, don't reply. I said in my OP that I know it averages out to be a respectable loss over a four-week period. It's the 4 pound gain and the 0.5 loss that have me stumped.

Me! Me! Wow, I sound excited about it. I'm 5'3" and started at 246. My end goal is 111 pounds from there, at 135. You're taller (most people are) and so I think the bottom of of your range is about there. I'm friend-able!

It makes me nervous, because I know every choice I've made wasn't one I'd be proud of, but my diary is now public. I appreciate the feedback so far. I'm going to keep reading and trying to take in what everyone says.

I just posted a similar post. I'm going to pay attention here and see if someone offers you something that might help keep me going. You aren't alone. I think the thing that is keeping me going is I know what results my old eating habits will get. I am still holding out hope that this new way catches up with me and the…

I try to exercise as much as I can to build up my calorie bank and eat as lightly as I can before, I enjoy myself during, and I log after it's all said and done (or eaten and drunk). Tomorrow is another day. I can always do another workout!

The best goals to achieve are the ones we set for ourselves. Congratulations!

Great for you if it's not hard for you, but MFP and other socially-based weightloss and fitness programs wouldn't exist if it weren't hard for many. PCOS does exist, tends to be underdiagnosed, and makes it damn near impossible for some of us to lose wright with "normal" measures. For the original poster, THANK YOU, for…

Thank you! I especially needed to hear how you've kept motivated/dedicated. I get overwhelmed by the total amount I need to lose. I am going to try to focus on smaller bits "what I can control" you called it. Congratulations and thanks for sharing!

Thank you for this post. I'm starting out with 50 pounds more, but my goal weight is the same. I'm almost an inch taller than you (LOL - I'm never taller than anyone). It is so helpful to see where I'm going, especially when the road is so long and difficult. Congratulations and I hope I can duplicate your amazing success!

Thank you for this post. It really helps me focus on my health and fitness more than my weight.

Me, too! I'm relatively new here, I am looking for more friends and I have a lot of weight to lose. The biggest gains I'm hoping for are (1) a healthier attitude toward and relationship with food and exercise, (2) a longer, healthier, fuller life, (3) a happier me, and (4) friends around the world in similar positions.…