ossentia Member

The struggle feels endless and exhausting. Last time I did this the weight just fell off. Gained it back while on a nasty anti-anxiety drug and have been losing the same five lbs. for what seems like forever ever since. Go strong, fall off the wagon, repeat. This time I've managed only a 5 lbs. loss since pushing harder…

I'm 42. The first time I lost a lot of weight at 32, the scale moved every week like clockwork. Over the last few years, I've found that I see very little (if any) movement on the scale for several weeks at a time. Don't know if it's just me or getting older, but you may want to give yourself a month or so before you…

She only needs to take one day at a time, and she doesn't have to make all the changes at once. She can start with one change to her diet and then add another the following week and another the week after that. Do you live nearby? If so, how about starting to walk together every other day? A reminder that this is a long…

In this beginning, I focus far less on "clean" or low carb eating, macros (or any of it, really) and instead focus solely on calories in-calories out. Cut your portions so that you can stay in a calorie deficit, and don't worry so much right now about diets, healthy recipes, etc. Getting started is the hardest part, and…

Wow! Truly impressive.

10 lbs. is definitely a success story! Great job!

Are you taking measurements? Anytime I start over on my exercise and calorie counting, it takes a minimum of 6 weeks before the scale moves, but my measurements show progress. If you're weighing your food to be sure of calorie intake and your measurements remain the same, you probably need to lower your calorie intake or…

Congratulations! Quitting is so tough, but in another few months, you'll wonder why you didn't do it earlier. Nicotine withdrawal has many unpleasant side effects, and one of those includes a slower metabolism. It won't last forever, but for now, get up and move more. That was my key to keeping the weight under control and…

Are you taking measurements? It's possible that you're still losing inches even if the scale doesn't change. Other than that, my guess is that you're consuming too many calories. Do you use a food scale? I'm always amazed at the difference between my guess on portion size and what the scale actually tells me!

Wow! And will you also share your aging-backwards secret with the rest of us?

You're doing great. Take it day by day. You'll find the motivation to exercise when you're ready. Until then, stick to your calorie counts. Great job so far!

20 lbs is NEVER NOTHING! Amazing start!

Wow!

I lost almost 40 lbs., kept it off for two years, had a bout of severe anxiety, went on anti-anxiety meds and gained all the weight back within 6 months of starting the meds. Talk about demoralizing! I've been seriously angry with myself ever since, and I've found that getting back to losing the weight has been very tough.…

Agreed about tracking everyday. I can go over on my calories and still stay on track if I'm staying conscious about what I'm eating. If I stop tracking, eventually I stop everything, and it is so much harder to get back up and do this thing from scratch. That said, I fully understand your dilemma. I'm there, too!

1. Weighing food is important. I'm always amazed at the difference a food scale makes versus a measuring cup. Even 100 calories can mean the difference between eating at a deficit and gaining weight. 2. New or increased exercise can (WILL) cause you to hold water. Take measurements instead of relying so heavily on the…

75 lbs. is a huge accomplishment! Congratulations! Please remember that the slower the journey, the more likely you are to keep the weight off for good. We're not on a diet. This is a lifestyle change. It's so important to think of how far you've come rather than where you still need to go. I think 75 lbs. is an amazing…

Awesome job! One day at a time and you'll reach your goal!

I still have about 50 lbs. to lose, but the first 30 lbs. lost has made a big difference. The first image, I was about 190 lbs. The second, I weighed 161 lbs. I am 5'2". I have gained back 5 lbs. over the last few months since the second image. Winter has not been kind, but I'm back at it now. I hope to stay steady and get…

You're doing awesome! Great job!

Thanks for the input!

Stop thinking about THE GOAL. Honestly, whether you have 50 lbs or 250 lbs to lose, thinking about the final leg of a long journey is going to overwhelm anyone. Instead, assign yourself little goals. Mine are goals of 10-lb increments. I am currently working on getting back into the 150s. After that it will be a goal of…

I'm 5'2". I started at 196(ish, I waited for a few weeks before weighing in). I'm down to 162ish (I fluctuate because I love my salt :smile: ). I've been slacking a lot over the last year or so. I maintained fairly well, but I'm not even close to where I ultimately want to be. I will say that I have noticed a dramatic…

Awesome!

It took me about 5 months, but I slacked off a lot during the last two of those months so I was losing far less each week than I had in the three months prior.

Truly amazing! Keep it up!

Thanks for the insight. Going out of town this weekend. I'm going to try very hard to stay on track.

Yay!

EXERCISE! I cannot stay within my calorie goals unless I get my workouts in. Those extra calories I "earn" back are what keep me from going over. It comes down to making a decision. If you do nothing, in a year from now, you're going to look the same as you do now or, more likely, heavier. How do you think you'll look if…

Tummy and shoulders. Big difference. Sometimes it's tough to see it yourself because you're so focused on what's left to lose. Take measurements every month. That will convince you more than anything else. Awesome job!