how have you lost weight?
- Thread starter girl507
- Start date
Rondafaye
Member
I lost 65 pounds on Weight Watchers in 2007 and have kept it off. I would like to lose 30 more on Weight Watchers between now and June. Definitely doable.
The thing is, you have to be really ready and committed. I lost about 40 pounds on Weight Watchers in 2004 and gained it back. The difference is, this last time I was completely dedicated and committed. I'm gearing up for the commitment to lost the extra 30. You can't just want to lose; you have to REALLY WANT to lose and dedicate yourself to it.
The thing is, you have to be really ready and committed. I lost about 40 pounds on Weight Watchers in 2004 and gained it back. The difference is, this last time I was completely dedicated and committed. I'm gearing up for the commitment to lost the extra 30. You can't just want to lose; you have to REALLY WANT to lose and dedicate yourself to it.
spacegirl2007
Well-known member
i lost 80 pounds from october 2006-august 2008 on my own mostly, with the help of a personal trainer 1x/week.
it is HARD. think about it...if there were a magic wegithloss cure, dont you think Oprah would have it? almost any "program" or plan will work if you do it and keep doing it consistently.
for me, it was 100% diet and exercise. i pushed myself at the gym almost every single day to go a little faster, longer, farther. i worked out cardio 5 days a week and weights 2 days. i watched my diet pretty closely, though i never really got into strict counting or tracking. everything in moderation, as far as food. i still ate and eat chocolate almost every day. the only thing i absolutely stopped doing was consuming alcohol, just because i feel that its not compatible with my health and fitness goals but obviously that is personal.
i know a ton of people of all ages and backgrounds who have done really well on weight watchers. if i had more weight to lose and was having a hard time, i would join weight watchers in a heartbeat. as of right now i still want to lose about 12 more pounds, but its not enough to join.
it is HARD. think about it...if there were a magic wegithloss cure, dont you think Oprah would have it? almost any "program" or plan will work if you do it and keep doing it consistently.
for me, it was 100% diet and exercise. i pushed myself at the gym almost every single day to go a little faster, longer, farther. i worked out cardio 5 days a week and weights 2 days. i watched my diet pretty closely, though i never really got into strict counting or tracking. everything in moderation, as far as food. i still ate and eat chocolate almost every day. the only thing i absolutely stopped doing was consuming alcohol, just because i feel that its not compatible with my health and fitness goals but obviously that is personal.
i know a ton of people of all ages and backgrounds who have done really well on weight watchers. if i had more weight to lose and was having a hard time, i would join weight watchers in a heartbeat. as of right now i still want to lose about 12 more pounds, but its not enough to join.
Simply Elegant
Well-known member
I lost about 30 pounds in 9 weeks a few years ago by eating less and working out. Simple idea but hard to follow sometimes. Anyway I'd recommend trying lots of new foods and recipes and exercises to keep yourself from getting tired of a routine. That helped me a lot. I love hula hooping, group gym classes and jumping rope. I'd recommend strength training too so you don't get skinny-fat. Spark people is a really good place to start.
TISH1124
Well-known member
I have lost 7 lbs in the past 2 weeks..I just started walking on my treadmill for 40 mins every morning no matter how bad I hate it...and if I want to get it over I run it so it goes faster and I'm off in 20 mins. I don't eat after 7pm....I gave up soda (Shimmer is clapping I know) I drink lots of water and tea and just limit my portions. I cave in to sweets every now and again...But in moderation...If I want something sweet I grab grapes or sugar free popsicles.
kariii
Well-known member
I lost 53 lbs on weight watchers.but I have a love/hate relationship with weight watchers, I always gain weight once I get off of it, I need to train myself to stay on right track and not pig out. The "holidays" have fcked me over. I'm starting January 19th the cabbage soup diet for 7 days to get the sweets, the caffeine, all that outta my system, ridiculous right? and then diet & excercise, so much coming up. Girlfriend's 21st bday in vegas around the pool in midmay and wedding in september
S.S.BlackOrchid
Well-known member
First of all, getting of medication, but I still needed to lose additional weight.
I then cut soda, and fast food. I drink lot of water instead of other liquids and have changed my eating habits. I try to eat more protein and veggies and less carbs, I have not cut sweets/carbs (hey, i like sugar) out of my diet, but I have reduced quantity for quality. For example, I eat one slice really, really good cake instead of gorging myself on crappy cake (This helps me because I have limited money and and if I eat better foods, I won't can't eat a lot of it and I can enjoy the taste of the better food). I have been doing this for 2 years, so I'm used to it now.
While I was on the meds, I had been working out 3-4 times a week in the gym, which helped me keep me weight stable, but not loose it. I continued that and started running.
I have lost 55 lbs and have kept it off for 2.5 years now. I have also learned that it is a change in lifestyle and that it's not always quick. It took 7 months for me, but it's been pretty stable now. In my first attempt, I lost 40 lbs in two months and it made my period stop and then I just gained all the weight again.
I then cut soda, and fast food. I drink lot of water instead of other liquids and have changed my eating habits. I try to eat more protein and veggies and less carbs, I have not cut sweets/carbs (hey, i like sugar) out of my diet, but I have reduced quantity for quality. For example, I eat one slice really, really good cake instead of gorging myself on crappy cake (This helps me because I have limited money and and if I eat better foods, I won't can't eat a lot of it and I can enjoy the taste of the better food). I have been doing this for 2 years, so I'm used to it now.
While I was on the meds, I had been working out 3-4 times a week in the gym, which helped me keep me weight stable, but not loose it. I continued that and started running.
I have lost 55 lbs and have kept it off for 2.5 years now. I have also learned that it is a change in lifestyle and that it's not always quick. It took 7 months for me, but it's been pretty stable now. In my first attempt, I lost 40 lbs in two months and it made my period stop and then I just gained all the weight again.
LoveMU
Well-known member
A lot less binge eating, and a few salads a week instead of a regular lunch helped me a lot. I never deprive myself, but I replace some unhealthy foods with healthier ones. I also try to limit eating sweets to the weekend, which is tough cuz I have a sweet tooth! I try to go to the gym a few times a week, and I never go a week without at least going once to the gym.
Small changes like that make you lose weight slowly but you can keep it off for longer, trust me! Also, it's ok to cheat once in a while and eat a nice big plate of pasta!
Small changes like that make you lose weight slowly but you can keep it off for longer, trust me! Also, it's ok to cheat once in a while and eat a nice big plate of pasta!
aimerbijoux
Well-known member
The funny thing for me is, I am losing weight IN college but when I visit home, I gain all of it back. grrr. I need to get serious though.
mizuki~
Well-known member
Quote:
what did you do to lose so much in such a little time??
Originally Posted by S.S.BlackOrchid
First of all, getting of medication, but I still needed to lose additional weight. I then cut soda, and fast food. I drink lot of water instead of other liquids and have changed my eating habits. I try to eat more protein and veggies and less carbs, I have not cut sweets/carbs (hey, i like sugar) out of my diet, but I have reduced quantity for quality. For example, I eat one slice really, really good cake instead of gorging myself on crappy cake (This helps me because I have limited money and and if I eat better foods, I won't can't eat a lot of it and I can enjoy the taste of the better food). I have been doing this for 2 years, so I'm used to it now. While I was on the meds, I had been working out 3-4 times a week in the gym, which helped me keep me weight stable, but not loose it. I continued that and started running. I have lost 55 lbs and have kept it off for 2.5 years now. I have also learned that it is a change in lifestyle and that it's not always quick. It took 7 months for me, but it's been pretty stable now. In my first attempt, I lost 40 lbs in two months and it made my period stop and then I just gained all the weight again. |
Delilah
Member
I lost a dress size doing the couch to 5km running program . I also tried to eat healthier food to give me energy for exercise & not drink so much alcohol, but without deprivation (still eat out with friends a few times a week, for example).
I am super anti crash diets and meal replacements, because rapid weight loss does more damage in the long term. You should be aiming for overall health rather than being thin!
I am super anti crash diets and meal replacements, because rapid weight loss does more damage in the long term. You should be aiming for overall health rather than being thin!
devin
Well-known member
I have lost 27 pounds by doing Weight Watchers and working out. I work out about 5 times a week. I do Hip Hop Abs level 2, or Jackie's Workout or Jillian Michaels. Like the other poster who lost with Weight Watchers said, you have to really be committed and know that you want to lose the weight and make a lifetime commitment to it. If you are looking for a quick fix, then you are most likely going to regain the weight. You have to make lifestyle changes. I found that for me I couldn't cut things out of my diet, because I knew that once I went back to eating them I would regain all of the weight. Instead, I just used a healthier option. Instead of ground beef, I use ground turkey, fat free cheese to replace cheese, more water, fruits and vegetables. If I want something sweet I get the Weight Watchers fudge bars or chocolate chip cookies or the 100 calorie snacks. It is hard, but if you set your mind to it, it can be done!
marikat
Active member
If you're serious about losing and keeping it off then all those diets or restrictive programs are not the way.
1. Eat more food that comes out of the ground (not in a box package etc) fresh food; try to avoid eating junk obviously but there is no need to cut portions drastically.
2. Work out at least 4x a week more if possible to kick start your metabolism
10-15min warm up running, biking whatever you want
30min at least of weights this is key and lift heavy no girly pink 3lb weights
3 sets of 15 well done crunches, doing millions of situps won't get you a six pack or reduce the fat on the tummy.
3. Drink tons of water I mean at least 2L more depending on your size
If you do all that you will see meaningful results in a month for sure, hth.
1. Eat more food that comes out of the ground (not in a box package etc) fresh food; try to avoid eating junk obviously but there is no need to cut portions drastically.
2. Work out at least 4x a week more if possible to kick start your metabolism
10-15min warm up running, biking whatever you want
30min at least of weights this is key and lift heavy no girly pink 3lb weights
3 sets of 15 well done crunches, doing millions of situps won't get you a six pack or reduce the fat on the tummy.
3. Drink tons of water I mean at least 2L more depending on your size
If you do all that you will see meaningful results in a month for sure, hth.
S.S.BlackOrchid
Well-known member
Quote:
I went on a crazy diet, (eating only beans and veggies), and ate about 500 calories a day, and exercised a lot. It was a BAD idea. I ended up becoming very sick and gaining all the weight back.
| Originally Posted by mizuki~
|
I went on a crazy diet, (eating only beans and veggies), and ate about 500 calories a day, and exercised a lot. It was a BAD idea. I ended up becoming very sick and gaining all the weight back.
saiababy
Member
Quote:
These are things that work for me going from 128 lbs to 113 lbs in about 3 months, while putting on muscle and eating and living healthy.
I'm not sure if this pertains to you, but the number one thing that made me lose weight was getting off the pill. I lost ten pounds in a month & half. So if you take bc and do not want to get off, you may want to switch to one with a lower estrogen level...I heard that Yaz is good.
The number one thing you should take into consideration when trying to lose weight is your diet. You really need to be eating healthy and taking vitamins (multiB, A, C, E...) and essential oils (I like salmon oil). Taking oils and vitamins daily is awesome for your bod, hair, nails and skin. You should eat four to five smaller meals or snacks a day and you can throw in a 6th if you are very active or have long days.
Eating breakfast is a must! You really need to kick start your metabolism early. You also need to cut back on processed foods and fillers that have no nutritional value (fastfood!) and foods that have a lot of preservatives in them. Foods with preservatives do not digest well and those foods will stay in your stomach longer, feeding your body fat and poor nutrition. Eat foods high in fiber (apples, bananas, avacados, fiber cereal...) to help your digestive track and intestines out. Def. need to be eating the five food groups, as cheezy as that sounds. I take enzymes as well, this helps digest things that are nomally harder for our bodies to do on their own. This is gross, but work to get you digestive track up to par...so you can take healthy and frequent #2s (once a day at least). I would not recommend doing a colon cleanse, doing so could remove a lot of helpful bacteria in your colon and lead to infections.
Sushi is awesome, fish in general is soooo good for you, just make sure it IS wild and not farmed, because much of farmed fish are like farmed chickens with poor diet and pesticide contamination. They put them in huge nets and they eat waste, live in pollution, and are more than likely fed growth hormones. Beef is good every now and then, it is somewhat dificult to digest especially the more rare it is. Chicken has good protien, easy on the fried chicken...thats one of those once a week things too.
hmmmm...what else???
drink LOTS of water!! drink green tea!! it helps digestion and boosts your metabolism. Brew some of your own at home and put some honey in it, yum. I never drink soda, maybe once a month, but I drink tea, every juice, wine, ocassional gatorade.
Eat as much organic as you can! A lot of foods you get at the grocery store have preservatives and pesticides on them. This is very important with dairy! I only buy Horizons or Trader Joes, because so many dairy farms use antibiotics, growth hormones and cloning! Sick. Horizons even put on their lable "no cloning" lol. Go to your farmers markets or really read the ingrediants at the grocery. They are seriously putting the worst stuff in our foods these days. Everyone needs to be aware and research that. For instance, Coca Cola was caught like a week ago with 300 times more pesticides in their orange Fanta than the legal limit in a bottle of water!!! WTF? I'm getting off topic now, but everyone needs to check this health website out...I read it religiously Arsenic Contamination of Drinking Water Promotes Diabetes. This guy knows whats up in the food and health world. Another good thing about knowing what is in your food, is you will NEVER want to eat McDonalds or Totino rolls or tysons chicken wings etcetc again. You would be disgusted, so educate yourself and you will not be near as tempted.
Back to what we were talking about...
Eat Slower too, it helps you to realize when you truly are full, so you do not over eat. Keep in mind, you do not have to give up sweets and junk food, just slow your role when it comes to it. I will allow myself once a week to eat at In N Out or Sonic and I get the works, lol.
I know this seems like a lot to take on, but people do not understand that you cannot just do "something" for a few months to lose weight and actually keep it off. You have to change your lifestyle and probably your pallet. A lot of people do not like to eat vegetables, fish, fruit, granola, but you know what? Suck it up and learn to like it!!! It's not that hard to change your eating habits and it is soooo worth it. And no one take this the hard way, but IMO there is no reason food should have power of someone to the point they are battling their weight. Like I said, eat what you crave, just limit it! A lot of times after a few bites you're over it anyways.
Last, but not least
Exercise for sure. Sure cardio is good, but toning is a must too. People that only run and do not do any sort of weights are selling themselves out. I hate running, absolutely hate it, so I do other things to do cardio. Basketball, roller skating, take the dog out, even walking is good! Palates works really well for me, it tones and lifts everything. I like to lift light weights and do a bunch of circut training. Even though I like to be thin and healthy, I still like to have a booty and curves. So I do exercises that help accentuate my assets...lots of hamstring, quads, inner thighs and booty. These are the things I want a little juicer so I work out with light weights and focus on these target areas. For abs, calfs, and arms I just tone, I do not really focus on building muscle here. Swimming is also awesome, it puts an equally amout of pressure and resistance over your whole body and works every muscle. Really push yourself, when you want to give up just picture how you want to look in a bikini or hot, tight dress and you will keep pushing, lol. I do this all the time. People think that when they go to the gym they have to go for hour and run for like 30 minutes on the treadmill....NOT. I get in and out in thrity minutes. Just stick to your target areas for that day (do legs and butt one day and abs and arms the next) and work hard and you are in and out. Then the days you don't feel like going to the gym go for a hike or walk. Take the dog out or play volleyball or what have you. Roller skating is awesome and you can wear cute little things when roller skating, lol.
I love junk food, but I am lucky and also love healthy organic foods.
Things I like to snack on that taste really good...
Natures Valley Granola Bars- OMG their sweet and salty almond bars are AMAZING!
Hummus and Crackers
Apples and Peanut Butter
Whole grain english muffins and light cream cheese
All Fruit
Avacados
Greek Yogurt and Granola
Turkey and bacon sandwiches
BASICALLY EVERYTHING AT TRADER JOES!
Also, when I have a sweet tooth, I will drink some chocolate milk (horizon only) or apple juice and that will fix it sometimes...sometimes it doesnt lol. I really like english muffins and jelly for something sweet as well. And if you splurge on your once a week or twice a week munch out, make it up to yourself in the gym. Do an extra 50 crunches and 50 lunges.
Sorry to rant on but these are things Americans really need to take seriously! There is no reason for young children or teens or young adults to be obese or battling weight. I'm not claiming to be a professional, I am just stating what I know personally, as well as the obvious. If I come off harsh, it's all out of LOVE
. So for those of you that say "I want to lose weight but don't have time to work out and do not like eating healthy, like I said, SUCK IT UP! If it is important to you to lose weight and be healthy then make time and find healthy foods you like. They are out there, just expand your horizons and try things and make sacrifices. Just say no to crash dieting and say yes to living healthy and happy, dude.
**Also if anyone is having pimple problems use Tea Tree Oil directly on your pimple, It has worked sooooo good for me, better than ProActive or anything else out there and it is not harmful to your skin like Pro and Benzo. It stings a little, and really drys out the area, so use plenty of moisturizer. I on my face and shoulders and am thanking God everyday I started.**
PEACE OUT xoxo
| Originally Posted by girl507
since college i have added weight. I want to lose it desperately. What are things you have done that have helped you to lose weight and work? |
These are things that work for me going from 128 lbs to 113 lbs in about 3 months, while putting on muscle and eating and living healthy.
I'm not sure if this pertains to you, but the number one thing that made me lose weight was getting off the pill. I lost ten pounds in a month & half. So if you take bc and do not want to get off, you may want to switch to one with a lower estrogen level...I heard that Yaz is good.
The number one thing you should take into consideration when trying to lose weight is your diet. You really need to be eating healthy and taking vitamins (multiB, A, C, E...) and essential oils (I like salmon oil). Taking oils and vitamins daily is awesome for your bod, hair, nails and skin. You should eat four to five smaller meals or snacks a day and you can throw in a 6th if you are very active or have long days.
Eating breakfast is a must! You really need to kick start your metabolism early. You also need to cut back on processed foods and fillers that have no nutritional value (fastfood!) and foods that have a lot of preservatives in them. Foods with preservatives do not digest well and those foods will stay in your stomach longer, feeding your body fat and poor nutrition. Eat foods high in fiber (apples, bananas, avacados, fiber cereal...) to help your digestive track and intestines out. Def. need to be eating the five food groups, as cheezy as that sounds. I take enzymes as well, this helps digest things that are nomally harder for our bodies to do on their own. This is gross, but work to get you digestive track up to par...so you can take healthy and frequent #2s (once a day at least). I would not recommend doing a colon cleanse, doing so could remove a lot of helpful bacteria in your colon and lead to infections.
Sushi is awesome, fish in general is soooo good for you, just make sure it IS wild and not farmed, because much of farmed fish are like farmed chickens with poor diet and pesticide contamination. They put them in huge nets and they eat waste, live in pollution, and are more than likely fed growth hormones. Beef is good every now and then, it is somewhat dificult to digest especially the more rare it is. Chicken has good protien, easy on the fried chicken...thats one of those once a week things too.
hmmmm...what else???
drink LOTS of water!! drink green tea!! it helps digestion and boosts your metabolism. Brew some of your own at home and put some honey in it, yum. I never drink soda, maybe once a month, but I drink tea, every juice, wine, ocassional gatorade.
Eat as much organic as you can! A lot of foods you get at the grocery store have preservatives and pesticides on them. This is very important with dairy! I only buy Horizons or Trader Joes, because so many dairy farms use antibiotics, growth hormones and cloning! Sick. Horizons even put on their lable "no cloning" lol. Go to your farmers markets or really read the ingrediants at the grocery. They are seriously putting the worst stuff in our foods these days. Everyone needs to be aware and research that. For instance, Coca Cola was caught like a week ago with 300 times more pesticides in their orange Fanta than the legal limit in a bottle of water!!! WTF? I'm getting off topic now, but everyone needs to check this health website out...I read it religiously Arsenic Contamination of Drinking Water Promotes Diabetes. This guy knows whats up in the food and health world. Another good thing about knowing what is in your food, is you will NEVER want to eat McDonalds or Totino rolls or tysons chicken wings etcetc again. You would be disgusted, so educate yourself and you will not be near as tempted.
Back to what we were talking about...
Eat Slower too, it helps you to realize when you truly are full, so you do not over eat. Keep in mind, you do not have to give up sweets and junk food, just slow your role when it comes to it. I will allow myself once a week to eat at In N Out or Sonic and I get the works, lol.
I know this seems like a lot to take on, but people do not understand that you cannot just do "something" for a few months to lose weight and actually keep it off. You have to change your lifestyle and probably your pallet. A lot of people do not like to eat vegetables, fish, fruit, granola, but you know what? Suck it up and learn to like it!!! It's not that hard to change your eating habits and it is soooo worth it. And no one take this the hard way, but IMO there is no reason food should have power of someone to the point they are battling their weight. Like I said, eat what you crave, just limit it! A lot of times after a few bites you're over it anyways.
Last, but not least
Exercise for sure. Sure cardio is good, but toning is a must too. People that only run and do not do any sort of weights are selling themselves out. I hate running, absolutely hate it, so I do other things to do cardio. Basketball, roller skating, take the dog out, even walking is good! Palates works really well for me, it tones and lifts everything. I like to lift light weights and do a bunch of circut training. Even though I like to be thin and healthy, I still like to have a booty and curves. So I do exercises that help accentuate my assets...lots of hamstring, quads, inner thighs and booty. These are the things I want a little juicer so I work out with light weights and focus on these target areas. For abs, calfs, and arms I just tone, I do not really focus on building muscle here. Swimming is also awesome, it puts an equally amout of pressure and resistance over your whole body and works every muscle. Really push yourself, when you want to give up just picture how you want to look in a bikini or hot, tight dress and you will keep pushing, lol. I do this all the time. People think that when they go to the gym they have to go for hour and run for like 30 minutes on the treadmill....NOT. I get in and out in thrity minutes. Just stick to your target areas for that day (do legs and butt one day and abs and arms the next) and work hard and you are in and out. Then the days you don't feel like going to the gym go for a hike or walk. Take the dog out or play volleyball or what have you. Roller skating is awesome and you can wear cute little things when roller skating, lol.
I love junk food, but I am lucky and also love healthy organic foods.
Things I like to snack on that taste really good...
Natures Valley Granola Bars- OMG their sweet and salty almond bars are AMAZING!
Hummus and Crackers
Apples and Peanut Butter
Whole grain english muffins and light cream cheese
All Fruit
Avacados
Greek Yogurt and Granola
Turkey and bacon sandwiches
BASICALLY EVERYTHING AT TRADER JOES!
Also, when I have a sweet tooth, I will drink some chocolate milk (horizon only) or apple juice and that will fix it sometimes...sometimes it doesnt lol. I really like english muffins and jelly for something sweet as well. And if you splurge on your once a week or twice a week munch out, make it up to yourself in the gym. Do an extra 50 crunches and 50 lunges.
Sorry to rant on but these are things Americans really need to take seriously! There is no reason for young children or teens or young adults to be obese or battling weight. I'm not claiming to be a professional, I am just stating what I know personally, as well as the obvious. If I come off harsh, it's all out of LOVE
**Also if anyone is having pimple problems use Tea Tree Oil directly on your pimple, It has worked sooooo good for me, better than ProActive or anything else out there and it is not harmful to your skin like Pro and Benzo. It stings a little, and really drys out the area, so use plenty of moisturizer. I on my face and shoulders and am thanking God everyday I started.**
PEACE OUT xoxo
DirtyPlum
Well-known member
I lost 14llbs on the Atkins Light diet. I managed it in 3-4 weeks and did no excercise. So it was the atkins diet but I only ate chicken and lotsa fish salads and didnt go OTT on fats like oil and butter and cheese.
I have since regained but totally let go (idiot!) - I'm gonna give it another go to get bulk of weight off and then downgrade to the GI diet principles.
I have since regained but totally let go (idiot!) - I'm gonna give it another go to get bulk of weight off and then downgrade to the GI diet principles.
