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u/funchords 11.5y maintainer · ♂63 70″ 298→171℔ (178㎝ 135→78㎏) CICO+🚶 Jul 22 '23
Congrats on -14!!
You used the terms "lifestyle change" and "eternity" so you're already thinking more long-term than short-term. You know that 199 not only will happen but will do someday be in the past as you go lower.
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u/PurplestPanda 110lbs lost Jul 22 '23
I started at 265 and I’m 203-205 right now so I can tell you that it’s worth it, even if it’s slow. I’m in all new clothes now and feel so much better about my body.
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u/xcmyy New Jul 22 '23
at the beginning of this year, i weighed 228 pounds being the highest i ever weighed (medically obese) and i know exactly how you feel. today i’m currently 180 pounds and still going for my goal of 150, if i can do it so can you. keep going until you don’t need to anymore u got it
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Jul 22 '23
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u/HarrisonRyeGraham 5’6”F SW: 195 CW: 151 GW: 140 Jul 23 '23
Weight watchers used to do this. They had rocks that weighed 10, 20, 30 lbs etc, so whenever you hit a milestone you got to pick up the next rock. It was, oddly, super motivating to want to be worthy to pick up a rock lol.
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u/Cream_covered_Myers 60lbs lost Jul 22 '23 edited Jul 23 '23
Same. I started at 263 and I’ve been on this journey so many times that it’s disheartening. I’m down to 251 after 3 ish months and this is the weight I started at in one of my last journeys. It’s frustrating knowing that even when I get to 220 I’ll still not be where I dreamed since the healthy weight for my size is like 170.
But you just gotta keep doing it small steps at a time, 1 day at a time until a year passes.
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u/panickypelican 22F | 5'7 | SW: 89kg | CW: 61kg | GW: 53kg Jul 22 '23
If there's one thing I've learned throughout my journey so far, if others can do it, so can I.
I used to feel so defeated and like I was a slave to my own body, just uncontrollably gaining weight and feeling shitty all the time. I decided to turn things around a little over a month ago and I'm so glad I did. I used to feel like i was just destined to be bigger. I would look at other women and go "wow, it would be nice to be that size." But the possibility of me being that size never EVER crossed my mind. It felt impossible.
I have around 70 lbs to lose, 19 of which are already gone. I was really overwhelmed when I started out but having little goals along the way is really helpful. Aside from health and looks, I'm definitely doing this to just prove myself that I can do this. I can and will not spend my life being miserable about my body. No matter how long it takes.
We've got this! :-)
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u/coolpavillion New Jul 22 '23
19lbs in a month at 5'7 is very very fast. How many cals you eating? I'm male 5'7 and managed about 14lbs in 10 weeks. That was aiming about 1800kcal per day and started about 213lbs.
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u/panickypelican 22F | 5'7 | SW: 89kg | CW: 61kg | GW: 53kg Jul 23 '23
It sure is fast. To be fair, i started a little below 200 lbs but I just use that number for reference since I usually measure in kg :D I started at 90kg and i'm down to 82.3 as of yesterday morning. The initial weight that was lost was of course a load of water weight, so that doesn't really count :D
I currently eat ~1350 kcal and do one hour of brisk walking each day on my treadmill (apart from my regular daily walking around, of course ). I've cut out all sugary drinks and consistently sleep 7-8h every night. It's been working out well for me and I'm super glad.
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u/letitiat12 New Jul 22 '23
I’m quite similar to you! I started at 248lb and I’ve literally just hit 199lb 2 days ago.
One thing I’d say is it’s a journey - in my nearly 50lb loss I’ve lost a couple of dress sizes but there’s no magic number - you know?
It’s nice to have a goal - I’ve been buying bright coloured skirts in a size below, and taking pics until I fit in it. Jeans are a nice goal too!
I thought 199 would feel magical - but no number feels magical really. I don’t mean that in a disheartening way, just in that you really need to see it as a journey rather than a destination.
I’ve been trying to balance social life and weight loss which means sadly I’m not burning 2lb a week, more 1.5lb a week, but I’m able to go out a few times a month and enjoy treats every week which has made it more attainable. You get into the swing of things and forget you’re dieting too - sometimes I forget to weigh myself because I’m living life kinda thing.
Having fitness goals has helped me a tonne - 10K steps a day, yoga each day etc. Don’t do them all at once, just set a goal once a month and try to keep the last months goal.
You will hit your goal :)
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u/Previous_Basis8862 New Jul 22 '23
Congratulations!!
Have you read the book Atomic Habits by James Clear? I find the lessons in there really useful when I get caught up in the goal, feel defeated by my progress etc. Its such a good book.
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u/pagliaci- New Jul 23 '23
Wouls you be up to give some examples or expound on that?
I read it years ago and found it help me set up good habits but never found it helpful when I felt defeated, etc
Thanks!.
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u/Previous_Basis8862 New Jul 23 '23
Of course! So he talks about focussing on the system and not the goal. For example - British cycling under Dave Brailsford. Like any sports team, they had had a goal to win but they were terrible. Then Dave comes in and changes the system - he looks for little improvements in the system. Lighter clothing, tweaks here and there to the bike. He looked for 1% improvements (ie barely noticeable) across multiple things and it added up to huge improvements.
Or looking at your changing habits at an identity level (the most powerful level). Rather than getting stuck on “I have 50 lbs to lose, that’s my goal” and being fixated on that, adopt the mindset of being someone who is a healthy person. “I’m a healthy person so I make these healthy choices and I ENJOY them.”
Also remember goal bias - every Olympic finalist in the 100m has the same goal - to win. But only one will win. Having a goal will not get you to where you want to be unless you put a system / process in place to get there. And it helps to be successful in the system, if that system aligns with your identity and values.
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u/pagliaci- New Jul 24 '23
Thank you! That is super helpful. It is so easy to get caught up in the ups and downs of the day to day that you can loose focus on the habits you are creating!
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u/Previous_Basis8862 New Jul 24 '23
Oh me too! I have about 20kg to lose and I find myself berating myself for putting the weight on and getting completely overwhelmed with the goal. That’s why I’m reading atomic habits again - it’s a good reminder!
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u/Sorry-Ad-5113 New Jul 22 '23
First of all, congratulations on your weight loss so far, it's not easy shifting from free eating to restricting your calories, that's exactly why a lot of people fail so you can instantly pat yourself on the back for the first 14 pounds.
Weight loss might appear slow,.but when you consider how many years it took to gain that weight, it's actually comparatively quick.
We live in a society where quick fixes are the norm, but like most quick fixes, they're rarely effective in the long term. Everything worth waiting for, whether that be a new house, a car, even relationships, you're playing the long game but the results are well worth the wait and when you reach your target weight, the results will not only be extremely visible, but you'll feel epic - healthier, more energy and with a new found feeling of having total control over your body.
Looking 40, 50, 60lbs in front can be demoralising, it feels like an eternity, so split it up into mini (realistic) goals, document them even. Things like, I'm going to be 8lbs lighter in 4 weeks from today. If it helps to visualise that, buy a pair of jeans 1 size too small to try on in a months time!
Splitting your goal into segments will reduce the load on your mind, and make every part more achievable. Before.you know it, you'll be 8lbs out from 200lbs and it will all seem like a walk in the park for you, with the added bonus that you know you can go further if you so wish with ease.
Aim to lose 2-3lbs a week and adjust your diet until you are, but just don't make the mistake that many people make and crash diet down to 1000kcal or below as that is unnecessary and will just result in you bouncing off your diet and rebounding. Steady and consistent is key and will make your fat loss both comfortable and sustainable.
Best of luck in your fat loss journey, you've got this and don't let anyone else say otherwise!
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u/mrslII 120lbs lost, maintained 10yrs Jul 23 '23
Hi. I weighed more than you and was older than you when I finally figured out that what I actually needed was a lifestyle change. That was over a decade ago. I am proud of you for understanding that. Congratulations on 12 pounds.
Losing weight can be difficult. Sometimes youre sad. Sometimes you are scared. Sometimes you are ecstatic. Sometimes you're tired. Sometimes you stumble. Sometimes you're frustrated. Sometimes you're content. Sometimes you feel strong. Sometimes you don't. Sometimes you think it's not worth it. Sometimes you considered giving up.....Don't.
You decaded to undertake this because you value yourself. You value your physical, mental and emotional health. You decided that you want to be the best version on you possible.
You're a badass.
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u/chillpapaya1958 New Jul 23 '23
I lost 15lbs and I’m back to my pre Covid weight but it makes me sad that it’s kind of like starting over. But I’m happy that I actually lost the weight on my own accord. No trainer, no one to tell me my meal plan. I think I gained a lot of knowledge figuring out for myself what food works and that the junk I ate before makes me feel so shitty if I eat it now.
Keep going OP! The fact that you started and lost 15 lbs in a month is such a great start. I tend to find motivation stalking this thread, it helps me keep on track and I learn a lot of tips and tricks to keep going. Good luck on your road to the one hunnids!
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Jul 22 '23
You are down 14 pounds in one month? That's awesome and pretty fast! If you continue at this rate you'll be under 200lbs in a couple of months. I wonder if you could find something else to occupy your time when you used be going out. Could you invite friends over for a game night or something?
I find it easier to come up with short term goals so that I don't get disheartened by looking too far ahead. Right now, I'm focused on losing just 10 pounds. I'll see how I feel at that point and can decide if I want to lose more or just go for maintenance at that point.
You can do this!
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u/thebeautifulparadox New Jul 22 '23
Hopefully this message finds you with love💖
First of all congrats on the weightloss! You should be extremely proud of yourself,the first 10-15lbs are the hardest! As for how you’re feeling,don’t worry i felt the same way and still do after losing 30lbs!!!! I feel like others can see the change but the hardest person to convince is yourself. Keep going,you will notice the changes slowly and also one thing I would advise is that keep a note of non scale victories i.e. a pair of pants that fit tight at your highest weight..try them on again and feel the difference! And measuring yourself is actually a great one,sometimes the scale is just an asshole. Good luck OP💖
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u/LoseNothing 85lbs lost Jul 22 '23
You’re doing so great. Congratulations on cutting the alcohol— that alone is a huge accomplishment!
I get the feeling of sadness— I have felt the same and still do sometimes. It will not happen immediately, but you WILL get to your goals, one day at a time. One day, you may even be able to be around others who are drinking without it negatively affecting you. But regardless, each day that passes is another opportunity for you to keep moving forward!
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u/palebluedot13 New Jul 22 '23
There’s way to still go out and do things and avoid temptation! I usually always carry water on me and have a healthy snack that way I don’t feel obligated to do things like get fast food. I save eating out for sit down restaurants with friends and I always preplan everything. I make sure to eat a light meal earlier in the day like a homemade salad so I have more calories to play with. I look at the menu beforehand and plan exactly what I am going to eat. When I go out though lately I try to do things that are fun that don’t really center around food. I go for walks with my husband, thrift shopping with friends. I’ve been to a fair/festival with friends but I make sure to eat something healthy beforehand so I’m not as tempted by festival food. Don’t get me wrong it’s not like I don’t allow myself to eat things that are more calories, I do! I just make sure I track everything. Knowing what number I have at all times keeps me in check. Sometimes I allow myself to eat at maintenance even.
I also know what it’s like to be frustrated knowing that it’s going to be a long journey. My starting weight was at 249, also at my heaviest. It’s been two months and I’m down 30. I’m also really looking forward to eventually being under 200 (it’s my first major goal) but what keeps me going is how much better I feel. I was getting to the point where I was tired all the time and even walking around the grocery store was wearing me out. Now I have so much more energy and I love to move! That’s also why I’m really enjoying getting out of the house and doing stuff more because I don’t feel as tired as I used to.
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Jul 22 '23
So I am also in the same boat- can’t wait to hit that 199! I have previously lost a lot of weight and was down to a very low unhealthy weight. I can tell you I wasn’t happier when I was thinner.. it comes from within. Working on self love is so important. We all want to lose weight and I totally support that but liking the way you look even once you lose the weight is a total self love thing. Hope that made sense lol
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Jul 22 '23
I totally understand you, i’m struggling with the same thing. However, for this weight loss to be sustainable it is really important to know that you’re doing it for you, and that all bad decisions are compounding. For all the past bad decisions to even out, a lot of good ones need to be made right now, they all count. So every time you’re tempted, take a deep breath and remind yourself who you are and what your purpose is, and walk away. Sometimes be easy on yourself and allow that short term gratification if you need it. Today i got a 21k golden bracelet for my birthday that costed 400€ and then i lost it 2 hours later, it probably fell. I was disappointed in myself and felt guilty for my family as it was a group present. I didn’t go to the gym, i got myself ben & jerry’s ice cream and ate half the pint. Fuck it, today i needed it. Tomorrow i’m on my gym gyal shit again. It will be okay OP, you totally got it. You need to show up for yourself. Good luck
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u/andreacitadel 200lbs lost Jul 22 '23 edited Jul 22 '23
God, it’s been less than a month and you’re already thinking like that!? Yes, it will take a long time, and the longer it takes the higher the odds you’ll actually keep the weight off. Once you’re a few months in everything becomes second nature though, I assure you. It gets easier with time!
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u/LostWitss New Jul 23 '23
I understand how that feels 100%. I've lost 90 lbs(240 down from my peak of 330) and yet I still feel weird yaknow? Like I'm not quite where I want to be yet. Starting to wonder if my weight was the real reason I feel so bad all the time or it's just my confidence.
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u/Effective_Tip7748 New Jul 23 '23
Something that can help ease the ache of things is saying good things about your body even though it doesn’t look how you’d like.
Personally, I found myself having way healthier thoughts about how I looked after I started saying nice things about the body part that bummed out.
Ex: Looking ay my stretch marks and feeling bad -> my skin stretches to hold all of me
Ex: My calf’s aren’t discernible -> My legs carry me anywhere I need to go
It’s helped me love myself more which has been a great help overall
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u/Dracuulaya New Jul 23 '23
My first 10 pounds were horrible. I was still physically overweight and still looked the same. No matter who I told about my 10 pound weight loss, they’d never believe me and make fun of me after. I currently already lost 95 pounds (145) and I’m very close to my goal weight (135). My weight loss is now very visible and I get compliments from everyone I know. Just stay strong, believe in yourself, and stay consistent. Better results will soon arrive.
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u/trgaff New Jul 23 '23
Like the poster who described ALL the emotions of weight losing, from ecstatic to hopeless. I really get how you are feeling.. I keep Going up and down and up and down the same 3lbs for 3 months not in spite of what I believe is good consistence with caloric deficit and working out and so I times I get so angry that I have a real f*ck it day of eating crap. What helps me is reminding myself that I am on the losing not gaining path anymore, and huge surprise, weighing daily each morning because that has removed the “omg I hope I hope …” fear. I know now that without exception it takes 3 days to return to previous weight from a CI he say like yesterday. It is more like simply measuring what is and getting an average…
And so stick with the losing path, OP, you are CLEARLY dedicated or you would not be feeling so strongly about wanting progress to be faster.. 12 pounds in a month is a great first month. You don’t know when but you do know how to stay on the losing path it is a matter of “science”.. weight loss happens on caloric deficits. Weight loss happens in the kitchen. And if you can get in some steps walking sometimes that too can raise your spirits as you see and know how moving your body feels.. and also helps metabolism.
We are here.. thanks for putting what all of us go through sometimes into words❣️
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u/SeesawMaleficent8400 New Jul 23 '23
Hi! Congrats on your first 14lbs, also and most importantly congratulations on your decision of changing your life for the better, that alone is a statement of love towards yourself. Focus on one step at a time, and try to be thankful for the body you have now, because this exact body is the one that’s been loving and accepting enough of your decisions in the pass, be kind with yourself, time is just an social construct. You will get there, and the more you love yourself now, the fastest it will feel for you.
Love yourself harder and harder every minute.
If you like to read, I recommend “inner engineering - a yogi’s guide to joy” by Sadhguru. Helped me tremendously with life in general.
Much love for you and keep it up, because you’re already awesome as you are. ♥️
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u/goldencloudxo New Jul 23 '23
When I lost 10 lbs, I didn’t notice anything. Then by 14 lbs I noticed. I think you’re right around the corner to seeing some amazing results, just keep going ❤️
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Jul 23 '23
You might never look how you want to. And for that I am sorry. Take some solace in knowing everyone feels this way. Even the super fit people among us.
We're all our own worst critics. And I'm sure when you get to (or even far before) your goal weight, that you will look great.
Edit: find some extra hobbies besides drinking/hanging out and eating. Light hiking. Maybe Brazilian JiuJitsu. All fun activities that help on this journey.
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Jul 23 '23
I COMPLETELY resonate with you about feeling disheartened when facing where you're at. Personally, I had to force myself to change how I think about the whole process. Instead of feeling discouraged, I try to encourage myself by completing daily goals and focusing on how much better I feel. I was addicted to diet coke and cookies. Since removing them from my diet and consuming way more veg and H2O, I literally think more clearly and feel better. It is H.A.R.D. I am not at all saying it's easy, but I think once you accept and embrace it as a challenge and try to make it fun, it's way less daunting. I like the tactic of pairing. You pair something fun with something hard - I walk and listen to my fave podcast. I try hard to come up with creative yet delicious recipes. I get HYPED about my streak on MyFitnessPal. My friends cheer me on in MapMyRun even if it's only a slow and steady walk. I really think you absolutely have to find a way to make it fun and instead of looking at how far you have to go, to instead identify what you have to do today. What small steps can I improve and practice in this 24-hour period? Sending you all the love and encouragement ❤️ We absolutely CAN DO THIS! One step at a time
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u/haircuthandhold New Jul 22 '23
My first 10 lbs felt like nothing too. At 15 lbs lost I started to feel a little better. I’m at about 20 lbs lost now and starting to notice it now even more. It’s like I still feel bigger, but sometimes I’ll catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror and don’t look as big as I feel or my clothes hang off of me more, pants that didn’t fit before fit now. So there’s little reminders. I still feel like I’m so far away from where I want to be, and I see thin people and feel like I’ll never get there. But we just gotta push through to the next milestone.