? for Steppingup...

[Stacy]

WOW!! 13 lbs since the new year!!! How did you do it??? I feel like my 3 lb loss has taken eons, not too mention major willpower! What do you eat and how is it different from what you were eating 13 lbs ago??? I know weight loss should be slow and steady but 3 lbs for me is a little slow not to mention discouraging. Could I be doing something better?? Would love to hear what you have to say!! I'm in need of some major encouragement!

Thanks,

Stacy

 

[wendyloo]

Stacy, I know you know this, but please remember that losing weight slowly is probably the only way you'll be able to keep it off. Three pounds in 3 weeks sounds like the way to go, even though you may feel discouraged. I have been slowly cutting back and trying to eat a lot more healthfully (basically following weight watchers), knowing that what I need to do is make changes that I can live with for the long term. I too have lost about 3 pounds since the new year, and I'm not worried about them creeping back on because I feel I will be able to maintain the new way I've been eating.
Also remember that if you don't have much weight to lose, you will probably lose very slowly, whereas if you have a lot to lose, losing more quickly may be safe and long-lasting. Four pounds a week seems awfully quick to me, but not knowing where Steppingup started, and not being a nutritionist or health professional, I can't say that it is really too quick or won't be lasting. I feel it would be too quick for me, but that's just me.
Anyway, please be proud of your accomplishments, and don't feel discouraged! You're doing great
Wendy

 

[Steppingup]

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON Jan-20-02 AT 11:03PM (Est)[/font][p]Stacy,

Part of the reason the that some of the weight loss was quick was I had just gained 5 of it in and around Christmas time so that had not been on me but for a short time. I totally agree that slower is better and usually the weight (no matter how strict I am being) does not come off that fast.

I found a "diet" in a magazine that seemed sound to me. It is based on something like the Sugarbusters diet and tries to regulate your insulin.

The only thing that is kind of bad is the first day all you have (besides all the green veges that you want) is a protein shake for all three meals. It consisted of lactose free whey protein, flaxseed oil, fruit such as raspberries or blackberries and water. It was TOTALLY GROSS in my humble opinion and I only made it through half of a shake for breakfast. If I had tried any more I would have hurled. Yuck!!!!!!!! For lunch I had steamed cabbage and onions which I love. For supper I had a huge salad.

After that first day your meals are based on 45% carbs, 30% fats, and 25% protein which sounded good to me. You can have all the veges that you want but limit peas, beets, corn, and potatoes because of their natural sugar that they contain. They encouraged 8-8oz glasses of water daily.

Breakfast is 1 serving fat, 1 serving carbohydrate, 1 serving protein and 1 cup of fruit.

Lunch is 1 fat, 1 carb, 2 protein, 8 oz skim milk and 1/2 cup fruit.

Dinner is 1 fat, 1 carb, 4 protein, and 8 oz skim milk.



Sample breakfast: 1 pancake with 1 tsp butter and drizzled with sugar-free maple flavored syrup or sugar-free preserves
1 oz Canadian bacon, sausage or ham
half of grapefruit.
tea or coffee

Sample lunch: 1/2 bagel, toasted with 1/2 cup tuna mixed with 1 tsp mayo and 3 Tbs chopped celery and carrot.
green salad
8 oz skim milk
1/2 cup fruit

Sample dinner: 4 oz pork chop, grilled
1 small baked potato with 2 Tbs low-fat sour cream
2 cups veges, steamed
8 oz skim milk

You can have raw veges with low-fat dip for a snack. Sometimes I save the fruit for about an hour or two later and eat it as a snack. You just have to be creative with your seasonings and not use a lot of butter. It's basically just watching your portions of bread, fats and protein. Once you get going it's not too bad.

Anyone jump in and feel free to post your opinion if this sounds unhealthy to you. I initially lost fairly quick but the weight loss has slowed now. I have energy for my workouts and otherwise feel good. This is basically how I eat anyway except I just ate MORE before. I love veges so it might be harder for someone that does not. I hope this answers your question and if you have more feel free to ask. Sometimes when you need to lose weight it is just finding the right thing for your particular situation. I would never want to deprive my body of the things that it needs and I feel that this plan is well-balanced.

Kelly http://www.sgtfuzzbubble99.homestead.com/files/Smilies/De_Niro/eeyore.gif

 

[Steppingup]

Stacy,

I wanted to add that I started losing the first of 2000 and it took a month before I initally saw any weight loss at all. I had just cut my portions down and cut down on any snacking. It took me about 6 or 7 months to lose 35 pounds. I kind of slacked up and gained a little of that back and still needed to lose some on top of that. I can't emphasize enough that slower is better and you have to eat in a way that you can maintain over the long haul. Don't go so strict that you are miserable. I will always have to watch what I eat because I gain weight so easily which is not really fair but that's life. I have had a weight problem since teenage years and just have to be disciplined enough to watch my diet closely.

Good luck and don't be discouraged it will come off if you just stick with it.

Kelly http://www.sgtfuzzbubble99.homestead.com/files/Smilies/De_Niro/eeyore.gif

 

[Stacy]

Hi!! Thanks for the encouragement. I know that slow and steady wins the race but sometimes you just need a gentle reminder. And, to my surprise I lost another 2 lbs last week!! YEAH!! I was really shocked because last week I felt my diet was less than stellar, especially the night I had six, yes six, pieces of pepperoni pizza for dinner....a moment of insanity! I need to keep plugging along. So far I've lost 5 lbs, and it's odd, I really dont feel any thinner yet and my clothes dont fit differently yet. I'm sure that will come in time. For anyone out there struggling, a food journal has really been a big help to me. One titled "Thin For Life" based on the book by the same name is a really good one. It has both places to record your diet, weekly goals and reflections and an area to record your planned and actual workouts for the week.

Thanks again,

Stacy

 

[Steppingup]

Stacy,

I think 6 pieces of pizza sounds heavenly. What I wouldn't do to have pizza...yummmmmm! Okay, back to reality. Your 5 pounds is great. Keep it up! I really didn't feel much difference in my clothes until about 10 pounds. I agree that a food journel is a great idea I did that before and it really works. It's kind of discouraging to think about how fattening most foods are. Keep us posted on your progress!!!

Kelly http://www.sgtfuzzbubble99.homestead.com/files/Smilies/De_Niro/eeyore.gif