100 lb. Club - How are you losing weight?

Hi, I am pretty new here, have been reading the board lots. I have so got to snap to it! I've dabbled in so many different programs and do exercise very well once I get going.

How are you all successfully losing, could you please share some ideas?
Food Plan?
Exercise?
Water?
Anything Else?

I have tried Atkins, Sugar Buster, South Beach, Starvation, Weight Watchers.

My goal is to pick a plan and try to follow it, add in my exercise and drink my water---why sometimes is it so easier said than done?

Thanks for any help! Marcie:carrot:

Good old fashioned calorie counting. I'm reading Calorie Queens at the moment and loving their approach so far. Aside from that accountability with the calorie counting (i.e. I only ate 1/4 the package so I won't "count it") lots of water and exercise that is moderate-intense but that I still enjoy has been the key. For me, this is the only approach that has worked because I feel I can do it forever. It truly is a lifestyle. Good luck!! :)

I'm calorie counting too. I like the flexibility that comes with it. I make sure my fat stays under 30% - its normally about 25%. I drink when I'm thirsty. I also work out at the gym 3x a week. Its a non stress diet and lifestyle. I'm actually enjoying it! Its something I could do forever. The way you succeed on a diet is to just keep going - through sunshine, rain and snow - just keep going. So choosing something you find pretty easy is the best plan I think as well as believing that you can do it.

A combination of portion control and intuitive eating as well as attempting (key word here!) to be vegan. So far, I've got the dairy and eggs out of the picture completely. Meat though... sometimes my body just says, "Give it or die, fatty!" So what's a girl to do? I eat no red meats though. Lean fish and poultry only and I tend to prepare them in ethnic dishes so I can flavor the **** out of them as I find both meats rather blah otherwise. Beyond that, all foods in my diet are organic, non genetically modified and generally healthy for you. Even my fave cookies in the world are pretty damn healthy -- for cookies. (Newmans Own Ginger O's).

Probably my biggest secret is that I have a spice rack the size of Rhode Island. That way, no matter what the dish I can make it taste like anything I want. Sometimes I think broccoli that tastes like chicken sounds nifty and so I go at mixing the spices like a mad.... um... scientist. LOL.

I also make sure to do everything in moderation. Nothing is forbidden or guess what I'm going to be drooling over until I devour the whole thing? Yep. I LOVE food and I won't stick to anything that deprives me of things I love. I just know to eat a few and put it up and if I can distract myself for just 5 minutes, I'll quit thinking about what goodness awaits me in the pantry. Doesn't always work for me, but I try.

I drink no soda. Unsweetened iced tea most of the time, water when I'm exercising. Organic 100% no sugar added fruit juices when I either just want them or haven't had enough fruits. I normally have basic iced tea on hand but alongside my spice rack up there is an herb apothecary and I mix my own teas from organic bulk herbs.

Exercise cannot be boring or overly tiresome for me or I will quit after a single session. Lucky me, I live in a place that is every outdoorsy person's dream. Hiking/biking trails are abundant and that is one of my favorite activities is trapsing around the wilderness here with a light backpack. I do Curves when the weather is crap or I don't want to drive out to the trailheads. I have some stuff here for lifting weights. I'm also dying to lose enough weight to get my big butt back on a bicycle (say that three times fast!) as I love riding but I break bicycles because I'm too heavy for them :o In fact, I have alot of activies planned for the near future when I am physically able. Basically, I really mix it up or else I won't stick with it.

Last thing: I don't count. I wouldn't even do scales if I didn't need some regular tracking of progress because most days, I want to throw the sucker out the window. That, and I get too obsessed too easy. I don't know how many calories I consume, fat grams, etc. :shrug: I will perhaps consider doing so when my eating disorder is under control and have lost enough weight that calorie counting is necessary.

I'm a calorie counter too. What I did was make a list of things I felt were jeopardizing my attempts at losing weight, and then tackled them one by one. Some of them were easier than others.

For example, one problem I have is that I work long hours and I'm exhausted after work, and the last thing I feel like doing some nights is cooking. Since I do have a little extra money (from working those long hours), I've spent it on a solution OTHER than stopping by McD's every night. I go to this 'quick prep' food class every month or so, where in 2 hours you make 12 meals, doing all the assembly bit, so that cooking is super-easy. Usually it's just sauteeing something for a bit, or sticking it in the oven for an hour, and it's done and tastes good. The added benefit is that sometimes I'll exercise while it's cooking.

Other factors are harder. I have a problem with emotional eating. Still working on that one. Plus the "eating on the road" dilemma. I've gotten better, but I do a lot of business trips and I'm still working on strategies there.

At 250-ish pounds I'm eating anywhere from 1400-1800 calories on a regular day. Then around PMS time it seems to skyrocket to around 2500-3500 for 3-4 days. Still working on that 'glitch' as well. For exercise, I'm sporadic. Sometimes I'll exercise 30-45 minutes every day for 3 weeks. Then I'll go 3 weeks doing nothing. It really depends on my work schedule and level of exhaustion, and level of 'feeling deprived' where I want to spend my limited free time goofing off and not doing exercise. Sometimes I'm successful at the "just 20 minutes on the bike" trick, which occasionally leads to 30 or 40 minutes. Sometimes I just do nothing.

I am on Jenny Craig myself. For me it really works, because it is a structured approach to portions and calories, but has enough variety of food that I do not get bored. I also work pretty long hours (with a long commute) that by the time I get home, the absolute last thing I want or need to do is prepare a meal. I am aware of the calories I have, and currently I am on 1700/day.

Excercise is big thing with me as well. I have finally found something that I really love to do and miss it when I do go. Kickboxing challenges me everytime I go, the teachers mix up quite a bit, and it is fun as well. All key factors to sticking to excercise IMHO.

Water has always been my downfall, but I try to drink 6 glasses a day. I am building up to 8, but I thrilled I can get 6 in, as I used to not even get half that amount in a day.

I guess what everyone has said so far, is you have to find something you can live with. I have said it before, all the plans work, but you need to find something you can do in the longterm.

I have always been a counter. WW points or calories. But lately, I have realized that my track record isn't doing very well and it was time to change my method. I am addicted to sugar, so last week I started Sugar busters and I am enjoying the lack of cravings and the even keel the program offers. It's a bit more strict than what I'm use to, but I seem less tempted!

My husband and I are doing Weight Watchers at home using materials from a previous try. It's been working great for us so far. Right now we're just trying to work on the mental aspect of trying to lose weight. We're trying not to fall into the perfection trap and trying to not set unrealistic goals. I'm really gearing up for Maintenance by reading a lot about how to keep the weight off although I have a long way to go. I've never reached goal before so when I do I want to be prepared for it.

As far as exercise, I walk for 45 minutes - 1 hour 5 days a week and lift weights every other day.

Best of luck to you in finding a plan that works for you. :)

I concern myself with calories and portion control. I try to keep my daily calorie intake around 1500 most days. I let myself indulge when I go out with friends on Friday and Saturday night. On those days, my calorie count is around 2000. I haven't really cut anything out of my diet; I just pay attention to portion sizes. Instead of eating a whole bag of pretzels, I just eat a handful. I still drink way too much Diet Coke every day, but I also drink a ton of water. I still eat ice cream when I want it, but I also try to get in at least five or six servings of fruits and veggies daily. Again, it's all about "how much," not necessary "what."

Exercise, though, is key. I started off at Curves and have since moved on to a bigger gym and running outdoors on nice days. I don't think I would have been able to lose as much weight as I have and keep it off for this long without exercise. Because I work off 500+ calories a day at the gym, I don't feel bad when I have a pint of beer on Friday night.

The one key for me, though, was that I started off without really expecting much. I didn't expect to lose 100 pounds in the first six months or anything crazy like that. And I didn't. It's taken three years to lose 125 pounds. But I have no doubt that I'll keep it off. So, don't expect instant results and you won't be disappointed when you don't get them. Also, don't expect perfection. You'll slip up along the way. It happens. When you do, just start over again.

Oh my gosh I have tried sooooooooo many things. I finally joined our local weight loss center who developed a nutrion plan for me. On top of that, I use my bowflex and tummy tape (alternate days is free weights and tummy tape), plus I walk 2 miles each day now and I still do 18 flights of stairs 2x a day (I take the stairs at work on my breaks). This is working! I was sooo skeptical and thought, more money paid out and I bet it won't work -- it does! I am loving it :)

oh yes & the water! 64 - 80 oz per day some days I swear I could live in the bathroom LOL

For me to be successful this time meant no more diet sodas, refined white sugar or flour and adjusting my thinking. I am no longer trying to lose weight as much as I am working toward fitness and health. I also make every effort to live like a thin person. Eating the right portions and exercise 6 days out of 7.

Along with WW and 2 online support groups that is what makes this work for me this time.

I'm an exerciser, but I also try to eat fairly clean - for me this means mainly homemade vegetarian stuff (made out of vegetables rather than cheese and bread ;) ). I also drink mainly water with a little green tea and slightly more alcohol (don't tell anyone!!!)

I am on the Cambridge Diet--a very low calorie diet with mainly liquid, 4 litres of water a day and little bit of weights. Plus all the running up the stairs to go toilet!

I do Weight Watchers because I think the plans they offer encourage a healthy lifestyle change, and I like the gold stars we get. :D I enjoy the meetings and camraderie (but only this time when I decided that participation was key to my losing weight), and the accountability of weighing in once a week. I've tried a lot of things, but Weight Watchers has been the only plan that's worked for me.

I also exercise quite a bit, and I hired a personal trainer to get that extra nudge. Exercise has helped this Grandma speed up her metabolism and have a normal bodyfat percentage even though I still have weight to lose.

I count calories and exercise!! 6 days of cardio and 2 weights per week. No foods are off limits, but I do avoid lots of processed crap.

I count calories, but I also follow the Eating for Life/Zone way of balanced eating (40/30/30 carbs/protein/fat). For exercise, I do Curves as well as Turbo Jam and walking. I kind of hit a mini plateau, but I think it's a combination of TOM and my body getting used to my new way of life. Good luck!

I don't count calories or anything else except watch my portions and excersize. I average about a lb to 2 a week. I have learned that the slower they come off, the longer it stays off.

From 1-2 lbs a week is the best way to lose. If you lose more than that, you are in danger of losing muscle also and of dehydrating yourself.

I recommend getting a personal trainer. They are not as expensive as some tend to believe.

Elva/Lill

I count calories, but it's really more about portion control and the types of food I eat. I've become a regular exerciser as well. And water, water, water. I drink lots of it. It might be all in my mind but it certainly helps keep my on track, if I don't drink enough water, everything else goes out the window.

~Dee

I exercise quite a bit--well, at least for me it's quite a bit! I aim for somewhere between 1-2 hours 5 days a week and something very low intensity for 30-60 minutes the other 2 days. I do a variety of things from going to the gym, to hiking or walking outside, Pilates, weight training, exercise dvd's at home... I also count calories. I aim for a 1,000 calorie deficit at least 5 days out of the week and a 500 calorie deficit the other days. My exercise offsets the deficits, so I average between 1,500-1,900 calories a day with the occasional 2,500 day here and there. I eat every 3 hours throughout the day and try to incorporate a lean protein and veggie into each meal. I have cut way back on (but not 100% eliminated) refined sugar and processed foods and I drink around 100 oz of water each day. It's working well for me and I'm happy with it--but if the day comes that I need to tweak part of my plan, it should be fairly easy to.

Im currently on Weight Watchers and its the best thing ive done. Ive tried all sorts of diets, but I hate being restricted on food. So with WW I can eat basically whatever I want. I also drink alot of water!! Im not to keen on plain water, so I either drink Propel or I get the packets that you pour in your water. As for exercise, I usually do it at home. I do pilates every day. I also use a exercise ball and a stair stepper thing. Thanks to that, my behind is ALOT smaller. I also do workouts on the On Demand channel. Im addicted to those workouts. Theres a bunch to choose from and the dance ones are fun! I hope you find a plan that you will LOVE!

I'm on WW and it's been wonderful for me. I usually get bored eating the same foods but I have the variety now. I drink lots of water. As far as exercise I've been in a slump due to medical issues. My goal, once the weather starts getting warmer, is to walk 4 miles a day. On days when the weather is bad or humid I will probably do yoga. I hope you find something that will help you out!

:hug:
Sarah

Portion control. 3 meals, 3 snacks. Exercise at minimum 4 times a week but starting in March I began a series of 21 day challenges for exercises (ie, March was Pilates, this month is walking, next month is yoga, etc). Although I am doing the 21 day challenges I have other exercises built into my schedule. Trying new things keep me interested. I have been "dieting" off and on for a long time and this time I decided a "lifestyle change" was in order and I am doing a lot better this time around. No foods are forbidden. I have something that I know I can do forever.

Atkins for me. It works and I love it. The only problem that I have with it is that if I don't eat properly one day I tend to gain a LOT of water back really quickly and it takes days for that gain to come back off. I think if it were any other diet, the water weight that comes back on wouldn't be so much at once. This tends to do a number on my head a bit.

However, the rapid weight loss when you are really working the program makes up for the bad vibes when you cheat.

Hi everyone

Well I guess I am the "odd one out" LOL... nothing unusual there! :)

I am not a calorie counter or dieter, nor am I a food journaler; simply developed my own plan and it WORKS when I stick with it. The best part is that with very little effort I eat better than ever before in my life!

Marcie, you said it pretty well! Food plan, exercise, water! Great start! And while I say I don't count calories, I DO pretty well know what different foods are and WATCH them... in the sense that I eat a lot of fresh fruits and veggies, and smaller amounts of meat; lots of chicken and sometimes red meats. On weekends I cook up big crockpots of yummy stuff and put individual portions in the freezer. Then can just fix up some fresh veggies... steamed, grilled, baked, raw, whatever... and have a yummy dinner in no time! Also have things fixed up for work lunches. My general rule is "if God made it, eat it; if mankind screwed around with it and added all kinds of junk and created it, avoid it." I eat very few processed foods, including prepackaged "diet" stuff and anything that has lots of chemicals and garbage in it. Almost completely avoid artificial sweeteners; do have some Splenda at times, especially in my coffee syrups. Drink mostly water and lemon. Oh and I DO get support from my doctor!! She is the one who told me approx. how many calories to eat and I would lose the same amount as if I dropped a lot lower as that would drop my metabolism... and it sure is working!! You don't have to "starve" to lose weight if you eat the right things. our bodies were never designed to process "chemicals and crap" which most people's "nutrition" consists of today, especially in America. The other day I looked at a good looking diet meal someone was eating at work... looked great until I looked at the contents! Crap, crap and crap... and 1100 g of sodium!!! Guess I'll stick with my crockpot and fresh stuff. :)

For exercise I do a LOT of walking for cardio. I'm trying to add more strength training. Since it's hard to fit in time for the gym I am buying small pieces of exercise equipment I can do at home to supplement that and do more when I can. I also plan to start swimming again soon.. that is a great overall workout, and I use hand and foot fins to increase the pressure it takes to move. The challenges here on 3FC help me a lot! Making new cyberfriends and there is accountability and support.

I also listen to a special set of messages which really motivate and inspire me.... called "Slaying the Goliaths in Your Life" about facing down the "giants" which can overwhelm us and how to stand up to them and destroy them. I was listening online but ordered the 3 CD set so I can have them in my car or maybe even to take while I am walking, etc. These are from a Christian standpoint (which I am so is the focus I personally want). I would recommend you find something which inspires YOU to listen to and will help to keep your mind focused in a positive way!

You're off to a great start. Stick around HERE also and become involved! You will find it very encouraging and supportive. :welcome:

I'm loosely counting calories, logging them on fitday most days, but not all. I eat only when I'm actually hungry, and sometimes even have to make myself eat (medication kills appetite). I'm also trying to keep my carbs clean - whole grains, veggies. No white flour and sugar, or, as little as humanly possible anyway. The only things I consider off-limits are the things I know will set me into a binge (ex: cheese poofs, cake, lots of sugar). They have to be off-limits for me, I know myself too well. I consider dark chocolate an occassional OK treat, but I haven't indulged in it yet (yay :carrot:). When I want it, I'll have it.

I find my calories usually average between 1000 to 1600 a day. I stopped exercising for a few days after it made me GAIN 6 pounds, however, I'm going to start again with it slow this evening. For the first time in my life I find I'm WANTING to exercise, and I don't want to let the desire slip away so I have to keep going with it.

El

Exercise makes you gain because it holds water in your muscle tissues. Nothing wrong with that, we all need muscle and we all need water. Muscle actually causes your body to burn more calories even while it is resting, so although you may gain at first, the more muscle you have, the more you will lose eventually. Never neglect exercise because it makes you gain weight. The gain is well spent, if it causes fat to go and muscle to come. Muscle is more compact and heavier than fat, but it also makes you look terrific.

I once worked out solidly intensely for 12 weeks, 6 days a week. Didn't lose a pound, but dropped enough fat and replaced it with muscle to lose a clothing size or two.

Thanks for the info! :hug:

El

Good message, Sherry! Exercise is helping even when we don't see it on the scales right away

I am new at this starting last week, but I count calories 1250-1590 range, drink atleast 8-9 glasses of water a day, and I exercise with cardio 6 days a week and add weights in for 3 of the days.;)

Hi Michelle... :welcome2: Great having you and sounds like a great plan!

Thank you Misti...:)

I'm a nut over calorie counting. I'm trying about 1100 calories per day at this point. I love to food journal. It keeps me busy. Instead of eating the food, I'm planning it out on paper. It's like a puzzle... You have all the foods listed with calories, then you plug them into your day to equal your daily goal!
I know, its weird, but it works for me! Good luck!

I think one of my weaknesses is my unwillingness to count calories. I can do it for a short period of time but then I get tired of doing it. I do think that no matter what eating plan you follow that you do attempt to count calories once in a while. I think a week of calorie counting can provide you some insight to your eating plan.

I also think there is value to starting slowly when changing your eating habits. Replacing high calorie foods with lower calorie foods, watching portions, increasing water intake, etc. Basically, what I am doing is modifying my eating plan slowly. I started by modifying the foods I was eating as I had become a bit too liberal with higher calorie foods. I also was not watching my portions. So I started watching what I was eating more carefully and started controlling my portions. Since I noticed I was hungry a lot, I started snacking on veggies and made sure that I always had decent snacks with me. Right now, I am working on cutting out some of the snacking. I really do think it is a process.

As far as exercise, my approach has been similar in the last couple months. I started slowly with exercise and I have been increasing. The plan is to go to the gym 3-4 times a week, go on a hike one day a week and fit in other exercise when I can.

I'm on Medifast and am doing very well. It's a very low calorie diet (VLCD) that's physican monitored.

Hey I'm new too. I have spent most of the day here with all of you and it is great!! Thanks!!

I am doing Atkins at the moment becuase I have done it and know it works but I am sure the surgar is the root of all the evil for me!!

So far i've lost 11 pounds in the first week and i've been using medifast. i've done medifast before and it was working but it was more so the cravings for certain foods rather than being hungry. I remember some years back i took an appetitie suppressant called phentermine that worked really well for me but then i could't figure out what to eat and that's if i wanted anything at all. So i combined phentermine and medifast and exercise of course; 30 minutes of cardio every other day to start. and it's working out pretty well. i don't know if it's me being determined this time around or whether what i'm doing is easiest for me. i just know when i got on the scale and it said 292 i was... very disturbed and i didn't want to live like that anymore