How I've Lost 50 lbs in 5 months
 

(I posted this on my Facebook page too)
I've had quite a few people ask me how I've been able to lose 50 lbs in five months (and a total of 63 lbs from my highest weight).

I've not had any surgeries, nor am I taking any magic pills, powders or potions. I'm not following a commercial diet plan, nor am I counting calories.

I am doing it....one day at a time.

My food plan is pretty simple: I do not eat sugar, flour or wheat. I weigh and measure the food I eat three times a day, plus one snack of fruit and yogurt or milk at night before bed. I avoid caffeine whenever possible. I eat only complex carbs from unprocessed sources like steel cut oats, brown rice, potatoes, quinoa, sweet potatoes, etc. I read every label to make sure the items I eat do not have hidden sugars (you won't believe some of the stuff that has it!!). I don't do this plan perfectly every day, but I give it my best.

I realized five months ago that my problem is not just physical, but spiritual as well. For a long time I thought I didn't need God in my life and thought I could do just fine without Him. Through the help of a 12 step program, I discovered that I am addicted to food and to compulsive overeating. I won't go into details here, but suffice it to say, I definitely have a problem. It is no different than an alcoholic or drug addict--just the substance is different. And the fact that you have to "walk the beast three times a day", unlike knowing to not drink alcohol.

So, with the help of a clean plan of eating, daily prayer and meditation, and attending meetings, I am finding a way to deal with my addiction. One of the most important things I have learned is that without working on the spiritual part of my addiction, my food plan is just another diet.

I am grateful to God for giving me five months of recovery from my food addiction. It is not easy, but it is so worth it!

If you want more details about what I do, feel free to write me privately.

congrats wtg!!!

Congratulations on your loss and finding something that works so well for you.

Congratulations on your weight loss! Good job on working so hard! Your story is so inspiring!

Great post Jen. Thanks so much. I've personally found that losing weight is a three pronged approach for me. It's gotta have the three components of flexing my spiritual muscles in Christ through prayer, watching my food intake and portions, and exercising. It just plain doesn't work for me any other way. I've tried just diet & exercise but I was spinning my wheels. I absolutely realize everyone has their thing, but for those who are so inclined - having those 3 components is definitely something to consider.

I was actually thinking of you the other day and wondering how your no sugar/flour commitment was going - and I now see - it's going quite well. Quite well!! I am so happy for you.

I think you will find as your journey progresses a whole new world opening up to you. It is a wonderful time of self discovery and growth.

I look forward to hearing of your continued progress. :)

:bravo: Thank you for sharing your news...It gives me hope and keep up the great work!! :)

Congratulations!

Congratulations, Jen! I've also finally come to the realization that I have a serious sugar addiction and that my progress with weight loss is directly reflective of my current spiritual connection with my God. I'm glad to hear that a 12 step program is going so well for you!

Jen - we have been on these boards together a long time. I am so thrilled that you have found what works for you!!! Congratulations!! I am just so excited for you!!! :D

Thank you, everyone! It feels so freeing to FINALLY find something that works after all these years of struggling. And it all started with admitting I was powerless over food. It's not easy--I struggle with the urge to eat compulsively every day. But I just use the tools I have now to cope with it.

Congratulations, how great to find something that works for you! This journey really does happen one day at a time.

I don't know Jen, to me it doesn't sound like you're powerless at all. In fact it sounds like you've taken control, by taking matters into your own hands & recognizing the flour/sugar connection and doing something about it and taking steps to control it. Pretty darn empowering if you ask me!

:bravo::cp::cp::cp::bravo:

I'm so happy for you.

"It works if you work it." :hug:

Thanks, Robin.....but I have discovered that there is freedom in admitting powerlessness over my food addiction. The best part about it? GOD is way more powerful than my addiction! :)

Congrats on finding what works for you!

Congratulations on finding the best approach for you! Keep up the great work!!

Hi y'all, I'm back....and unfortunately, so is about 38 lbs :(......

I took that one bite of sugar back in October and have not been able to stop. I stopped going to 12 step meetings too.

But today is a new, binge-free day. I have a well-stocked kitchen and NO excuses for not doing the right thing.

One day at a time, one hour at a time, one meal at a time.....

Welcome back to your recovery from food addiction. If it worked for you before maybe you could try the 12 step meetings again. A relapse is not the end all and you don't have to start from scratch. You have the tools and now you can start using them again. Good luck to you!!

Good Afternoon All,
Jen-I had lost 80 lbs by walking and watching what I ate and then hurt my knee and had to have surgery. I took that one bite and gained again too. I am finding God in my life and I've read the book "Clean" for healthy eating and am trying to start a journey of life changing healthy habits. I'm hoping with the support here with all these wonderful people-it may help. Can you tell me what meetings you went to--I think I know with the 12 steps involved and would like to find one in my area. Thank-You, Shirl

Welcome back Jen! Your attitude is great; you can do this!

Hey Jen I dont know you as I didnt join till September of 2010 but I just wanted to say congrats on starting your weight loss journey again and good luck.

Hey old friend :hug: Glad to see you back. I am glad to see you starting fresh!

YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!!

Thank you for sharing. You are very inspirational!!! Keep up the great work.

Finding what you can live with and following it that's is what helps you succeed. People hate to hear that it wasn't an effortless quick fix but anything worth having is worth working for.

Congrats!

Glad you're back on program.
Know what you mean about "one bite" :hug:

Thanks everyone....I have had two sugar-free, binge-free days in a row--I'm on a roll! :)

Congratulations to you! Keep up the good work and keep us posted :)