I hired a personal trainer for four sessions with the hopes of getting these last incredibly stubborn pounds off so that I can finally hit 100 lbs. lost. I've been maintaining now for almost a year (although it's been more of a little up, a little down). The trainer also teaches the nutrition class that I took over the summer. While Weight Watchers has been good for me, I really want to lower my cholesterol naturally and even though I lost 80 lbs., exercising, and eating better wasn't cutting it for me with regard to lowering cholesterol.

In journaling and tracking stuff, the trainer noted that my body is very efficient. That's not a good thing. I store carbohydrates like you wouldn't believe. When I eat something like one piece of birthday cake, I can gain three pounds that it takes me two weeks to get off. It's incredibly frustrating. What the trainer recommended was more frequent weight lifting sessions (splits) consisting of working the bigger muscles. So I'm starting to lift weights every day except Sunday along with my cardio workouts, which are four days a week. I've been practicing balanced eating, which she advocates. That means I eat protein, carbs, and good fats at each of the five meals I eat, with one extra carb after I work out. I'm trying to stick to the lower glycemic carbs, which is hard because I love things like grapes and beets.

Anyway, I just wanted to share what I'm doing, and hopefully I will be posting weight losses on the weigh-in thread. Cross your fingers! I really want to have my name in the One Hundred Pounds Lost sticky.

It sounds like a great plan Sheila. I think it's awesome that you have at least maintained this past year without giving up.

I'm glad you posted! I'm in the same boat - down to the last 20 pounds. I haven't been maintaining as long, only about a month, and I've had little losses over that time (even though my goal was to maintain). I keep thinking that it is time to REALLY buckle down and get to goal but I haven't quite gotten myself to do what needs to be done just yet.

I'm already doing most of what you described so for me it is probably more a mental issue than a physical one. I've just about decided that I have to stop thinking of these 20 pounds as the last few. Instead, especially since I've given myself a maintainence break, I need to look at them as the FIRST 20. I hope that by putting a new spin on these last (oops! there I go again) pounds I'll be able to attack them with the same enthusiasm I had back when I was at 214.

Anyway, I respect your decision to evaluate your situation and make the necessary changes to get to goal. Good for you.

Good for you Sheila! I love the take-charge quality to your plan and I think you'll do phenomenally with it. Good luck and enjoy your personal training sessions, that should be awesome!

Beverly

Goodluck to the rest of your journey, however I don't think you'll need it. You are being very proactive about it.. I wish you the best of luck... and of course pass down ANY wisdom I've been doing some reading about this local Vancouver company.. and they have this GREAT manifesto...
http://www.lululemon.com/culture/manifesto.php

Check it out!

-Aimee

Sheila - that is wonderful. I admire your courage in trying something different. I work with a trainer and find it of great benefit. Keep us posted with your new ideas, it truly is inspiring. Swimgirl, I love the lululemon site. What great words to live by!

Sheila, I wish you good luck! It sounds like a wonderful plan and I'm looking forward to reading more posts from you on how it is working out.

Good on ya, Sheila! Looking forward to seeing you in the 100lb. "sticky" and getting your 100lb. loss certificate at Weight Watchers. I was telling someone that I was disappointed they give a piece of paper instead of a 100lb. fridge magnet and he actually said "Wouldn't it be too heavy to stay on the fridge?"

Yeah, I've been with you on the up and down/maintain route for awhile too, and know I have to kick up the exercise, because eating well just isn't good enough (you think it has anything to do with our age?) Here's my challenge ~ lose that last 20 and I'll join a gym (and send you a copy of the membership to prove it!) Deal?

Sheila - I think your plan sounds excellent. Kudos to you for taking charge of those last 20 lbs. I am still in the stage where I am trying to gain control, but I'll be picking your brain when I really get going!!

I can't wait to add your anem to that thread!!

Swimgirl - That manifesto was AWESOME! I printed it out for my motivation binder!

Sheila, EXCELLENT plan! I am a firm believer in adhering to a low glycemic diet for weight loss. And the splits sound like just what the doctor ordered -- very smart hitting targeting those larger muscle groups -- bang for your buck and all that.

I'm absolutely positive that you'll get rid of those last 20 in no time. I'm just so proud of you, Sheila, I really am.

Sounds like you've got a great plan Sheila - we'll see your name in that thread really soon!

Sounds like you have a great plan in place. I've been maintaining a lot lately too, just not for the same reasons. I just need to buckle down and move on. Good luck with your new plan.

Since my arrival I've been an admirer of your positive attitude, Sheila. Your name will be in that sticky in no time.

Shelia, I am so glad to hear your update! You are really such an asset to this community and reading about your progress really makes my day. You'll make that sticky thread soon and we're gonna throw a darn big party for you.
Good luck with your new plan!

Sheila, that sounds like an awesome plan! I'm kinda envious of your personal trainer. Keep us posted and let us know how it goes.

~Dee