What diet/exercise plan do you follow?
 

Hi,

I am new. I have done every diet ever invented and just cannot stick to anything. I would like to lose 80#. I was just wondering which plan you all have found works for you.

I have recently joined WW, been sick this past week and have eaten everything in site. I normally feel/do better on lower carb diets, and may do SB, but attend WW meetings for support.

Any advice - I just recently found out I have hypothyroid and just started on medication for that.

Thanks!
Lynn

Lynn,
Weclome!! Glad you joined us!

I calorie count. Like you, I've tried a lot of different plans. Through 3FC I finally realized that I needed to give up dieting and make some lifestyle changes that I could do for the rest of my life. I'm just too old to have to keep losing the same lbs. over and over and over.

Thus, I started making small changes - portion control and logging everything I ate (Fitday). I then started eating cleaner (whole foods instead of processed ones), and added more protein and more veggies. Slowly, I tweaked the plan until I found what worked for me.

I still make minor tweaks as I go through maintenance - I'm trying to find my maintenance level of calories, for instance.

I think WW is a good plan - it is similar to calorie counting and is something you can do long term.

I recommend that you also add in exercise, it has made a huge difference for me along this journey. Start small - it doesn't have to be over the top - maybe a walk every day? Then add in some strength training. I love to alternate among pilates, yoga, fitness ball, stretchie band & weights. It keeps me from getting bored and has been a wonderful way to build strength and flexibility.

And - whatever you try - don't be afraid to tweak along the way - if something doesn't work, keep adjusting until you find what does.

You CAN do this!!!

I look forward to getting to know you :) And - congrats on the 4lb loss so far :D

Dear Counting Down,

Just read your story and saw your pics....what an inspiration....you look so fit and toned! Woo-hoo!

May I ask what is your exercise plan?

Thanks so much,
thinkerbell

Thank you thinkerbell (I love your screen name)!

I started slowly with walking every day. Then, I slowly added in light weights 3 days a week. From there, I realized that I needed some variety to my workouts to keep me from getting bored and quiting.

I started buying (used and online) workout DVDS to add in some variety and work different muscles. I now have a nice library (16 months after starting) of routines.

I do 30 minutes in the morning (5 days a week) alternating among yoga, pilates, fitness ball, and weights/resistance band workouts. This works great for me, because each morning I ask myself what I feel like doing - that way, I have no excuses.

I also try to do a cardio workout 3-4 days a week. This is either walking or dance. In the summer, I walk to work. In the winter I use WATP and dance videos. I have two left feet, but I really enjoy the dancing. It is fun and makes me laugh. And laughter is good for the soul :)

The key is to start small, and work at your own pace. But - START! In the past, I always thought I would exercise AFTER I lost the weight. What a blessing that I started at 215 lbs. When I hit goal - I had muscles - even DH is impressed! And - this 50 something can do push ups! I couldn't do push ups when I was 20 :)

Wecome and good luck! I have done all the diets, too and have found calorie counting works best for me. It is non restrictive, flexible, reliable and free. It is a plan that you can carry over to maintainance to keep those pounds off for good.

I count calories and try to watch carbs. I feel better also when I eat less carbs. And it's easier for me to stick to this when I add more veggies. I've found if I make homemade soup and put lots of veggies in it works well. I use the boxed chicken broth for a base. Welcome to the forum.

Thanks for all the input!

I am going to follow WW plan (sticking to it this time :) ),and start some exercise like you all suggested. I belong to a gym, but never seem to have time to go. I have a ton of videos, so I believe I will cancel my gym membership and workout at home. I was glad to see that you all workout at home instead of a gym.

Thanks again!

I've done very well with South Beach. It made sense to me and is a very healthy way to eat...since diabetes runs in my family, this woe should help prevent that. I love it since I love to eat and love to cook. I'm just eating and cooking in a different way now and feel so healthy.
I also work out at the gym before work every morning. I really didn't start that till the bulk of my weight was gone, but now could not imagine starting the day without it. (this from a former slug!)