New 3FC - and hoping for the best
 

Hi,

I stumbled across this page while reading about weight watchers vs. calorie counting. I recently saw both my husband and father lose a ton of weight simply by engaging in a high stake weight loss competition. I did all the healthy cooking, was pretty much following along and and didn't lose nearly as much...maybe a few pounds.

So.....I am 140 "something" pounds and just uncomfortable. I used to frolic freely on beaches without being concerned with what I was going to wear or who would be walking behind me. But...that was in my twenties. I am now in my early thirties and my body is really changing. It's much more difficult to lose weight and things are just looking really loose and untoned.

I have recently joined a gym and bought a bike to ride there. I've been struggling with losing 15-20 pounds for a few years now. I REALLY REALLY REALLY just want to accomplish that goal and put my white jeans back on!!! I'm dressing based on what I can wear vs what I want to wear and it's so limiting. I'm also not the easiest body shape, I gain ALL my weight in my hips and thighs and am privy to the dreaded "saddle bags." Extra weight is not an option for my body type - they just don't make clothes based on this shape.

So, I'm currently counting calories and using 1200 per day as my starting point. I try to work out 4 times a week including a mix of weight training, plyometrics and spin class. I have stopped having any casual mid-week cocktails and try to contain any sort of social drinking activities to one day per weekend. Also, I try to account for it by saving my calories for the cocktails and eating a lot of veggies that day. The problem is I have a very sedentary job so and fear that my 40 minute workouts are not enough...but I simply don't have time to do more than that.

I'd appreciate any support, advice and success stories other 30-something and 140 somethings may have!!!

Welcome to 3FC! :D

Okay. So you might want to start out looking into the Featherweights section (for those looking only to lose a few more pounds or starting at lighter weights), and the Calorie Counters area under Diet Central. There's also a 30-something's section, too!

Some quick advice: You are actually within a normal weight range for your height, so the extra weight might be a little trickier to get off... and it might not actually be only related to the weight itself, but activity. You might find that adding in activity and dropping only a few pounds could change the way your body looks significantly.

I certainly can't say that you'll look the same you did 10 years ago, but you definitely CAN lose weight, and add activity regularly to keep yourself healthy!

Look around. Post where you're comfortable. Can't wait to see you around the boards! :)

Thanks Lovely!!

I know, it sounds like I'm trying to get my high school body back, but I'm really not. I just want to lose the extra weight that literally hangs off my body. I'm shaped in such a way that extra weight makes me extremely unproportional. I also get cellulite very quickly. Many friends and family are 60lbs heavier than me and look better in clothes and are much more "tight."

I guess I just need some motivation and some consistency to do what's necessary for my body type and get into shape. Most people can find the perfect pair of black pants at any weight, that's my biggest challenge...pants in general. Small waist, lower set wider hips...it's tragic. I'm hoping this site will help me stay motivated, force me to be accountable and provide comfort and inspiration when I'm feeling weak and want to just throw in the towel.

Thanks for the advice on featherweights and diet central. I'm already joined the 30-something forum!!