[Miz Kelmo]

Hi

My name is Kelly. I just joined the group a few weeks ago and have been afraid to post.

I want to congratulate everyone on their weight loss. The before and after photos are all but mind-boggling and give me great hope that, one day, I will also reach my goal.

My problem:.... the only thing that seems to work for me is when I have meal plans already written out for me to follow. I seem to complicate things and drag them out, otherwise.

I've tried almost every single weight loss plan but dropped out part way through. I'm determined to lose weight this time. Not just to lose weight but to reach goal and maintain it. I promised my son that this coming summer, we're going to the fair and I'm going on all of the rides with him.

Here's the help I need. I weigh 254 lbs. My goal weight is 160 lbs. Is there anyone here that started out at about my weight and has tips, menus, meal plans that they can share with me?

I would most greatly appreciate it. In the meantime, I continue to scan the forums and receive motivation from the beautiful success stories here.

Be blessed everyone and thank you in advance for any help anyone can give me.

Kelly
(Gatineau Quebec, Canada)

[jillybean720]

I haven't quite been successful yet, but I've got a similar goal to you. I'm about 290-something (anywhere from 292-298 depending on the day and how close it is to TOM!) right now, and my goal is 150 (or so I think--I may adjust it as I get closer since I have never been a normal weight as an adult, so I don't know what weight looks good on me).

Anyway, I stopped following plans and kinda made up my own with guidelines that make sense to me and are realistic for my personal needs and abilities. My current guidelines are:

• max of 1800 calories a day
• 30+ minutes of exercise 4+ days per week
• 3+ liters water each day
• minimum 100g protein each day
• eat approximately every 3 hours during the day

By setting my own guidelines, I feel more free to change them as I see fit rather than following the numbers set forth in a book by someone who's never met me I'm sure when I'm ready, I'll increase my exercise guideline and adjust my calorie guideline as needed, but for now, I'm just working on actually STICKING to these guidelines I've set forth for myself.

Anyway, all that to say, you don't have to follow a particular plan if you don't want to. If you find it too difficult to plunge into something like that and be able to sustain that way of life, then don't do it! Make smaller, more gradual changes that you know you can live with. Work with what you know about yourself--there is no website or book out there that knows what's best for you better than YOU do.

[srmb60]

Kelly, honey, never be afraid to post! We're here and we're listening. Ask us anything! It much easier than battling alone.

[JerseyGyrl]

Kelly!!

You've come to a great place for advice, support & encouragement!

You CAN do this!!!

All the best to you!!

Kim