Intro: Lost the weight "the right way" 3 years ago, gained it back! Ready to recommit

  • Hello there Featherweights!! I'm a recent college graduate who's ready to make a change. Here's the recent backstory: during my freshman year of university, I decided to lose the "Freshman 15" instead of gaining it. I actually managed to do it, through careful calorie-counting and tons of time on cardio and weight machines! I sustained my weight loss for about 6 months, and then slowly gained it back... plus a little extra... as my college courses got more difficult and my 3 1/2 yr relationship ended.

    Over the next couple years, I went up and down a few pounds with bouts of increased exercise, but have never gotten back down to my goal weight (nor size). I'm getting ready to head to law school in the fall, and I'm ready to commit to upping my efforts. I've been exercising about an hour or so, four to five days a week, for the last few months. While I've been watching what I eat, I haven't been counting calories, as I don't like the way that feels, mostly because I tend to have a slightly obsessive personality.

    So far, I've lost a few inches here and there, but have lost only a few pounds. I've completely reshaped my legs, and I can tell I've built a lot of muscle, but I have a long ways to go... I feel that I look a lot better, but I can barely squeeze into most of my favorite clothes! (This really does a number on my confidence.)

    I'd really LOVE any suggestions from others who have found successful ways to sustain weight loss (or maintain a healthy lifestyle and weight) without calorie counting, as I'd like to avoid that at all costs Thanks so much!! I am so excited to have found this community!
  • Hi Cupcake!

    I lost a ton of weight in high school and did the same thing afterwards: gained it back plus some! I graduated college in May '09 and will be starting my masters this summer, so we're in pretty similar boats.

    I can't really be an inspirational success story, since I have a ways to go myself. But I can do this:
  • Hello Cupcake!
    I am in a very similar situation as you as well... and unfortunately i am in no position to offer you good advice at the moment. I do wish you good luck and hopefully we will all achieve our goals =)
  • cupcake