I think in order to make the weight loss work we all have to get to a place where we're ready to make it a long term lifestyle change and not just a crash diet.
I'd been on a diet since I was 12 and it got me nowhere. I bounced around the upper 100's lower 200's all through highschool and college. I'd lose 40 lbs eating nothing but lettuce and gain it all back and then some in no time. I'll readily admit that I had NO idea what I was doing. I couldn't wrap my head around the fact that I could lose weight without starving myself.
After I had my son I decided that I was done with all the torture (because honestly that's what it is)... I could spend more time yo yoing and walking around blindly with my weight climbing or I could get to work, do some research, and figure out how my body works. For the first time something worked, and it worked well! I lost 100 lbs after I had him. Not because I starved myself but because I knew what kinds of foods in what amounts would feed my body and make me successful.
I gained it all back when I was pregnant with my daughter. I was busy and tired and stressed and I stopped caring. THAT is not going to happen again
. Once I lose this weight I have the tools in my belt to keep it off. If the weight comes back (it won't!!!) I have nobody to blame but myself.
You have to make a plan for yourself. Find out what works for you! I calorie count. I account for every bit of food that enters my mouth. I am in control of my success. There are certain foods that I enjoy but I know they will derail me so I avoid them and I'm okay with that... there are better choices that I've found I enjoy just as much! This morning I had a bowl of high fiber cereal mixed with yogurt and it was delicious and I'm full and not cranky and deprived!
3-4 lbs is not realistic IMHO. These are crash diet numbers not healthy weight loss numbers. I average about 2 lbs a week. I'm thrilled with that!!!
Either you can start doing this the right way, and the tools are all right here on this board! and find yourself at goal in a year or 2 years... or you can keep crash dieting and find yourself up another 40 lbs in a year. The choice is up to you!!!
You CAN do this!