I started this weight loss journey on Jan 12, 2009, at 310. This morning I weighed in at 296. My goal is to loose 10 lbs a month. I do realize that the more I loose the harder it is going to be to loose, so I want to think reasonably about things.
If you've lost a significant amount of weight, do you think 10 pounds a month is an unreasonable goal?
At this point I'm not on a specific plan, just doing what I know is right. Eating MORE than I used to (I would often not eat all day, drinking cokes instead of eating, and then eat dinner.) Now I am eating 3 meals and a few snacks. Lots of veggies and fruit, I've stopped drinking cokes, and I'm drinking lots of water. So far I've lost 14 pounds! And I've only just begun 22 days ago. : )
Knowing everyone is different, I'd still like to know from those of you who have been successful with over 100 lbs weight loss, what you think of the idea that I could loose 10 lbs a month?
Thanks,
Donna
Last edited by iwannalose; 02-02-2009 at 11:04 AM.
Donna, I haven't lost 100 pounds but I do think 10 pounds a month is very doable and a healthy goal. Congratulations on your success thus far. You seem to be on the right track!
Since you are 310 lbs, the first few weeks and months you will lose faster and more because of your weight- I mean if you happen to watch shows like biggest loser, the larger people always lose more faster because well they have more to lose.
10 lbs a month is definitely reasonable as that's 2.5 lbs a week on average.
I started at 379 and lost that amount if not more most months. It is coming off slower now but most of that is my own fault as I am giving in to temptation more these days. Just be sure to eat enough and don't get too disappointed if you have months or weeks that are smaller losses. I always lose less before my period but usually have a larger loss the next week. I still have a ways to go for my goal but am trying to keep my motivation.
As long as you don't beat yourself up if you lose 9 or 8, I don't think you're being unreasonable. Tht being said, I had to give up "goal by" dates completely, because if I come even a bit short of my goal, I focus on what I didn't lose, not what I did.
I started out at 333 and managed to lose 140 pounds in less than a year. Though It started out FAST, and has now become s...l...o...w... I'm actually thrilled to say I lost 5 pounds in January.
You are starting out on the right track. Looks like you have started with some important steps, (like bagging the coke and eating more veggies). I would like to give you a friendly little word of advice though. Even though you are doing AWESOME, there will become a time that just "watching it" will probably not cut it. I would strongly advice you to just track your calories for a few days (at least) to get an idea what you are actually consuming. You will most likely get to a point where your loss *might* stall. This way you have something to look back at to reassess what you've been eating, and what you *might* need to change. The calories I was eating at the beginning of my journey helped me lose a good chunk of weight, but now, because I'm smaller and my body just naturally burns less calories I can't eat that amount any longer to actually lose weight. Maintain yes, (which contrary to popular belief is different than a plateau). The bigger you are the more calories your body burns just to stay alive. Your heart works harder, your lungs work harder, your digestion system works harder...all leading to burning more calories. Once your body drops excess poundage, your vital organs don't have to work as hard therefor you burn less calories.
Now exercise can rev things up again, but realistically no one has the time to spend hours at the gym a day, (and stick to it) unless they are unemployed, single, no children, and live in a tiny apartment with no house work, laundry or yard work...LOL
Lori Bell seems to thoroughly know what she's talking about and I agree with her post. Thought I'd pop in and offer up my words of wisdom too.
10 a month is doable, but ambitious. At the higher weight, and for the first few months, weight will come off much faster. I started at 328, lost 70 lbs in 10 months - an average of 7 a month, not 10. The next 30 lbs took me a YEAR. And I was honestly trying! Then I slacked off and went off program and gained that 30 back in like 4 months. So now I've gotten serious again and I'm trying to relose it and, like before at this weight, fighting for every ounce.
Most programs say a reasonable and healthy rate of weight loss is 1 to 2 lbs a week. That's 52 to 104 lbs a year or 4.3 to 8.6 lbs a month. Some weeks you will lose more. Some you will lose less. Some you may GAIN, even if you do everything "right". But if you persist, you WILL succeed!
You're getting some great advice. For now, the goal is doable, but try not to worry too much about time tables -- it can become frustrating. I lost 100 pounds in 55 weeks. More per week earlier and then slowing.
You've made some great changes! I think it really helps me to think about not just LOSING weight but MAINTAINING the loss. You won't be able to go back to your old habits, so find foods and exercise you like -- and be willing to change things up so you don't get bored!
Starting at 310 with Questions
