Well... not yet! But maybe soon, with some much needed help!
About 2 weeks ago I adopted the Weight Watchers plan. I can't afford to go to the meetings, but I've been relying on the help of some friends to get me started. We've even formed a "lunch club" where we eat together, discuss how to make smart choices and even talk about the things we've eaten when we aren't together.
The problem is that I am getting really discouraged. They have all lost 8 and 9 plus pounds in 2 weeks. I am at a measly 3 pounds. Why is my progress so much slower?
Today, I got so down and out I ate a bacon cheeseburger and fries! I feel horrible about it. I'm just not sure this can be a way of life for me. I've been hungry the entire 2 weeks and it seems for not much of a good reason. This doesn't seem like a way of life I can adopt. I'm so hungry I feel like I don't have the energy to do everyday things - like walk to the car, do a load of laundry, etc.
Are you sure you're eating the right number of points? I have done Weight Watchers in the past, and have recently restarted. I have never had a problem with being hungry. I do weigh a lot more than you do (so more points), but my husband weights close to what you do, and he said that he gets hungry more often, but that he has enough points to eat when he's hungry. Are you using your weekly points? Activity points?
Usually I save my weekly points for treats on the weekends.
And there is no reason to feel horrible about eating a bacon cheeseburger and fries, sure its not good all the time, but just log the points for it and keep going. If you go over your weeklies then just stay on plan for the rest of the week.
I usually eat a lot of vegetables and whole grains. If you aren't doing this, it can help to keep you full.
If you aren't eating enough points, your weight loss can also slow down.
3 things:
Are you drinking plenty of water? I've honestly found it to be nothing short of miraculous - the more I drink,the steadier my weightloss.
Are you eating all of your points? I don't know how they relate to calories but I found that when I increased my calories to 1500 from 1200, the steadier and faster my weightloss.
Hang on. Brain death, I can't remember the 3rd thing.....
Oh yes
The people who have lost more may have much more than you to lose: for example, your start weight is my interim goal weight. It might just be that they're losing more because they're heavier.
Completely agree with Ailidh about the water - don't underestimate how much it helps, also really often when you think you are hungry, actually you are thirsty - your body sends the same message to your brain.
By the time you feel actually thirsty, your body is totally dehydrated.
Also on weightwatchers, veggies have very few points - why not have huge portions of veggies, to make up the bulk of your bigger meals - you won't feel hungry oif you do that!
Good luck, and don't feel disheartened by the odd break in diet, what will make it a success, is not having too many break outs, but more importantly, accepting that when you do have them, they don't mean you should throw away all your work so far...ie get right back in the saddle!
So, these chicks already hit on a few things I wanted to add, but most importantly, you should should know... weight loss is such a personal thing. Your friends may be losing more because they weigh more or they are actually eating more (but still in range) or they are exercising more, they may have lost more water than anything else, or they simply have a different metabolism than you do! Please don't discount your 3 pounds lost!! It is NOT "measly"! 3 pounds in 2 weeks is fantastic and realistically, to lose weight and keep it off you might this is the perfect way to do it.
I know you say you can't afford to go to the meetings - then you really need to research as much as possible how WW works and not only rely on your friends. Because if you work the program fully, it works. You have to know what to do, plan ahead (well you don't have to plan ahead, but I find it crucial in the process), and know what the points values are for things.
So don't be discouraged and don't worry about one bacon cheeseburger- fries meal (I had 3 pints of beer the other night and that's equivalent to an entire dinner if not more!), just start over again and focus on and do your best for today!
I've been eating a range of 20-22 points per day. The bacon cheeseburger and fries incident was the first time I cheated. I've been eating heavy fiber, lots of fruit and veggies. Not very much protein, which I feel contributes to the hunger. On the average day, a typical meal might consist of a can of Progresso soup with a 3 point ham and cheese sandwich, or a grilled chicken breast diced and stuffed into a whole wheat pita, or maybe a black bean burger and some baked chips.
I've eaten lots of veggies, but they feel so empty. Maybe I'm eating the wrong ones?? Salad (lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, onion) does not keep me filled for long. I bought some carrots and celery, but I can only seem to eat it with lite ranch. I've been doing better with fruit than veggies.
I've eaten a lot of grapes and watermelon. I'm wondering if the fruit has too much sugar?? Even though it's natural sugars??
Hi FGGT,
This is a journey - with steps and milemarkers and missteps (that would be the burger and fries).
I don't have all the answers and I am very new to this forum/community - but I do know that beating yourself up is not the way to go. One meal does not mean you have failed - it means you made one conscious decision to go ff your plan - and now it's time to make a conscious decision to "forgive" and get back on the plan.
Shake up your salad with spicy salad dressing and chopped nuts and a little cheese - something with LOTS of flavor and texture. Even small bits make a difference.
Good luck, FGGT,
TB
My suggestion would be STOP JUDGING YOUR PROGRESS BY EVERYONE ELSE'S RESULTS! They do not have your body, your medical history, etc. etc. Instead, set measurable goals that are based on YOUR eating, your activity, your needs....if you need to make it a competition, make it a competition with yourself. See if you can do better today than yesterday, whatever that "better" may be.....stayed on plan, did 5 minutes more of cardio, fit into a pair of jeans that used to be too tight....things like that.
If you are truly large, I'd be very surprised if you are supposed to be eating 20-22 points. Can someone link to a points calculation online? I don't know where to find it but I bet you are not eating enough points. Also try filling veggies like zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower, etc.
Okay - so this holiday weekend hasn't been the highlights of my food journal.
HOWEVER, I have taken what you all said to heart and I DO now realize that you are right! I shouldn't be beating myself up and I shouldn't be comparing myself to other people's progress.
I have reevaluated my food intake and tried redesigning some of my meal plans. I think the first 2 weeks helped me get to know my body a little better and I'm going to use that to help do what my body is asking for.
I believe that I have a fairly fast metabolism and that has allowed me to stay relatively small compared to the amount of fat and calories I would normally consume. I should be MUCH larger than I am.
I will keep you all posted on the progress - and THANK YOU for the support!!
This is a Fat Girl Gettin Thin!
