From Kiara, Age 21 - 01/06/13 - IP#: 75.73.1.xxx go to original board
So, here I am, FINALLY writing my success story. After my decade-long struggle to lose weight, I can hardly believe that I have reached my goal, and am completely satisfied with my weight. I remember being afraid to weigh myself in the 5th grade, and dedicating ever summer in middle school. Each year I failed, and finally got up to my heaviest at 188. How did I lose the weight? It's simple, I followed these rules:
1. NEVER, EVER buy anything you can't resist. If you know you'll eat the whole bag in one sitting, don't buy it. It's easier to have 10 minutes of willpower in the grocery store than hours of willpower not to eat the treat when sitting home all day.
2. Consider an eating schedule: Breakfast, 2 hours later a snack, 2 hours more have lunch, 3 hours later, dinner, 2 hours later snack. It builds willpower, and then you can maybe go a bit longer... (view more)So, here I am, FINALLY writing my success story. After my decade-long struggle to lose weight, I can hardly believe that I have reached my goal, and am completely satisfied with my weight. I remember being afraid to weigh myself in the 5th grade, and dedicating ever summer in middle school. Each year I failed, and finally got up to my heaviest at 188. How did I lose the weight? It's simple, I followed these rules:
1. NEVER, EVER buy anything you can't resist. If you know you'll eat the whole bag in one sitting, don't buy it. It's easier to have 10 minutes of willpower in the grocery store than hours of willpower not to eat the treat when sitting home all day.
2. Consider an eating schedule: Breakfast, 2 hours later a snack, 2 hours more have lunch, 3 hours later, dinner, 2 hours later snack. It builds willpower, and then you can maybe go a bit longer between meals and snacks once you can control your snacking.
3. If you have to stop at the gas station for a snack, get a breakfast bar or something. Don't give in and get the bag of chips. Once you avoid chips and cookies for a week or so, it WILL become easier.
4. Weigh yourself! You. Need. A Scale. I'm not saying do it everyday, but seeing the weight come off will give you more encouragement than anything else. When you see the pounds coming off, you won't want to risk gaining it back and you will keep up the good habits.
5. Know that you can still eat yummy foods. I love bread and pasta, I just eat whole grain. I love cheese, but I eat less and go fat-free. I like sweets, so I eat a lot of pineapples and grapes. I like bacon, so I eat turkey bacon. I like ice cream, so I eat frozen yogurt. I still DON'T like carrots and cucumbers, so I load up on broccoli and other veggies I like instead. Just give your taste buds time to adjust! Don't diet; eat how you can see yourself eating for the rest of your life.
Finally, the most important,
6. Don't ever, ever, ever give up. I know it sounds cliche, but if I can do it (with my entire family being overweight), then you can too. Even if you say "I'm too big, I can never lose all that weight," push it out of your mind. It took me over a year to lose the weight, but I did it. It won't come off all at once, but once you lose a pound, you'll know it's possible and want to keep going. Good luck guys! (view less)
From Whitney, Age 19 - 01/06/12 - IP#: 166.188.229.xxx go to original board
Ht. 5'9", Start: 353 lb, Today: 353 lb (BMI %tile: 98), Goal: 170 lb - Ever tried carrying around two hundred pounds? That's my life. I live everyday wish I could live a active, healthier life. My weight keeps me from doing ALOT of things! I can't go somewhere new without thinking am I going to be able to fit? Will the chairs break? I can no longer go to the movies because I can not bear to squish my fat into the little seat. I'm so sick of the weird looks. I'm tierd of my fat getting in the way of relationships. Ive always been BIG I had my first outbreak of stretch marks in the third grade.... I need support I can't do this on my own. I just want to be a inspiration to people, & live my life to the fullest && never regret a single moment!!
From ButterflyDutchess, Age 18 - 12/29/11 - IP#: 71.225.66.xxx go to original board
I've had difficulties with my weight since I was 7 years old and went from being very chubby to just pretty chubby throughout my childhood. I never looked horribly obese once I hit seventh grade but always had a round face and belly fat that I hated. Just before my thirteenth birthday I weighed myself, disgusted to realize I was 184 lbs. Pretty soon I'd be 200, if I kept gaining each year! I was ashamed and tired of being the third fattest girl in class, so I bought the book "The Diet for Teenagers Only." I didn't follow the tracking religiously but the information was so powerful and changed my way of life and taught me how to shop and eat smartly. I used Weight Watchers to track Points for a while, and while that worked great I don't have the money right now to continue the program, being in college; so, I've just been trying to aim for healthy food... (view more)I've had difficulties with my weight since I was 7 years old and went from being very chubby to just pretty chubby throughout my childhood. I never looked horribly obese once I hit seventh grade but always had a round face and belly fat that I hated. Just before my thirteenth birthday I weighed myself, disgusted to realize I was 184 lbs. Pretty soon I'd be 200, if I kept gaining each year! I was ashamed and tired of being the third fattest girl in class, so I bought the book "The Diet for Teenagers Only." I didn't follow the tracking religiously but the information was so powerful and changed my way of life and taught me how to shop and eat smartly. I used Weight Watchers to track Points for a while, and while that worked great I don't have the money right now to continue the program, being in college; so, I've just been trying to aim for healthy food groups and just track what I eat in a little log. Just from changing my eating habits and starting yoga and Pilates (not even a full gymn workout) I lost about 20 lbs over several years, with many setbacks and weight re-gained. Since college I've been indulging only moderately on weekends and walking around campus and just trying to eat healthily so I've lost a little more. It took 5 years to lose almost 30 lbs so I did it slowly and now I want to lose 10 more pounds and then just tone up. I don't mind being curvy and my doctor said I should be between 140-150 lbs but I wanna shape up my thighs (which I've always hated most) and trim a few inches off my gut. It's taken me a long time but I DID and YOU CAN TOO! Believe me ladies, I've had my share of family troubles ans all sorts of crud and you can make it through and transform yourself gradually, physically and mentally. You can become stronger. <3 (view less)
From Chelsea, Age 24 - 09/11/11 - IP#: 98.224.133.xxx go to original board
Ht. 5'7", Start: 357 lb, Today: 357 lb (BMI: 56), Goal: 250 lb - Hey guys..Im looking for a buddy to do this with. Someone where I can text/message them and say hey, lets go for a walk and they will go for a walk with me, >even though not in person...but in spirit. I will know someone else is going to go at the same time. We can also discuss our diet/exercise plans and just be support for each other. Let me know if youre interested...cpushm@gmail.com
From Sabrina, Age 22 - 07/06/11 - IP#: 65.79.248.xxx hide message replied to go to original board
Ht. 5'2", Start: 239 lb, Today: 219 lb (BMI: 40), Goal: 145 lb - Well it has been another horrible night :( It seems like when I have a bad day at work my diet is blown. Then I sit and cry because I am completely unhappy with my body. I haven't worked out in three days! And I have done this before, I know how to loose weight...why am I having so much trouble this time?? My biggest issues are dinner and before bed. My boyfriend is a late night muncher and I just seem to follow, (knowing I shouldn't) I need some kind of motivation...
Reply From Catharine, Age 18 - 07/07/11 - IP#: 72.222.206.xxx show message replied to go to original board
I've seen this on TV for motivation.
Take a picture of yourself when you looked your absolute best, and a picture of when you looked your worst (biggest)
Put them side-by-side on the refrigerator and decide before you snack which image you want more.
You've come such a long way! Don't get too discouraged, we all slip up. When you're tempted to have a snack at night, have a taaaaaaaaaaaaall glass of water. That can fill you up :)
From Manda, Age 19 - 04/26/11 - IP#: 58.173.244.xxx hide message replied to go to original board
Ht. 5'7", Start: 155 lb, Today: 183 lb (BMI %tile: 91), Goal: 165 lb - Hey everyone! So i haven't been on this site in about 5 years! I used to come on all the time when I was younger and weight around 200 pounds. Since then I went down to around 155 just through eating less sweets and stuff and doing exercise. At the end 2009 I was at my lowest weight of about 155, and I felt so good! But study and work got in the way and I was eating HEAPS of junk food and went up to 198, a couple of months I started going back to the gym and atm im down to 183 but i want to eventually get back to 150ish. Im setting smaller goals so it doesnt seem like such a huge amount. Im going to try and post my food and exercise every few days just to try and stay motivated because thats my biggest problem. I can being doing really well for like 2-3 weeks then all of a sudden i just stop and think its too hard so I need you guys to help keep me on track :)
Reply From Ally13, Age 23 - 04/27/11 - IP#: 74.92.246.xxx show message replied to go to original board
Welcome back Manda =). Congrats on your current weight loss! So I saw that you mentioned motivation was your biggest problem. I think most of us can relate. It's discouraging work sometimes, trying to lose weight. I've found that if you keep a visual near of what motivates you (ie: photo of you at 155, a new outfit, a list of benefits that come with being a healthy weight, etc.), it makes it that much easier to stay on course. One site I used was www.mvm.com. I created a virtual model based off of my highest, current and goal weight, printed all 3 off and stuck them on a separate piece of paper, side by side, so I could see where I came from and where I was going.
Also, you could try out www.caloriecount.about.com. It has really great tools for keeping track of calories you consume and burn in a day, plus, it has awesome forums where you can ask/answer almost any weight-related... (view more)Welcome back Manda =). Congrats on your current weight loss! So I saw that you mentioned motivation was your biggest problem. I think most of us can relate. It's discouraging work sometimes, trying to lose weight. I've found that if you keep a visual near of what motivates you (ie: photo of you at 155, a new outfit, a list of benefits that come with being a healthy weight, etc.), it makes it that much easier to stay on course. One site I used was www.mvm.com. I created a virtual model based off of my highest, current and goal weight, printed all 3 off and stuck them on a separate piece of paper, side by side, so I could see where I came from and where I was going.
Also, you could try out www.caloriecount.about.com. It has really great tools for keeping track of calories you consume and burn in a day, plus, it has awesome forums where you can ask/answer almost any weight-related question under the sun.
Wow, it looks like I'm a website pusher, lol. I'm not, really, but these sites gave (and still give - I use both on a regular basis) me such inspiration. I doubt I would've gotten as far as I have without them.
Best of luck to you and keep posting updates here!! (view less)
From Sophie, Age 19 - 04/08/11 - IP#: 94.196.221.xxx hide message replied to go to original board
Ht. 5'3", Start: 196 lb, Today: 196 lb (BMI %tile: 98), Goal: 190 lb - I was doing well and got down to 170 lbs. I don't know what's happened, I'm now living with my fiancee so I think I've just become so content with my situation that I am not worrying about my weight. But now my asthma is getting worse and I know that I need help - please can someone advise me and motivate me, I can't see things getting better at the moment :\ thank you x
Reply From Marina, Age 23 - 04/17/11 - IP#: 70.54.150.xxx show message replied to go to original board
hey Sophie!
It's okay...sometimes we get stuck in a weight loss rut sometimes...it just happens. In my oipnion, the easiest way to get out of it and start feeling motivated again is to pick a target outfit and start making SMALL changes to reach the goal of fitting into it. (& as a reward, once you fit into it, have your fiance take you for a night out to wear it! :) Don't say, "I'm going to start my diet tomorrow". Start RIGHT NOW. Start by, say...cutting out juice & pop & drinking ONLY water. That change alone can make a huge difference...then everyday make another small change (ie: walking places instead of driving whenever possible). Your motivation will slowly return & next thing you know, you'll be ready to get right back into the swing of things! Good luck! :)
From Ann, Age 18 - 02/08/11 - IP#: 99.40.102.xxx hide message replied to go to original board
Ht. 5'2", Start: 249 lb, Today: 249 lb (BMI %tile: 98), Goal: 130 lb - Okay...soooo, I've been on here before. I'm assuming the people on here are all trying to lose weight so we're supposed to motivate each other? idk. But i'm UBER fat, so i should probably start trying to change that. i'm going to college in the fall, and i REALLY don't wanna look huge in a place where i'm supposed to start fresh. so the countdown begins....and hopefully i'll shed the weight fast. i'd love to hear some support if you guys have any. I'm new here, so sorry if i'm not doing this right. lol
Reply From Ally13, Age 23 - 02/09/11 - IP#: 74.92.246.xxx show message replied to go to original board
There's nothing like motivation to get you to lose excess weight and it sounds like a fresh start at college is a great one to have =). First, congrats for coming to this site and seeking support, advice, etc.
We've all been/are in the same position you're now in so we get it, possibly more than the people who are around you every day.
The main thing to keep in mind is DON'T GIVE UP. Losing weight is a big undertaking and you have to realize that you didn't gain overnight so don't expect to lose overnight. It's all about the choices you make - each day you're making choices that will determine whether you lose the weight or not. Choosing water over soda, getting up 1/2 hour earlier to go for a walk, not taking that second helping ...all of these things contribute to you meeting your goal.
Believe me, there are going to be times when you want to give up or days where... (view more)There's nothing like motivation to get you to lose excess weight and it sounds like a fresh start at college is a great one to have =). First, congrats for coming to this site and seeking support, advice, etc.
We've all been/are in the same position you're now in so we get it, possibly more than the people who are around you every day.
The main thing to keep in mind is DON'T GIVE UP. Losing weight is a big undertaking and you have to realize that you didn't gain overnight so don't expect to lose overnight. It's all about the choices you make - each day you're making choices that will determine whether you lose the weight or not. Choosing water over soda, getting up 1/2 hour earlier to go for a walk, not taking that second helping ...all of these things contribute to you meeting your goal.
Believe me, there are going to be times when you want to give up or days where you've messed up - that's okay, you're human. The important thing is to realize that one (or a few) mistakes don't dictate the final outcome.
If you can, get a physical reminder of your goal (maybe a picture of your college, that sorority you'd like to pledge, cute college boys, whatever helps you) and place it somewhere you'll see it constantly. Sometimes, in our weakness, we forget all about the goal and that will help you to overcome some of your struggles.
One thing I did that helped me wonderfully was this: I went to www.mvm.com and created a virtual me at my current weight. Then I created 2-3 other models that were me, but weighed less (like 20, 50, etc. pounds). I copied and pasted these images to one document, printed it off and carried it around with me in my wallet so I could pull it out anytime and see what I'd actually look like once I got down to those weights. See if that helps =).
If you ever need advice, tips, to vent or brag - this is a great site to do it on so make sure you post =D. (view less)
From Kayla, Age 20 - 02/09/11 - IP#: 75.42.79.xxx go to original board
Ht. 5'4", Start: 248.5 lb, Today: 229 lb (BMI: 39), Goal: 170 lb - WHOOO-HOOO! I am down 19 1/2 pounds and I feel great! Yesterday I was able to put on a pair of jeans that I haven't fit into in about 8 months. Although I am losing weight, and choosing healthier choices, I feel like my habit of eating just because it tastes good is finding its way back into my life. So I need to really concentrate on waiting until I am hungry to eat and only eat until I am full, not full to the point of sickness. I strongly feel that watching Biggest Loser and I Used To Be Fat is a real motivation for me, well, that and the fact I feel better, look better and love better. I think I am starting to love myself more and with that I can love my boyfriend not more but better because I am not so self-conscience. My Mom told me the other day that my Dad was really proud of me and he drags about the fact I get up and exercise every morning. I am... (view more)WHOOO-HOOO! I am down 19 1/2 pounds and I feel great! Yesterday I was able to put on a pair of jeans that I haven't fit into in about 8 months. Although I am losing weight, and choosing healthier choices, I feel like my habit of eating just because it tastes good is finding its way back into my life. So I need to really concentrate on waiting until I am hungry to eat and only eat until I am full, not full to the point of sickness. I strongly feel that watching Biggest Loser and I Used To Be Fat is a real motivation for me, well, that and the fact I feel better, look better and love better. I think I am starting to love myself more and with that I can love my boyfriend not more but better because I am not so self-conscience. My Mom told me the other day that my Dad was really proud of me and he drags about the fact I get up and exercise every morning. I am definitely not taking it as oh, my dad loves me more if I was thin, I know that he is just happy to see me making myself healthier, especially because of my heart condition. So all in all I am a lot happier, a lot healthier and almost 20 pounds lighter!!! :) I hope everyone is feeling happier, healthier and lighter! Good luck :) (view less)
From Amanda, Age 21 - 02/19/10 - IP#: 63.135.9.xxx hide message replied to go to original board
Ht. 5'8", Start: 225 lb, Today: 169 lb (BMI: 26), Goal: 160 lb - okay so I've come to the sad realization that no one really posts on here anymore. Not to mention, no one really posts on other peoples posts. Kinda lame, don't you think? Anyway, I don't really care about that because I'm going to post on here everyday anyways as kind of a... way to keep track of how I'm doing. It's easy to lie to yourself and say you did okay when you really didn't, so here I'll fess up to what I've done wrong and what not. I got down to 165 like 2 weeks ago but with PMS comes the munchies and weight gain, as usual. Seriously, I need to stop this "5 pounds up, 5 pounds down" cycle. I've been doing it for months. I want to get under 165 and stay there and keep going down for once. My first goal is 160.. from there 155, then 150, and possibly 145 if i'm not small enough at 150. (It's too early to tell). Hopefully I can stick with this. I've gotten back into the habit of writing down everything I eat, so hopefully that will hold me accountable for any loss or non-loss lol Hope everyones doing great, and come on people lets get posting!! lol
Reply From Amanda, Age 21 - 02/21/10 - IP#: 63.135.27.xxx show message replied to go to original board
I know what you mean, its sooo hard to stay motivated. What i do, is i think of someone i want to impress, or an event in the near future that i want to look good for, or to piss off someone who made a rude comment about your weight or something. Use those feelings as motivation. Focus all your energy on that goal. If you want to lose 10 pounds before a party, to impress your friends or prove to them you CAN and WILL do this, use that as your motivator. Its not always easy.. actually its never easy lol but you can do it :)
From Heaven, Age 14 - 01/09/10 - IP#: 70.178.115.xxx hide message replied to go to original board
Ht. 4'11", Start: 125 lb, Today: 123 lb (BMI %tile: 89), Goal: 105 lb - Oh wow.. I'm beginning to steer off again >.< I'd went down to 119, then I bounced right back up! I just cant seem to be motivated enough to eat right and exercise =/ I think what I need is someone to help and motivate me. My dad and sister think I'm the "perfect" weight, and aren't taking my size into consideration. I still don't remember how I lost those 13 pounds in a few months a year or two ago. I'd love to lose the fat on my thighs, a bit off my arms, and the rest off my stomach. UGH! I hate not having the motivation >.<
Reply From Amanda, Age 20 - 01/10/10 - IP#: 63.135.9.xxx show message replied to go to original board
Do what I do, whenever you feel very unmotivated and like you will never get there and just want to give up, go online and Google search "weight loss success stories". They are so inspiring. Some people have lost over 100 pounds... it really makes you think, if they can lose over 100, surely I can lose 10, 20, etc. Some of them even have before and after pictures which are super motivating. Don't give up, you're strong. You can have whatever you want in life you just have to want it badly enough. Good luck!
From Jo, Age 19 - 08/08/09 - IP#: 71.168.242.xxx hide message replied to go to original board
Ht. 5'2", Start: 206 lb, Today: 174 lb (BMI %tile: 95), Goal: 130 lb - Ok well in December I was weighed at the doctors at 206lbs, after my first semester of college. Then in February I got very sick, I couldn't eat and hold it down, and if by some miracle I did, I still ended up sick in another way (I know tmi),, my doctors never did figure out what was wrong with me, and i dropped 30lbs. I don't have many cravings.. except for when I get hungry at work.. I work at mcdonalds... I have finally realized that I need to bring my own food to work, after 3 years there... My problem is exercising I move back to school in 2 weeks and I will have the use of the gym, but I keep making up excuses to work out before then, and I know when I get back I will be too tired, and too lazy... what is a good motivational tip
Reply From SONNIE45, Age 18 - 08/14/09 - IP#: 74.70.200.xxx show message replied to go to original board
WELL SUMTIMES I JUST TRY 2 VISUALIZE MY GOAL.....N KNO THAT IF I DONT GET MY FAT BUT N DAH GYM ITZ GUNNA STAY FAT..LOL.. JUS REMEMBER ITZ NOT GUNNA CUMM OFF WITH EXCUSES BUT WITH ACTIONS.. GOOD LUCK!!
From Jenna, Age 16 - 06/11/09 - IP#: 86.7.143.xxx hide message replied to go to original board
Ht. 5'7", Start: 203 lb, Today: 199 lb (BMI %tile: 97), Goal: 126 lb - Hi everyone! I started my healthy eating plan last week, and have lost 4 pounds already! I'm amazed! Unfortunately, I attended a buffet at a chinese restaurant today, as a celebration, so haven't eaten very well :( other than the chinese food, I've only eaten veggies and I went to the gym earlier, but I still feel guilty, I'll have to get back on track tomorrow. My short term goal weight is 190 pounds, which I hope to reach in 3 weeks. How is everyone else doing?
Reply From kristi, Age 19 - 06/12/09 - IP#: 71.98.78.xxx show message replied to go to original board
first try not to reward yourself with food...that will only hurt you in the end...although i love chinese food...ido allow myself to have it...but ill cook it and make some substitues and have a lighter portion...its still amazingly good...andwaysgood job sticking to the plan...just keep at it andyoull be at 190 beforeyou know it :D
From Ben, Age 13 - 03/30/09 - IP#: 98.215.169.xxx hide message replied to go to original board
Ht. 5'8", Start: 234 lb, Today: 204 lb (BMI %tile: 98), Goal: 150 lb - Alright, so here's the thing. I'm not motivated. How can someone get themselves motivated? I mean, I want to lose weight, I know how to lose weight, I just can't get myself motivated...whats wrong with me..?
Reply From Amanda, Age 20 - 03/30/09 - IP#: 63.135.14.xxx show message replied to go to original board
trust me, we all go through it. what i do to motivate myself is i take a look at some old pictures of myself when i was bigger, and know that if i dont smarten up i could fall back into bad habits. i also google search some inspirational weight loss success stories (the before and after pictures really make it motivating) so try some of that. otherwise, itll come in time. i go through stages where i dont care anymore, then randomly ill be so motivated its crazy. hope i helped :)
From MiNDY, Age 21 - 03/26/09 - IP#: 69.138.240.xxx hide message replied to go to original board
Ht. 5'6", Start: 230 lb, Today: 228 lb (BMI: 37), Goal: 165 lb - hey, i'm kinda new to the board, but i really want to start losing weight, and figured i'd try this out for support and what not to see how it works for me. i haven t officially started my diet yet, i plan to tomorrow. i just recently had my gallbladder taken out last week due to gallstones, and hoped that this surgery would help sort of jump start my weightloss from a lack of appitite, but it just hasn't happened. Does anyone know of some great beginner videos to watch that keep you motivated and interested? or any tips or suggestions?
Reply From Amanda, Age 20 - 03/26/09 - IP#: 63.135.14.xxx show message replied to go to original board
go on youtube and look up weight loss before and afters. theyre super motivational because you get to see how amazing they look after. also, google weight loss success stories and theres a ton on there to keep your head high and keep you going. ive lost 55 pounds so far, its hard but its so worth it. just find something motivational every day and take it one day at a time, because every pound adds up, and before you know it, youve lost 10, 20, 30 etc. good luck! you can do it :)
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