I feel fat. In the past six months, I have gained 15, maybe 20 pounds. I didn't realize that eating every piece of candy that my kids share with me, tasting all of Dennis' food to make sure it is not too hot when I serve it to him, finishing up what my kids don't eat because that would be wasteful and we are in a recession, and enjoying something sweet with every cup of coffee could add up so fast. But it has.
I am publicly announcing as to hold me accountable that yesterday I weighed 165 pounds. Ugh!
I have felt weighed down, tired, and all of my clothes are too tight. Not a fun place to be.
I officially started the Atkin's diet yesterday-- modified a bit. The three main things that I hope will make a difference for me is drinking more water, keeping my food intake to under 20 carbohydrates a day, and taking the time to enjoy the food that I eat so that I can get back to appreciating the healthy foods that are not allowed right now, but will be after the two week induction. I have had great success with Atkin's in the past, being able to lose around 8 pounds in two weeks! I am hoping that will be the case this time.
You might be wondering why I have to actually go on a diet in order to change my eating habits. Well, because I am weak, and unless I do something with all of my effort I do not stay motivated and will slip up with a piece of candy or something else sweet thinking that I could just skip my next meal-- which never ends up happening.
See, with Atkins there is no bread, starch, or sugar allowed--- for two weeks. This really makes me feel deprived and will have lasting effects for months after I stop the diet. In those two weeks I am able to train myself to enjoy one Oreo instead of three or four and I will continue to lose weight for a few months even after my dieting has ended.
My goal is 10 pounds. The scale shows that I have already lost one pound. Feel like joining me? If I get five people who say they want to join me, I will start a food log so that others can get ideas as to what to eat on this limited diet.
35 inspiring thoughts:
I have put on weight lately too. I have never had to diet or watch my weight until after I had baby no.7.
I cant bring myself to diet though. If I start I feel like Im depriving myself and I give in. Especially bread. I love bread so the Atkins diet does not sound good to me..lol.
I hope it works for you and you get to the weight you feel comfortable with. Good Luck
I've got to cut out some things, but mainly just eat in moderation. My mom yo-yoed all her adult life and died at 61, morbidly obese. So, I've always resolved not to do any specific diets (because I don't want to end up like she did), but just to make sure to exercise and eat in moderation.
I won't be joining you with Atkins, but I wish you all the strength you need for this endeavor!
Try weight watchers. You're not deprived, and it's customized to you. To me, dieting without weight watchers is like buying a car without keys. WW teaches you good habits to make you healthy. I've lost 17 pounds the last few months! I keep denying it because I have to use a handicap scale, which is a long story, but that's what my doctor records say! And weight watchers is so much healthier, whereas Atkins has a yo-yo tendency. And WW is easier, too, in my oppinion. All my doctors tell me that I'm not allowed to do anything but weight watchers because nothing is better and everything else they say it may work, but it's not truly healthy. I'm going to post at some point tips I've been taught when I used to go to WW meetings, and from my doctors.
Also, my whole family loves WW recipes. That way you don't have to cook seperate meals for yourself.
Oh, and don't forget to pray! Your body is a temple, and God wants you to be a healthy temple. Some people may think it's vein, but God made your body, and He doesn't want it wasted.
I hope things go well!
~Alex
I'm in!! :o)
I don't think Atkins is a very healthy diet....you shouldn't have to deprive yourself of HEALTHY foods. Plus, losing so much weight in a short period of time (8lbs in 2 weeks) is not good for you either, plus you increase your chances of putting it back on and then some. About 2 lbs a week is ideal.
Have you heard of sparkpeople.com? It's a great weight loss site, has lots of great info on eating right. In the fall I wanted to drop the last 10-15 lbs I never lost with my FIRST pregnancy so I checked it out. You can enter the amount of weight you want to lose by what date or time frame and it will tell you how many calories you need to eat per day, plus how much fat, protien and carbs. You can use their meal plans and switch them up a bit (not for me though) or leave it blank and just record your own food/meals so you can see where you're at in your calorie/fat/protein/carb counting. It takes some discipline (but Atkins is way more in my opinion), and it can be a pain in the butt to enter all your food in for tracking, BUT, I found that after about 2 weeks of tracking my food I didn't need to do it anymore because I had an understanding of how much I was eating, and when I needed to cut back. I lost 9 lbs in about 6 weeks. Slow, but worth it. I've still kept it off and I'm eating normally.
Anyways, I thought I'd throw that all out there. I hope you don't mind my unsolicited advice. Best of luck to you, weight loss is a pain in the butt.
I'll ditto Alexandra on Weight Watchers. It's well worth it. And with their e-tools it's heaps easier.
Good luck! I really need to lose 15 pounds. I need to exercise!
Darn, I just wrote out a comment and it disappeared :-P
Anyway, to recap: I also recommend Weight Watchers because you can eat anything on it as long as it's in moderation. I'm going to be dieting as of tomorrow and it'll be great to know that others are on this journey with me. I'd love to be part of the food blog to share food ideas!
I"m always on a diet. I usually have success with Zone Diet. I've lost 30 pounds so far. I let my guard down for a few weeks.. put a few pounds back on.. I want to lose another 30 pounds.
so.. count me in!
You're in my prayers! I began Weight Watchers at the first of the year (for the one millionth time) because of what I've gained since going back to work! Aidan is wonderful for my ego, but I am so weak when it comes to not sharing in his snacks! Hang in there. Strength in numbers! : )
I will absolutely join you in whatever diet you choose. I need some motivation.....
My cousin-in-law's wife lost 100 pounds in about a year on the Weight Watcher's plan. She explained she didn't consider it a "diet" but a new lifestyle. It taught her a new, healthier way to eat. I've heard the Atkins is great for rapid weight loss, but when you're "done the diet" and go back to eating "normally," you slowly creep right back up to where you started. Supposedly, with Weight Watchers there is less incidence of that as you are learning a new way of eating that does not deprive you of any certain foods, you can eat it ALL in more appropriate portions.
Good luck in your endeavour to lose weight. I'm right there with you, 165 pounds, pants too tight to wear, and wishing the weight fairy would zap me down to 140!
you can do this! i too have been working at this weightloss thing (55 lbs gone)since my last baby 20 months with just sweat and tears and this last 15 with WW points...I'm not signed into WW officially this time. I have more energy, seem to be happy( you'll have to ask my family...lol) and i my clothes are getting too loose! a great feeling. Once you start to lose weight no matter how you start, you'll be determined to keep it up. When you do Aiken's though make sure you drink enough water, it's really important..promise me that!
Hi Christine! Last spring I dropped 17 pounds and felt amazing! Wasn't yet to my goal, but close. Come winter, I put back on 5, needed that blubber layer to keep me warm for the cold weather, right?? Well, on Valentine's Day, I realized warmer weather was coming and it was time to shed the insulation layer. So, to shed the immediate toxins, I started drinking CHIRO-KLENZ HERBAL TEA and went to salads, good proteins and fruits, dropping the grains for a while. This helps me jump start my healthy eating plan for the future because I've already lost 4 pounds of toxic sludge from the bowel and start off feeling great, thus motivated to continue eating well. And, like you, later on as I decide to eat a treat, I consider better the amount of the treat necessary, if NEEDED at all, you know?? So, let's go girl! I'm alongside you in your desire to treat your temple better!! Penny
Atkins is an okay diet, it just needs to be modified a bit. You need to be on a high protein, low carb diet, so that your body burns the fat. And while allowed, the Atkins diet allows too much fat.
So keep up high protein, and individualize Atkins to your needs. One of the most important things to do is eat small meals every 3-4 hours. This maintains your blood sugars at an even keel, and prevents your body from going into its "think I am starving mode".
One thing I love though are Atkins Ready to drink shakes, which are usually near the pharmacy area. They are low sugar, high protein drinks with lots of vitamins. Better for you than Boost or Slimfast. I especially like Dark Chocolate.
I have lost 100 lbs. in 2 years, and am getting lap-band surgery next month to help me with the rest. I am becoming an expert on nutrition!!!
Good luck, Laurie
Well, I am all for eating right and exercise.
BUT...
...there could be some underlying reasons for the sudden weight gain as well.
I had been in the same situation before. After my mother passed away, I put on over 30 lbs!
What I didn't know was that my thyroid wasn't doing what it was supposed to be doing. If I were you, I'd have some blood work done, and have them check your hormone levels too.
Weight Watchers is great. You will be writing down everything you eat, paying close attention to food labels, and they have great cook books and tools. The information shared at that meetings can be invaluable.
With Weight Watchers, weight loss will be slower than with fad diets, and gradual, as it should be. Don't get discouraged, though.
Good luck!
Oh, one more thing. I like this site! It's very informative.
http://www.hungry-girl.com
I am so there right along with you. I'm not sure if I'm going to do the Atkin's but perhaps a more modified version, like you. I've been exploring a few different versions. All I know is I need to get up and move way more than I've been doing. I am a slug. And not a happy slug.
I look forward to seeing what you're doing. And congrats on the 1 lb loss. It's a nice start!
So much feed back - Do what works for YOU! You are the one that is in control with Jesus at your side! I'll keep you in prayers as I look to do the same - need to lose weight as well. I'll lift you up - you lift me up. Sending positive vibes your way!
DH and I are, God willing, adopting two little ones who will hopefuly be here by the 4th of July. I am committed to losing 40 lbs before they get here - I'm old, I can't handle fat too and do this. I rejoined the gym. My friend and I are participating in a 10-week challenge. I just weighed in and got measured half-way through. I'm only down 7.5 lbs, but some of the inches lost were pretty impressive, if I must say so my self. I'm a WW fan, but have just been "cutting down" this last 5 weeks (not counting points per se). We have to journal our food for the challenge which is always an eye-opener and helps me get/stay on plan. I love the way Atkins makes me feel over the short-term, but I do experience that rebound effect with it; it just messes with my metabolism. The best thing about it is it shuts my appetite down in a hurry and kicks those cravings. I would say I'm doing a modified low carb plan with good quality carbs (fruit, hi-fiber bread, brown rice, etc) early in the day, not for dinner. I'd love to see some new recipes as long as the fat content isn't too high. Count me in!
I lost all of my "baby weight" 3 different times with Atkins.
I know a lot of people don't like it, but it works!
Atkins is what works best for me too. Dropped 24 lbs last fall on it. Just started working on the last few here but not Atkins this time, just eating tiny amounts. I dont think Atkins is so bad for you or anything, just hard to do. My bloodwork improves on that diet so cant be anything too awful. Good luck to you!
I am in the process also but am doing WW on my own and the biggest thing is I have scheduled exercise into my day. meaning, i write it on my family calendar so it gets done. otherwise everyone elses needs come before mine. so far this year I am down 8.5 pounds and 9 inches.
My goodness, what a lot of comments!! In the 18 months since Mark and I have been married, he's lost 100 pounds and I've gained 50!! Now, how could that have happened?? I am trudging along, waiting to go to Ukraine, because every time I go overseas to adopt, I stop eating and I lose tons of weight! Ha Hope it happens again! I just don't like foreign food, and the stress of the trip takes my appetite away. I remember about 2 weeks after my first adoption of 5 y.o. Natasha, I sat down to eat with her with a small plate of food. She looked shocked, and said, "Mama? Mama yest??" (Mama eat??) She didn't think I ever ate, I guess! ha I was at my thinnest at that point too. Haven't seen that delightful weight in 13 years...! :o( Oh, well. My husband says he enjoys cuddling with me better this way, anyway. :o)
HA! I knew you would catch some flack when you said "Atkins". :) It is a great way to lose weight,it is the only way I can lose weight. and I feel so good on it. I modify it a bit too. Once my body got over the sugar withdraws I did not feel deprived, at all. It is so easy to stay with the diet when you eat out too.
best wishes to you! I know you can do it!
~Elaine
I hate to say it, but I think the pounds come with age & kids. After my 5th little I'm officially fat. At 9 months w/ my first I was 107 lbs. Now with my youngest being 2 I'm a tire carring on my waist 147 lbs. & I hate it. I think I'm gonna join you..yes~yes,I am! O' to fit in cloths I like again> can't wait!!
I am with you on this diet (aka lifestyle change). Lent is approaching and instead of just giving up snacks and candies I am taking it a step further. I am fasting on Fridays, eating smaller meals, not snacking, and certainly not eating cakes or candies. So many have to do without, but I am choosing to decrease my lifestyle. There is so much more to this....not just a diet, but being more compassionate, etc
I am with you on this!!!
something interesting...
while in Ukraine Eric lost 12 lbs and I lost 7. We ate condensed milk out of a can and chocolate every day. He ate pizza several times a week. I can't have wheat but I ate desserts, etc, while there than I were safe for me to have...
the real trick was activity, activity, activity... If I could walk as much here at home as we did in Kramatorsk I'd feel GREAT. SEe if you can work in more exercise and you might find you dont' have to worry quite as much about foods....
just a thought. :)
Well, I'll have to admit that I need to lose somewhere between 20 and 30 pounds too, but I'd be thrilled with losing 15. I'm not much on the Adkin's diet but I'd love to join you in eating better.
I'll join you, college food this semester has made me gain unwanted weight and I could really use a buddy and some motivation.I also am going to start running to train for the disney marathon for Reece's Rainbow.And I've started a blog on it runningtodisney76.blogspot.com
Hope all goes well for you - in your diet. I too am working on losing weight, and the main thing that I have done is to start drinking a lot more water - it is working so far! Peace.
Count me in! I need to lose ALOT of weight...I am currently seeing a weightloss doc. to help me out.
I have also been struggling with being overweight. I have had some sucess using a free website called sparkpeople.com
I think that our household is going to start using the Atkins diet starting this Monday. It is funny that you posted this after we had made our decision to do the same... We have had great results with this diet in the past. I wish you all the best!
I am on a weight-loss plan that I discussed with my doctor. I am 80 lbs overweight and those diets like Atkins, and the ones that make you lose weight fast are not good for you. Unless you really work at it the weight will come right back. I cut my calories back to 1400 a day and have been walking one mile a day and working it up to more. I have lost 10 lbs in two months. So now I have 70 to go. I'm in. Just not the same plan.
Hey! I actually JUST blogged about the same issue last week Wednesday! haha!! I announced on my blog that I'm "fat" and my goal is to lose 52 pounds in 52 weeks (I'm nursing so have to be careful to not lose too fast). I hoped that posting my goal on my blog would hold me accountable and motivate me. I really think it helps!
Anyway, on Fridays I'm hoping to post weight loss tips so feel free to hop on over for some ideas! ;)
Best of luck to you! And if you ask me, 165 pounds ain't too shabby! :D
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