Slightly Discouraged

[geeklover80]

I've basically been trying to lose weight for four years. I'd exercised and "dieted" before but that was when I got serious about it and kept up with exercising. I haven't had complete success with it. When I first started, I did lose 20 pounds but then gained it back. And there was another time when I lost about ten pounds, but again I gained it back. Part of my problem, is that I'm not good at dieting. I've learned to cut some stuff out, like I rarely drink soda anymore, but I have other vices I can't stop(I have a horrible Keebler Soft Batch cookie addiction.) I think if I had to choose one to do, I should probably do it the other way around and diet without exercise. My boyfriend's mother has been dieting for awhile, and she's been losing weight even though she really doesn't exercise at all.

When I moved in with my boyfriend, they had a Wii, so I would do Wii fitness all the time, but I got kind of down because the results fluctuated wildly. Sometimes I'd lose a pound or two, but more often than not I'd either gain a few pounds or stay exactly the same. My boyfriend was struggling with his weight as well so we decided to try going vegetarian. But that still doesn't necessarily mean eating the healthiest of foods. But we've done that, we're taking vitamins and we joined a gym. My boyfriend has been telling me that he's een noticing some changes. And I've definitely noticed it in him. But we hadn't really weighed ourself. So I told my boyfriend that the other night, and he said we should go to the supermarket, where they had a scale. I was very nervous and then was disappointed that I hadn't lost anything. My boyfriend says that your actual weight number isn't that important and we've only been doing this for a little less than a month. But still, I thought I'd have at least lost a little something instead gaining weight. But Mike still says he's seeing changes, and like I said he's definitely changing (his butt is in danger of being displaced by his biceps, as my favorite body part of his) so we'll just keep doing what we're doing, with a few tweaks.

Stacey

Comments

[wickedcherub.livejournal.com]

Yeah, the number really isn't important at all, even if you're just using it to see if it's going up or down.

Everyone carries weight differently, and when you change up your activity level / food intake, then you will start to distribute your weight differently.

Do you *feel* better? Are there clothes that fit you better?

[geekslave.livejournal.com]

I do feel a little bit better, not a lot, but somewhat. And there are some clothes that are a bit looser.

Stacey

[cruel-fortuna.livejournal.com]

Portion control is a big part of dieting without exercise. Just a small tip - use smaller plates. You can trick your brain by doing this & you'll stay full longer. Also, by eating smaller meals with controlled portions you can eat 6 meals a day & still maintain or lose weight.

// I know this because when I was in Greece for a month, I was baffled by their eating habits until someone explained it to me. I lost 5 lbs. on that trip.

[geekslave.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the tip. I'm definitely going to try using smaller plates. I've heard about that before.

Stacey

[0idontknow0]

I've always found that dieting is the harder part of trying to lose weight. If you exercise but your diet isn't particularly healthy you'll have done all the work with little to no results (This past summer is a perfectly good example for me).

I'd say that in addition to going vegetarian (which I think is a huge feat since I'm a meat lover) cut down on condiments as well. My mom did that and she's been losing weight ever since. Also cutting down on juice intake and drinking mostly water instead. She's also cut down on her meal sizes and will eat small meals multiple times a day instead of one large meal (which I can't seem to stop doing).

But good luck to you. You've got the motivation and the support so just keep at it.

[geekslave.livejournal.com]

Thanks.

I definitely think cutting down on condiments could be a good idea. It's a hard habit to break, but I've definitely seen that when you add condiments it can increase the calories to a really high level. I definitely have to try and drink more water. I usually only drink it when I'm exercising.

Stacey

[twisting-vine-x.livejournal.com]

The two things I would suggest would be gluten and sugar. I cut out gluten and shed weight like it was water, and I've since added sugar to the no-eat list, and the result has been that I keep putting new holes in my belt. My entire health overall is a bajillion times better, too, so - maybe worth a try. :)

[geekslave.livejournal.com]

I've seen non-gluten items that I've been curious about. One of the problems with cutting sugar isn't just how better it makes some things taste, but that sugar is in SO many things, even fruit. I've cut back on sugar, but haven't cut it out completely.

Glad you found something that works for you.

Stacey

[twisting-vine-x.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I hear you on it being in everything. I'm completely sugar free right now - including cutting out fruit - and it's definitely tricky. The one thing I'd really suggest is using Stevia instead of sugar. It's herb-based, and it tastes almost exactly like sugar, and I use it in all my cooking, or just eat it off my fingers when I want the taste of sugar. :)

[geekslave.livejournal.com]

Stevia. It doesn't taste like artificial sweetener, does it?

Stacey

[twisting-vine-x.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure what artificial sweetener tastes like (I'm guessing like chemicals? I know I tried one Stevia thing that definitely did taste like chemicals), but the kind I use - New Roots - is absolutely frakking delicious. I might even choose it over real sugar.

http://www.google.ca/imgres?um=1&hl=en&client=firefox-a&sa=N&tbo=d&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&biw=1600&bih=770&tbm=isch&tbnid=n00GLZn7PG899M:&imgrefurl=http://www.supplementreviewer.com/new-roots-stevia-sugar-spoonable-250g-or-454g.html&docid=jVePgYKx_Jp9_M&itg=1&imgurl=http://www.vitamart.ca/images/T/New-Roots-Stevia-Sugar-Spoonable-250g.jpg&w=550&h=550&ei=qkQLUb2oLNDLyAHdooDICQ&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=1026&sig=108481834990807945461&page=1&tbnh=182&tbnw=182&start=0&ndsp=28&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0&tx=101&ty=56&ved=1t:3588,r:0,s:0,i:82

... That is quite the link. XD

[geekslave.livejournal.com]

A huge link. :) I'll have to try that stuff.

Stacey

[geekslave.livejournal.com]

I've cut out fried foods and cut down on my sugar intake. I should try walking more. I do treadmill five times a week.

Thanks for the advice.

Stacey

[gatty.livejournal.com]

Hi, new flister here. I'm sorry to hear you've been having stress over your weight. First things first, a number on a scale means nothing, it has nothing to do with your value as a person nor is it any reflection on your self-control/will power to diet etc.

Another, more practical point, is that muscle weighs a hell of a lot more than fat, but takes up less space. So if you've been doing exercise, you've probably built up muscle, which means according to the scale you could have even gained weight, but you're measurements might be smaller - and muscle is better at keeping calories burning, so having them even though they're hella heavy, will keep your body burning through the cookies whatever your doing.

[lynnenne]

Another, more practical point, is that muscle weighs a hell of a lot more than fat, but takes up less space. So if you've been doing exercise, you've probably built up muscle, which means according to the scale you could have even gained weight, but you're measurements might be smaller

I was just about to say this, too.

Good on you for making an effort to change. It's always hard. I hope you find a balance of diet and exercise that works for you!

[geekslave.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I've definitely thought about new muscle may be adding to the weight count.

Stacey

[geekslave.livejournal.com]

Hi!

When we weighed ourselves, I did think that putting on muscle may have been a factor. When we work out at the gym, we do cardio and weightlifting. So we've both been putting on muscle.

Stacey

[rebel.livejournal.com]

There's also the possibility that the number hasn't gone down because while you have lost fat you've gained muscle from working out. I'd definitely take some measurements and see how those change over the weeks! I am trying to lose weight now too and am starting to get involved with the Tumblr "fitblr" community and I think you might like it too -- they are very motivational, inspirational and the community itself is a treasure trove of useful information. :)

[geekslave.livejournal.com]

I've considered that putting on muscle may be affecting my weight. I'd never thought about taking my measurements. That's a good idea. Thanks for the advice and the suggestion for fitblr. I'll check it out. :)

Stacey

[geekslave.livejournal.com]

I've started to exclusively use whole wheat products instead of regular.

I have trouble counting calories, because we eat out a lot and not all of those places have the number of calories listed.

Thanks.

Stacey

[redjaywrites.livejournal.com]

From what I know of my own 'dieting' - I hate to call it that - the number isn't important. I've been going up and down by 1-2lbs for the last 3 weeks, but I do know that muscle weighs more than fat, so the scales might say that you weigh more but you look leaner (muscle also takes up less space than fat).

[geekslave.livejournal.com]

Congratulations on your success.

Yeah, others have told me that. It did occur to me that new muscles may be contributing to the weight gain.

Stacey

[scribblemoose]

You've already got some excellent advice here - basically it's all down to maths - calories eaten-calories burned=fat put on, except that the body is clever and devious and some times squirrels fat away more than other times.

Exercise is really good because as well as burning calories it raises your metabolism so you burn fat faster for about 24-36 hours afterwards. Also as your fitness improves you digest your food more effectively, so your body doesn't store it as fat simply because it can't be bothered. :D

I've found smaller portions, trying to do other things for comfort than eating (yay, fanfic! yay, knitting!), walking regularly and going swimming when I can has enabled me to lose about a pound a fortnight or so. Which doesn't sound amazing but it's been a steady trend and I haven't put anything back on in over a year, despite moments of pure indulgence.

Slow and steady wins the race... Good luck!

[geekslave.livejournal.com]

Thanks for all the tips and the well wishes.

It sounds impressive to me to steadily lose weight and be able to keep it off. I think indulging every now and then is ok.

Stacey

[geekslave.livejournal.com]

Thanks!

I'm definitely going to try and keep track of my measurements now.

Stacey

[cowboyangel.livejournal.com]

Just keep working out and making healthy food choices and you will see a difference. It takes time but you're doing the right thing so hopefully you're feeling better and you will soon see the results you want. *hugs*

[geekslave.livejournal.com]

*hugs* I'm going to try and be patient and not expect instant results.

Stacey

[dunderklumpen.livejournal.com]

First of all: I think it's great that you're doing something at all and that you're not lazy. Because it is so much easier to give up. So that's a good thing. You're in the right mind set.

Second: Maybe it's a vocabulary problem because you're always talking about "dieting". But dieting is - if it works - usually a short term thing. As soon as you change back your eating habits to what they were before, the weight will come back. That means that doing special diets like ananas diet or something like that isn't a long term solution. What you have to do - and I'm sure you know it + I don't wanna sound like a Besserwisser - is changing you eating habits in general and stick to it. That doesn't mean you have to quit all chocolate or your favourite cookies but to control how much of it you eat.

I know that it sounds easy but doing it is a different pair of shoes. Everybody has to find the right way for themself. I lost last year 40 pounds with the help of Weight Watchers. It is a concept which works great for me and which I can incorporate in my everyday life. A friend of mine did low carp and lost 20 pounds without any help from outside. You just have to figure out the right concept for yourself and then stick to it. That's the important thing: Do it on a daily basis and be patient. You can't loose weight you gained over 2 years in 2 month. That's neither healthy nor realistic. If you're losing weight a healthy amount per week is 250-500 g.

After I lost about 20 pounds I discovered that everything else only works via sports. Of course I cut the calories but being active helped a lot. It doesn't have to be an expensive gym. Start with small things like using the stairs instead of the escalator or leave the buss one station earlier and walk the rest of the way.

Regarding your weight: If you start to train you usually gain weight at first because you build up muscles. If your body has established a muscle basis it starts to loose weight again. But in the beginning you gain weight first. This weight isn't fat though but muscles which gives your body a shape and helps to strenghten your skinn and everything. The sheer number doesn't count here.

Plus there are so many things which can have effects on the number on the scale: Do you have your period (more water in the body = more weight), did you eat much salt (more water in the body = more weight), when did you eat the last time and when are you weighing yourself etc.

It's a great thing your bf supports you. I found it helps if you have someone you said you're gonna meet for doing sport together. Maybe there's a friend or a co-worker whose gonna meet you once a week for a walk or swimming or anything? Often people wanna do something but can't bring themselves really to do it. It's easier if you're two:)

To sum it up:

1. *yay* You're doing something. That's the first step and really great already.
2. Don't be discouraged by set-backs. It happens. Just forget it and start the next day with a clean sleight. Try to stay motivated. Give yourself realistic short term goals like: 5 % lost weight, 10 % lost weight or 10 pounds lost, 20 pounds lost etc. Reward yourself if you reached your goal. Or ask a friend to give you a surprise when you've reached it.
3. Do it on a regular basis and be patient. It will work in the end. I'm certain!

Hope I wasn't too condescending.

*hugs*

[geekslave.livejournal.com]

You weren't condescending at all :)

I've definitely read something before that mentioned dieting is really no good, and changing your eating habits so that you can maintain it, instead of going back to business as usual, is the way to go.

Congratulations on your weight loss. I've seen those Weight Watchers ads and been curious about it. I've been curious about that stuff for years.

I'm trying to be more patient.

When we weighed ourselves we had just ate and I wondered if that could be a factor.

You've been really helpful. I'm going to work on setting goals for myself.

*hugs*

Stacey

[fuzzytomato02.livejournal.com]

Hey there new flister person. I just wanted to comment and let you know that you're awesome for working out and taking control of your health. I also struggle with my weight constantly, and I know it can be frustrating. But it sounds like you have a great support in your boyfriend so that's awesome!
One thing that I started to use recently that has really helped me was to actually count my calories for the day. I have an app on my phone, myfitnesspal is the one I use, but there are lots of them, that you enter in your info, how much weight you want to lose, and it gives you how many cals per day you should be eating. Then you can enter in your food on your phone and it will count them for you. The great thing about the app is that it has a ton of foods on it so there is really no guesswork. You can also log your workouts and it will tell you the calories you burned and will add that in to your daily diary. It also helps you track how much water you drink, the walking you do during the day etc etc This is awesome if you need visuals to keep you motivated AND if you are OCD like me :D
Also, one thing that I don't think anyone has mentioned yet, is to weight yourself at the same time every day. Our weight can fluctuate as much as 3lbs during the day so to get an accurate day to day reading, weigh yourself at the same time. I always do mine after I wake up and before breakfast.
I know everyone always has weight loss advice and I know you've already gotten some great stuff from other friends, I just wanted to share what has worked for me thus far.
Anyway, Go you! You can do it! :)

[geekslave.livejournal.com]

Hi there!

It is really great being able to do this together with Mike. I have MyFitnessPal on my iphone. I only used it once to check how many calories I needed per day for my ideal weight, didn't know about that other stuff. Sounds good.

I did hear that about weighing yourself the same time every day.

Thanks!

Stacey

[littlelostcat.livejournal.com]

I know people who lose weight ridiculously easily, and others who have tried for years. I'd say the first thing -- is don't compare yourself to your boyfriend. Men and women's metabolisms are radically different and their body chemistry will react differently to what they are doing.

For working out? This is the real bitch -- and the one that I have to remind myself when I get sick of the gym and I'm currently not going so I need to take my own advice -- your body takes time to change. If you think about how long it's taken you to get where you're current at, you are fighting to change what's taken months/years. There is one of those exercise motivational demonic posters online that says something like it takes one month to get your body used to the work, two month for you to notice, three months for someone to notice. Or something like that? IDK -- but it makes sense. It is a long and arduous process.

You mentioned that you joined the gym -- have you considered any other their classes? One of the reasons I joined the gym (as opposed to doing it at home) is because of the classes that the gym offers and because of the motivation. Also since I'm not going those cool classes aren't doing me a lot of good


And -- aside from your boyfriend, do you have any work out buddies? And I don't mean someone to go to the gym with -- personally I hate going to the gym with people I know .... it's a weird self-conscious thing -- but someone who you can be like, "Yeah, man, I did Zumba and walked a mile" ? Or make a weekly workout post -- something that you can look back on and say, "Wow last month I was just walking ... now I'm doing yoga, zumba, and weights".

:) But, you're doing great and you've made the first step -- which is to change your habits and join a gym. Keep your chin up, you're doing great!

[geekslave.livejournal.com]

Very long process. But I'm trying to be patient.

My boyfriend and I took a couple of the gym classes. We took a spinning class anda zumba class. I thought I was going to do during the spinning, but it was effective. And I kind of felt like an idiot during zumba because I couldn't always keep up with the dancing. But we want to take those classes again. We want to try yoga and they have a boxing class I want to try.

I don't have any workout buddies, but I may try a weekly workout post.

Thanks. :)

Stacey

[geekslave.livejournal.com]

My boyfriend just told me the same thing - that the most important thing is how your clothes are fitting, etc. I'm starting to be able to do a little more at the gym, too. Like we started out using the elliptical machine there and I could barely do it for ten minutes, and now I can do it for 30 minutes with no breaks.

Stacey

[disco-mouse.livejournal.com]

It is about 80% what you eat and 20% exercise. Exercise IS VERY important, but what you eat (rather than how much) is even more important.

[teprometo.livejournal.com]

It's all about how you feel. The number doesn't reflect anything but the way gravity interacts with your body. Water weight and muscle density are big reasons people who have been doing really well give up. If Mike sees your body changing, trust him. He probably knows it really well!

Do you feel like you have more energy? That's usually the biggest sign of a positive shift in diet/exercise. And really, sometimes people just carry more weight than others. What's more important is how well the inside is working. Me, I've never had a problem with weight, but I have a very unhealthy cardiovascular system. I need to figure out a form of exercise I like that doesn't raise my heart rate too much. As someone with anxiety, my resting heart rate is well over 100, and when I exercise, it easily gets over 200, 230, into dangerous territory. Blah, blah, blah. Anyway, the point is how you feel. Even if your goal is to look thinner, don't underestimate the importance of how you feel as an indicator.

[geekslave.livejournal.com]

:) Yes, he knows it well. And I trust his opinion the most.

I think I have a little more energy. I'm starting to be able to do more at the gym.

Hope you find an exercise that doesn't raise your heart rate too much.

Stacey

[sorrylatenew.livejournal.com]

I FEEL YOU GIRL. I've struggled with my weight for a verryyy long time.

+1 to what teprometo said about the most important thing being how good your body's feeling on the inside and energy levels and all that stuff - it's def more important than the number on the scale. I've lost 40 pounds since last May, was fitting into clothes that barely fit before, but the scale was telling me I'd gained a little weight when I began working out. A lot of times it's muscle.

Keep up the good work! *solidarity fist bump*

[geekslave.livejournal.com]

Congrats on your weight loss.

Thanks. *fist bump*

[disco-mouse.livejournal.com]

Try tracking everything you eat at a place like fatsecret.com and keep your carbohydrate intake to under 150g per day (that may knock your vegetarian thing but if you are doing that to lose weight then that should be OK). See how that work in a few weeks.

Is entry flocked? I can send you a link to a book too.

[geekslave.livejournal.com]

I've got an app on my phone called My Fitness Pal that does that, though I've rarely used it.

Under 150. Ok. I've always wanted to know what the recommended carb amount per day is. Thanks.

It's not Flocked.

Stacey

[geekslave.livejournal.com]

Sorry, you're also experiencing trouble. I hope it turns around for you.

Stacey

[geekslave.livejournal.com]

You never know. Maybe someday you'll be motivated enough. :)

I try to keep up with the exercising, though I do plenty of whining when things get too difficult. :)

Stacey