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Over the past two years or so I had lost a lot of weight, partly due to some big lifestyle changes (loss of my partner, who was an avid cook) and partly through change in diet.
I got down to 175 lbs back in August/September, but usually hovererd around 180 lbs, which was/is my target weight.
Unfortunatly overindulging around Thanksgiving & Christmas pushed my weight up to the 185-190 range, and I was able to get down to 185 lbs, but seem to be stuck. Just recently I popped back up to 190 lbs again. Worried about this creeping weight gain and getting stuck at a higher weight than I want.
I think part of this is less exercise (not walking as much or swimming, like I used to do in the summer), but also I think I must be doing something wrong when it comes to eating. I was thinking of cutting out items to reduce calorie gain, but think I must be screwing up somewhere. Or it could be that "plateau" people talk about..
Anyway, going to experiment with some things to maybe change calorie intake. Dont think I can do much about exercise unless I change the type of exercise I do (which is pretty much walking and hiking...about 3 miles/day weather permitting, longer on weekends).
But was wondering if people had similar experiences and how you worked past this? It is frustrating and of concern that I'd gain back the weight I lost, incrementally....
Rather than eliminating items to reduce calories, why not just modify your portion sizes? Or, reduce the portion sizes of things you know are "hot spots" of weight-gain, and raise the portion sizes of things that are "safe."
For instance - if you usually can easily consume 5-6 slices of pizza in a single sitting...
Try having 2-3 slices, and add a tossed salad with a drizzle of olive oil and vinegar. And what the heck, enjoy a few strawberries and walnuts for dessert.
Instead of a half a roast chicken, try a whole unbreaded, skinless, boneless chicken breast fillet topped with sauteed mushrooms and bruschetta (chopped tomato, onion, garlic, with olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano). And instead of a cup and a half of mashed potatoes and gravy, try half a cup of mashed potatoes with a little shredded cheddar cheese, and a salad with baby greens, calamata olives, roasted red pepper, and balsamic vinaigrette.
See how you eat LOTS of food..and LOTS of variety. And some of it is even "fattening." But you're reducing the quantity of the "fattening stuff" and adding more of the "good stuff."
Also, when you do your walks, try walking faster. Or, every 1/4 mile, sprint for the equivalent of a New York City block. Then slow down til you're walking your usual pace again.
Or, reduce the portion sizes of things you know are "hot spots" of weight-gain, and raise the portion sizes of things that are "safe."
Also, when you do your walks, try walking faster. Or, every 1/4 mile, sprint for the equivalent of a New York City block
..yes these are two ideas I am working on. The sprinting thing I did last year when I was losing.....mixing a run with a walk. I did that more to save time, but I can see how it might have a health benefit.
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I want to be in the 180-185 range since that is within the recommended weight range using the BMI index provided by the CDC. At 180 I would be at 21.3, which falls within the 18.5 & 24.9 range they recommend. Besides, at waist size 34 I can fit into more fashinable clothes ;-)
I wouldnt cut calories over 10 lbs. Just stick to healthy eating and move a little more. Something I read long ago is that we have a lower vitamin d level in our system that affects our metabolism a bit. In some people enough to have to require prescription adjustments of medication. I thought that was very interesting and could explain why most everyone puts on that 5-10 winter fat even if eating right.
Its good that you are aware! Just get back to moving before the gain becomes a real gain.You are probably just holding water weight and as soon as you do anything really active 5 pounds will be gone within the week.
I am trying to lose weight myself but it is extremely hard for me because I take a lot of medication which are know for weight gain. While I am maintaining my current weight, I only can lose 3-5 pounds. I have been on Weight Watchers for 8 months. It does help me maintain but when I did Atkins a few years back I lose 40 pounds in 4 months. I tried Atkins as well and I can't lose weight there either.
I am trying to lose weight myself but it is extremely hard for me because I take a lot of medication which are know for weight gain. While I am maintaining my current weight, I only can lose 3-5 pounds. I have been on Weight Watchers for 8 months. It does help me maintain but when I did Atkins a few years back I lose 40 pounds in 4 months. I tried Atkins as well and I can't lose weight there either.
Stick with WW if you can. Are you exercising? Are you truthful when writing down your food intake?
You may want to talk to your Dr. about the meds you are taking if you have not already. They may have some suggestions for you.
Losing 40 lbs in 4 months is a lot and not realistic for a lot of folks, unless you are very heavy to start with.
One to two pounds a week loss is normal and healthy. Its slow going but you do get to your goal eventually, and at that point you have an excellent chance of keeping the weight off for life if you continue to eat healthy.
I agree with Lucky try weight watchers. I have lost 43 lbs so far. You also do not have to deprive yourself of the foods you love like some other plans out there.
Stick with WW if you can. Are you exercising? Are you truthful when writing down your food intake?
You may want to talk to your Dr. about the meds you are taking if you have not already. They may have some suggestions for you.
Losing 40 lbs in 4 months is a lot and not realistic for a lot of folks, unless you are very heavy to start with.
One to two pounds a week loss is normal and healthy. Its slow going but you do get to your goal eventually, and at that point you have an excellent chance of keeping the weight off for life if you continue to eat healthy.
I have an appointment tomorrow so I will ask her what I can do.
40lbs in 4 months is realistic because most people on Atkins lose about 6-8 pounds the first week but even if you are losing 2-2.5 pounds a week, that's average. 2.5 pounds per week is 10 pounds per month. So 10 pounds per month is 40 pounds. I was about 180 pounds after I had my daughter so I have at least that much to lose. I was hoping to lose anything this time.
I have a app on my iPhone where I can keep track of all my WW points including a calculator. I use 26 points per day. If it wasn't for WW, I probably would have gained a ton from meds.
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