May/June weight loss challenge

[Trek420]

173.6 this morning.

[Grits]

I haven't been part of this group for some time now, but thought I would share a success story of losing that last under- ten -pounds that tends to stay on.

I have tried at different times to get my weight back into the 130's where I feel best, but have hovered in the low 140's for a couple of years. I think I wasn't really THAT motivated because I don't look that bad (in cothes ) at that weight so wasn't willing to do anything that was too much work. Plus, I always feel like I should be able to lose weight just because I know so well what I have to do; however, it wasn't happening. I was also avoiding the scales because I knew I wouldn't like what I saw.

When I finally got on the scale in Jan., I was horrified but not really surprised to see that I was at my all time highest non-pregnancy weight, so action was required. This is what worked:

1. Wrote down everything I ate and counted calories for the first 4 weeks . It is a pain, but every time I have lost significant weight, this is what I had to do. On line programs are great, but it is easier for me just to do it manually. I quit writing everything down after that, but kept on eating the same way. My calorie goal was 1200-1300 plus extra for exercise. I used the Cyclist's Guide to Nutrition to figure out what I needed for days I biked. Some days it was well over 2000 calories.

2. Did dramatically cut out junk food and refined carbs, but did not do a low carb, low fat or any other kind of "diet", just counted calories. I tended to eat 5 mini-meals throughout the day so I wouldn't get hungry.

3. Did an on-line weekly weigh in with my sister who was participating in a biggest loser contest at her company. We just happened to be at the same starting and goal weight.

And that is it. Didn't change my normal exercise, except I did start doing gentle yoga twice a week in January. I read recently that women who do yoga are more mindful about what they eat and tend to not gain weight, so maybe it helped. I did it to improve flexibility and ward off joint problems. In the winter I do one or two 45 minute cycling classes a week and work out on the elliptical for one or two sessions for a total of 4 cardio workouts. I also do strength training and/or yoga 2 - 3 times a week. As the weather improves, I substitute outdoor rides for the indoor cardio.

It came off SLOWLY. It has taken since late Jan. to lose 8 pounds. I know that doesn't sound like much to some of you, but believe, me, when you get down to those last 7 to 10 pounds, they absolutely do not want to budge! When the scale didn't move some weeks, I told myself that I was still healthier because I was eating better food and taking good care of my body and just continued on doing what I was doing.

Anyway, I weighed in at 136 this morning and am thrilled because all my clothes are loose now I hope my cycling improves some now that I have a little less weight to pedal up the hills!

[martinkap]

148 lbs this morning - wrong direction again.

Possegal, my goal is 143lbs at the end of the challenge.

Thank you,

Martina

[bounce76]

132 again for me.

[BikingNurse]

129 for me. Yes, up another lb. but I talked to one of our providers here (who specializes in weight mgt) and she really thinks its muscle. She also measured my body fat % which was 27% BMI of 25. She said I can check it every 2-4 weeks If I'd like. ... UM... I'd like!

[Jones]

175.2 I've been on a kinda binge lately, alot of emotional eating that I have to get under control.

[Susan Otcenas]

I haven't been part of this group for some time now, but thought I would share a success story of losing that last under- ten -pounds that tends to stay on.

Lots of great, practical advice here, Grits! Thanks for posting it.

[tharley]

Same as last week.

[VeloVT]

I'm going to say no change this week.

It's tough to say. I've had one of those weird weeks where my weight has been all over the place from day to day -- fluctuations of several pounds -- so there's some kind of water thing going on. It's frustrating.