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It is amazing how much easier it is to gain weight than to lose it. And we all know that we didn't get overweight overnight, so we aren't going to be able to lose it overnight, either. But how do you get started when you have more to lose than most people? When you know you have a long road
ahead of you? How do you pick a plan or a program when it already seems discouraging right at the beginning because there is so much to lose? When you know that it will take months, maybe a year or longer to lose the weight?
Is losing large amounts of weight different than smaller amounts? Are there things that a person can do to help insure success that are different from someone who has 20 pounds to lose?
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You're welcome and I hope it all helps, especially over the holidays! let us know how you are doing!
November 27, 2008 - 3:50pmYou CAN and WILL do it!
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Wow. What great advice.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write. Your experiences are realistic to me and sound doable. I have never had a trainer because I thought I knew how to do it on my own, but your combination of a trainer and a food diary sounds very appealing. Motivation is sometimes a problem for me and it sounds like that would help that in a major way.
I'm going to print out your post and start taking steps tomorrow (it's evening now as I write this). In the meantime, you should seriously consider a new career as a motivational coach!
Thanks again. Sometimes words from a regular person mean the most.
November 25, 2008 - 6:53pmThis Comment
I lost about 30-35 lbs a few years ago. I had moved to LA from Europe and learning to drive and eating FAAAAR bigger portions, I gained a bit!
November 25, 2008 - 10:51amIt was tough but I found that I had to focus on the moment. That helped. Small goals are more important as you go than the end desired result. I HATED seeing pictures of slim models when I was "chubby" as I felt so far from that goal. I needed to focus on my own personal minor accomplishments, like I lost a pound this week, or my waist went down half an inch.
I got a personal trainer. He gave me a special deal and I worked out with him three times a week. I also took my dogs out twice a day for a hike. That REALLY helped. I did the Atkins diet for a little while just to kick start things. I did it in a more healthy way with lots of greens,nuts, tofu and fish, I DID eat fruit but I never ate late at night, then I settled into a really healthy plan where I NEVER ate pasta or white bread or chips, etc... My trainer had a great idea which really worked for me. I was allowed to have a "naughty" day on Sunday where I could eat something decadent, like chocolate cake or fries. That meant that I didn't feel the need to indulge my immediate cravings as I could fulfill them on Sundays....and guess what? Sometimes, when Sunday came 'round, I didn't even feel like having bad food!
Even though you may have a bit more weight to loose, I think that the main methods should be the same. If you can afford it, visit a trainer, stick to a plan and find a healthy eating regime too. I used to write down everything I ate and showed it to my trainer. That helped too as I wanted to impress him with my great, healthy choices.
Focus on the small accomplishments, be strict with yourself, but give yourself little rewards like a new haircut or a lipstick.
It is SOOOO worth it to loose the weight. Besides looking better and feeling better, you are giving yourself a healthier future.
Good luck. Why not start right now??
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