Thoughts on the final 15 pounds

Hi all - long time lurker first time poster.

My weight loss journey started 3 years ago after the birth of my second child. It’s been a very long process with a lot of inconsistencies and ups and downs but I’m happy to report that today I am 5 pounds away from my goal weight. I wanted to post about losing the final 15 as that has been the hardest for me personally and what I struggled with for the majority of those 3 years. Something clicked recently and sharing these tips is aimed at documenting for myself and in case they might help someone else struggling with the same.

Stats:

Height: 5’10

F

Starting weight (directly post-partum): 197

Current weight: 150

Goal weight: 145. But more concerned with composition at this point than the number.

Thoughts on final 15:

-Moderation of sweets/carbs/junk does not work for me. With a low calorie budget (1300 if sedentary) EVERY calorie needs to be satisfying, nutritious, and positive for weight loss. I cut sugar, gluten, grains, and booze in January for other health reasons and that’s when final 15 weight loss really kicked into gear and clicked. Now I will set aside a cheat meal every three weeks or so if I want any of these items. I essentially eat strict whole 30 paleo and it seems to be a sweet spot.

-With the final 15, exercise is essential! Almost every day I am either rowing on the rowing machine, hiking, lifting weights, walking several miles. I let myself mix it up instead of having a set routine. I give myself a break day based on feeling instead of following a schedule. If I feel truly fatigued I will take it easy. I aim to tire my body out each day in one form or another (the same way I try to tire out my kids). Figure out how to integrate as much movement as possible into daily life.*

-Tracking calories in a sustainable way. Logging food is basic - but I found in the past I burned out pretty fast on the process. With this final phase I have found that tracking my food without being soooo detail oriented around weighing everything is okay because I am being so active and way more sustainable. I do not eat back any calories unless my body feels truly in need.

-A carrot works well for me. I booked a mini vacation in early summer. Y’all, I want to look good in a bikini. No “mom” swimsuits for me anymore. I bought swimsuits that I loved but are slightly outside of my comfort zone. It is fun to look forward to and motivating to continue my weight loss and fitness journey. Find something to look forward to that is also motivating for your weight loss journey.

-Lose the mental weight. In the past 3 months, I have been focused on losing some of my own mental and emotional baggage and working on some self-improvement on other areas of my life. I don’t know what direct impact this has had on my physical weight but I figure it won’t hurt. Besides the body, what else is weighing you down?

You all are sooo inspirational. I love this subreddit and I wish the best for all of you. Hopefully some of this is helpful for you but YMMV. It look me a long time to figure out what works for me and I firmly believe everyone so different. Good luck on your own unique journey.

*My body was totally fucked after having a (rather large) baby. I could not do, and still struggle with, any high impact exercises. Physical therapy is something I will be doing as soon as I can make it work with my schedule but it took a long time for me to figure out what activities would work for my new body. Any postpartum ladies out there feel free to message me or comment if you want to talk more about this. The rowing machine has been a godsend.

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