I lost 121 pounds in just under 2 years. But now I have to stop losing for a while and it’s stressing me out.

I’m a 31 year old woman who started back on this sub about two years ago. I weighed 316 pounds at five foot seven inches. By this Halloween I was down to 195lbs! It was by far the lowest weight I had ever been in my adult life. I was just 15lbs from my initial goal weight, and the big trip to Hawaii I had planed for when I achieved it.

But then I found out that I’m pregnant and I had to give up the calorie deficit and try to eat maintenance. I have such mixed feelings about being pregnant right now. I was so close to making it to a goal that felt impossible 2 years ago, and putting it on hold sucks. I am also so afraid of losing control of my eating and gaining more weight than I need to. But on the other hand I want this baby! Haha I initially started losing weight to be healthier for having a baby. I am just afraid of gaining all this weight back and being like how I was before. I’m already almost 10lbs heavier than I was when I found out I was pregnant.

Has anyone else here gone through this? Having to take an almost year long break in the middle of weight loss and been successful in not gaining it all back/ getting back into losing after? Some stories of people getting through pregnancy and continuing to get healthy afterward would be very comforting right now!

submitted by /u/Allidish
[link] [comments]

from loseit - Lose the Fat https://ift.tt/2OSBK3D

For those of you who have maintained your weight for several years, what are some of the things you do so that the weight stays off?

I see a lot of talk of weight loss on the sub, but I'd like to hear from those of you who have been at this for a year or two or more. I've been trying to figure this out for 10+ years now, and the amount of time I think about exercising, calories and food is exhausting. I grew up chubby and managed to lose the weight in high school, and in college, and after college... but I'm just tired of all the effort it takes. For maybe the past three I've averaged out to keeping my weight at about 10% of my highest (measured) weight. My goal is always more and I never give myself credit for this bit, but I acknowledge it's something.

I exercise regularly and count my calories and log my weight around 2-3x a week, which I have been doing for years. I lurk on this sub often, and am constantly reading about nutrition/health/weight through blogs, articles and research papers. I've explored the National Weight Control Registry (NWCR) a bit, but their website kinda sucks and not all of their published papers are open access. I also enjoyed the book Thin For Life about people that have kept their weight off for a while, but it was written in 2003 but some of the focus on low-fat diets are outdated. I also keep pretty up to date on food politics from a public health perspective.

I've read the dreary statistics about the vast majority of weight losers gaining their weight back as well as the retorts from those who have succeeded, including those in the NWCR and on this sub. Either way, I do believe (from experience and my reading) it takes a lot of focus and energy, and that bariatric surgery is a very good albeit drastic option in terms of long-term success and health benefits.

Some of the things I wonder for those of you maintaining:

• How often do you eat sweets/junk?
• How often do you weigh yourself?
• How often do you "relax" your strict dietary rules, and how do you keep these times in check?
• Do you let yourself go when you go out to restaurants, and try to go out infrequently, or do you go out to restaurants often enough that you have to or enjoy eating healthfully when going out?
• How do you not get discouraged when your weight starts to uptick?
• What things do you never allow yourself to do, if anything?
• What are your favorite resources/guidebooks on this subject?
• How often do you find yourself in need of trying something new/changing things up?
• What compromises have you made that perhaps you could commit to while you were losing weight, but not for the rest of your life?
• Similarly, if you started with something drastic, like giving up added sugar or keto or IF (drastic depending on the degree, I suppose), how much of that food/lifestyle do you incorporate into your diet ("lifestyle") now?

Answers to any or all of these questions would be deeply appreciated.

One of the things I have been struggling with recently, for example, is just going to the gym. The idea of a "sexy, skinny" person motivated me for a long time (years!), but now even that feels like too much effort (my God, am I 27 or 127?). I think I'll be happy if I'm just healthy (or even, not unhealthy). I've had to actually transition from the gym to doing activities which are fun (rollerblading, rock climbing, dancing like an idiot in my underwear, ice skating) and signing up for stuff so I'm held accountable - personal trainer, group activity or whatever - because I can talk myself out of the gym pretty much every single night.

I also find myself hesitant to try new things diet-wise because I automatically find myself thinking things like oh hell no I ain't gonna be able to do that my whole life, but I wonder if I am being too rigid and too fearful. (If I try something new, and fail, will I get so discouraged as to overeat or binge, as I have so many times in the past?) I have hundreds of pages (years, remember) of food situations or feelings which have triggered me to overeat and ideas of how to combat these situations. I also have a wonderful therapist that helps me to not obsess about these things (but sometimes it's really hard! Fat shaming is real and awful and normalized part of society, and I dare say even in this sub).

I'm not giving up by any means, but I want to know what the hell you all who have this figured out do so that you don't have to just think about this all the time. I know there are many ways to lose weight, and there are many months I can keep off my weight with such methods, but what habits have you guys found to be low effort enough to be sustainable?

submitted by /u/ninaoflothlorien
[link] [comments]

from loseit - Lose the Fat https://ift.tt/2YmG2U8

NSV! Over a year ago, I barely hit 5k steps. Now I am hitting nearly 17k steps a day! (Tips to SLOWLY increase activity level included)

My background: I started my first weight loss journey June 13th 2018 at 210lbs. Then by January 20th 2019 I hit 155lbs. I maintained until June and then gained 35 pounds in 4 months, skyrocketing to 191.7lbs. I restarted my weightloss journey and have adapted better aproaches to losing weight and have now lost 13 pounds, currently 178.8lbs

Before I started this weight loss journey, I didn't realize how EASY it was to live an active lifestyle! In the beginning of my journey I remained extremely sedentary, barely hitting 5,000 steps, and would eat only 1,200 calories.

But yesterday.....I hit almost 17,000 steps!!! It wasn't even like I did a hike for multiple hours.

I did NOT make this change over night.

This was my progress: 5k -> 8k -> 10k -> 12k -> 15k -> 17k It was the SMALL movements, taking the long way to class, walking the stairs instead of an elevator, and getting 30 intense minutes on the elliptical. I urge you to also incorporate small chabges, because they WILL add up!

I have decided that I will up my calories to 1,500 because I believe I will continue to be active from now on. 16,000-17,000 steps will be my goal, so I have to fuel my body for it! 😁

HT: 5"7 HW: 210lbs HW2: 191.7lbs

GW1: 170lbs GW2: 155lbs GW3: 139lbs FINAL GW: 125lbs// BMI: 19.6 (Normal Weight) NEXT GOAL: 170

https://ibb.co/x7vv38r

submitted by /u/traumathrowawayacc
[link] [comments]

from loseit - Lose the Fat https://ift.tt/2LlXLpl

Advice: Used to binge eat, trying to stop, what do I do about the hunger?

've been depressed I've been binge eating for a year now and gained several pounds because of it. Its funny how depression is associated with weight loss in the media.

I used to eat a lot - every second I was free, I was eating pizza and meat. It got so out of control that the food delivery guys knew me by name. Food delivery apps would offer special discounts for me. I was eating maybe five major unhealthy meals with chips and Cheetos in between.

I've been wanting to cut down on my food habits and only have three meals a day. However, I feel hungry in the gaps and I don't know what to do. I desperately want to eat something, and a lot of it, but I don't know what I should be eating because I'm worried about weight gain.

Are there any healthy foods I can eat a lot of and not be worried about gaining weight?

Or any other diet plan that will accommodate for my hunger between meals?

submitted by /u/Naruto10-10
[link] [comments]

from loseit - Lose the Fat https://ift.tt/2RocOCw

Excited to get back at it!

So a small background on why I’m here, I went from being active almost my entire life, a four sport athlete since middle school, then college hit and I gained the freshman 15-20 (150->170ish)until senior year. That year brought on so many stressors and unnecessary evils, I stopped playing my club sports, going to the gym, and doing active things with my friends and instead I turned to pizza, milkshakes, and fast food. Anyways I somehow managed to graduate still, and just over senior year went from 175ish to 217 [hit 217 in March, 210 at graduation in May, and once I found likwidtek’s sheet in June I was 201]

In may I moved back home and stopped drinking as much, started eating better, and then in June I found just what I needed on Reddit, this community. Between June and late October I managed to get my weight back down to the 170s and when I started birth control again I plateaued. I decided it was best if I stopped my ~weight loss journey~ for a little bit since I knew not seeing the scale move would potentially cause me to just binge in a self destructive manner. I knew I had a Chicago trip, thanksgiving, and a Vegas trip all coming up and chose to wait until I got back to start meal planning/prepping again. I did still gym during this time, I just took a break from tracking calories and making sure I hit my daily goals. Well, I’m back and as of this morning I weigh 173! I’m honestly pretty excited I didn’t yeet myself back up to 180 during this long break lol. I know Christmas and New Years are coming up, but I’m hoping I can get to 170 before 2020:) speaking of the new year, I’m also making it my goal to run/walk a 5k every month! I did one the end of October, and am doing another next Sunday. I think it’ll be a fun way to keep me on the treadmill month to month and help me burn some extra calories. Is anyone else doing any achievable resolutions/goals for 2020? Anyways I just wanted to post this for a little external accountability. Today I’m planning my meals for next week, and Saturday I’m grocery shopping and prepping! I’m not gonna lie I kind of missed my meal plan Thursday’s. I also definitely missed the gym during my vacations so I’m excited to go back tonight even though I know I’ll be tired. My goals this upcoming week are to stick to my plan of meals +3 off track snacks, go to the gym 4 days, run half the 5k, and do the mountain of laundry that’s sitting in my room. I can’t wait to check off my “I did it!” boxes, and I hope you all stick to your goals this week too! Thanks for being such a supportive and amazing community <3

Pic of my daily weigh ins (sheet by u/likwidtek) weigh ins

Me at graduation grad

Me in Vegas! Vegas

submitted by /u/rainbowroad1414
[link] [comments]

from loseit - Lose the Fat https://ift.tt/34UBAOC

How to Have a Social Life Without Blowing Your Diet

One thing that makes Nutrisystem so great: You can lose weight without losing your social life. Unlike other diets that tie you to the kitchen, you can stay on-plan with Nutrisystem while meeting friends, family and coworkers for happy hours, dinners out or weekend barbecues. With Flex meals, you have the opportunity and the guidance you’ll need to stay on-track while preparing healthy foods at home with non-Nutrisystem foods or eating out.

But maintaining a social life can still be tough when you’re trying to stay on track—there’s tempting appetizers, tasty desserts and sugar-heavy drinks just waiting to blow your diet. Don’t let them get you!

The Ultimate Weight Loss Guide for Extroverts

Read More

Follow these 10 tips to having a social life without slipping up on your journey to weight loss glory:

1. Don’t just plan your day. Plan your week.

Weight loss isn’t just about creating a caloric deficit today. It’s about creating one for the week, the month and beyond. Start with those seven days: Depending on where you are in the Nutrisystem program, you might get one or two Flex meals per week. So if you know you’re going to happy hour on Thursday with friends or a picnic this weekend, save it! Stick to your no-questions-asked Nutrisystem meals and snacks, and save the Extras and Flex meals for when you head out, so you can order without stress.

2. Offer to host.

You don’t have to go out to have a social life. Invite friends and family over to your place, where you can control what’s served so you know what’s in it and how much, so you know what’s a solid serving to stay on your plan. Or if you’re meeting at another person’s house, offer to bring something—show up with a healthy dish that you enjoy. When it’s time to eat, you can pile a big portion of this item on your plate, and fill in the rest with other offerings that look tempting.

3. Suggest a get-together that isn’t focused on food.

Go bowling, try a painting-with-wine class, have a board game night, start a book club or see a concert. Find events that you’ll enjoy that keep you in touch with your social life without focusing just on food. And if you are at a bar, restaurant or barbecue, remember why you’re really there: Put your focus on catching up and bonding with friends and family while you’re there.

6 Science-Backed Reasons to Log Your Food Today

Read More

4. Look at the menu before you go out.

If you do decide to get together at a restaurant, go in prepared: Pull up the menu online before you head out. See if calorie counts are listed, and use them to guide your decision. If they’re not, find a dish that looks delicious and fits with your plan and decide to order it before you go. That way, you won’t feel pressure when you sit down, and wind up ordering something off-plan—or something you won’t end up enjoying.

5. Don’t show up hungry.

You might think it’s best to “save up” for a treat like a night out by eating less throughout the day. But this can backfire: You may wind up so ravenous that you eat more than you originally planned. Put a little something with fiber and protein in your stomach before you head out so you can feel a little full in advance—a Nutrisystem shake is a perfect, easy choice. This way, you can enjoy your socializing treat with a healthy portion.

6. Attack your cravings!

Don’t dance around your cravings: Nutrisystem dietitians say to attack them. If you’re really craving a juicy burger, order one and have a portion-controlled size. Our experts say that when you avoid your cravings, you can end up overeating by trying to satisfy it with other foods—eating a bunch of pretzels, for instance, when what you really want is a bite of chocolate. Instead, recognize your craving, order something that will satisfy and take the time to enjoy it.

6 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Snacking

Read More

7. Keep a Nutrisystem snack tucked in your bag.

One way to attack those cravings is to come prepared. If you’re out longer than expected, you might want to dive into dessert, even if it’s not in your original going-out plan. Having a Nutrisystem snack handy—like Nutrichocolates or, if you’re into salty, Popcorn or Snack-a-Rounds—can give you something safe to munch on and stay on-plan.

8. Alternate a glass of water with each alcoholic beverage.

You’ve heard this one before, but that’s because it works: Water will help you metabolize the alcohol, so you don’t get too tipsy—which can lower your inhibitions to other foods and portions you’re trying to avoid. In fact, the alcohol may make greasy or other cheat foods seem more appealing: In a 2015 study of 35 women, those who had alcohol in their system had a more sensitive brain response to food aromas, which led to eating more than those who were sober. Water will also keep you hydrated, which can make you feel less snacky, since our bodies sometimes mistake thirst for hunger.

9. Ask a friend to be your accountability buddy.

Staying on track is easier with support. In fact, multiple studies have found that it’s easier to stick to a diet or fitness plan when you do it with a partner or friend. When you head out, enlist help. Ask a friend that you trust to help you: Tell them your goals for the evening and ask them to gently help you with a subtle reminder if you go for an extra dessert or order something off your plan. You may still decide to have a small off-plan treat, but the reminder could be enough to make you mindful of your decision and stay on track.

7 Ways Social Media Can Help You Lose Weight

Read More

10. Remember: It’s cheat meal, not cheat day.

If you go overboard at a social lunch or happy hour, you haven’t ruined your weight loss progress: Many dieters trip up at one meal, get discouraged, and go overboard for the rest of the day because it’s already “ruined.” The term is “cheat meal,” not “cheat day”: If you have a meal that you think could set you back, remember that it’s just one meal. Don’t beat yourself up and don’t give up. Give yourself some slack, remember that you enjoyed your cheat and get back on track—little decisions that you make, starting right away, will lead you to weight loss success.

The post How to Have a Social Life Without Blowing Your Diet appeared first on The Leaf.

from The Leaf https://ift.tt/2xnpuPj

With holidays here, do not drive yourself crazy trying to force weightloss.

Hello, Reddit!

About a month-ish ago I made a couple of posts highlighting my ten years of weightloss/maintenance and how I worked through habitual overeating.

With the holidays here, a lot has been on my mind about how to save our sanity trying to lose (or maintain) weight during a season of celebration consumption, where we are often at our most-stressed, most vulnerable, and surrounded by food and people encouraging us to eat.

This may not be what you want to hear, but it may be what you need to tell yourself: don’t make yourself miserable by forcing it.

I’m not saying, “eat an entire sleeve of cookies, YOLO!”

I am saying, give yourself a freaking break.

Figure out your maintenance calories and shoot for those. If you go under, great! If not, okay!

You’ve probably gone at least a few cycles of gaining 5ish lbs over a holiday. And probably resolved to lose it in the new year. Cut that shit out. If that worked, it would have worked.

You’re gonna have maybe 40-60 years of holidays left. If you don’t figure out how to enjoy them while maintaining eventually, you’re going to drive yourself crazy for 40-60 years.

It’s okay to go a month or two not losing weight. Maintainable and sustainable weight loss is all about developing a different relationship with food, eating, and replacing our bad habits with food ones. You didn’t get to where you are with one or two bad months of eating. You got there when years of it. So take this time to practice what life will be like post goal weight (and you WILL get there!)

Here’s what’s worked for me:

1. Drink water. Tons of water. More than you think you need.

2. Try to prioritize sleep; exhaustion makes it so much more difficult to make good choices.

3. Find a way to keep your body moving, if at all possible. This can also be a positive mental health habit- an evening walk, 20 minutes of yoga, etc can give you some “you time” in a season that is very emotionally demanding

4. If you know you ate a lot of high-sugar and high sodium food, and you maybe didn’t sleep great- it’s OKAY to not weigh yourself the next morning. Don’t set yourself up to feel like failure when you know your body will be retaining water. Drink more water today, try to get to bed early, and weight yourself tomorrow.

5. Try to limit grazing. A good idea I heard that has stuck with me is to only eat while sitting down and really intentionally eating. This cuts off the grazing/random snacking that we tend to do (without even enjoying it)

6. Choose one meal a day that you’re going to be thoughtful about. It doesn’t have to be the same one every day, but if you’re going to a dinner party, a high protein, high fiber lunch will go a long way to keeping your eating habits in line.

7. Know that you may gain a little weight, and that’s okay. In the end, as long as you lose more than you gain, you’ll end up where you want to be.

8. Make sure there are activities that you enjoy that are NOT food related. If all of your holiday plans involve food, find something else to begin including. Ice skating? A tour of Christmas lights? Christmas caroling? Do something that isn’t food-focused.

9. On that note, make sure there are things you enjoy, period. If you’re emotionally exhausted from giving your time and mental energy, it’s okay (and IMPORTANT) to give yourself a break. Watch that Hallmark movie alone with a hot coco, take a bath while listing to Mariah Carrey on a loop, get out that Christmas cross-stitch, whatever you can do that gives you some reprieve from the insanity.

10. Think ahead of time to family gatherings, etc. that might be hard to cope with, where you might expect some random aunt to tell you how fat you are, some cousin who has always been your grandma’s favorite, or your perpetually skinny sister who can’t help but comment on what you’re eating, and plan ahead for how you’ll deal with/respond to/put up boundaries in these kinds of situations. Try out phrases to deflect and respond ahead of time. It will make you feel so dumb to say them out loud, but DO IT so that when that aunt asked if you’ve ever tried to lose weight, you’re not unable to reply in a productive way. Give yourself a fighting chance to not think of a retort in the shower next June. Plan it out ahead of time.

This is a tricky time of year, but you’ve got this.

Happy holidays. I hope this helps someone.

submitted by /u/beautyisabeast
[link] [comments]

from loseit - Lose the Fat https://ift.tt/2OUc32B