If you are at your ideal size...

[Anonymous]

I use fitday.com for tracking my calories and exercise, but I don't use their recommended calories. If I ate that much I would be at least 10lbs heavier.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I use fitday.com for tracking my calories and exercise, but I don't use their recommended calories. If I ate that much I would be at least 10lbs heavier.

I've lost 30 pounds in the last 6 months, since I got separated. I gave up ALL alcohol. Only water, milk, decaf coffee and tea. Diet change - DH cooked, which was nice, but it was always a fattening meat and ptoatoes kind of meal. Now I eat more raw fruits, veggies and pasta instead of meat, just because I am not a cook. Portion control - I eat less since I am not plating up with a much larger man. And after I eat I wait to see if I am still hungry. Metabolism - I got a new job, get up earlier, and figuratively "run" around all day. I do still aim for 7 - 8 hours of sleep a night.

I can't keep the weight on. And there's nothing wrong with me, I've been checked out....

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks for all the tips! I need to make working out a priority and up the fruits/veggies. We also go out to dinner at least 3 times a week, so I'm sure if I cut that out it will make a huge diffeence. I'm at a size where I think I look ok-kinda-but I would like to be a few sizes smaller and, more importantly, I would like to feel healthier and stronger. Thanks again!

I dropped 35 lbs 6 years ago - and have kept 30 of it off (chalking up the last 5 lbs to the fact that I am still nursing DC #2). The way I dropped the weight was I had a goal of losing 2 pounds a month. This goal was achievable - and allowed me to have a piece of cake to celebrate someone's special occasion without feeling guilty. Most months I lost closer to 4 pounds - but the month I added in cardio I dropped 8!

Some tips that worked for me:
If I go to a restaurant, I taste the bread. If it is fabulous, I will allow myslef a piece. If it is not, I don't.
If I get home late and missed dinner, I have a yogurt. This way I am not starving in the morning.
No eating after 8PM except for the tip above
Portion control! Use a smaller plate or bowl than the rest of the family if you need to.
I cut out pizza and most cheese.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Definitely do strength training. Muscle burns more calories at rest than fat, so this will help your overall effort. Being stronger will also just make you feel better, and you'll age better. I think women tend to ignore strength training as they age. Our metabolism slows markedly as we approach 40 and building muscle mass will counteract that.

Plus, you don't want to be an old woman who can't open a jar.