You are starting with a great mindset! It really is about long-term health - making healthy food choices while eating food you enjoy, working activity into your day, identifying behaviors that let you to gain weight and finding alternative activities. Eating 1200 calories a day messes with your head and your body and doesn't work. I think you're taking a smart, moderate, healthy approach - and you will be successful.

I gained about 10 lbs over the pandemic and have finally started losing the weight after many failed attempts (fasting, etc). I eat a late, healthy breakfast (I work from home), avoid processed food and foods with added sugar, eat a moderate lunch and a small-to-moderate sized healthy dinner. Most important for me, I do not snack at all after dinner. This used to be a huge problem for me, so I make a point of using the time after dinner for specific activities - an evening walk with the dog, a trip to the supermarket. I try to trim 400-500 calories per day from my regular diet, and it seems to be working - slow but steady weight loss.

For exercise, I have a morning stretching routine, and try to get moderate exercise every day. I have an injury so can't run as I normally would, but have been going for a brisk 2-3 mile walk or spending 40 minutes on the elliptical. I also take the stairs instead of the escalator and do my errands on foot whenever possible.

I feel good, I sleep well, I am handling stress much better.

Good luck!

Good for you, OP. I’ve also been struggling with an overuse injury that happened during the pandemic, loss of physical fitness, and gained about 20 pounds since. It’s hard, but every good decision is one step closer to becoming more healthy.

You can do this!!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Great! And remember, it’s fine to say you’re going to exercise for 20 minutes tonight. The most important part is that you start.

Oh wait - I see you weren’t talking about exercise. But great start, and consider just a short little something.

Thank you! OP here. I actually did a 40-minute walk earlier today. It was beautiful outside!

That’s a great step OP. Once you are in the right mindset you have to decide “ I’m starting now” not Monday. I’m currently trying to lose 10lbs but need to lose at least 20 long term. I was 188 3 weeks ago, now 184. I’ve replaced one meal a day with a salad and really tried to cut down on sweets and bad snacking.

Anonymous wrote:Great! And remember, it’s fine to say you’re going to exercise for 20 minutes tonight. The most important part is that you start.

Oh wait - I see you weren’t talking about exercise. But great start, and consider just a short little something.

Great! And remember, it’s fine to say you’re going to exercise for 20 minutes tonight. The most important part is that you start.

I’ve had health issues lately that affected my mobility. At first, I rapidly dropped 10 pounds, but then gained 8 of them back. I don’t want to go back to where I was. I want to get better, healthier, and I want to lose weight.

I had a “bad day.” But instead of “starting tomorrow,” I’m starting tonight. I’m going to eat a light, healthy, homemade dinner, get some chores done, and go to bed early. I’ve already packed healthy snacks and lunch for tomorrow. No more future, no more “perfect.” I just want to do better. I would love encouragement, tips, and of course anyone is welcome to join me.

Starting at 194.
Want to get to 165.