Anonymous wrote:Can we do a supportive check in type of thread? I’m down 15 pounds since mid-March but probably have 70+ to go. Hard to stay motivated. My main focus is lots of exercise. Also doing a very half assed attempt at IF. Basically 15-9, but only on Monday through Friday and with one Diet Coke in the morning. Anyone want to join me on this thread?

Anonymous wrote:I started last September at 242 (I'm 5'7" and 53 yrs old.)

As of this morning I'm at 202! I'm thrilled, exhausted, chastened by how long it has taken and what it takes to maintain, and now just dying to break that 200 barrier.

It has been painfully slow and I have been plateaued for weeks at a time but then I'll get 2 or 3 pounds off in a burst and it gives me a boost to get me through the next plateau.

I've done it by calorie counting, use LoseIt. I haven't significantly changed up my workout routine, although I've certainly been walking some more during the pandemic.

The weight loss averages out to just over a pound a week, but it's actually felt much more fitful than that. But now 50 pounds seems so possible - which is amazing to me.

My first big goal is 185 - which is in the ballpark of what I weighed 20 years ago. My absolute ultimate goal would be 165 - which is what I weighed 30+ years ago and still seems unfathomable to me. But really that's just repeating what I've just done, so maybe it isn't.

In any case, thanks for this thread. Good luck everyone and thanks for the success stories from others!

Anonymous wrote:


My biggest issue is finding a satisfying balance of food that will keep me in a calorie deficit whilst avoiding evening binging. Too much restricting in the day has my lizard brain going crazy for the typical unholy trinity: processed fat, sugar and salt. I do believe, (in theory, at least) in limiting access to junk foods by not having them in the house; but, still manage to make poor nighttime choices- globs of mayonnaise on thick wedges of cheddar cheese, multiple slices of Dave’s bread thickly coated with butter, cinnamon and sugar, etc. I try distractions- hot showers, internet, meditation and even Xanax. Every evening is basically tossing, turning and mental combat- anything to avoid going downstairs and carb partying. I fantasize about being the sort of person for whom food is an afterthought, who eats two slices of pizza and is perfectly satisfied.

I have been doing slightly better portioning out fattening, satisfying things: 12 peanut M&Ms as dessert, 10 potato chips to accompany a tuna sandwich with negligible mayo (there’s that mayonnaise again.) I went from my “intuitive eating” (turns out my intuition is an untrustworthy gobbler) no scales, all-time high weight of 214 in March to 186 currently, by basically not eating anything but fruit and vegetables until a protein-heavy dinner. I feel slightly smug after quitting all drive-thru food; despite always trying to choose a grilled chicken sandwich or the smallest no-cheese burger, I think their posted calorie counts are big fat lies. I exercise by doing a beginner’s 30 minute low-impact cardio on Youtube, which does help lift my spirits. I am pleased with my progress but this doesn’t feel sustainable. They say willpower is a finite source and I am really starting to lose my wherewithal to continue. If I eat unsweetened oatmeal and fruit or eggs in the morning, it just seems to spark the desire to eat more- looking forward to snacks and lunch, etc. I am 58 and 5’7” and there is a sense of futility- so much work to go from morbidly obese to plain old obese. I need to accept attaining an actual healthy BMI will take a LOT of time and work and just to focus on daily goals.

Anonymous wrote:I started last September at 242 (I'm 5'7" and 53 yrs old.)

As of this morning I'm at 202! I'm thrilled, exhausted, chastened by how long it has taken and what it takes to maintain, and now just dying to break that 200 barrier.

It has been painfully slow and I have been plateaued for weeks at a time but then I'll get 2 or 3 pounds off in a burst and it gives me a boost to get me through the next plateau.

I've done it by calorie counting, use LoseIt. I haven't significantly changed up my workout routine, although I've certainly been walking some more during the pandemic.

The weight loss averages out to just over a pound a week, but it's actually felt much more fitful than that. But now 50 pounds seems so possible - which is amazing to me.

My first big goal is 185 - which is in the ballpark of what I weighed 20 years ago. My absolute ultimate goal would be 165 - which is what I weighed 30+ years ago and still seems unfathomable to me. But really that's just repeating what I've just done, so maybe it isn't.

In any case, thanks for this thread. Good luck everyone and thanks for the success stories from others!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Okay. I have wanted this too.

I’ve yo-yo’d my whole life (not different diet plans just sticking with managing my calories and then failing, over and over).

I weighed in at 215 a couple weeks ago which was a real come to Jesus.

I’m working on fewer carbonated beverages, logging all my calories in MFP, and eating more vegetables.

I bought a bag of grapefruits but they were too much work to peel and didn’t eat them

Anonymous wrote:Okay. I have wanted this too.

I’ve yo-yo’d my whole life (not different diet plans just sticking with managing my calories and then failing, over and over).

I weighed in at 215 a couple weeks ago which was a real come to Jesus.

I’m working on fewer carbonated beverages, logging all my calories in MFP, and eating more vegetables.

I bought a bag of grapefruits but they were too much work to peel and didn’t eat them

Anonymous wrote:I have put on a ton of weight in the past 2-3 years due to a medical issue, stress, and depression. I need to lose about 100 pounds. I'm down 5 so far.

I'm eating a light breakfast (1 egg + small piece of whole wheat toast, or egg whites + spinach + salsa), then I eat SweetGreen for lunch and dinner, being mindful of what is in my salads. I decided that I needed to press the easy button. I purchase 4 salads every two days. Yes, it's expensive, but it's helping me. I'll do this until I get sick of it, and then I'll find another routine.

Anonymous wrote:I have put on a ton of weight in the past 2-3 years due to a medical issue, stress, and depression. I need to lose about 100 pounds. I'm down 5 so far.

I'm eating a light breakfast (1 egg + small piece of whole wheat toast, or egg whites + spinach + salsa), then I eat SweetGreen for lunch and dinner, being mindful of what is in my salads. I decided that I needed to press the easy button. I purchase 4 salads every two days. Yes, it's expensive, but it's helping me. I'll do this until I get sick of it, and then I'll find another routine.