Motivation

Hi, my name is Suzanne and I am 23 years old. I weigh 258.3 pounds(yikes) and would really like to get down to between 140 and 150. I was wondering if there was anyone else out there in their 20's who has about that much they want to lose. We could work together and stay motivated to reach our goals!!! Also, if there is anyone in their 20's who has lost that much and wants to share their success story, I would love to hear it! Thanks!

Thanks for all the warm welcomes!

Well today I am crunching numbers (calorie wise). I am going out to dinner with my husband to a steak joint. They basically have steak, more steak, and more steak. They also have pork chops (I dont like them) and teriyaki chicken breast ( not to fond of the marinade plus i am chickened out). So, I think I am going to go with a sirloin and just eat half of it. It comes with a baked potato and a piece of Texas Toast and a salad bar. I love the salad bar so that won't be a problem but I am also trying to stay in my daily calorie intake of 1350. Not sure this is going to happen because for dinner alone it is going to be around 1100. What to do, what to do???

erick1031 - it might help to see if they can sub the baked potato with fresh veggies; that way you get fewer calories, and it's more filling so you don't get tempted to eat more of your steak.  I went to Outback for a friend's birthday a month ago or so, (they're just awful calorie-wise btw) and that's what I did.  Also eat a lot of salad and other veggies throughout the day today so you feel full, but don't eat so many calories and throw off your dinner... That's what I always do when I know I'm going out to eat at night, anyway.  Let us know how it goes!
amri24 - I have similar stats to you!  I started at 220 also, and now I'm down to 208.  I'd love to hit 130, but I think my frame is too big so I'm aiming for 140.  I'm 5'5"... How tall are you?

allydan- thanks for the advice. I will see if I can do the substitute, good idea. The potato is 161 calories (i seldom put butter or sour cream on it, just a little pepper) but the veggies will take that down considerably.

I plan on cutting my steak in half. Then I will cut one half up into really small pieces and force myself to sit back and chew each piece at least 10 times. Surely that will get my jaw tired... I still haven't eaten anything yet today and that is because I am not feeling all that great. I am going to attempt to get a salad in at lunch, we will see.

ericka1031 -  I never thought about tiring out my jaw before!  That's a great idea!  I'll totally have to do that the next time I go out to dinner with friends... Maybe even chew gum for a few hours beforehand!  Totally excellent idea!

 Good luck with dinner, and feel better!

Ohhh....I wanna join.  I want to lose about 80lbs total.  I have a good bit left to go. Won't know the actual number until tomorrow (my weigh in day). 

I read a lot of this thread and you guys are so supportive of each other. 

I don't go to the gym but I do walk on the treadmill....I dropped a drawer full of clothes on my foot on Sunday so i haven't walked this week because it hurts to wear a shoe that touches the top of my foot.  I hope to be back on the treadmill in the morning.  I do good about staying between 1,200 and 1,400 calories everyday and fortunately my husband is doing this with me so I have someone IRL that I can gripe to as well. 

I am so happy to see this thread.  

Hi Girls,

Sorry it has been a couple of days since I posted. This week has been crazy busy for me! Dinner with our friends Tuesday, Dinner with my mom yesterday, Dinner with Mike's parents today....I haven't been to bed before midnight once all week! (Not to mention all the dinner's elsewhere have out a definite hindrance in my progress)

Anyhow, Melanie, I don't want to get rid of all my smaller clothes! Some of them are just so so so nice, and I can't wait to get back into them. But have no fear, it won't stop me from shopping anyhow! But you can bet that I will not be keeping my fat clothes! I don't want to have any just in case I gain weight clothes, I want to just keep off the weight. Anyhow, was Vegas fun? And congrats on conquering the elliptical!

Allydan: I am in between an 18 and a 20 right now too so I know what you mean. Some 18s fit, but some things I still need in 20. Dots really is awesome, I am sure you will love it if there is one near you! Old Navy took all the plus out of everywhere, as dalmalama said, but I usually wear the xxl shirts unless they are too short. I didn't shop the plus section too much when they had it, but I did get a lot of great sweaters and stuff when they were clearancing it all out. But I totally understand your frustration since I need to try on my clothes too. And I definitely know the American Eagle and Express look, and it's so sad because before I got fat, I used to shop there all of the time. Now that I know there attitude toward heavy people though, I may not be so eager to patron their store as a customer again.

Dalmalama: As far as old navy goes, they said when I complained that it was too costly to maintain their plus size clothing there due to the fact that there weren't enough people who bought it. Dot's has plus size and regular size, and I know how it feels when my friends and I go there, and they look at the regular sizes, and I have to go to plus by myself. Maybe it was something like that with old navy, you know because there pants go up to 20 and there tops go up to xxl so maybe plus girls didn't want to shop from plus in front of their non plus friends. Just a thought. Oh and you will totally show up those snotty sales ladies when you reach your goal. You can go all pretty woman on them!

Trukngrl: Welcome to our group!  I am glad that you finally joined in the post after watching for a while. And way to go on the personal trainer!! I would so love to do that! I can totally understand how it feels to exercises next to a super skinny but don't let it get you down! We will be here to support you! And I totally get the gain through chaos, I think it happens to the best of us, but you are in the right direction now. I actually can relate to the breast size as well... I am also a double d and my biggest problem is it is hard to find shirts that are long enough! Also, I could never pull off anything strapless without my cleavage being a mile long!

Kiminkick ( Jessica): Way to go on the 6lbs this week! Whoo! Congratulations!

Missyfaybel: Welcome! And I can relate to the flat stomach and still curvy, I have a gut now for the first time ever, and I can't stand it. Anyhow, I agree that it will be awesome to post our skinnier selves in a year or so! Good luck!

Elfkittie: One nice thing about being on the depo for 5 years, I haven't had any period at all in 3! Truth be told, I don't know what I will do when I get it again, it will be like the first time all over I am afraid!

Sonini: Welcome to our group! How did you like Jenny Craig? I have never actually known anyone who has tried it. There are a couple of us trying to lose 10 lbs at a time, and really, that's a good goal. Anyhow Sonya, I hope you find the support you need here!

Jpetty5: Another welcome to you! No worries about being 29, we will let you stay in our group even when you get to 30. I think all of us are in this to win it, and we aren't going to abandon someone who starts with us just because their age starts with 3. Anyhow, congrats on losing 10.4 lbs! My goal was to lose 10lbs by valentines day, but I don't know...it's not looking to good.  Anyhow, every pound lost is an accomplishment, and I am sure you will make your 199 goal by October 1!

Me posting replys to get caught up continued:

Emmakea: Don't be to discouraged, I have probably gained about 5lbs back two. Sigh. Anyhow, I can't really help to much with the meals, but I can help with the water part. I read that to Keep your body from holding water weight you are supposed to drink half of your current weight in ounces of water every day, which makes more sense to me than the 8 glasses of water a day for everyone. If at different weights you need different calories, then why wouldn't different weights need more water? For me, I have to drink about 16 glasses of water a day, which is sometimes hard, but I usually try for at least 12.  Oh, and I make wraps a lot in my house, which usually goes over well.  I don't know exactly how many calories are in them off hand, but I know they are low in calories. It's more satisfying than just having salad for dinner!

Kimnick: That is great motivation! You can do it! You have earned it!

Danibelle: Hoorah to it being half way through the work week!

Ingy12: Welcome! I have never tried Zumba. Is it fun? I don't like to exercise without a buddy either, it's really hard to get motivated then. But this forum seems to help, I see so many strong (emotionally) women and they are just doing it. It makes me feel like I can too. Also, it seems like you really have great incentive! Way to go and good luck!

Welcome erika1031! Like I mentioned before, no one will kick you out once you turn 30. You are welcome to stick with us for as long as you want to and need to! I think we can all appreciate having more support! Congratulations on losing 20lbs, and only gaining 5 pounds back! That is great that you made it through the holidays with only a 5 pound increase! And way to go for staying on track!

Mladdy: I don't think you ever take up as much space on your post as I do!  Also, I am sorry to everyone if I tend to run on a little lot.

Cole: Welcome to our group. Wow, your relationship sound a lot like mine! Also, I was going to ESU for Early Childhood Education too! I wanted to open my own day care, but unless I would open one in a more urban area, I would never make the money I need to support myself and my family to be (one day). So now I am finishing my degree in Human Resources. It should be interesting! My husband and I have talked about babies in the next couple of years, but I really want to get to a place where I feel good about myself first, even though that may sound crazy. Anyhoo, welcome to our group and good luck!

Bmsma: Welcome! I hope we can help you reach your goals! I am not to sure on the deficit yet, but I am understanding it better. Sorry I don't understand it quite well enough to explain though!

Welcome Jackattack07! Of course you can join our thread! You and I are right around the same height and weight so hopefully we can help each other alot! 140 is my ultimate goal too!

Hi Blanca! Welcome to you! Congratulations on the weight loss so far, and I am sure you can make it the rest of the way! I would love to work with you as well. Don't give up, I am trying my hardest not to! I understand the way it feels to just block it out and keep eating, but I am trying really hard to be aware of when I am emotional eating. I always noticed that I had more energy the more I went to the gym too, but  I will agree that it's getting there that's hard! Start with three times a week like you are doing, and then force yourself to go an extra day every other week until you reach your goal. Glad to have you as a member of our group!

Hi Amri24! Welcome to our group!  I am 5'7, how about you?  We are glad to have you. I don't think there is a such thing as too much support, especially in weight loss. Good luck!

Ericka1031: Maybe try eating fruit and veggies for your other meals and getting in some exercise tomorrow to make up for a little splurge tonight? I don't think you should feel guilty about your dinner out though, just make the most of it, even if you do end up over your calories by a little bit today. Just get back in gear twice as hard tomorrow! Oh yeah, and allydan's advice about veggies is really good too! Another thing, maybe have them pack up half your meal right off the bat so you aren't too tempted to over eat?

Maggiepop: welcome to our group. I have dropped a great many things on my foot, so I feel your pain! Glad you have your hubby working with you! Mine is working with me too (mostly) so it does help! Hope your foot feels better!

 

Sorry I type forever long threads! Feel free to tell me to cut it out!

Thanks so much for the welcomes :) I started CC at 280lbs and have lost about 22 now. Today is my 19th birthday so I'm kinda having a cheat day for cake.. but after today no more cake!! :P

I want cake! Seriously. I crave cake constantly. lol. Just thought I'd say that.

Happy Birthday Jackattack07! Everyone should be able to have cake on their birthday! Yay for cake!

Cake is my weakness

Thanks for the welcome ennazus!  Oh and happy birthday jackattack!  I love cake too.....yummmmmmm 

 I posted this on the lounge but not response....tell me what you think

gotta question.  I just want to see if anyone else feels this way sometimes.

 I have a problem with the way I think about food (duh or I wouldn't be chubby in the first place).  Now my problem is reversed.  I seem to have a hard time accepting the fact that you can still eat the same foods as you used to but just healthier versions of it AND it still tastes the same. 

Like tonight, I am going to make lasagna that averages out to 374 calories per serving using fat free cheese, cottage cheese replacement for ricotta etc.  I'll eat this with a salad and small piece of garlic bread for a total of about 550 calories for dinner.  BUT in my head, while I am eating I'll think, there's NO freaking WAY this is healthy for you....etc.....even though I know the calorie count, the fat grams, sodium, etc.  I'm good all day, at breakfast and at lunch with what I eat, it's just dinner where these thoughts sneak up on me.

I can't do the 6 meals a day suggestion either because since I had my gall bladder removed, if i eat when I am not hungry, I go straight to the bathroom.  I have to eat small breakfasts and lunches because of that too.  I can't be in the bathroom all day at work. I've tried it.  Anyway......

Even though I've logged it in already and I know I am under 50% for carbs for the day and under my goal fat intake for the day, I'll still have these thoughts and it makes for a stressful eating time and makes me not enjoy my dessert before bed (a 100 calorie slim a bear ice cream).

 Am I crazy?  Does anyone else think like this?  I know, KNOW its unhealthy to think like this. 

maggiepop - I think it's kind of normal, actually.  I kinda went through it: I thought that if it was home cooked it couldn't be healthy unless it was a plain chicken breast, so I spent more money than I'd like to admit on Lean Cuisines and Healthy Choice meals when I was younger.  Don't freak yourself out by thinking you're unhealthy, just give yourself time to adjust.  And think of it as a welcome surprise that things can taste just as good! 

Maggiepop - I know EXACTLY how you feel! I have been having a hard time as well with that. I am also having a problem getting my calorie intake high enough! Obviously I have never had that problem before now lol! I just think well I dont want to waste my calories on that so then I wind up not eating anything close to the calories I could have consumed for the day! It is so bad I won't even eat grapes! Them little suckers have 104 calories for 1/2 a cup! I dont even think so!  

My DH wants to sit down tonight and come up with a menu for the week so that we can be on the same page (I MAY have freaked out a little on him today when he ate a PIZZA in my face lol) **He promised he was gonna diet too**    

Well I guess I am off to the gym! I didnt get in there last night....shame shame I am to blame!

BTW - Welcome all newbies!!!!! Congrats on the success so far!  

Hello, I am 5'3".  I don tmind being short, but when you are fat its not the best look.  I feel like an Oompa Loompa sometimes :)  I am excited about this group and I welcome all of the support. 

After reading some of these posts, I definatelt feel for everyone.  I feel like I have something in common with everyone.  My fiance is the type of man who can eat pretty much anything, take a quick jog, and he wont gain a thing.  He is very motivated with going to the gym. I was counting on having him to get my butt to the gym when I wasnt in the mood, but our schedules are kind of opposite.  ONe of my friends goes to my gym, but she is the type who says she will go but then calls and says something came up.

Anyone here live in Cinti, OH??

Thanks guys.  I swear sometimes it makes me feel crazy to think they way I do!

I did eat my lasagna last night and boy oh boy it was good.  The cottage cheese makes it a bit runny but it still tasted great and I love the large curd cottage cheese in it. 

LOL Ally  I do the same thing with the Lean Cuisines.  I eat them religiously for lunch so that I can account for every single calorie I ingest!  My hubby makes fun of me for that!  I have a stock pile of them in my freezer!   I guess it will take time to adjust.......it just needs to hurry up!

Kim-  I struggle with my cal intake too.  Like for instance, just now, breakfast for me was 2 egg whites and a banana and my snack was some strawberries. Well, I was still hungry so I ate a handful of nuts.   We all know how many calories you have to log when you log nuts so it drives me.....well......nuts!  I know they are good fats but still.....

My husband is dieting with me fortunately but what he does is eats something not so good for him at work and then calls me because he feels guilty about eating a 1,000,000 calorie snickers or reese cups and tells me.  Aaargghhh....I don't want to hear it.  I crave it too!!!! 

 Hi Amri----I don't live in Ohio...I'm in SC. 

I've discovered a big problem for me in my quest to become healthy. I have friends that eat pretty much whatever, and I figure if they're eating it, that means I can have it too. It's usually sweets that get me, especially ice cream. When I see other people eating that stuff it's really hard to not have any.

Do any of you have this same problem? If you do, how do you handle it? 

Thanks for the welcome ennazus :)

Jenny Craig was ok. It worked for me, I lost 20lbs. The problem was it just became too expensive for me so I fell off the wagon. It's really convenient because you have a set meal plan and your meals are basically prepared for you except for the extra veggies/fruits you have to buy. I also had a super nice counsellor so I enjoyed going in every week to talk to her. And honestly, some of the foods were really good!

I'm definitely having some issues with my calorie intake as well. CC says I should be eating about 2400 calories a day... but when I was on JC I was on a 1500 calorie diet. I'm finding it difficult to eat 2400 calories (I'm sure I could do it, but it scares me to be honest)... so I've been eating between 1300-1900 calories. I'm going to try to stick around 1800 this week and see how it goes. I've lost a few pounds this week already, but I'm a little worried that it's the wrong kind of weight that I'm losing. Oh well, only time will tell!

Hi, I understand where you guys are coming from. It makes me nuts that I don't know exactly how many calories are in home cooked meals, and mostly I feel like I am cheating when I do make something. (Last night I made chicken stew with rosemary dumplings, and the serving information I found says 400 calories per serving, but what if I made it wrong and there are more) It's so weird because before you start dieting, you don't have to contemplate what you are going to eat, basically you just eat it and then all of a sudden there are all of these issues once you start trying to be healthier!

Elfkittie, I know how you feel too. One of my best friends, who on her fattest day might need a size one, eats like crazy and never gains. Last year we went to olive garden during all you can eat pasta bowl season. She honest to God ate 7 breadsticks, all of her salad and 6 bowls of pasta! I could have had more than the bowl I had, even though I didn't have any breadsticks, but I didn't because I know that I will just gain like no tomorrow. Here is the pisser, she never exercises! It makes me so mad! It's hard to be the one who has to mind your calories when no one else seems to have too.

Original Post by sonini:

Thanks for the welcome ennazus :)

Jenny Craig was ok. It worked for me, I lost 20lbs. The problem was it just became too expensive for me so I fell off the wagon. It's really convenient because you have a set meal plan and your meals are basically prepared for you except for the extra veggies/fruits you have to buy. I also had a super nice counsellor so I enjoyed going in every week to talk to her. And honestly, some of the foods were really good!

I'm definitely having some issues with my calorie intake as well. CC says I should be eating about 2400 calories a day... but when I was on JC I was on a 1500 calorie diet. I'm finding it difficult to eat 2400 calories (I'm sure I could do it, but it scares me to be honest)... so I've been eating between 1300-1900 calories. I'm going to try to stick around 1800 this week and see how it goes. I've lost a few pounds this week already, but I'm a little worried that it's the wrong kind of weight that I'm losing. Oh well, only time will tell!

Hi Sonini, Calorie count says I should be eating 2150 calories a day, but I have been trying to eat around 1700. I know it's not much of a difference, but it's really hard for me to eat less than that because I probably just don't eat right. Also, I am a really really picky eater, so I am not sure a meal plan would work for me. I never eat fish, I hardly eat red meat, and I have condiment issues. Condiments gross me out (Ketchup, mayo, mustard, most sauces) I know I am totally weird, but I can't help it. Anyhow, if you have lost a couple pounds this week already, first off congratulations, and second off, you are probably doing it right. Keep on doing what you are to see if it keeps helping! 

Original Post by elfkittie22:

I've discovered a big problem for me in my quest to become healthy. I have friends that eat pretty much whatever, and I figure if they're eating it, that means I can have it too. It's usually sweets that get me, especially ice cream. When I see other people eating that stuff it's really hard to not have any.

Do any of you have this same problem? If you do, how do you handle it? 

i do that sometimes, especially before i got back on the weight loss wagon. what i do now is treat it like a challenge, or a game. when i'm with someone who's stuffing their face w yummies, i tell myself i'm stronger than that, and i play a game to see how long i can last without joining them. usually i can last the whole time. if i can't though, i'll just have a small piece. but if i take a big piece, i'll eat some,  then somewhere in there realize how dumb this is, and throw the rest of it away.