I joined my fitness pal to track what I ate and how I moved or rather didn't move. I started walking; park further away, climb stairs vs elevator... That sort. Major baby steps. I learned to eat better. Not less, initially, just better choices. Like subway instead of McDonald's. and I'm losing slowly. About a pound a week on average. Been doing MFP for 240+ days now. Before c25k I was using my wii fit and Bought a Zumba game, and just dance. These get me moving in my living room. No audience so I can look silly without embarrassment. I also got the Nicklodian Fit game (Dora, Backyardigans, etc) for my daughter so we could do these together too. She's very thin but what kid doesn't benefit from moving?
oh, and I started wearing a pedometer. Tracks your steps, and encouraged me to get more steps in each day. on average, 2000 steps = 1 mile.
I never said "I want to lose x no of pounds" I took the approach, I want to lose. So That's what I do. I'm all about taking baby steps. I'd never get to this point if I was ALL IN right at the start. I am doing all of this so I can keep up with the kids and be the mom they need me to be. It took me years to gain it, and I accept it's going to take years to lose it too.
I was 288 lbs when I had my son. Today I'm 213. I still don't know what my "goal" weight is. I just want to keep going. I guess right now, my goal is to get below 200. I haven't seen the 100's in years!!
There really isn't a quick fix or easy solution. Even those that get that surgery still have to work at it. For them it's faster, then the way I'm doing it, but there is still work involved.
And I am here to hold your hand every step of the way if you want.
Can you get a pedometer? When I started using my pedometer I was amazed by what I learned from it. And it was very simple to use and get in the habit of using.
Are you on MyFitnessPal? If not, you should sign up. It's FREE. MFP is intuitive too, it really remembers your foods, so daily entry get's easier and easier. I'm bwarsh73 there.
Don't need to make any diet changes until you can see what it is you're eating. Sometimes you discover you have to actually eat more.
I eat out all the time. I'm thrilled to say there are healthy options on most menus... even at McDonald's!
and for what it's worth... I'm able to eat ice cream every night and I'm still losing. You don't have to give up the foods you like. it's all about moderation. if I want that mcflurry, I just have to do more exercise that day.
I've been able to eat the donuts, the ice cream, the chocolate easter bunny......... and when I eat "bad" foods, I still log it. Be truthful to yourself. and If I have a "bad" day, it's okay. On average I'm still doing well. Be open to try new foods, new recipes. I'm surprised how good some of that "health" food has been.
Like my breakfast... 386 calories, 17g of protein. 2 egg Eggwhite scramble with sauteed onions, mushrooms, grape tomatoes, avocado, black beans, shredded cheddar cheese and light salt/pepper/canola oil. On the side, some fresh cantaloupe, and toasted Italian Bread with some margarine. To drink, 6 cups of coffee with milk and sugar!
I don't substitute fake sugar, I eat the real stuff. 1 teaspoon of real sugar is only 15 calories. For me I do better going the less fat route. Low fat/fat free is better (again, for me).
I feel better when I eat better, and I get more energy the more I work out. I went from barely able to walk to the bus stop to craving a run. It's all about taking your time, going slow and working to the next step.
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Yes, I'm on the treadmill. I can run (super slow) the longer times now (28 minutes yesterday), but since I'm super slow I'm no where near 5K yet. I'm lucky to get the mile counter to nudge just past 1 mile. But I'm okay with that. I'm not really training for a marathon, I'm training to be moving. It's a pre-set workout and it's easy to do. Doesn't cost anything. So I do it. I'm moving. That's all that really matters.
Eventually I'll get there. That's kind of why I'm doing the C25K again (starting on 5/20). But this time I'm going outside! With my jogging stroller and hopefully Zach too. (although I may train with the stroller and no baby some days...) It's a new level of difficulty, and with taking my baby steps approach, jumping in to running outside with the stroller, I need that.
I tried before, and lasted a whole 4 minutes. So I was served a big slice of humble pie. Fine. I know my limits. Now I'm going to work through and get better. Get healthy too.
As for the accountability group? I'm soooooo not in the same shape most of them are. I may be the fattest one there. BUT I'm there and figure what the hell? I like posting the sweaty pics. Makes me accountable to myself. The worse I look the better I feel, so why not??? And they're nice to me, so I love that. Sometimes they kick my butt, and I guess in a way I like that too.
UPDATE: 5/29/2013 Today I am down to 206. I see the dietitian tomorrow. Getting ready to go buy smaller clothes again. Feeling Amazing!
Follow me on my Facebook page: fb.com/UnderConstructionWithBwarsh Join my Ladies MFP Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MyFitnessPalLadies.
