AHASRADA Posted July 10, 2012 Share Posted July 10, 2012 As of today, I have lost 35 lbs., which is exactly 1/2 way to my goal weight! It is so encouraging to see how far I've come, and sobering to realize I have the same road still ahead. The last time I was at this weight 10 years ago, I decided I weighed much too much and had to do something about it :tongue_smilie:. I watched my portion sizes and exercised, losing 35 pounds then, and kept it off until we moved out of state (stress/upheaval). I gained 30 lbs. back, and once again was determined to take it off. The weight was a bit more stubborn, so I committed to a vegan diet, strictly counted calories, and exercises 60-90 min. daily, in addition to counting daily steps. I lost 50 pounds, and ended up weighing less than I had since middle school! That was 7 years ago. But, the strictness of calorie counting and intense exercise became difficult to maintain, and I gained a bit back, about 15 pounds, but stayed there for a good year or two with moderate diet and exercise. Then we moved a couple of times out of the country, had no home base for a while, then got established again but found ourselves in a situation of extended financial uncertainty that we had not experienced before (much more stress/upheaval). Over the course of 4 years, I gained 75 pounds. Mainly due to not exercising, stress, and emotional eating. I knew I needed to get back into exercising, but I had no energy because I was overweight, felt I had no time anyway, my size and lack of energy were depressing but eating made me feel better...a vicious cycle. In March, something finally clicked. I was sick of my lack of energy, motivation, enthusiasm for much of anything, sick of being embarrassed by my size and drowning those feelings in more food. My BIL and SIL came to visit, and I agonized over what to wear during their visit that wouldn't make me look huge, but I didn't have many options. While we were out shopping, SIL asked if I was pregnant again (I'm pretty sure she knew I wasn't :glare:). The day after they left I started exercising again, only 15 min. at a time, but I started. I moved up to 30 min., and have recently started exercising 50 min. nearly every day. I do workout DVDs in my basement, which is what has always worked for me. I started out counting calories, but not as strictly as before. Now I am aware of what I can eat at each meal to be within my limit, so I almost never count calories anymore. I am not strictly vegan, but focus on eating plenty of vegetables and some fruit, and avoiding refined grains and added sugar, oh and drinking at least 3 qts. of water per day. My daily meal plan is generally as follows: Breakfast: Oatmeal 1/2 banana 2 prunes or 2 tbsp. berries 1/2 cup soy milk 1 stevia packet (all cooked together) Lunch: 8-10 oz. healthy, low-fat entree (about 250-300 cal.) 4 cups steamed vegetables with fat-free dressing 1 whole bag of pre-washed salad greens with fat-free dressing Snack: Protein bar - 160 cal. (satisfies my chocolate cravings) Dinner: 2 cups vegetarian soup - about 200 cal. (1 large can) sometimes I add a small piece of fruit Hopefully my story will inspire someone who has been where I was, and needs a kick start. You can do it! And once you stop eating junk and overeating, you start to get control of your life back and don't even crave the stuff anymore! To all of you who are on the same quest for health and fitness, keep on keepin' on! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted July 10, 2012 Share Posted July 10, 2012 :party:Keep up the good work. (Mine is slowly coming off. I have another 20 pounds to go.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PrincessMommy Posted July 10, 2012 Share Posted July 10, 2012 :hurray::party: Way to go!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soror Posted July 10, 2012 Share Posted July 10, 2012 Congratulations! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eileen Aroon Posted July 10, 2012 Share Posted July 10, 2012 I lost 20 lbs last week. Granted, I had a baby, but hey, only 50 pounds to go! That was a great post, thanks for the inspiration. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MiniBlondes Posted July 10, 2012 Share Posted July 10, 2012 Congratulations!!! :D:grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlessedMom Posted July 10, 2012 Share Posted July 10, 2012 :):) congratulation!!!! :):) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisbeth Posted July 11, 2012 Share Posted July 11, 2012 Way to go! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
besroma Posted July 11, 2012 Share Posted July 11, 2012 Congratulations!!!! :hurray::hurray::hurray: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Granny_Weatherwax Posted July 11, 2012 Share Posted July 11, 2012 Congratulations! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trilliums Posted July 11, 2012 Share Posted July 11, 2012 That is great news! :party: And thanks for sharing HOW you did it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MariannNOVA Posted July 11, 2012 Share Posted July 11, 2012 :party::party::party: I started 4 weeks ago and i am 25% there -- 15 lbs. I hear you! CONGRATS -- i know what an amazing effort you are making! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PrairieSong Posted July 11, 2012 Share Posted July 11, 2012 Way to go!!!!!!!!!!!! :party: I am SO happy for your success! Thanks for sharing your story. It encourages me on my weight loss journey. Keep up the great work! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
********* Posted July 11, 2012 Share Posted July 11, 2012 Rock on with your bad self! :D I've lost 19 pounds in 7 weeks. Still have 81 to go, but hey, it's something. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peso Posted July 11, 2012 Share Posted July 11, 2012 My dear Asmaa - GOOD FOR YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :party: Thank you for sharing your inspiring story! Penny (yes, that Penny from the OM board ;)) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shawneinfl Posted July 11, 2012 Share Posted July 11, 2012 Thanks for sharing, your story sounds a lot like mine. You've inspired me :). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AHASRADA Posted July 11, 2012 Author Share Posted July 11, 2012 Thanks to everyone for the congrats and encouragement. I was afraid I had provided TMI, boring you with dull details. I am pleased to know that some of you found those details helpful. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammyla Posted July 11, 2012 Share Posted July 11, 2012 :party: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justLisa Posted July 11, 2012 Share Posted July 11, 2012 Way to go! :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandylubug Posted July 11, 2012 Share Posted July 11, 2012 :party: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScoutTN Posted July 11, 2012 Share Posted July 11, 2012 Way to go!! :hurray::hurray: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LG Gone Wild Posted July 11, 2012 Share Posted July 11, 2012 Nice job! Just like homeschooling, it's a marathon and not a sprint. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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