Another question about weight loss....

[Veritaserum]

In September I set a goal to lose weight. 7 weeks in I'm down 13 pounds. I did low carb for the first couple of weeks, but I felt really run down so I decided to just try reduced calories from minimally processed foods instead. To reach my old "normal" adult weight (stable for 10+ years with little to no effort), I have another 35ish pounds to lose. I've never had to work on my weight before, so I'm not sure what to expect. Looking at my logs, my weight loss is averaging 1-2 pounds per week. There are daily fluctuations and sometimes I'll see a jump in 1-2 pounds between consecutive days. The week always ends up lower that it started, though.

 

I read an article this morning that cautioned against "ambitious" weight loss goals (anything > 10 pounds) because of the risk of gaining it all back. The author recommended dropping ten pounds, stabilizing, and then resuming weight loss again. I'm not convinced that is necessary. I'm not doing anything extreme. I'm simply eating less (shooting for 1500-1600 calories per day instead of the 1800-1900 I'd need to maintain my current weight) and moving more (walking/jogging 45 min. for 3-5x per week). If my current rate of weight loss holds, I'll hit my target in 5-6 months. That doesn't seem extreme, either. Thoughts?

[Pawz4me]

What you're doing sounds very sensible to me. Do be aware that your rate of loss will likely slow as you get nearer to your goal weight.

[Kassia]

I agree that it sounds sensible and you should be fine without a stabilization period.

[Night Elf]

I've never heard that suggestion before. I lost about 40 lbs. in about 10 months, which is an average of 1 lb. per week. Then less than a year later I lost an additional 10 lbs. over a couple of months. I've maintained that new weight for the past 4 years. I used Weight Watchers but really it's just eating less calories than I was eating. I learned how much I could eat to lose weight, then when I reached my goal weight, I added in calories to maintain that loss. I still eat that way.

[Big Buckin' Longhorn]

I think maybe the body does this naturally. I've been losing weight over the past couple of years. It tapers off/plateaus from time to time, but I don't intentionally stop trying to lose weight. It's already going to take the better part of 3 years to get where I want. I don't think I need to go any slower than that.

[Sunshine State Sue]

I have been overweight twice in my (55yo) life.  Both times, I gained the weight over a 3 year period (38yo-goodbye nursing and 51yo-hello menopause).  I lost the weight 1-2lbs per week until 25-30lbs were gone.  First time with Weight Watchers.  Second time by changing to a whole food, plant based diet (which I continue on today). 

 

What you are doing sounds reasonable, not "ambitious", to me.  Kudos to you for removing processed foods.  :thumbup1:

Edited November 5, 2016 by Sue in St Pete

[nd293]

I don't think it's necessary, but I see the logic. I lost some weight about 2 years ago. I've found a plateau slightly above that minimum where my weight is stable because of changes I've made to my lifestyle and eating habits. But obviously my current habits aren't at a level to maintain a lower weight. I want to lose a bit more, and think it's good that I have a realistic picture of what current habits can and can't maintain. So if I want to go lower, I should make peace now with the changes that will be required to maintain at that level.

[HappyCrazyMama]

I think you're doing great. You won't gain it all back unless you go back to your old habits. I lost nearly 40 pounds over 3 years ago just watching my calories and I haven't gained it back. I do still track my calories though,

[Veritaserum]

I kind of feel like my body is trying to get back to its normal. I only need to lose another 15 to be within normal BMI. My personal preference for my body frame is another 20 pounds lighter than that. The last few years have been rough (y'all saw this most recent kid hospitalization/illness). I got really depressed, stopped taking care of myself, and put on forty pounds. That combined with the ten post-pregnancy pounds from my sixth baby left me feeling awful physically. I had some related health scares earlier this year and finally found the motivation to prioritize myself despite the intensity of my children's needs. I completed a 5K last month and I plan to do another in the spring. :)