I made a goal for myself, to lose 10 of my 40 extra pounds before I see my doctor in October. For the past three weeks, I've been eating several small meals a day, with a total calorie intake below 1500, which is less than my basal metabolic rate. I've been working more, and trying to increase my activity between bus runs. I've increased my water intake, to the extent I can, without being stranded on a school bus with a full bladder.
This morning I decided to weigh myself. In three weeks, I have lost...
Wait for it...
Drumroll, please...
Not one goddamn pound. So, basically the same result as eating pizza, candy, and watching TV.
I lost 35 pounds a couple of years ago just following the Weight Watchers smart-phone app. But, of course, you have to keep doing it. People say "I'll just eat healthier and have smaller portions" - that's exactly what WW does. Anyway, I think they're out of business now.
When I had lost weight, it wasn't just the amount of food that made the difference, but also the type, and it also became more about overall health and lifestyle changes than just weight loss. I've since fallen off the wagon and have been trying to get back on, not easy as I've been dealing with other issues. But in all my efforts to lose weight on and off over the years, it was the only thing that actually worked, ironically because I also wasn't trying so hard.
I've pretty much given up on losing weight. I reckon I'm just going to use an exercise that I enjoy to redistribute it a bit. Gunna spend my middle age just being big, hairy and bearish.
Not a great option for the ladies, I realise.
i lost 30 lbs in one yr in my late 20s by basically cutting out carbs. even quit beer & just drank rye & water. although i did drink quit a bit of it. i was working & playing a lot of golf so the lbs just melted off. now i'm old, don't play near as much golf, but like my craft IPA beer and good whiskey with water. now 5' 9" & 150.
there's no secret to losing & keeping weight off. the simplest way is to not make drastic changes to one's diet but just eat less of everything. i don't find it difficult b/c there's really not much i enjoy eating.
Ugh, I can totally relate, and it sucks. Everyone's biology and psychological make-up are different, and it sounds like you've done all the logical stuff, so all I can add is that no matter how it may look - or weigh - you're healthier than you were before this past three weeks. So have a binge, find something to help you feel better, and jump back into it tomorrow. Or at least that's what I'm telling myself.
What worked for me:
When the divorce whammy came down on me, I weighed at least 195.
I was so upset about what happened I could not eat for days. Finally, I ate a banana. Recovery was slow.
But then I noticed.....I was down to 180 pounds!
I kept at it. I had a cause. I pushed my weight down to 170.
Now here I am four years later. I weigh myself daily and I am typically between 166/ 169 lbs. I feel great! When I dip below 165 I feel even better.
So what worked?......starvation.
Same.
When my best friend was dying of a terminal illness, he'd often joke that the upside was I'd look fabulous at his funeral. Egads, but life is strange.
Can I recommend the patented MrBeelzeebubbles Chrystal Meth And Hardcore Techno Weightloss Plan (TM)? Can be a little hard on the old mental health, though. And you may lose some teeth.
@Ms_McSteven Well, it's not without its side-effects but it's certainly effective.
take a dump, then weigh yourself and feel good
Have you tried a fasting, or up-day, down-day method of eating? There are several different ways to do this and some research is showing that fasting is good for us. Typically the fasting cycle is 16 hours or more without food; and during this time our bodies will burn fat for energy. And, when you eat, you eat whatever you want--just don't go overboard with the calories or processed carbohydrates (although they are allowed),
@Ms_McSteven I have always had low blood sugar and fasting works for me. I have never been one to want breakfast; and I am happy not eating until later in the day. But, it is NOT for everyone. We are all so different and there is no one-size-fits-all method to losing and maintaining weight. I wish you luck in your endeavor.
Yeah, I get it. A month ago I banned all sugar from the house, bring home no cookies or ice cream and am eating less at meals. Also no heavy meals when eating out so how much have I lost? 1 pound, hahaha. Damn easy to put it on but taking it off?????
@Ms_McSteven Well, when I find out who's conspiring - off with their head.I'd just like to get rid of the salsa container below my chin, that's all.
You have my sympathy. As we get older, it's harder to lose weight.
To lose weight, burn more calories than you take in. Eat less and exercise more.
The quality of what you eat matters. Eliminate fast food, soda pop, white bread, sugary treats and processed foods. Instead enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean protein.
Avoid snacking between meals or before bedtime.
The only weight loss program that ever worked for me was one that I discovered accidentally. It had nothing to do with what I ate or how much I ate. I started eating 3 meals a day at exactly the same time every day with no in between snacks or goodies. I'm not sure it would work for anyone else, but it was great for me. I weighed 215 when I graduated high school and got as heavy as 260 about 12 years ago. For the past 6 years I have been maintaining at around 195. Good luck.