anyone else looking to lose 70 pounds ? please HELP me =^ (
Having just reached 70 pounds lost I just want to say that even though right now I'm sure it seems like its a huge number to lose, it is very possible and not as difficult as it may seem. I remember calculating how much I needed to lose and seeing that number looking at me I felt hopeless. But, either you can feel overwhelmed and back down and continue living as you are, or you can step up to the challenge, look that scale right in the...er... display window?... and tell it you're the boss now!
So, although I'm almost finished my weight loss journey, I certainly know how you feel right now. Take it easy, don't be too hard on yourself and remember that every time you get off track you can always get back on :)
Good luck <3
There are a lot of people here that are trying to lose that much. Personally, I have about 75 to go.
And I'm only 5'4", so I know it REALLY shows up on me.
It IS really hard. And it seems overwhelming. What works for me is starting with one thing. So this week, try to improve one thing. Pick something: drink more water, eat better at least one meal a day, walk 10 more minutes than you did last week.
Last week I focused on drinking water. I'm up to 2 liters a day, and I feel like I can keep this up. So this coming week I'll focus on making sure I walk every day (and I'll keep drinking the water). Next week maybe I'll add more walking, or add some strength training, or focus on more protein and few carbs. I'll have to see what I feel like at the weekend.
Some people do better doing everything at once, but when I've tried that I went all gung ho for a little while, then hit a plateau, lost my motivation, and quit.
So for me, slow and steady. Change one thing every week until you are happy with what you are doing. Then keep doing it.
I know how you feel and am really glad you wrote what you're going through! You're not alone, and this site is wonderful for helping with healthier eating, making good food choices, and staying motivated.
Right now, I am 5'7" and 221 pounds. Last year, I was 287 (66 pounds heavier). Next year, I'd like to be 150 pounds (71 pounds lighter). Sooooo, I DO know how you feel with that much to lose, but I can also tell you that it is possible to lose that much since I have done that, too.
Luvtraveling's idea of changing one habit or thing for the better each week is a GREAT one, especially if you're overwhelmed. I look at it as, I didn't get this big over night, so I won't lose the weight over night, either. But, I WILL lose the weight and get healthier and so will YOU! :)
I'd suggest looking at the tools on this site to figure out your calorie intake and activity level currently (before becoming a gym-goer). Then, figure out how many calories the site says you should use as a guide per day. Maybe, for the first week, just try to get within 100 calories of that total every day. The food log, which I use daily, is wonderful for helping with this and keeps the guesswork down. :D
Once the above feels familiar and you see some progress--and you will see some progress soon, I think--then maybe try to add exercise or increase fiber or water intake or give up an unhealthy behavior or food that's not so healthy. Take it one step at a time, and you'll be surprised how many steps you've taken after a week, a month, a year (yes, I've been at this 16 months now!), and a life time.
Feel free to friend me, and keep in touch!! :)
Hi Amanda, Please hang in there. I know how hard it is. I've struggled with my weight off and on all my life. My bf from childhood on is and always has been a size 2. I know how much she cares, but weight gain and loss is something she has never experienced. Now, I am at my heaviest and have about 60 pounds to lose (I'm 5'5"). I have finally decided that I have to lose it now. This is the year. The hardest part for me is accepting that this is a long term life style change. I can do it, but it is probably going to take at least a year to take off my weight and then I have to keep eating healthy and being active to keep it off and stay healthy. I can't go back to my bad eating habits (I love food - especially sweets). Right now I am focusing on eating healthy - counting calories, high fiber, and watching my fat intake. Exercise (beyond my day to day work) will come later. I don't have the option to attend weight watchers now, but a support group like that might give you the in-person support you need to succeed. It is so helpful to be around others who understand and are going through the same challenges and successes. I'm excited about this resource too. It is helping me keep track of my progress and writing out everything I eat is really helpful for me. Good luck. You will succeed.
Original Post by amandalynngillmor:
...i need to talk to people that are in my shoes...my bf doesnt really understand how hard it is and my friends will just be nice and say "oh my god amanda your not that big" but i know i am...
The other thing about just doing one more thing every week is that all those people in your life who don't get it won't freak out. My BF (for over 20 years now) is a size small, and she always tells me that she doesn't think I look that big. (Oh PLEEEEEZE) So if I go on a big self improvement kick she always says "you don't need to work so hard, you look great now." But when I make small changes, she doesn't even notice, and I don't bring it up. I just go on doing what I need to do for myself. And I come here for the support I need.
I just signed up here like 10 minutes ago and I'm already running my big mouth but I', around if you want to chat/motivate one another!
Hi Amanda,
I totally understand the bursts of tears and frustration that you feel. I used to bury my head into my pillow and just scream because i was so mad at myself for wanting to eat ample amounts of food. it was so tough to fight the mental anguish that you tend to get when first starting out weight loss.
Just hang in there. You're doing this for YOU and only you. Don't let anyone tell you or try to discourage you from achieving all your goals.
When I first started dieting, I had 154 pounds to lose to make my goal weight of 140. Now I'm at 167 pounds lost, clocking me in at 127 pounds. It took a ton of support that I found on here, and belief within myself to get it off. And my GAWD does it feel so good to skip and hop around. The joy you get when someone lifts you off the ground and spins you around...
So hang in there and give yourself something to cry about. Tears of happiness of course :) We all have your back here.
Hang in there sis, it can be done. I started my "diet" July 6th 2006 after feeling like crap in a bathingsuit on 4th of July. I hit the 70 lb mark a couple of months ago but gained 8 back during the holidays. It is a rollercoaster but it can be done. I started at a size 24 and am down to a 16. I'd like to loose another 40 lbs and I'm not worried if it takes me another year. The way I see it, slower is better; I'm chaging my lifestyle.
No more tears!, It's just 1 lb at a time.
Nancy, Age 34 California
Hi Amanda - I just joined today. I am 5'10 and weight 260 and my goal weight is 153. I have noticed that I weep and tear up quite a bit lately too. It used to be about work or men, but now it's just about how I feel about myself most of the time. I used to be this happy, fierce, confident woman and I have noticed that over the past few months I have been changing my lifestyle to accommodate my weight and I hate that I do it. (eg, set aside the two-piece and bought a swim"dress" for vacation so as not to cauterize the eye's of others lounging by the pool who may glance my way! or opting "not" to join friends for physical activities that I used to participate in) I could use the same motivation and I'm going to add you to my friend list if that is okay with you! Feel free to add me as well.
Big hug!
Amanda,
I joined today as well. As a matter of fact, it was your post that made me join! I was looking up cals in some food and I came upon your post. It sounds like we're not much different. I'm 5'9 and 231 lbs and wanting to loose at least 60-70 lbs. I also have several people saying that I don't look that heavy but they haven't seen me naked! However, I try not to get upset about my weight to the point of me crying. To be honest, I don't mind being overweight for the most part. My main motivation for loosing the weight 1.) being able to fit into "normal" sized clothing instead of Plus size clothing and 2.) being more healthy. I'm also struggling with infertility and I don't want to finally get pregnant only to leave my child and DH without a mother and wife at an early age because I wouldn't loose the weight. I know we ALL can loose the weight. I'm sure it's not going to be easy, nothing worthwhile is. Dealing with infertility for so long has taught me to be strong and optimistic no matter how bad things seem. You're capable to do so much more than what you think you are. Find the determination and strength within yourself to make the changes you need to make. WE CAN ALL DO IT!!!!! &n bsp;
Hi Amanda,
You sound like me. I'm 5'9 too and at 216. I want to weigh 135 so thats 80 pounds to go. It seems unlikely I'll ever get there. I've been strugling with this for several years now and never making any real progress. I recommit one day then let it go. Go back to eating.
Maybe we can do this together this time and actually succeed. I never tried Calorie Counter before. I'm exicted about it.
Also crying can help. I disagree with those who say it doesn't. Its healthy.
Diane
I need to lose a bit over 40 pounds!! Let's do this together!
Your new friend, Clowie
I, as well as MANY other people here are living proof that it can be done! This time last year, I weighed in at 238 lbs and I was miserable. This site has helped me immesurably in learning how my body responds to food and why I could never lose the weight before.
12 months later, I'm 84 lbs. lighter with 11 to go, and my life is better than it's ever been. You can do it!
Feel free to message me if you need tips or support :)
Hi Amanda: I'm glad to join in with you. I'm 5'4" and weigh 223. I set a goal of 165 for October (58#) but I hope to continue right on to about 140 eventually.......that's 83# that needs to go! I'm a (young) gramma of three and have come to the realization that if I don't make some healthier lifestyle choices.......well, we all know what the end result could be. I want to see my grandbabies grow up!
Glad to be doing this with others!
el.
Hey Amanda...I just started to day and stepped on the scale and found out I weigh 194.4 and I am 5'3"....so to be healthy I need to lose 70lbs (according to this website). I started today to reach this goal...
Let's do this together and with everyone else on this site...we can do it!
Good luck and keep in touch (that goes for everyone else too!) 
amanda,
I am shooting for 88 pounds, and today is my first day. You've been doing fine, so far. Keep up the good work. You are not alone. I'm with you, too. You are an inspiration for me.
Phil
Log it, count it. How much popcorn? How much butter?
You did this in the afternoon, so get some evening exercise to make up for it. Even if you're just starting out, you can take a twenty minute walk.
If I have a bad day, foodwise, I try to do SOMETHING before bedtime to make me feel better about it. Otherwise I'll lay in bed and brood about it and beat myself up. And then I'll be sleep deprived too, which starts the next day off badly. If I have an episode in the evening, and it's too late to go for a walk, well, resolve to do better tomorrow.
This is one day at a time, and sometimes one hour at a time.
Don't despair. One slip doesn't mean it's all over. New resolve. Start over. And over and over and over....we don't break a lifetime of bad habits in seven days in January.
Want to be a leader?Start your own group!
