Is 20 lbs a lot to lose?

CITCgirl

So, over the past months I've noticed the scale going up and up, but when I looked in the mirror, I felt like I looked the same. That is, until I saw myself in a picture a few days ago. As it turns out, I've gained about 20 lbs over the past year. I want to try to lose the weight, and for some reason, it doesn't seem like a lot to me. When I tell my friends and family, they seem to think that 20 lbs is a lot. Is it reasonalbe to think that I can lose this weight fairly easily?

lizziemoopsc

well, you didn't gain it overnight so you won't be able to lose it overnight. I think that if you are someone who loses and gains weight easily it might be easier for you than someone it is hard for. Also, 20 at 5'0" is very different than someone who is 5'9"; and also different depending on your frame and body type. IMO you won't know until you start trying and you are in the right place! Welcome!

Nebb

20lbs is a fair bit of weight. If you work hard and eat healthy you can do it. There is no formula for how easy or fast it will happen though, it depends on your body and your level of commitment.

CITCgirl

Thanks, lizziemoopsc! You make a good point about body size - I am 4'10" and extremely small bone structure (my wrists are as thin as my 7 year old neice's). I'm starting to feel a little overwhelmed with trying to lose this weight now. :S  I'm glad I found this board! It seems like you are all very motivational and inspirational!!

kllm

Don't get overwhelmed - while 20 lbs. is a decent amount of weight, it's definitely an attainable goal.  Do you have a plan for weight loss yet?  Do you need tips?I'm not quite as small as you (I'm 5'1) and it took me about 5 months to lose my first 20 lbs.  I'm still trying to lose the last 10 (for a total of 38 lbs. lost).  I did it by working out 5-6 times a week and tracking my food intake on the Daily Plate (livestrong.com/thedailyplate).Good luck with your weight loss!

CITCgirl

I don't really have a specific plan as of yet, and I would definitely appreciate any tips!I am trying to be more conscious of the food I'm eating, but I find it very difficult as I am ALWAYS hungry. I am a member at the YMCA, and I have a park right behind my house. I have no excuse not to exercise, but somehow, I always talk myself out of doing it. I guess I just need some motivation.

lizziemoopsc

as my ww leader always says "action comes before motivation". If you get up and start walking, you might be more motivated to keep going. Don't give yourself time to talki yourself out of it- if you think it, do it! I'm like you though, I have a hard time working out so I build it into my day as much as I can so I have to. I park a mile away from school/work and wear a pedometer so that when I get home and see that I've walked 5 miles, it's really motivating to do the 30DS and build on those 5 miles. Tracking has definitely helped me! I'm on ww (if you couldn't already tell!) and so it is "required". I think that even if I wasn't though, tracking would still help me really realize what I'm eating, particularly over the course of a week when it's Friday and I've forgotten about the cheeseburger on Monday. It let's you see if you really are getting enough calories, too many, enough vitamins and nutrients, all that kind of stuff. Then you can decide if you want/need to change the way you eat. Hope this helps!!

lustj004

Start hitting the gym and watch what you eat. 20 lbs is doable if you have the time. Also, you may want to try on your dress again and check if it needs alterations now.

lilcassers

This all depends on your bone strucure, frame and height. 5 lbs is huge on me because I am medium boned and 5 ft 1'. If you are 5 9'' 20 lbs may not seem like a huge difference. I don't really keep track of my weight, but I know when my pants are getting tight and im not liking what i'm seeing, it's time to not stop at mickey d's so much!

policasm

Hey CITC,I am definitely in the same boat with you. I could eat non-stop for the entire day if you'd let me, but when I stop to think about it, its not that I'm hungry, I'm either bored or stressed out or both. Does that mean I recognize the problem and stop eating a lot? No. So I've ended up just like you, having gained 20 pounds over the last year and finally realizing my clothes don't fit anymore. I'm also trying to get motivated and jumpstart myself before I find myself post-holidays another ten pounds heavier and literally not able to even get into my clothes. If you want to vent back and forth I'd be happy to have a buddy at the same starting point!We can do it!

JamieK1882

Hey CITC and policasm...Im with you!! Not as tiny (Im 5'4 and a half) but am at my heaviest I've ever been and hate it. It really hit home yesterday when 2 pairs of pants didnt fit. Then I went to a cholesterol screening I was running (I am a pharmacist), had the students check my cholesterol and its way up! (when a year ago it was low-to-normal). That night I hit the grocery store for my some healthy eats and today did the stairs intead of elevator. My wedding is Sept. of next year and I'd love to lose 37lbs by then (although I'd be happy with even 20...37 would be pretty skinny).Anyways, since you are just starting with me hopefully we can motivate each other!!

agentkitten75

I am 5'0 and i think i m about 120 now!! YIKES!!! This is alot on me. I look huge. The fat is showing everywhere. My face, gut, chest, legs. Its really bad. I am working out and starting to eat better and drink less.