929 days to drop at least 100 lbs!

KitsunaRi

So my fiancee proposed last night (yay!) And we've decided to do a long engagement so I can graduate, get a job and we can save up! And....also so I drop some major weight! I am looking for any advice, tips, workout hints, diets, etc! I really would like to be down a few sizes by the time I'm shopping for a dress, so in about a year or sooner! If you have any secrets you're willing to share I'd appreciate it!

MyrahD

First thing: congratulations on the engagement! 

As for the second thing, diet.  All these diets people can suggest may be fine for losing weight, but many of them are hard to stick with and they don't teach how to keep the weight off, how to eat once you get to your goal weight.  People preach "low carb," which is great for dropping weight fast, but as soon as a few pieces of bread pass your lips, it's all over.  It's not sustainable, in my opinion.  Not to mention the possible health issues from the ketones building up (but some people dispute that).

As for the second thing, maybe it would be beneficial to go see a dietitian or nutritionist and get real advice on how to eat a healthy, balance diet that you can actually live with.  If you do choose to do low carb, get the expert's advice how how to do it in a healthy way so you get enough nutrients incorporated. 

Sorry to get so preachy, but I've seen my parents try every diet, every supplement, and gimmick there is to lose weight.  The only thing they never tried was sitting down with an expert and learning how to eat a healthy balanced diet.  My fiance was just diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and we've been seeing a nutritionist and we've learned so much.  It's really been eye-opening about how much bad advice there is out there about what to eat and what not to eat.

Last thing: don't let your weight loss be your only focus.  Enjoy your engagement and your wedding planning.  Remember, your fiance loves you now, the way you are.  Being 100 lbs thinner might make you feel better, make you healthier, make you look better, but it is not going to make you a better wife or partner or friend or confidant to the man you love.  Okay?  Don't lose the woman he fell in love with. 

Let us know how it goes!

holi108

Congrats! I see you're from the DFW board as well!  The best advice I can give is to put your self on a schedule. It will take time getting use to but after awhile it will be second nature. Make a food plan. Exercise is good but you're not going to get the result you want unless you change your eating habits. On Sunday mornings I pull out my cook books or healthy eating magazines and plan breakfast, lunch and dinner for every day of the week. I make a grocery list of everything I need for those meals and go to the grocery store. I do my absolute best to stick to the list! I also plan atleast 2 times a week to eat out because sometimes I just don't feel like cooking or friends may want to go out, so I have that already built in. I also food journal. When I first started it was a real eye opener as to what I was eating every day. Finally exercise. You don't have to exercise everyday, but doctors do recommend getting your heart rate up for atleast a constant 30 mins everyday. So if you have a dog, walk it or take the fI out with you for some good quality time away from the couch after work (thats what I have to do ). If I can stress 1 more thing... Do weights! Cardio is awesome but weight training builds muscles while also burning fat up to 2x faster than cardio. Hope this helps!

lmalear01

You need to sit down and come up with goals and a plan.  You also need to set reasonable sustainable goals.  You have a year and it is very possible to reach 100 pounds in a year.  52 weeks ina year 1-2 pounds a week.  You may lose more than that each week at the beginning but that is not the norm and will slow as you start losing weight.  If your health insurance will cover a dietician  great...go see one.  A lot of plans won't unless you have a health issue.  I am not a diet plan kind of person.  I try my best to eat clean everday...which means fresh veggies, fresh fruits non processed whole foods,  no refined sugars.  If you are the type that needs to follow a plan...then I would suggest weight watchers.  It seems to be the most balanced out there and if you are into meetings they can provide a ton of support.  Whatever you decide to do make small changes first.  Don't try to change your whole lifestyle over night. This makes it really hard.  I would focus on getting your eating in check then add some exercise because it doesn't matter how much you exercise if you are eating crap.  The first two things I eliminated from my diet were high fructose corn syrup and partially hydrogenated vegetable oil,( HFCS or trans fat).  You'd be surprised where those two things are lurking.
Last thing.... Is your FI on board with a life style change?  It makes it easier if you are making changes together.  If you are trying to be healhier and make good food choices and he is contantly wanting to order pizza for dinner than you have a greater battle a head of you.  It is possible to do it but let him know ahead of time how important it is to you that he support you in this!

Good Luck Girl!!  You can do this!

mollymcshea

I am hoping to loose 60 by september and I am half way there. So far I have lost 30 (since december). I have tried tons of different things, but what it comes down to: Burning more calories than you eat. I have an app on my phone (iPhone or iPod : LoseIt.) HIGHLY recommend it. I count EVERYTHING I put in my mouth and track my exercise. Keep a balanced diet with lots of variety, low in fat and high in protein, and limit my alcohol intake to a couple of glasses of wine on the weekends. Here is a typical day for me. 

4-445am cardio workout

breakfast: 2 hard boiled egg whites and a low fat yogurt (usually greek)

snack: 100 calories of almonds (cocoa roast for a sweet snack) and 3 carrots and 3 celery sticks

lunch: light progresso soup (120 calories for the whole big can) and grapefruit

snack: soy protein shake (powder with water not milk to save on calories)

dinner: chicken breast, brown rice, 1 cup strawberries, 1 cup broccoli, one glass almond milk

evening workout: 1 hour weight lifting class and 20 min.+ cardio

I don't do well with many milk products but obv. calcium is so important for women so i take a supplement.

This is just what i had today, but it works out to be around 1200 calories, then subtract all the exercise, and I am at a calorie deficit.

HTH, and GL!

angelsong21

Congrats!!

I agree with a PP regarding seeing a dietitian.  I live in Dallas as well and I know a GREAT dietitian if you'd like a name and number.

mcweiss1

Myrah D is right about the low carb diet.  I am currently on one and have really been happy with the rapid weight loss (2-4 lbs weekly)but know it is not a diet I can do forever, its not realistic.   While I won't limit my carbs like this always, I have learned a lot about how to eat better by having to keep track of carbs, it forces you to learn the nutritional info for everything you eat. 

Increase your fruits and veggies to 50% of your meals and choose leans proteins.  That way you can still have a potato, pasta or another starch as a small side.  Also, take fiber!  It makes me feel so great, I like the fiber tablets that you do not chew and just take with water.  Eliminate processed sugar and soda (even diet.) Drink tons of water, minimum 120 ounces daily. 

Lobsters25

Congratulations!!!

I lost 104 lbs in a little over a year, so I know how it feels to first start looking at a gameplan and wondering how you can convince yourself to finally face the uphill battle.  The best advice I can give you is, do what works for YOU.  Diets don't work as another post above mentioned, because they don't account for your lifestyle.

Based on my experience, here are my thoughts-

Rather than killing yourself with carrot sticks and celery, be practical.  I found when I tried to completely cut out any 'good' food, I fell off of the plan and binged like crazy.

Pick a few foods you are going to allow yourself (mine is cupcakes and soft pretzels) and pick a few foods that you really can live without (and cut them out!).  For the rest, just find healthier ways to make/enjoy them.  Women's Fitness has lots of great recipes.  I loved going out for Mexican, one of my favorite foods, so now I make healthier lime fajitas at home - using a dab of low fat cheese, grilled veggies, chicken in lime juice, and whole wheat fajitas.  It's just an example, but find ways to make your favorites healthier and saves some money!  I also allow myself one day a week to have an extra glass of wine or a real dessert.  I also recommend calorie counting in the beginning, to give yourself a better idea of what your day, in terms of food, should look and feel like.  Oh, and make sure to get enough protein!

Finally, you must, must, must exercise.  Try different classes and activities, and see what you like.  You do not need to be at the gym six/seven days a week, it will only burn you out that much faster.  Just find a schedule that works for you - and make sure to include cardio and weights.  Try to have a meal after your workout that is high in protein and low in fat - that will essentially put your body in high-test mode to keep burning fat after your workout.

My last bit of advice, don't hate yourself!  There's going to be a day when you just are too tired to get to the gym.  There's going to be a day where there is delicious cake in the office, and you're going to have a piece.  It's not the end!  Realize that you're already making better decisions, just had a moment of weakness, and keep on moving!

Best of luck!!!

[Deleted User]

I will be a dietitian in less than a year, so hopefully I can help you out!
Diets don't work. You need to make lifestyle changes! This is something you really have to work at and really have to try at! In my opinion, it's about 75% diet and 25% exercise. Main things:
1. Cut out or decrease soda/tea/coffee, etc. (diet soda actually has been found to make you gain weight because of the artificial sweetener)
2. No fast food! This is a big no-no! Pack your lunch and/or snacks ahead of time
3. Increase fruits, veggies, & whole grains
4. Decrease your portion sizes
5. exercise more frequently, and work hard!

Try going to mypyramid.gov to get statd, they will set you up (for free) with a meal plan and exercise plan and has AWESOME tips! hope this helps!
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thank you all & happy wedding wishes!

Milsey32

CONGRATS ON THE ENGAGEMENT!!! ... and best of luck with the healthy eating / healthy living  

KitsunaRi

Thank you all so, so, so much! I really appreciate your input and the congrats!

I am unfortunately too broke at the moment (college student for a few more months!) to afford a real dietician but maybe if I land my new job I'll end up with a good health plan! But for now, I will be taking much of ya'lls advice!

I've cut out sodas completely and have for a few months and I've noticed it's helped, but not as much as I hoped! I've been trying to work out as well, though with my current class schedule I only get into the gym twice a week. Though I have found a great website that gives some simple, daily, work outs that can be done even sitting down! So I'm going to be keeping up with those more often since they can be done anywhere! The site is here: http://www.quickiechick.com/

I've tried the no-carb thing before, it is so difficult but I am grateful for the hints on how to make it work! I think I can definitely lower my carb intake, though it will be tough. I love pasta and my FI's family used to own an italian resturaunt so you can guess what we eat a lot of, lol! I'm trying to cook us healthier food, my FI is very supportive in my want to loose weight, it's been something I've been trying to do for awhile. Our biggest problem is that we both enjoy food so much! But he's thin as a rail, lucky him! I know now that I need to work on my food habits to balance out with my work outs!

Thank you all again! I'm going to give it my all! ^^

Kate504

I do Weight watchers and I run and do the 30 day shred by jillian micheals. I have lost 33 lbs since the end of june, with some ups and downs.  It is hard work, good luck and congratulations.

Its all mental!

asialee2

The hardest part of every workout is getting there!

Good luck and congrats! 

cheeksv

http://debramoorhead.com/blog/index.php/how-i-lost-25-pounds-in-one-month/

this has helped me tons. you have to kinda cut the calories predicted that you need almost in half but, the general idea is great. i have lost ten pounds in one month and it works well. i still eat some things that  i love i had tacos the other night so it is not like you have to give up everything. Tips drink a protien shake for brakefast find a good soy one with low fat counts and  look at the calories with milk. if you take in protien you have to work out or you will gain weigt. i do cardio run about 2-3 miles a day. you need a certain amount of calories in a day  it is important you meet those calories but watch your fat intake. read the article it make sense and you have enought time before your wedding to loose the weight slowly and in a healthy way. 

Also , im a broke college kid too , you dont need a deitician you do need dicipline however. if you are not already a cosmo girl cosmo magazine has sections on how to work out at home with what you have and work out dvds go a long way and then do your weight training at the gym. 

lastly I personally do not strickly count my calorie intake i know what my calories need to be and i do read calories on w/e I eat and keep track. i love this method this article gave me it is easy and works 

kristinanddan

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_getting-shape_929-days-drop-least-100?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:238Discussion:d333274d-e922-4a23-a427-449e9ec919f3Post:df50aadb-4dfc-4c57-9642-b386e9c7777d">Re: 929 days to drop at least 100 lbs!</a>:
[QUOTE]<a href="http://debramoorhead.com/blog/index.php/how-i-lost-25-pounds-in-one-month/" rel='nofollow'>http://debramoorhead.com/blog/index.php/how-i-lost-25-pounds-in-one-month/</a> this has helped me tons.<strong> you have to kinda cut the calories predicted that you need almost in half</strong> but, the general idea is great. i have lost ten pounds in one month and it works well. i still eat some things that  i love i had tacos the other night so it is not like you have to give up everything. Tips drink a protien shake for brakefast find a good soy one with low fat counts and  look at the calories with milk. if you take in protien you have to work out or you will gain weigt. i do cardio run about 2-3 miles a day. you need a certain amount of calories in a day  it is important you meet those calories but watch your fat intake. read the article it make sense and you have enought time before your wedding to loose the weight slowly and in a healthy way.  Also , im a broke college kid too , you dont need a deitician you do need dicipline however. if you are not already a cosmo girl cosmo magazine has sections on how to work out at home with what you have and work out dvds go a long way and then do your weight training at the gym.  lastly I personally do not strickly count my calorie intake i know what my calories need to be and i do read calories on w/e I eat and keep track. i love this method this article gave me it is easy and works 
Posted by cheeksv[/QUOTE]


How many calories a day are you eating? If you're cutting any number of calories in half, it sounds like you aren't eating nearly enough.

<a href="http://www.bmi-calculator.net/bmr-calculator/" rel='nofollow'>http://www.bmi-calculator.net/bmr-calculator/</a>
Go to that website and calculate your BMR. That's the number of calories your body would burn on its own if you stayed in bed all day. For example, mine is 1425.

Then, calculate your daily calorie needs by being truthful about your activity level. I'm moderately active, so you multiply 1425 * 1.55 = 2209 - that's how many calories I need a day to sustain my current weight. To lose a pound a week (3500 calories) I need to eat around 1700 a day.

raynes

AHHHHHH!!!!

1)  Carbs are not evil.  Don't just willy nilly cut out carbs.  Your body needs carbs to function properly.  Instead cut out crappy carbs, like white, refined things.  Whole grains and fruit have a place in a healthy balanced diet.

2) Healthy, sustainable weight loss happens at a rate of 1-2 lbs (or around 1% of your body weight) per WEEK (NOT DAY). 

3) Please, for the love of all that is good, don't restrict your calories too far.  If you are netting fewer than 1,200 calories a day you run the very real risk of sending your body into starvation mode.  You'll seriously mess with your metabolism and you won't lose weight.  It might seem logical that if cutting out 500 calories a day means I'll lose 1 lb a week, then I should cut out 2000 calories a day to lose 4 lbs a week, but it just doesn't work that way.


OP, welcome to the board, and congratulations on your engagement.  Your weight loss goals are absolutely achievable in a healthy, sustainable way.  I'm not going to lie and say it won't take hard work and effort, but you can absolutely do it.

Check out a free site like Livestrong or SparkPeople.  They can help you figure out a reasonable, healthy calorie goal.  Something like Weight Watchers is good too, just not free.

ronster1226

I lost 102 lbs with Weight Watchers and swear by it.  I still want to lose another 65 by my wedding.  But don't completely rely on the scale.  Use it as a tool along with tape measures and clothes! Sometimes your hard work can be discouraging if you step on the scale and you haven't lost the pounds you want to lose right then.  There are many reasons why we hold weight- water, muscle...etc.  So if you want to lose 100 lbs, that's fantastic. But make mini goals. Try starting at losing 5% of your body weight. Then go to 10%. Then maybe 25 lbs. Smaller goals make for more exciting victories and it keeps you motivated and happy through the process!

I wish you the best of luck- and no matter what, whether or not you lose all of the weight, you'll still glow and be so beautiful on your wedding day! Congrats!

KitsunaRi

Thank you all!!

I am definitely not going to completely cut out carbs but I am definitely turning over to whole grain. I've been trying to get whole grain pasta any time we add pasta to our meals. Currently I'm even eating a healthy choice lunch with whole grain pasta, lol. I'm really looking forward to working out though! As I said, I had started a work out routine, but I had to stop for about two weeks because of scheduling issues, interviewing for new jobs, I don't like working out with other people in there ^^; I'm very self conscious so doing meetings and working out with tons of other people makes me really nervous and gives me anxiety x_x I do want to start taking the FI out on walks though. It's still nice here in Texas and we need to take advantage of that!!

I am very tempted by Weight Watchers though...can ya'll give me anymore info, pricing, timing, etc?

Thank you again! You all are so awesome!

J&K10910

Love Weight Watchers.  It's about $18 a month to do it online.  It's easy and you do it on your own time.  There are tons of (actually really tasty) recipes, plus a huge database of restaurant food, etc.  I used it to lose 12 lbs, now I"m using it to maintain my weight until after my wedding, and then I will use it try to lose about 8 more lbs. 

KitsunaRi

So I can do it online and not have to go to any meetings? That sounds good! I can probably budget an extra $18 a month if I can get some great, healthy recepies that even my FI will enjoy. He really is being great with all this! Though tonight we're doing hot dogs because he wants them, lol. Is there anything else I should know about Weight Watchers before signing up? Is it really easy to keep up with the meals and plans? We go out at least once every weekend with his parents so I want to be able to still do that with them!

MyrahD

I will also give one tip that the dietitian gave to my fiance: don't have any meal that doesn't incorporate carbs, protein, and a bit of healthy fat (she said it's good advice for everyone).  That helps prevent blood sugar swings and keeps you feeling full and energetic longer.  Example, don't have just cereal for breakfast.  Have an egg with it (hardboiled eggs keep for up to a week in the fridge, so you can have them on hand).  Or put a handful of unsalted roasted nuts on to a salad at lunch.  That kind of thing. 

Eating out is probably the hardest thing.  If you ever go out to chain places (even smaller chains with only a couple of locations), they often have their menus online that you can look at and see the nutrition information beforehand and pick out a couple of healthier options.  Sometimes, what you think is the best thing, might not actually be--like a salad--the dressing and fixins might be more fat and calories than just getting the burger you wanted in the first place and might still leave you hungry.  Maybe have the burger and skip the fries and ask for veggies instead. 

One last thing the dietitian said to us: never eat anything you don't like just because it's healthy.  There are tasty healthy choices out there and those are the ones you'll stick with. 

A few of my personal healthy favs I've recently discovered:
*nonfat Greek yogurt (they vary widely, so search for a brand you like);
*roasted veggies (use one of those Misto sprayers to spray them very lightly with oil, add a pinch of salt; broccoli, carrots, kale, and others all come out delicious--way better than steamed);
*roasted beets (sweet and tasty on a salad or as a side dish)
*swiss chard (sauteed with garlic and onions, so good--check the internet for recipes)

As for hot dog night, maybe next time, switch to turkey dogs on whole wheat buns?  You could even make (or buy) some low fat turkey or vegetarian chili to go on top.  And make sure there are always plenty of vegetables on the side (just don't make it iceberg lettuce--just about anything has more nutrition than that).

JA2003

I just want to say THANK YOU for some of the previous suggestions...you wouldn't believe how much I just scribbled down on my grocery list!
Some of mine:
-oatmeal with cinnamon for breakfast.. I read somewhere how this is one of those foods that your metabolism will respond to.
snack on protein bars and protein shakes. I mean, try some and find what you like, because when you actually LIKE the bars and shakes, you're actually going to eat them and not just smile at them in the pantry while you grab chips instead.. lol! I made the mistake of buying strawberry shakes...and....well, that is exactly what I did! Chocolate however, I eat almost every day.
Don't give up! Try getting some work out videos if you're someone who would rather not exercise in public just yet.. Jillian Michaels has done wonders for me. Try different work outs too! GOOD LUCK! and CONGRATS!

KitsunaRi

Well it looks like working out is going to be postponed again. I fell down a flight of stairs on my way out of our apartment this morning and screwed up my ankle >< It's like there is some force out there that doesn't want me to work out aahhh!!! Any excersise tips for someone who only has the use of one leg for the next week or two? ^^;;

JA2003

Yes, definitely there are things you can do with your upper body that still get your heart rate up and burning calories!
Try punching, make sure to cross the center of your body. Lifting weights, you could look into getting the exercise ball that you can squeeze between your knees.

KitsunaRi

I can only use one arm too unfortunately bruised the hell outta my right arm. Getitng around has been sucha  chore! It feels like a work out in and of itself! But thanks! I'm gonna try and do something but I have to be late cuz of the whiplash. It's just been one big mess @_@