Dieting Woes

themosthappy91 · January 2016

Feeling discouraged about my diet today and figured there are probably others on here on a new year health kick who can commiserate.

H and I went on a high protein, low fat and carbs diet about two weeks ago- I'm the one who really wants to lose weight but he very sweetly offered to join me in solidarity. I was always a slim person prior to about nine months ago when I went on anti-anxiety meds and gained a ton of weight really fast... I put off addressing the weight gain for a while but with this new year I'm ready to get my old body back, so yay for that!

Anyway, I've lost ten pounds now and mostly I'm bummed out because I thought that would feel like more of an achievement than it does! I guess I'm just not so psyched about it because 1) I know at least a few pounds of that is water weight that will come back once I start eating foods that hold water (i.e. carbs) again, 2) I can't perceive any difference in how I look or how my clothes fit at all yet and 3) there's still such a long way to go it's hard to feel like this even made a dent! Ten pounds down, fifty to go...

If there's anyone else out there currently in the midst of a diet- how's it going? How much do you want to lose and what milestones do you think have been or will be the most significant to you? Share your dieting (or fitness) successes or sadnesses so far!

justsie · January 2016

I remember I felt that way after losing some weight before. I'm currently dieting again and haven't lost that much yet, but before looking at what 10 lbs really meant helped a little. I used this visual (among others) to help me put it in perspective:

Image: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/65/8e/76/658e76d47c0b97df9a88c5b6f7dfa6eb.jpg

Of course keep in mind you loose that all over your body, so it will look differently than a big blob but still. You've lost that.

thefanciestbeckler · January 2016

I'm dieting. It sucks. And I already blew it today. Realistically, I need to lose probably 25 or 30 lbs. Like you, I've always been slim until the last several months. It is so disheartening to put pants on that fit a couple of months ago and not be able to button them now!

DH said he wants to lose weight too, but he rarely shows any initiative, so it make things more difficult. If I don't put healthy food in front of him, he won't eat it. He gets off work 3 hours earlier than me, so if he is hungry he will stop at Sonic on the way home and get a hamburger instead of going home and making a sandwich. So then, by the time I get home, he isn't hungry and I feel little motivation to cook dinner for just me. Ugh.

The goal for us is to try to eat as clean as possible without being unrealistic. I am a big lover of carby, starchy foods so for me this will also mean cutting out lots of simple carbs and replacing them with whole grains, brown rice, etc.

I feel like a milestone for me will be being able to wear my jeans without them cutting into my stomach like they do now. I'm basically down to just wearing leggings and stretchy pants now because I hate the way "real" pants fit and feel.

princessleia22 · January 2016

It's hard to get too excited until you actually start physically seeing results, which doesn't happen immediately. I haven't been "dieting" so much as just tracking my food and limiting calories. I've been using My Fitness Pal and limiting to 1,200 calories a day. I allow myself to eat whatever food choices I want, as long as I stay within the calorie count. I have started making some healthier changes to my diet as a result though. I eat a lot more grilled chicken for dinner lately. And I've cut back my morning Chai Latte consumption and switch it out for regular hot tea about half the time... It's hard to justify spending 1/4 of my daily calories on my morning drink (plus it yells at me about the sugar consumption whenever I put my chai in MFP). But, I still eat junk food when I want to... I just have to limit it more than I used to. I also have been looking at Weight Watchers Simply Start food list and trying to stick to more of those things when making food choices... except when I'm craving junk.

I've also started taking my dogs on longer walks and just started listening to the Zombies Run app while walking (I'm not able to actually run), which kind of turns it into a game, so I'm more apt to walk longer.

I've also lost about 10 lbs, but like you haven't noticed any physical change yet. About 1.5 years ago, I had changed birth control (combined with turning 35 and getting married at around same time) and gained about 35 lbs. in a year. It had luckily kind of leveled off over the past 6 months after changing to different BC method. I would like to get back to my original weight, but I'm more concerned about just getting myself into a healthier lifestyle pattern, which I'm hoping will translate to weight loss over time. It's tough not seeing the results yet though.

STARMOON44 · January 2016

You've lost 10 lbs in two weeks and you're bummed? Get a grip!

themosthappy91 · January 2016

@justsie you know, I never thought to go searching for visuals as inspiration, that's a really good idea! That photo is gross lol but it does drive home the point.

@thefanciestbeckler That sucks that your H isn't more on board, I guess he's got to just make the decision to get serious on his own time. I'm having a little bit of the opposite problem with my H because he is just better at dieting than me- I swear after four days he physically looked skinnier and he's had two people that he casually knows ask him if he lost weight so far. Why is it so much easier for guys??

@princessleia22 Sounds like you're taking a good approach with portion control and focusing on lifestyle rather than just the number on the scale! I am looking forward to getting down to a weight where I feel comfortable working out again- I used to love doing hot yoga and barre classes but I've been so mortified about my sudden gain that I stopped going (plus I don't want to spend money on a bunch of new workout gear in my new size).

@STARMOON44 Lol well like I said, I just know my metabolism well enough to know that if I diet for like one day I lose 5 pounds off the bat- and obviously that's just water weight, not a real shift in my body. My point was mostly that it can be discouraging when there is still so much to go.

PrettyGirlLost · January 2016

10lbs down is fantastic! Don't be discouraged, do a happy dance :-)

Maggie0829 · January 2016

PrettyGirlLost said:

10lbs down is fantastic! Don't be discouraged, do a happy dance :-)

Seriously! Water weight or not, 10 pounds is amazing, especially in 2 weeks.

Jells2dot0 · January 2016

Losing weight from medication is HARD. I was on prednisone (steroids) for 7 months during and following my cancer treatment. I put on 30lbs and because I was undergoing chemo, I was told I had to keep eating a lot and I was too tired/run down to work out.

When I was finally cleared to work out, I took up boxing. I worked my ass off and it seemingly did nothing! I then had to relocate and started it back up after a few months and did that along with a lower carb/higher protein diet. Then, one day, I magically lost 10lbs. the boxing sculpted my body and the diet helped offset the muscle gain. But, it stopped, and that is where I am now. My first milestone is to lose 5 lbs and the end goal is to lose another 5- so 10 total.

I've got all kinds of craziness in my life (trying to buy a new home, more cancer issues, demanding job that limits my gym time) so I need to find a way to make it all work at the same time. Well, I simply cannot make it work after I have surgery next month. I'll be on the mend for a month and I'm going to try super hard to be strict about my diet while I'm on the couch. But, after that, I will be hiking in New Zealand, so I have super motivation to get back on the horse!

tigerlily6 · January 2016

You can do it! You are 17% there in less than a month! Keep up the good work!

I'm trying to diet also. It's started very slowly, but it is going. Trying to eat healthier foods, exercise more, and also working on developing good habits of portion control. I can get seconds of salad, but nothing else. And if I need a treat, I bought myself some hot cocoa mix. Gives me something warm and sweet to indulge in when I really crave it, without blowing too many calories.

themosthappy91 · January 2016

Aw man y'all, now I feel like an AW being all sad about my progress... thanks for the dose of perspective though

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@Jells2dot0 I'm so sorry you've had to go through all that, I can't imagine the toll of chemo + weight gain on your self-esteem and emotions. Fingers crossed that your surgery goes as smoothly as possible and you'll bounce back quickly- but take all the time you need to heal first and foremost.

@tigerlily6 That's something that has helped me too, always having a go-to treat on hand for when I need something comforting that isn't diet-killing. Yum, now I want hot chocolate.

randomslove · January 2016

You're doing better than I am. I've been keeping tight to my diet and have gained three pounds, bringing the total I want to lose up to 11-16 (I have a range rather than an actual number). However, I also know my body well enough to know that after another week of dieting, those three and a few more should disappear. And I'm still down five from where I started this last March (five pounds in 10 months isn't much, but my body does not like dropping weight). It was only in the last month-ish of dieting that I lost anything. I lost eight pounds in five weeks. Then I took a break for the holidays, worked hard not to gain, and now I'm hitting it hard again. I diet, I increase activity overall, and I take multivitamins. I don't cut out any food group; I'm already a healthy eater, so I just reduce my portions. That way, I don't go crazy.

I also have noticed I tend to do better if I have a cheat day roughly every ten days. A week is too often and two weeks just isn't enough.

Ten pounds is a huge dent. If you're losing weight consistently, that's pretty awesome. It could always be worse.

I'd also suggest taking your measurements every five to ten pounds. When I don't lose weight, I use the tape measure to help me keep assured that my work is paying off somehow. Maybe your clothes aren't falling off yet, but you've dropped an inch in the waist or thighs without noticing? Those things can really boost self-esteem.

pinkcow13 · January 2016

10 pounds is awesome, no matter what it is! I am dieting myself, I really let myself get unhealthy after the wedding. I started drinking more, not watching what I eat, working out less. I can tell that I put on a lot of weight just within the last 3 weeks after the holidays, and a work trip to Austin last week.

I am not weighing myself, and have not weighed myself in months. Sometimes it helps me to weigh myself for accountability, but I end up obsessing. I am going to start taking my measurements again, and going by how my clothes fit. I'm doing a low carb diet as well, because I gain weight very quickly when I eat too many carbs. I'm also cutting out drinking from my diet, as I need to just be healthier overall. I'd like to go without alcohol for a solid month, and then continuing from there.

It's easy for me to stay motivated once I see results. My issue has always been maintaining my ideal weight.

thisismynickname2 · January 2016

OP, asking because it wasn't clear in your post, are you also changing your workout schedule or only adjusting what you eat?

Personally, my work out is more important to me than diet. I know every body is different. I had a lot of success getting in shape by getting a personal trainer for a few months. It really kickstarts things; they can teach you proper form, consult on diet, etc.

themosthappy91 · January 2016

@randomslove That's a great idea about measuring versus relying solely on the scale- the number can fluctuate so easily based on period bloating, too much salt etc. so I bet measuring would give me some peace of mind when I feel like I'm stalling. Also don't worry about gaining back three pounds- you have a relatively small amount to lose so I would imagine it's slower progress with more fluctuations at that stage. And yes, cheat days are seriously a lifesaver

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@pinkcow13 My H is the same- he's going by the fit of his clothes and never stepping on the scale. I love that approach in theory because really it's about how you feel and not the number on the scale- just doesn't work for me because the number is what keeps me motivated/accountable day-to-day.

@thisismynickname I have no workout schedule to speak of

. I mentioned in a response above, I used to do yoga and barre classes, which I loved, but I lost my confidence to keep it up (group classes, so many mirrors ugh) when I gained all this weight. I also don't want to spend a bunch of money on workout gear in my new size, since none of my old stuff fits anymore. I'm hoping once I lose the first 20 pounds or so I'll be able to get back into it. I've been thin for most of my life but this year I really want to be strong and fit for the first time!

PrettyGirlLost · January 2016

themosthappy91 said:

@randomslove That's a great idea about measuring versus relying solely on the scale- the number can fluctuate so easily based on period bloating, too much salt etc. so I bet measuring would give me some peace of mind when I feel like I'm stalling. Also don't worry about gaining back three pounds- you have a relatively small amount to lose so I would imagine it's slower progress with more fluctuations at that stage. And yes, cheat days are seriously a lifesaver .

I only ever weigh myself first thing in the morning. . . and only after I use the bathroom. . . so morning coffee is a must ;-)

PamBeesly524 · January 2016

OP congrats on your progress! H and I have been making a conscious effort to eat healthier ever since Christmas, but we aren't limiting ourselves to a specific diet. We've kind of made a project out of researching healthier dinners to try and then shop for... This is the first time that I've enjoyed experimenting with healthy recipes and I don't feel like it's a chore - I'm not sure what's different this go around besides the fact that I'm the heaviest I've ever been and want to feel better. We're avoiding heavy, carby foods and I already track through MFP for a wellness program at work but I've been paying more attention to it lately

I've also made an effort to renew my workout schedule... I've started up barre again and recently took up spin. I used to feel really self conscious at group classes but I started taking a moment for myself at the beginning of each class reminding myself why I'm there - for myself. I know it sounds corny but it started giving me the drive to really work through those classes and get as much out of them as I could.

Good luck with everything! Maybe we can start up a weekly fitness check in for accountability.

ILoveBeachMusic · January 2016

thisismynickname said:

OP, asking because it wasn't clear in your post, are you also changing your workout schedule or only adjusting what you eat?

Personally, my work out is more important to me than diet. I know every body is different. I had a lot of success getting in shape by getting a personal trainer for a few months. It really kickstarts things; they can teach you proper form, consult on diet, etc.

I second the idea of a personal trainer. I've been working with one for about a year and have totally reshaped my body and lost 37 lbs. I'd like to lose 10-15 more. My first time goal was my daughter's wedding, now my son is getting married! More incentive. I have also noticed that alcohol really makes a difference. If I have more than 1-2 drinks a week, no weight loss! What a bummer because I really do love my wine.

tigerlily6 · January 2016

I'm not a big fan of group workouts, either. But I've been trying to put a minimum of 30 min of exercise in a day. I'm a big fan of going to the pool to do laps (even just using the kickboard is a good leg workout!), but I know a lot of gyms don't always have pools. Also, as insanely cheesy as it is, I have been doing workout videos from a DVD that my mom gave me. It's designed for seniors, but because of that I think the exercises are made to be a bit easier on the joints (I have a bad knee and can't handle too much strain on it). And it still works my butt (and arms) off. So... yeah, I endorse old workout videos, haha.

On the food side of things, I think the New Year has started well partly thanks to the awesome Christmas present my brothers gave FI -- an electric pressure cooker. Right before I typed this, I spent about 7 minutes of prep time putting together ingredients from online for Sweet Hot Mustard Chicken. Chicken was frozen. Set it for 20 minutes. LOVE.

spockforprez · January 2016

I've been solidly back on track for a month after gaining back 25 of the 75 lbs I lost between June 2014 and June 2015. I use myfitnesspal and I eat whatever I want within my calories, although I try to hit a fiber target and keep the fat mid-range. I am super fat, so even a big # like 75 lbs didn't really show any change in my body, so I definitely understand feeling discouraged.

I haven't heard of high protein, low carb, low fat. (Usually with low carb I hear high protein, medium fat, or high fat, medium protein.) That has got to be a pretty difficult diet to stick to! What is your macro ratio? Also, I would recommend keeping an eye on calories too in addition to the parameters of the diet, only so that you know what your "maintenance" level is. That is the level of calories that you can eat and you will neither lose nor gain weight. If you are struggling or feel deprived, take a maintenance day to get a mental break. You could also look up about carb refeeding which may help break plateaus.

As for me, I'm going to make a big push to lose maybe 8-10 lbs a month (which is very achievable at my weight) between now and early to mid-April, then I will get my dress altered. It's a corset back so I really don't think a big weight loss will make a difference, and I'm squeezing into it now as it is, so I think it will just make it more comfortable if anything.

I'll try to slow down my weight loss the last 6 weeks before the wedding, maybe 1 lb per week which won't be much at my size, just in case, to avoid any surprises about the dress fit.

As far as struggles... oh lordy lol. From when we bought our house in June until mid-December, I was so all over the place. I was having issues with binge eating where I felt out of control of my body and was eating against my will. I went to therapy but after six sessions it still wasn't super helpful, so I just gave myself permission to eat what I wanted rather than beating myself up. I tried to log it in myfitnesspal even if it was awful. As a result of three months of free for all eating, I went up around 25 lbs. Since Christmas I've lost about 10 of those lbs.

With so much weight to lose I try to take a long view and think about what I call the differential between where I am now and where I would be if I hadn't made a change in my eating. I was gaining between 15-20 lbs a year prior to starting weight loss. That was over 1.5 years ago, so if I hadn't lost weight I would be 80-90 pounds heavier than I am right now. That helps, when I think about my struggles and how I wasted all of 2015, lol. Also, keep going through the motions, at least. I kept logging in myfitnesspal, kept using my food scale, etc. because I knew one day the motivation would come back and I wanted to be ready.

themosthappy91 · January 2016

spockforprez said:

I've been solidly back on track for a month after gaining back 25 of the 75 lbs I lost between June 2014 and June 2015. I use myfitnesspal and I eat whatever I want within my calories, although I try to hit a fiber target and keep the fat mid-range. I am super fat, so even a big # like 75 lbs didn't really show any change in my body, so I definitely understand feeling discouraged.

I haven't heard of high protein, low carb, low fat. (Usually with low carb I hear high protein, medium fat, or high fat, medium protein.) That has got to be a pretty difficult diet to stick to! What is your macro ratio? Also, I would recommend keeping an eye on calories too in addition to the parameters of the diet, only so that you know what your "maintenance" level is. That is the level of calories that you can eat and you will neither lose nor gain weight. If you are struggling or feel deprived, take a maintenance day to get a mental break. You could also look up about carb refeeding which may help break plateaus.

With so much weight to lose I try to take a long view and think about what I call the differential between where I am now and where I would be if I hadn't made a change in my eating. I was gaining between 15-20 lbs a year prior to starting weight loss. That was over 1.5 years ago, so if I hadn't lost weight I would be 80-90 pounds heavier than I am right now. That helps, when I think about my struggles and how I wasted all of 2015, lol. Also, keep going through the motions, at least. I kept logging in myfitnesspal, kept using my food scale, etc. because I knew one day the motivation would come back and I wanted to be ready.

Re- the first bolded: I'm doing a modified version of the Dukan Diet, which I highly recommend for people who have trouble with maintaining motivation and keeping up with calorie counting. It's a four phase program, and the thing I like most about it is only half of it is actually devoted to losing weight (phases 1 and 2), while the other half (phases 3 and 4) is devoted to stabilization and re-teaching yourself healthy habits. You basically just eat lean protein and veggies at the outset as a way to lose weight quickly before you lose motivation, but it always keeps in mind the end goal of being able to eat all food groups in moderation.

Re- the second bolded: That's a great way to think about it. Every day is not just a day you lost X amount of weight, but a day you solidified a healthier habit. I'm a big emotional/comfort eater (honestly always have been, but prior to last year I could get away with it without gaining much), so it's just as much about breaking that habit longterm as it is about losing the weight in this moment.

Anyway it sounds like you've made awesome progress so far, and good luck with continuing to lose in the next few months! I like the idea that someone else suggested of a fitness check-in thread or something, where we can all celebrate each other stay on track.

STARMOON44 · January 2016

Waiting to lose weight to buy new exercise clothes and rejoin the workouts you enjoy is the stupidest plan I have ever heard.

JoanE2012 · January 2016

10lbs is nothing to scoff at in two weeks! I'm in dieting mode - I've been really watching everything I eat since the fall. It's tough, but this was the first holiday season where I (for the most part) stayed on track. The scale hasn't moved much in the past month, but I'm happy to maintain. Starting to get back on track. My focus has always been portion control and moderation with exercise - I'm done with all the craze diets.

thefanciestbeckler · January 2016

I'm sitting here all unhappy about my weight while drinking wine...

PamBeesly524 · January 2016

STARMOON44 said:
Waiting to lose weight to buy new exercise clothes and rejoin the workouts you enjoy is the stupidest plan I have ever heard.

why? OP is making an effort to be healthier and happier... Who cares the reason? Fitting into her workout clothes is hardly her main reason, she just mentioned it as another plus.

missfrodo · January 2016

I second randomslove on measurements! I went to school for personal training (not active right now due to life stuff), and doing weight loss programs with people, you will absolutely notice a change in inches before a change in weight (from my experience). Get FI or a friend to measure you, as it will be hard to get an accurate reading doing it yourself. Measure the largest point on the following: right arm (no need to do both arms, they should be the same), bust, just below the bust, largest portion of stomach (usually belly button range), buttocks, right thigh (again, no need to do both sides, they should match) and, if you really want, right calf.
I also want to point out that people tend to lose weight from the top down, so you may notice your face looking thinner, then lose a couple inches in your bust, before you see a change in stomach/hips. For exercise, try starting with 5 min. a day and work your way up to 30--it won't seem so hard to do a 5 min workout to start, and once you get comfortable with that in your routine, it will be easy to go longer. Work on your big muscle groups, as they'll burn more calories--squats and lunges for legs, pushups (you can do these on a table/counter if you can't do them on the floor) and bent-over rows (google it if you don't know what that is) for upper body. Also, try planks, even if it's 10 seconds at a time--if you start to feel pain in your back during a plank, stop!!!

STARMOON44 · January 2016

PamBeesly524 said:

STARMOON44 said:
Waiting to lose weight to buy new exercise clothes and rejoin the workouts you enjoy is the stupidest plan I have ever heard.
why? OP is making an effort to be healthier and happier... Who cares the reason? Fitting into her workout clothes is hardly her main reason, she just mentioned it as another plus.

Because getting clothes that fit you now so that you can workout now is going to help her lose 20 lbs quicker, and punishing herself for gaining weight by not doing physical activity she likes will make it harder? How is this not obviously a bad call?

lnixon8 · January 2016

OP hit up Old Navy. They are constantly having sales (cute capri length pants for $6.15 and wicking material tanks for under $3) and their workout clothes are super cute. I think cute workout clothes (that aren't cutting into me) make me feel much more comfortable going to group spin classes.

*I will say their sports bras aren't awesome for bigger boobs so I have 3 really good ones from under arour or victoria secret I use for running and jogging

Jells2dot0 · January 2016

One thing that helped me was having metabolic testing done. They offer it for free at my work. You are asked a bunch of questions and breath into a tube for 10 minutes. It then gives you your resting metabolic rate and recommends how many calories you should eat for lose weight, maintain weight or gain weight. You can also provide a goal (say, lose 1 lb per week to get to x weight) and it will tell you how long it will take if you stick to X calories per day.

I've had it done twice- once a few years ago and once after I got back from disability. It was very accurate prior to me getting sick. Afterwards, the plan didn't really work because my adrenals an body chemistry were so messed up. So, if you have weight gain from meds, it might not be as accurate. But, I thought I'd share because I'm super goal oriented and this gave me a goal and the steps on how to reach it.

PamBeesly524 · January 2016

STARMOON44 said:

Waiting to lose weight to buy new exercise clothes and rejoin the workouts you enjoy is the stupidest plan I have ever heard.
why? OP is making an effort to be healthier and happier... Who cares the reason? Fitting into her workout clothes is hardly her main reason, she just mentioned it as another plus.
Because getting clothes that fit you now so that you can workout now is going to help her lose 20 lbs quicker, and punishing herself for gaining weight by not doing physical activity she likes will make it harder? How is this not obviously a bad call?

BOX

I get that, but she also said that she's self conscious in group settings, so it's not just the clothes. I agree that I wouldn't wait to work out, but I also get not wanting to spend $$$$ on clothes she'll wear for a month.

OP i second Old Navy! You could probably spend around $50 and get a couple cute/versatile outfits to work out in for now.... You might have to do a little extra laundry to rewear throughout the week depending on how much you exercise but at least you'd have some options! Also yoga pants or sweatpants that you already have would be an easy thing to wear if you wanted to go out for a long or brisk walk or something.

Maggie0829 · January 2016

I agree with Starmoon. Sorry, but not spending money on workout clothes to fit your body now and waiting to start a workout regime after you lose X amount of weight is not the smartest. When you buy clothes that actually fit your body you will be surprised how good you look and how much more comfortable you are to do things. I know that when I was trying to shove my ass into too small pants that I was very self-conscious. But when I went up a size and the pants actually fit without any muffin top bulging over I felt that I looked skinnier and I felt a lot more comfortable in my skin.

I get being uncomfortable in group settings when you aren't at a weight you are happy with. But everyone needs to start somewhere. First I think OP should go out and buy 2-3 workout outfits in her size now (and make them outfits that you love and feel good in right now not something that you may feel good in later). Then instead of group classes start working out at home by pulling videos off YouTube. But exercising is important and will help with the weight loss. These outfits don't have to be expensive but to not include working out in your weight loss journey because you don't want to spend a few bucks on clothes that fit is not really smart.

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