I have finally decided to take my goal of weight loss seriously. I think that I finally have that motivation to actually get me to get up off my arse, get to the gym, and watch what I'm eating. On June 7th '09 I will be a bridesmaid in my best friend's wedding. I am terrified of the dress she chose for us (short and strapless). I figured that I don't want to be that "fat friend" that makes everyone else look that much better. I want to feel beautiful again and regain my self esteem. I'm so tired of hiding from cameras and thinking every picture I'm in is horrible and not in the "proper angle". I want every angle to be one I'm proud of.

The low down:
Age: 26
Height: 5'7"
Weight: 200lbs
Goal weight: 145lbs
Deadline: April 2009 (so I can order my bridesmaid dress)

Reason for weight gain:
A number of things.
1. I was always a little bit heavier than my peers but also have a larger body structure. I played soccer all throughout my childhood and teenage years and enjoyed being active. I stopped playing soccer when I was 18 when I dislocated my knee and tore my ACL. I recovered, never did the reconstructive surgery, but feel that my knee is fairly strong without it.
2. October of 2005 I suffered a work related injury. While bartending I would have to change out beer kegs (full ones weighing around 150-170lbs). In the process I tore 2 discs in my lower back; the L4-L5 and the L5-S1. From the back injury, I have been in a lot of pain and thus, less active. My doctor recommends that I don't run since it will only put more stress on my back with the shock absorption. It's been a long and tedious case, but it was finally ruled that it was indeed work's fault. I'm still in the limbo of the case trying to find a doctor I want to treat me (that is willing to do all the paperwork associated with work comp- ugh). I am only doing pain management right now until I'm older. Everyone agrees that at 26, I'm too young to consider any major surgeries to fix my back.
3. I've been in a relationship for about 2 and a half years with a fantastic boyfriend. I have become "comfortable" and noticed I started disregarding what I was eating. I guess it also doesn't help since he doesn't like many healthy foods. Example: I am a HUGE salad fan but he hates lettuce! I can go on and on, but it's so frustrating. His favorite food is pizza and we all know how damaging that can be do our figure... It's so difficult when he can eat anything and everything and still be fit.

The plan:
I'm watching what I'm eating. I'm really reading about calories and keeping track of what I eat. I'm trying to stay in the calorie range of 1400-1700/day. I also found a Wii Fit and that will also help me keep track of my BMI and weight along with making various exercises at home fun. I've been going to the gym with a friend who also needs to lose weight. Having the mutual support has really enabled me to step out of my shell and try classes at 24 hour fitness.

I started eating less and healthier on Monday and have lost about 2 lbs already! I last weighed myself on Thursday and refuse to get on the scale until Monday in hopes of seeing more dramatic results. lol

I will continue to post up here with progress. I think that having a diary in a forum like this will keep me motivated. I can't wait to look like how I feel.

A survey I found. Definitely made me think:


What is your current height and weight?
5'7 and 198 lbs

If you were at an ideal weight now, what would that weight be?
About 145 lbs or less.

At what weight would you like to be at four months from now?
I would love to be at 160-170lbs.

Why do you want to lose weight?
I want to be healthier overall and gain back self confidence.

Do you want to lose weight for a specific life event such as wedding or reunion? If so, when is that event?
The deadline that is pushing me the most for this is a wedding... June 7, 09.

What obstacles could get between you and your weight loss goals?
Personal injuries (back and knee), work, school, boyfriend...

Why do you think that you now have a weight problem?
I didn't pay attention to what I ate and LOVE food. I would eat until stuffed and snack on anything sweet. I'm also a huge sauce fan (dipping fries in ranch, lots of dressing on my salads, extra bbq sauce, you name it).

What lifestyle changes do you think would help you lose weight?
Eating more sensible meals and learn more about portion control. Being more active while eating smart. Definitely not skipping breakfast anymore.

Have you lost weight in the past? If so, what has worked in the past to help you lose weight?
I lost about 15lbs before my brother's wedding but did one of those quick diets. For 2 weeks I was on the master cleanse aka the lemonade diet where you really flush out your system and lose water weight. I gained back 5 lbs after and kept off the 10 for a while.... but that didn't last long.

Why do you believe that you did not lose weight or you gained the weight back?
I got back in the habit of snacking, not watching what I was eating, enjoying food too much, and not being active.

What, if anything, has not worked for you in the past in helping you to lose weight? Why do you think it did not work?
I would set this goals for myself and I think I just didn't have the motivation to do it. I would continuously put it off and tell myself I would come back to it but never did. I think it's much more psychological than anything.

Would you try writing down all food and drink consumed for a given period of time?
So far I have a mental note of what I've been eating but I definitely am planning on starting a journal.

Do you cook at home often? If so, what do you cook?
I love to cook and cook often. Anything from seafood to the basic chicken and steak. Going back to school in September will be difficult since I may not be able to pack a lunch on the days I go. Commuting on a sportbike does not leave room for much more than books in my back pack.

How often do you go out to eat? Where do you go?
I tend to go out to eat on the weekends when I stay with my boyfriend. Anything from Subway to Japanese. I try to make smart choices but it's hard since smart & healthy = $$$

What are your three favorite foods?
I have way more than 3 favorites!!! I love Japanese, Mexican, and Italian foods. I also love beer... Why does beer have to have so many calories?!

What are your three favorite restaurants?
Curry House (Japanese Curry), Any Japanese Teppan House, and Five Crowns.

What are three things you can do differently when it comes to food?
Eat smaller portions, drink more water, and immediately pack up some of the food to go so I won't be tempted!

If you woke up tomorrow and your body was exactly the way you want it, what would be different?
I would have much more self confidence and self esteem. I would be more active and social as a result.

Do you eat when you are not hungry?
Sometimes. I tend to eat since I am a fan of food.

Do you binge eat (large amounts at a time)?
There have been times. If I didn't eat for a longer period of time I would.

Do you hide your food or eat in secret?
I have in the past.

Do you eat when you are sad, nervous, or depressed?
I noticed I have. I would end up in the kitchen staring inside the fridge and pantries.

Do you eat as a reward?
Sometimes.

Do you eat while watching TV or using the computer?
In front of the TV. I try to limit it to just when I'm having dinner.

What do you normally eat for a meal?
Wide range of things... Grilled chicken, steak/veggie kabob, taco salad, chicken florentine casserole... a plethora of homemade recipes...

What type of snacks do you eat?
Popcorn, 100-calorie snacks (oreo/chips ahoy)

In terms of exercise, what, if anything, are you currently doing?
I do about 30 min (6+miles) on the recombinant bike, biceps, triceps, hip/thigh, lower back, shoulder, some yoga...

Where do you go for exercise? A local public gym? School/work gym? Home?
Home and at 24 hour fitness.

What, if anything, are your three favorite types of exercise?
Weight training, step aerobics, bicycling.

What is your daily/weekly/monthly/yearly motivation to move towards your goals?
Daily: improve my health from the inside-out. Weekly/Monthly: To move toward my goal weight. Yearly: to be able to wear the clothes I want to and improve my confidence.

Do you have rewards for certain goals?
New clothes... I haven't really thought much about the rewards. I think that losing the weight is a reward in itself.
__________________

**Best Wishes!**

You can do it!

Hello.

Congratulations on decidin that it's time to do something, it's not easy and it takes a lot of strength to get up and change your life around but it can be done.

We have almost the same height I'm 5'8, also I have a large frame so I don't know if 145 might be a little too low for you, you're not that short, depends on your frame then.

I've been on my journey for 5 days now, it's been tough but I also want to get to my goal by next year around June-July, I'm going back to my home country after 11 years so I don't want my relatives to say " oh wow is that the little girl we knew? This fat girl can't be her" U know?
I would hate myself forever if I missed that trip just because of weight, because I need to see my grandparents who knows how long they got left u know, hopefully a very long time but we never know.

Anywho, im stopping with the rant

This forum has helped me a bunch, whenever I feel like caving in or eating something really late I would sing in, rant, read and I'd feel so much better to see and know that many ppl out there all over the world are in the same boat as I am and that it would be a shame to give up.

Welcome!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for the warm welcomes! I know this forum will aid me in a journey that I know will have it's ups and downs.

Ugotwill- The only reason I'm shooting for 145 is so then I can try to be at a more acceptable BMI. According to my height, the recommended BMI is at 140lbs. I may only want to go to 150, but I like to aim high and try to push further rather than reach a weight, claim victory, only to need to lose more. I doubt I can ever wear a size 4, but would love to be a 7/8 someday (if that's possible).

I remember when I was around 165, I felt beautiful and confident. I never felt "fat" until more recently when I noticed I had to wear my loose jeans and those were snug...

Since I'm not on my own computer, I don't have access to all my most embarrassing pics, but to only those on my myspace (which of course I consider flattering otherwise they wouldn't be on there. lol)
I think this pic of me showing my tattoo was taken at about 165lbs and I felt like I had an attractive body, but could use some toning in areas. I had a flat stomach and it's still fairly flat for my weight right now... I guess I gain weight everywhere, not just in one place. The other pic with the "leprechaun" was taken in Las Vegas when I was about 175-180...

I would love to get back that weight and confidence...

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Nice tat, and you still look good at 175-180, since you're 5'7 you carry the weight very well, i would have never guessed your weight there if you haven't told me, I would of thought u were like 160 in all honesty.


I can actually relate to you A LOT.
4 years ago I lost 30-40lbs, but when I lost those lbs I was 210, so not nearly as much as I weight now (268). Yikes, I did gain most of that weight during and after my pregnancy.

When I was skinnier I felt very attractive, I was able to wear so much, since I am tall myself I looked way under the weight I actually was, so things looked good on me and I still remeber how I felt back than, all confident and what not, now I want that feeling back for good.

You are a very pretty girl, ull be at ur goal in no time

Congrats! Welcome to the forum. I just started myself and it has been wonderful. I am a scale FREAK and am trying to stay strong and just weigh myself once a week. It's only been 3 days, and it is a struggle... ha ha! We can keep eachother motivated. It has been great to have the people here already motivate me so much in such a short time. Good luck.

I'm so excited to have people to confide in that know what I'm going through. I think we will be a huge help to one another in achieving our individual goals.

*Whistles* Great pics.

- HeeHee -

You're gonna do just great!

I'm 5'8 and have always hidden my issues when in the 70's...

There is no hiding now since I have reached the 90's...lol

I'd need ta be 6 ft. lmbo..

I can't wait to get this stinkin' weight off!

You've got a great plan and outlook.

Have A Great Day!

With the weekend coming to a close I was reflecting on my first week with this new outlook on life. I must say that I really enjoy it. I feel more energized from eating healthy and to my surprise, am not as hungry as when I was eating more often. Keeping my calorie count below 2000 is easier than I thought and I am shocked that it keeps me full. I do THINK about eating a lot since it's a habit I still am in the process of breaking. As Freud would say, I have an "oral fixation"... eating, nail biting, chewing on pen caps... I found that chewing gum has really helped me take the edge off of not physically eating as often.

I'm nervous to go to the gym and take a pilates class by myself but I'm seriously considering doing that tomorrow morning around 10. I just wish that my gym's class area wasn't right when you walk in. Ugh.. how embarrassing. I guess it'll really depend on my morning errands to see if I can even make it there by then.

I guess I only have one about this whole experience... Healthy food is so much more expensive than junk food! It makes no sense!!!! No wonder obesity is such a common problem in the world. Oh well, my health is worth the extra $$.




I snuck on the scale tonight even though I told myself I would wait for tomorrow. If all my stars are aligned and I read it correctly, it looks like I'm down 4-5 lbs overall!
I'll wait until tomorrow to double check it before I change my ticker to mimic the results. lol

I got on the scale this morning and indeed it still said I was about 4.5lbs lighter than when I started this journey.

I got myself to go the gym for the pilates class all by myself... lol After the hour class I did about 6.5 miles (a little over 30min) on the recumbent bike, and various weight machines. The friend I mentioned before called me and wants to go to the gym tonight, so why not? I'll be doing a yoga for an hour tonight and I'll do a couple more machines before it.

I'm just afraid of doing too much too soon and being overly sore and immobile the next day. I guess there's one way to find out.

Hey there

Just remember to stretch and you shouldnt be too sore. Looks like your doing great, just remember not to do too much too soon Sometimes we get burnt out when we over do it. Consistency is key, and getting this down to a most/every day science is the real winner.

That goal for the bridesmaid dress for next year sounds awesome! You can totally hit your goal and then some by then, just keep these new habits going and you will be unstoppable. You do, from your picture, hold your weight very nicely it seems.

I don't know if you've ever tried one of the spin classes at your gym but the ones at mine are pretty good, imo. An amazing workout, and I noticed how you like the bike and are starting to take some classes.

-Sam

Sam- Thanks for the heads up about the spin class. I've been thinking about doing it, but am not sure if it's what I really can do with my back. It's difficult for me to sit for long periods of time especially hunched forward. That's why I try to use the recumbent bicycle since it has the more reclined back positioning. When I strengthen my core some more I'll try a spin class and see how it goes.


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Well, it ends up that I didn't do yoga tonight after all. I apparently confused my friend as to which gym we would be going to and by the time we realized this, she wouldn't have been able to make it due to PM traffic. BUT we found a yoga class tomorrow morning at 10:30.

I promised myself I would keep track of the food I eat, so here it is...

August 11th, Monday:
Breakfast: Meal Replacement Shake (230 cal)
Afternoon Snack (more like breakfast): Small bowl of corn flakes with fat free powdered milk (we were out regular 1%), an orange, and about a 1/3 cup of low fat cottage cheese. (280 calories)
Lunch: Meal replacement Shake (230 cal)
Dinner: Eggplant parmesan (used whole wheat spaghetti and panko for bread crumbs, only one slice of eggplant had a small amount of mozzarella - 3 slices total) - I think what I had was about 600 calories at the most.

Total calories: 1340 calories

I was thinking that I should take some "before" pictures but still am camera-phobic. I think I should take down my measurements so then I'll have them documented...

So here are the depressing numbers:
True Waist: 35.5"
Waist (1" below belly button): 41.25"
Hips: 43.75"
Right Upper Thigh: 27"
Left Upper Thigh: 26.5"
Right Calve: 16"
Left Calve: 16"
Right Ankle: 8.75"
Left Ankle: 8.75"
Chest (under breasts): 39"
Neck: 14.4"
Right Upper Arm: 13.75"
Left Upper Arm: 13.25"
Right Forearm (2" below elbow): 11.5"
Left Forearm (2" below elbow): 10.75"


I think that's about all I need to measure... Certainly sheds some light on the areas I need to work on... (ALL of them!)

It's almost time to have my afternoon snack. I think I may go for some tasty cantaloupe.

Congrats on the weight loss this week. You are doing really great!

I can't believe that you were able to use powdered milk on your cereal. I would have opted for something else, so way to go!!! I have my first weigh in tomorrow, and have been a complete wreck all day worrying about it.

Also, glad to see that you started keeping track of your food. I think that is such a big help. And then, you can see where you are doing really well, and what needs improvement.

One tip for the cost of the healthy food:
Try getting your fruits & veggies from a local farmer's market. It seems like you can stock up on a lot of goodies for not a lot of $$$.

Also, when you are making dinner, try to make a little extra that you can put into individual containers and freeze. Then when you really need it, you will have a nice, healthy, "free" frozen dinner.

Good Luck!