Hi. I don't usually post on the weight loss forum here, but, ... I can use all the help I can find. lol

I started my weight loss journiney in July. Well, that was the 3rd of 4th time that I started it. But, I think I'm more serious this time. Have stuck with it longer, so far.

I lost 7 lbs in 5 weeks, then had to go on steroids for MS, and gained 7 lbs in 3 weeks. So, I kind of count September as my starting date, since I sort of had to start over.

Since September, I've lost 18 lbs in about 13 weeks. I've used a combination of techniques:

• some SOUTH BEACH diet concetps (low-carb for awhile, now "good carbs" and "good fats")
• IsoLean shakes (supposed to have two a day + one 400-600 calorie meal, but, I usually eat fewer shakes and more "real" food)
• "calorie cycling" -- I tried JUDDD (Down days, 500 calories, alternating with Up days), but, I didn't like the 500 calorie days. So, I'm still doing Down days and Up days, but, not so low.

My goal is to lose a total of 50 lbs by May 22 (my daughter's wedding), and a few more by July 9 (30 year reunion).

~ Faith

calorie counting, 1200-1500 religiously and exerciseing, cardio 40 minutes 3xwk was the only way that I lost my weight. I still watch my carbs alot.
I hardly drink any calories at all now. switched to non alcoholic beer which saved me lots of calories. really watch my portions now. I wish you much luck in this and will check in more often now that you are here posting too.
great job on the 18 pound loss!!!!!!
I eat at subway alot, using spicy mustard instead of mayo, I can have a good sandwich that is filling for around 400 calories. I don't eat breakfast but have french vanilla creamer in my coffee, which is fattening but can't seem to not use it. We eat mostly meat and veggies for dinner, glad that hubby is with me on this.
I am at my goal weight and am maintaning now....I will have to watch what I eat for the rest of my life. I still have the fat cells they are just smaller and I don't think they will ever go away, they will be there just waiting to get bigger again.


bizi

Thanks for your post, Biz.

Some of the things you're doing seem pretty similar to my strategies. I count all my calories, too. And, used to stay at 1200 - 1500 a day. Now, with my "calorie cycling", I vary that more. Have sort of made up my own calorie cycling plan. I mostly alternate Down Days with Up Days and throw some Middle days in there. Once a week, or less, I plan a "cheat day". It's supposed to help "confuse" the body's metabolism to change calories regularly; I'm hoping I'll experience fewer plateaus.

• DD:......501 - 999 calories
• MD:.....1000 - 1299 calories
• UD:.....1300 - 1599 calories
• "Cheat day": 1600 - 2000 calories

I also usually only fix meat and vegetables for supper. Sometimes, I'll do a starch for my husband,and, I just don't eat it. I've kind of been avoiding Subway, becaus of the carbs/white flour.

Good for you, for meeting your goal, and being able to maintain. I've never really set a goal before, and I've kind of quit part-way to where I've really wanted to be in the past. And, then I haven't maintained. I lost and re-gained the same 20 lbs 3-4x. This time, because I realize that I need to lose moer, I've a goal of a 50 lb loss. And, a goal to maitain. I expect, too, that I'll always need to watch what I eat.

~ Faith

I realized that I needed to eat 1200 cal a day to lose 2 pounds a week...so how ever you want to divy up your calories is up to you.
it takes 3500 calories less to lose one pound. so each pound that we lose is amazing!
keep up your good work and here is to good healthy eating!
bizi

Weight loss in 2010:
- 10 lbs (6 weeks: Sept/Oct)
- 4 lbs (Nov)
- 6 lbs (Dec)

~ Faith

congratulations faith!!!
you are doing so well!
remember that one pound of fat equals 4 sticks of butter!!!!!
keep up the great work that you are doing...it is working for you!
bizi

Thanks, Bizi. 20 lbs down. 30 more to go!

I have two motivators next spring/summer.

• My daughter's wedding is May 22.
• I have a 30 year reunion July 9.

Hoping I can get to goal by the wedding. May set an additional goal after I reach that. I'll see how I look and feel by then.

~ Faith

I hope you are able to exercise to tone up your muscles...it is really important.
I have not in two weeks, feel like I will be starting all over!
bizi

That's a good reminder, Bizi.

I must confess that I exercise very little. Tried on some Mother-of-the-Bride dresses last week, though, and was struck by how flabby my upper arms looked in the sleeveless dresses I looked at. Was actually motivated to do some weights on Saturday.

I occasionally take a walk, but, I can't walk for more than 20 minutes (leisurely) at a time, due to stamina issues related to my multiple sclerosis, and, I often choose not to walk more than once or twice a week.

I've made changes slowly, in eating habits, and, may be motivated to begin doing that with adding more exercise in, too.

~ Faith

going to the gym tomorrow!
It is already the 3rd!!!!!
move more eat less...my new years resolutions oh and lose the 5 pounds that I gained over the holidays!
bizi