I Need a Cheerleader

Weight loss has been a major struggle for me, but I'll never see results if I don't take action.

My exercise goal is 3x exercise at work, 4x at-home exercise, plus cleaning house once a week in addition to the other exercise.

After tonight, I'm quitting alcohol. I've heard many real-life stories about dramatic weight loss after quitting alcohol. Alcohol will be replaced with sleepy-time tea and hot chocolate in the evenings.

Soda goal is to have soda eliminated from my diet and replace with water.

Caffeine intake remains the same but to incorporate one full glass of water with every coffee/energy drink.

Food goals include a healthy breakfast and lunch that hit all 5 food groups but no changes to dinner menu (though I need to work on smaller portions)

I also hope, as this is true in the past, the healthy eating, exercising, and weight loss will boost endorphins, lower stress, and help me cut back on the cigarette intake.

I think these are all doable and reasonable. I would like to have some cheerleaders who will check in with me, as it's tough to undergo weight loss alone. I won't be using a scale through this experience (they bring more anxiety and failure than help) but I am currently a 16/18 pant size and I'm hoping to be a 10/12 by my cousin's wedding in July.

I'd help, but I'm in your boat weight-wise and not motivated to do a lot about it. But I'll praise you along the way!

Lark, I'm happy to be your cheerleader. How is it going so far?

I think thats the equivalent of a crash diet which is supposed to be bad for us. specially for people who tend to do yo-yo dieting, including myself.Except for the short time frame, your plan is great. I think exercise is the biggest help. We are now supposed to be eating half of every plateful being fruits and veggies. That will help too. Obviously not fruits sweetened with added sugar.
I know you will be successful. Just slow down a little. You are great at meeting your goals. Proud of you.

I can relate a little. A few years back I did a liquid diet that was so difficult. As part fo the plan you had to go to class and have a mid week check up. I had a cheerleader and man it really helped. I said it was like i was in a cult. I lost 60 lbs... but gained it all back.

I find liquid diets to be a poor plan but I now know that.

I would offer to be a cheerleader but I have decided that if everything I try fails, I must try the opposite. I am starting the opposite plan. I will be eating a full compliment of food and gaining muscle with the goal to increase my metabolism. I believe I am 16/18 because of year of reducing food intake which has lead to an anemic resting metabolic rate. If I can increase that by just 200 to 300 calories I could probably lose weight like most people do.

Good luck

It's going great. I record all my meals through MyFitnessPal, haven't had any alcohol, but didn't exercise today.

My meals have been pretty nutritious.

For lunch I went to Pig N Pancake and had four sourdough pancakes, two eggs over easy, a cup of fruit, and V8 juice. Pretty high-calorie meal but mmm delicious...except the V8 juice. That I had to chug fast. Blech.

I can attest that quitting alcohol helps. Granted I am an alcoholic so there's that but when I look at pictures where I was drinking you can see the bloat in my face and in my gut. That went away fast without alcohol.

Glad you are finding it helpful Literary Lark. I've heard good things about My Fitness Pal. I like that there's attention to nutrition rather than just weight loss/calorie reduction. There is some research suggesting that people are more successful with weight loss and maintaining when their focus is on health rather than a negative body image. Plus the latter can lead to self-torment which is never helpful

You mentioned drinking more water. I drink bottled water (buy it by the gallon) because my well water is nasty from iron and sulfur. To jazz up the water a little and give it some flavor I add a little flavored water to my glass. No calories and a bit of flavor.

Lark, I haven't been at PC for a week, but have been thinking about you and cheering you on. How is it going?

Eh, not so good. I gave up on the dieting.

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(((((((((( Lark ))))))))))