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Related: Culture Forums, Support ForumsNo longer obese.
I don't ever really delve into personal stuff and I've kept entirely reticent about my health issues, but I'm having a fairly good day thanks to stepping on the scale this morning.
Last May I weighed in at a cool 240. I'm 5'8". I decided to cut back about 500 calories a day and start taking advantage of the quiet, relatively scenic neighborhood I lived in to walk. Then jog. Then run.
It's incredible how gargantuan a swing it is when you cut out a couple of Cokes and a bag of Lays every day (or as I used to know them: staples), and then go out for a 45 minute jog.
I had lost 30 pounds in those three months, but unfortunately I had to go back to school for my senior year, where I had to get 34 hours to graduate. And there was simply not much I could do with that workload other than kind of just watch my diet, which is tough (actually, impossible) when you're on meal plan, stressing out, and surrounded by the never-ending fountain of alcohol that is the institution of higher learning.
I gained about five pounds back, which wasn't really all that bad (it could have been worse). I knocked those out in a couple weeks in early May after realizing that somehow my motivation was still there, and my endurance was miraculously still there too!
Today I'm at 192.5. That's a BMI of 29.3, compared to the 36.5 I had at the start of last summer. I'm not close to done yet. 164 is the upper tip of healthy weight for my height, and I'm shooting for 150, and I recognize it's just going to get harder from here on out. I think being out of college will help that.
Yes, this is a vanity post. But God I'm happy.
CaliforniaPeggy
(149,645 posts)You have done wonderfully well, and you should be happy!
And yes, you're right, it will get harder, but it will still be possible. The body really doesn't want to let go of those fat stores; you might need them in time of famine.
I'm down to just around 150 and it's getting very hard to get rid of the 10 pounds or so that I'd love to lose. Plus, I like to eat, alas!
Good for you!
EastTennesseeDem
(2,675 posts)I posted on here, and you were the one who suggested how beneficial walks could be.
After that I began parking my car further away from my dorm, walking to my fav coffee shop instead of driving, little things like that. I still do that. That's about an additional 125 or so calories each way. So, thank you!
vanlassie
(5,678 posts)Good job. Keep going! Keep us posted.
caraher
(6,278 posts)I started in late January doing pretty much what you did and dropped 40 pounds to get inside the "healthy" range for my height. As long as you stay around 500 cal/day below what you'd need to maintain weight you should be able to keep dropping at a respectable clip. It's all about developing sustainable good habits; you can do it! You've already proven that!
lillypaddle
(9,581 posts)Good for you!
crazy homeless guy
(80 posts)and remember. Those runs you are going on also help clear your brain so you can think more clearly. Which means they will improve your school work and not take away form it. Not to mention the extra energy you will have to stay focussed on the work.
cyberswede
(26,117 posts)Bertha Venation
(21,484 posts)TNDem, I am THRILLED for you!!
Congratulations!!
Taverner
(55,476 posts)I don't care what some nutritionists are saying, you cut out alcohol, you cut calories, period.
EastTennesseeDem
(2,675 posts)CoffeeCat
(24,411 posts)That is an amazing accomplishment. You went from sedentary, to walking, to jogging and running. Seriously, that is fantastic and you should be so proud of yourself.
It's not easy. Food today--is either making you healthy or it's making us fat and sick. We are surrounded by so much packaged junk that makes you fat. It's as if you have to go out of your way to find the healthy stuff. And you're on a college meal plan. I remember those! That's a challenge, and the reason why so many college students easily gain weight. You are bucking the trend.
I struggle with weight as well. I was 120 lbs all through high school, college and into my 30s. Then, I went off the rails. I gained a lot, then I lost 50 and have gained back 15. However, I've been pretty stable for the past 6 months--just trying to eat healthy. I'm walking too, but not as much as I should. I have no excuses! Sometimes it's like I'm fighting with myself. That's why your post is so helpful to myself and others. We just need to shut up, quit arguing with ourselves and do it. Like you did!
I bet you feel a lot better too, right? I find that eating processed food makes me depressed and lethargic. It also feels addictive as well. So, it's a really bad cycle. I described it to my husband this way. When I'm eating junk--it's as if I'm driving around in a car with a dirty windshield. And eating healthy feels like I've turned on the wiper blades and washed everything clean. I feel more alert, focused and free. I think most food on the grocery store shelves--and it doesn't even have to be the bad junk food--is poison.
So never underestimate the changes you've made and the progress you've accomplished. This really is a big deal.
Thanks for sharing. This is a major issue with me, as I'm sure it is with others as well. It's helpful to hear success stories and I wish you well with the rest of your journey. And YES, the weight may come off slower as you reach your goal weight. However, I believe the hardest part is starting. You've all ready tackled that. You're on your way.
You rock!
EastTennesseeDem
(2,675 posts)It was to think back to the candy bars and frozen mozzarella sticks and Coca-Colas, etc., not to the momentary pleasure they provided, but to the sugar rush and sodium-OD headaches and lethargy that would ensue for a good two or three hours. It's a lot easier knowing how fleeting those addictive tastes are, compared to the bad feelings that followed.
Xyzse
(8,217 posts)Congrats!
Any time you're being more active it creates such a positive uplift on the mood.
Keep at it!
Baitball Blogger
(46,745 posts)The world opens up when you begin to feel better about yourself, doesn't it?
geardaddy
(24,931 posts)That is quite a feat!
You done good.
nolabear
(41,987 posts)cynannmarie
(113 posts)Keep at it, you won't regret it. I lost 35 lbs and 4 sizes last year, and at 60+ I am now back to my high school weight (very slender). I so regret not doing it earlier after carrying that extra around for 20 years following the birth of my last child. I cringe when I look at photos of those years compared to now. And the health benefits are so worth it. Was plagued by lower back ached for years, but since the weight loss, have none at all. That alone is reward enough, not to mention actually enjoying shopping for clothes now, instead of dreading it.
Best of luck to you. You've already proved to yourself you can do this, so just build on that.
EastTennesseeDem
(2,675 posts)I think, somewhat vapidly I'll admit, that I would have had better--eh--luck (shall we say) in college had I done this in high school (When I was 14 I was pretty morbidly obese.). I had those flashes of "I'm gonna lose weight" and then did...for about a week. It just requires saying fuck it and go.
I honestly don't even worry about whether or not I'll lose these last 40+ pounds. Being active and eating right (with the occasional slipup, to be honest) are pretty much just like breathing now.
NYC_SKP
(68,644 posts)I could stand to lose some weight.
Good job!
Populist_Prole
(5,364 posts)It's seeing how much better you feel as a result that provides the impetus that keeps weight off: All of the extra energy/stamina you seem to have now and never realized you lost in the first place.
I'm really glad to hear this, and you know; you've already done the hard part. It actually gets easier from this time on, as you've reversed the inertia of weight gain.
Congrats.
MrMickeysMom
(20,453 posts)I'm glad you did it and I'll bet you feel more energetic and alive.
Rowdyboy
(22,057 posts)In 2006 at age 52 I joined a gym for the first time in my life. Got down to 171 in three years (I was SOOO hot!). Gained back up to 200, then back down to 175 lbs. Then, slowly back to 200 and I'm working my way back again. I know it can be done now, but you have to be consistent. But then you know that already. You are young and motivated and I could not possibly be happier for you. Been there, done that and doing it again because I know I can. You can too!
Kick ass my friend, kick ass!!