Losing weight ...

[Kat]

I know I probably won't get too many responses to this, but I need help!!!! I started in Weight Watchers this past June and until a few weeks ago, I had been consistently losing on average 1.4 lbs. per week. Well the last 2 weeks have sucked. I know, I know, any weight loss is good even if it's just a few ounces, but last week I only lost .8 and last nite (I weigh in every Tuesday evening), I only lost .4.

I'm at the lowest amount of points you can go which is 20 pts. per day. So yah, I'm stuck in a plateau right now. I know most of you ladies (and guys) on the board are mostly thin people, but have any of you ever done Weight Watchers by chance? Believe it or not there are some younger people, guys even, who are at the one I go to every week in Sandwich.

Anyway, if anyone has a Mom, friend, Dad, Aunt, whoever that has done this program, please help me out!!!! I'd appreciate it greatly.

PS. I just want to point out I'm not complaining. I've officially as of last nite lost 31 lbs. since June. I even lost some over Thanksgiving. I tried to be as good as possible, but I have to admit I had not 1, not 2, but 3!!!! pieces of blueberry pie.

PPS. I sooo wanted to be down to 103 by Christmas, but it's just not gonna happen ; ;. I'm now setting my sites on April.

Anyway ... please help if you can.

Thankee,

~ Kat

 

[Shaunessy]

103?? How tall are you and ......it's unpolite I know, but how much do you weight now? If you already lost 31 pounds since june maybe your just reaching the threshold.

 

[Kat]

I'm only 4 ft. 11 1/2 in. Shaun^^. I'm almost to my lifetime range. Then you have a goal weight. My lifetime range is 102 - 128. Don't worry they won't let me lose more than I should.

 

[Aerandir]

I have never been on a formal diet, but may I suggest creating some life altering change in your life?

I recently split up with my wife, and although I've only lost like 15-20 pounds, I've lost at least 4 inches in my waist. I know, it makes no sense, but I can hardly keep my pance up!!

Now realistically, you don't need weight watchers, Jenny Craig, or any of that stuff. You need only eat smaller servings. You can still have pizza, and pie, just not every day, and just a piece or two when you do have it.

Are you exercising? If not you are sacrficing a lot more than you need to. Just by doing a lite work out 20 minutes a day you'll be able to stabilize your weight, and then lose it through dieting.

Just some suggestions that I'm sure you were already well aware of.

 

[Shaunessy]

Wow, 4'11.5" huh. yeah that's what my sister is I think..maybe 5'1" but anyway I don't know about lifetime ranges and all that but I know that at 5'9" the army considers me overweight at 185 pounds..but then when they tape me and see I have a 16.75" neck then they understand why I weight so much. I have no intention of losing weight either because when I work out all I do is gain weight lol. Good luck on your goal though.

 

[Ranpha]

Never started such a program myself but maybe some pointers could help you out.

Being committed to any diet program can be difficult but it seems that you are persistent and worried about it. Few friends have done it and well have lazily forgotten about it. Keep up the good work and dedication.

Have you noticed any muscle tone changes? Sometimes added muscle adds some weight.

How is your exercise schedule going? Is there anything that is set in routine? If you do exercise, has it been easier for you to do it? If so, try increasing the amount or difficulty by a smidgen. If not, I could probably write some exercising suggestions and warm ups ideas that do not take too much time out of schedule.

As above, maybe try to analyze the diet plan. Keep a healthy portion but maybe alter the food. Look up foods that tend to increase energy and moderate those with the given diet. For example, when making a salad, try using spinach instead of iceberg lettuce. Fruits are great for energy. Water is also great to have around at all times too.

And now… >_o time for work! I would be more than glad to write some more exercising or food suggestions when I return.

 

[Kat]

For Aerandir: Yes, I was walking everyday, and I walk with 3 lb. weights in each hand. I was up to 4 miles. This may be part of my problem, I admit. I live in Illinois, detest the cold weather, so I'm only walking 2-3 times a week now.

As far as life altering change goes, I've had enough of that over the last 6 years to last me a lifetime. Also I'm the opposite of you, when I get stressed, I eat more. Hence why I'm doin' Weight Watchers. I've always pretty much been thin. I've NEVER been persay fat, but I was a tad chunky there for awhile.

As far Weight Watchers goes, I feel it's the best program you can possibly ever be on. You eat whatever you want and everything is based on points. Therefore, I can eat pizza, McDonalds, though I choose not to, just cuz I "can" doesn't mean I will, that stuff is very high in points, greasy, yada yada and I'd rather eat healthy. Our routine is weigh in, Subway, grocery shop every Tuesday, religiously. Although, I have to admit, I'd kill for a greasy cheeseburger these days^^.

For Shaun: I know what you mean about bein' 5' 9". My husband is 5' 8" and he is also goin' thru your problem, only with Weight Watchers. His lifetime weight range says something like 153 - 178 I think. Steve's like, they're NUTS!!!! Therefore he has to literally go to the Doctor and get a goal weight from him. He is very built and also big boned. He has "popeye legs" from hell. And, it's a proven fact, muscle weighs more than fat.

Lastly, thanks guys for the tips. I'm probably gonna have to kick myself and walk 1 day more per week and brave the cold to get back up to my 1.4 lbs. per week ; ;.

 

[Kiere]

Hi Kat...I've done weight watchers before and most recently had been doing Michael Thurmond's 6 Week Body Makeover (talk about the pounds dropping!)

You mentioned that you were on the lowest amount of points. You "may" actually be getting too little food. Your body needs food to fuel your metabolism. You may need to change up the types of food you're using within your points. How is your sodium intake? Drinking lots of water? Increasing exercise can sometimes give you that push. I've found that a lot of times just changing my vegetables up or eating more chicken rather than some of the red meats can give my metabolism a push. Also you may try eating 6 smaller meals a day (eating approximately every 2 1/2 hours).

I have been off program last couple of months and am planning on getting back on track when I take my vacation later this month.

 

[Shaunessy]

Hell I don't think my weight is a problem cause I know I can handle myself if I need too. Strong like bull..lol

 

[Kat]

For Ranpha: I would love for you to write an exercise program for me. Especially if it'll keep me inside and not walking outside^^.

Another thing Ranpha, as far as muscle tone yada yada; yes I've noticed my clothes are fitting totally different (I'm wearing clothes again, I haven't been able to wear for 5 years). I've always had a bubble butt and heavier legs. For some reason my body is totally changing proportions since I've been losing. I don't have that bubble butt anymore, (even my parents are noticing this difference; my Dad always made fun of my ass^^) and my legs are gettin' very slim.

For Kiere: Sodium intake is fine, I believe. I'm a pepper person over salt, thank goodness. But, I do like your idea of eating every 2 1/2 hours. I will try that^^. I've been pretty consistant lately with:

Breakfast
Special K Breakfast bar or Banana -- 2 pts.

Lunch
Turkey Sandwich with Kraft Mayo light on Butternut Lite Bread -- 2 pts. (Turkey is 0 pts.)
or
Ham & Lite American Cheese with Mustard on Butternut Lite Bread -- 4 pts.
Lays Lite chips weighed out 1 oz. -- 1 pt.

And then I use my points left for the day on dinner and fruit for desert.

 

[Kat]

Hell I don't think my weight is a problem cause I know I can handle myself if I need too. Strong like bull..lol

I know you don't think it is, neither does Steve. But you said the Army wants you at 185, Weight Watchers wants Steve at 178 at the most. Was just saying they were both nuts^^.

 

[Shaunessy]

No the army wants me to be at most 179 I think..but I weight 185 now. Hell if I was 10 pounds heavier I could be an NFL wide reciever.

 

[Kat]

No the army wants me to be at most 179 I think..but I weight 185 now. Hell if I was 10 pounds heavier I could be an NFL wide reciever.

Point is, if you are muscular it's better. Muscle is good, fat is not^^.

 

[Shaunessy]

Well ...um ..titties are fat. ... So umm, yeah.

 

[Answa~]

lol, Shaun...

 

[Kiere]

Another question...are you a diet soda drinker? There are several studies out now that suggest that diet soda actually increases your chances of being overweight and on a personal note...my weight loss is noticabley better when I cut out soda (I only ever drink diet). It cuts down on my cravings too.

 

[Kat]

Well ...um ..titties are fat. ... So umm, yeah.

OMG!!! Funny you mention that. Guess what was the first thing to go??? I have none anymore ; ;.

 

[CmdrFly]

I am by no means any sort of genious when it comes to bio..logi...calities, but I used to have painstakingly awesome workout sessions with a friend of mine who has since become a... diet...ician? Is that what they're called?

Anyways, he told me that one very effective way to fuel weight loss was to couple your daily exercises with a consistantly high metabolism. Best way to maintain high metabolism = smaller meals, more times a day (as Kiere and others have said).

Apparently men grow their fat in thin layers, whereas women grow them in small globules. Say it out loud... globules. ohhhh yeahhh... man I love that word. That is one contributing reason why it's generally easier for guys to lose weight.

edit: forgot to mention. Damn you're short. 100lbs must still put you at a good physique for someone of that height, why lose more?

 

[Kat]

Another question...are you a diet soda drinker? There are several studies out now that suggest that diet soda actually increases your chances of being overweight and on a personal note...my weight loss is noticabley better when I cut out soda (I only ever drink diet). It cuts down on my cravings too.

Yes, I am a popaholic and I not a water drinker at all. I drink Diet Dr. Pepper. BUT, we started getting 5 lb. bottles of Nicollette water brought to our house, so I am drinking it like I should, which therefore has cut down my pop intake immensely. I literally used to drink 2 cases of Diet Dr. Pepper per week. I'm down to 1 case per week now.

Also we went from 2% milk, to 1% milk and now we're down to skim milk. There are just a few places where Steve and I will alter our eating habits, but by God, we are not gonna give 'em up^^.

 

[Sculli]

stuck at plateau = more/different exercise is needed
I am not in favor of walking with weights at all, but if you must, use ankle weights, they are the least damaging to your posture.

Try some sports that you may like if you have the opportunity, ping pong is good, racquet ball is better, frisbee will do in a pinch. The point is to do something you actually enjoy, and break a sweat at the same time.