G'morning. Back in January of this year, I was 230 pounds, a size 22/24, and felt like crap every day. I left my husband, moved into my own apartment, started eating more salads (spinach leaves, almonds, carrots, mushrooms, broccoli, tomatoes, w/ ranch dressing) and walking about 2 miles every morning.
By June I was a size 14 and weighed 180 pounds. I slacked off a little bit by July, only walking about 3-4 times a week, but still *watched* what I was putting into my mouth. Ive never been a morning eater, but I forced myself to start eating breakfast which typically contained toast with jelly, or a yogurt, and a bowl of Special K cereal. I still skip lunch more than I should, but I try very hard to pack a salad for work. For dinner, I eat whatever my boyfriend cooks, which is normally a pretty decent meal. If I absolutely have to have a snack in the p.m. hours, I grab microwave popcorn.
In August, I decided the cooler weather in the morning was affecting my drive to walk, so I joined a gym. On the treadmill, I walk with the incline set at 5.0 minimum, speed set at 3.0mph, and I do no less than 2 miles. I'm now a size 12 and weigh in at 165 pounds. My goal is a size 8 (two more sizes to drop) and around 140 pounds, which my doctor says would be ideal and healthy for my height and bmi.
I've found in the past years that dieting never works for me. Once I limit myself to something, I crave it even more. If I just *fool* myself by saying, "I can have whatever I want," I've found that I dont want it. I only exercise when I want to. If my heart's not into it, I only waste time giving a half-a** workout. So if I dont want to workout, I just dont. And it works for me. I dont limit myself, and I dont put forth any kind of expectations. I dont weigh myself every day, but I do weigh myself once a week. It helps to keep me positive.
Due to certain health restraints (fibromyalgia, hypoglycemia, arthritus in hands, feet, and hips) there are days when I simply cant get out of bed. I rest when I need to, and workout when I want to. And eat what I want. By telling myself I can do whatever I want, I find I'm more proned to workout and eat smarter, by not limited myself. And its worked for me. That's the key - find what works for you. And congrats to all those who have lost weight, are getting healthier and fit!!! Its a winning battle. You just gotta keep fighting.
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