GOOD LUCK!!! I'm sure you'll reach your weightloss goals, you sound very determined.
:D Congratulations on the 23 lbs :D It seems that you found a plan that works for you. Keep it up. Good Luck, I know that you can do it. [color=red:2ce4119ff1][u:2ce4119ff1][b:2ce4119ff1]Kiara[/b:2ce4119ff1][/u:2ce4119ff1][/color:2ce4119ff1]
congrats on the 23 pounds! you are off to a great start, and it sounds like you have a really good plan of action. if you are looking for some good veggie recipes, check out the recipe forum, maybe there will be an idea or two for you..
That's so great! I hope you continue and keep up the good work.
[quote:9968dbd149="NeverGiveUp"]I've been overweight for the past 14 years, and this is my 4th real legitimate effort to lose weight. I don't look at my past attempts as failures. I've lost 26-34 lbs. on previous attempts, but I simply gave up. However, I am 99.99% positive that I will reach my goal this time, and I believe that the faith that I have in myself makes me already a success. I can nearly guarantee that this time next year, I will be a much smaller person. I've lost 23 lbs in 4 months. I've lost 3 pants sizes and I am currently 181 lbs., a size 16/18 Misses, down from 204 lbs., size 20 Womens (US sizes). I am female & 5'4" tall. My goal weight is between 120-135 and either a size 8 or 10, depending on what I look like in the mirror! I expect it to take 8-12 months to achieve my goal, and a life-time of commitment to better eating habits and exercise. Well said and way to go....Great job....I do about the same as you.... How am I doing it? Eating fewer calories & exercising regularly. I am eating a moderate calorie diet of 1500-1800 calories/day most days. I keep a daily food journal. I calulated my approximate calorie needs by using the Harris Benedict Formula for Women, and based on those results & my daily weight, I eat the calories needed to reduce my weight by 1 lb./week. I eat approximately 4 small meals/day, or every 3-4 hours, which is when I get hungry. I have no intention to eat less than 1400-1500 calories day, so eventually, I will have to either step up the exercise or accept losing only 1/2-3/4 lb./week. I am willing to accept slow weight loss, because this has to be a "diet" that I can maintain. I try to eat healthy, but not perfectly. I cook for my family, and I give into most food temptations, which includes the healthy stuff as well as junk food. I still eat the same things that I ate before, except that I eat smaller portions of sweets, starchy foods like white rice and pasta, pizza and red meat. At first I tried to give up the junk food completely, but I slowly added back my favorite foods that I can trust myself to control in single servings. For instance, at most meals, I will eat 1/2 to 1 ounch of chips, 1 serving of frozen yogurt or a small chocolate bar, or some other "junk food", along with healthier choices. I've increased my consumption of fruits, but I still struggle to eat more vegies. I try to eat low-fat, but not extemely low fat. I have found that eating this way is easy. The only time I struggle is when I'm pre-menstrual or in a depressed mood, and I just forgive myself for eating more calories on those 2-3 days/month. I usually don't eat more than my body actually needs; I just accept that I'm can't manage to undereat on those days. As for exercise, I walk 4-6 days/week for 20-40 minutes/session. I also play basketball, jump on a trampeline, etc., anything that gets me moving. I also do strength training 2-4 times/week. (I bought the book, Smart Girls Do Dumbbells by I don't remember who.) I believe that exercise is essential for health, as well as to prevent muscle loss. Believe it or not, I actually enjoy exercising once I get started. It's the starting that's the most difficult. Wish me luck and good luck on achieving your goals too! Bev[/quote:9968dbd149]