STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

Emilie · BCBG

Trouble losing wieght

Ritz · Dooney & Bourke

i'm like you, i always say i am going to be healthy, and then goof and say i'll start the next day. I think the key is NOT to diet, but to eat better for you. I am trying really hard to be healthy these days, and honestly, posting my meals in the D&E thread helps b/c i don't want people to think im a pig! (not why you should watch what you eat at all, but it helps me..). also, when you do eat something unhealthy, don't end your being healthy plan for the day, just think about how you can make it better- can you work out a little more that day or eat a healthier dinner or skip dessert? today i was at the mall and was craving an auntie anne's pretzel and cheese so i got it but then didn't eat anything after dinner which is when i usually snack, and since i was tired anyways i didn't go out which would have meant drinking a ton of beer... but tomorrow i know i am going to go out, so i will just try to work out a little more during the day

also, you may not be losing weight b/c you may be gaining muscle, which weighs more. don't worry about the numbers, concentrate on how you feel. you said you are noticing yourself being able to run more, etc. and that is awesome! keep increasing your pace and you will fit into those jeans in no time.

good luck!

Elle · Hermes

I think that the problem with prolonged dieting is the constant deprivation - even if your body can physically handle it, I know it always does a number on my brain just knowing all the things I 'can't have'. Have you tried consulting with a nutritionist or dietician? They would be able to help you figure out how many calories you need if you are going to be active, sedentary, etc and can also help you come up with a (food) plan for losing weight as well as maintaining your weight without feeling like you're starving.

Also, some people have had luck with having a 'free day' once a week when they allow themselves to have 'bad' things. I personally have had more luck doing 3 weeks on a good diet, and then doing 1 week on more of a maintenance diet (calorie wise). A multi-vitamin can help as well.

Good luck!

nunzi182 · Kate Spade

I have the same problem as you. I eat and eat and eat until I can't eat anymore because I am never satisfied. I can outeat my Fiance who weigh 270 lbs. I did Weight Watchers about 2 years ago and lost a good 20 lbs or so. Since then I've gained about 10 of them back and started on Weight Watchers again yesterday.

I never excercise because I despise it. I'm not hugely overweight, it's just those last few pounds that I can never get rid of.

It also helps to have a positive attitude about yourself. You have to tell yourself that you're fine the way you are but you'd really like to lose a few pounds. The more I focus on my weight, the less weight I seem to lose. You can't let it consume your life; you may find that helps.

I also take One A Day weight smart (target brand, though.) Which I find helps keep off the weight.

Tati · Chanel

nunzi182 wrote:

I also take One A Day weight smart (target brand, though.) Which I find helps keep off the weight.

what this? vitamins?

gingembre1 · Kate Spade

I have had my binge eating days (usually tied to depression), and it's a never ending cycle for me. BUT I did have a successful diet my freshman year of college. I lost about 12 lbs (a lot for me, b/c I'm 5' tall), and here's what I learned:

At first it's hard to deprive yourself of all the good junk food, greasy stuff. But after the first couple weeks, the cravings stop. And if you DO eat it, it will make you feel ill b/c your body's not used to that kind of food anymore. Sure, if you start eating it every day again, your body will get used to it and you'll become addicted again. But if you can make it through a couple weeks of not eating it, it will become easier and easier.

Exercise, exercise, exercise. I worked out 2 hours a day. That's extreme, but it actually felt good. Of course, I gained muscle, so the numbers on my scale didn't change too much. But I looked good, and all my pants fit loosely. And when running became pleasurable...well, that was just about the freakiest thing that's ever happened to me.

You will hit a plateau. In fact, it sounds like you've hit one. I don't really know what to tell you, but I've heard changing up your routine helps, or maybe the multivitamins the girls have been suggesting. I was okay with mine, b/c it happened around the weight I needed to be at.

Cereal became my best friend. Whenever I was hungry, which was a lot, I ate cereal. I was eating like 5 bowls a day. I'm not saying that's the best route. But my brother eats salad the way I used to eat cereal, and he's lost TONS of weight. So maybe you can find something like that? I also ate salad with non-fat italian dressing, with lots of other veggies and stuff on it, sandwiches with no mayo, bagels and toast with no butter only honey, oatmeal, and drank only water.

That was the one and only diet I've ever been on (except for when my mom would sometimes make us eat the cabbage soup). I don't know if I could do it again. I had a goal (I needed to be at a certain weight for the sport I was doing), and a lot of people to answer to for it. Plus I was kind of in competition with my friend, so that helped. But I think the biggest help was having a goal.

nunzi182 · Kate Spade

Tati wrote:

nunzi182 wrote:
I also take One A Day weight smart (target brand, though.) Which I find helps keep off the weight.
what this? vitamins?

Yes, these are vitamins sold at most grocery stores, but if you go to Target or Walmart you can buy the store brand.

oliviacw · BCBG

Exercise, exercise, exercise.....Of course, I gained muscle, so the numbers on my scale didn't change too much. But I looked good, and all my pants fit loosely.

Exactly. Dieting won't help without serious aerobic exercise, because when you eat less than your body needs, it starts to make up for it by attacking your existing muscles. So, you need to exercise to keep your muscles, and you'll build even more in the process. Because muscle is denser than fat, your body size will start to go down, even if the scale stays the same. And then, if you keep it up, your weight will eventually start to drop, too. Give it about a month of exercise and diet, and you'll see the changes.