Goal weight: 140
Pounds lost: n/a
Pounds to go: 28.7
Over the years, I have experienced the same struggle with weight loss that many people face.
- I decide I'm too fat.
- I get highly motivated to lose some weight.
- I find a crazy diet plan and actually lose some weight.
- I throw in some exercise to compliment the weight I'm losing.
- My clothes start to fit better and I start getting compliments.
- All the clothes fitting better and compliments means that I can start to slack off...right?
- I eat my first piece of cheesecake in months. (oh boy...it is delicious!!)
- That first piece of cheesecake leads to a bag of lays potato chips (with a glass of milk..YUM!), 4 slices of pizza for lunch, and something fried for dinner. (This continues on a daily basis)
- My clothes get tight.
- I sulk.
- My clothes get tighter.
- Ugh...
- Back to #1
And so it goes.
At my heaviest (without a human taking up residence inside my body), I weighed 213 lbs. I was miserable. My belly sat on my lap. I joined Weight Watchers and lost more than 50 lbs. 3 Years later, I was back up to 193 lbs. I decided to do the Dukan Diet. I lost 23 lbs. I have maintained this weight for the last 7 months. However, this is not good enough. I am still overweight. I am still inactive. I am still unhealthy.
Weight Watchers is a great weight loss program. However, I have decided it's not for me. Here are what I see as the pros and cons of the program:
Pros:
- It works!
- Support! - Weight Watchers gives you all the support you need to lose weight. This includes online tools including recipes, Points tracker, and food lists.
- Accountability via weekly weigh ins either online or at a meeting
- Weekly meetings with other folks who have the same goal: to lose weight
Cons:
- Cost - Weight Watchers can be expensive for those of us on a tight budget.
- Processed foods - Weight Watchers offers a full line of low fat, low calorie, pre-packaged meals and treats. I don't think these are great for anyone's body.
- ***Recently Weight Watchers changed their Points system so that all fruits are free. This is to encourage members to eat more fruits without feeling guilty. Kudos to Weight Watchers!
- Tracking activity points can be a challenge
The Dukan Diet, while effective, didn't leave me feeling warm and fuzzy. I was completely motivated while following this plan because I was losing so much weight. I lost 7 pounds during the Attack Phase, which lasted the first 5 days of the diet. Holy results!! During the first phase of the diet, you are not permitted to eat any fruits, vegetables, or carbs. During the 2nd phase, you are permitted to eat certain veggies every other day. However, still no fruit and no carbs. Eventually, you are allowed to add these things back into your diet. I never made it this far (see #6 above). Clearly this is my own fault. I'm sure Dr. Dukan knows what he's talking about. Again, this diet is not for me.
I want to eat foods that I know are good for me: fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, proteins. I have decided to take a whole foods and calorie counting approach to my weight loss plan. I believe this is better for me long term.
Here is my plan:
- Use My Fitness Pal to track my daily food intake. (Accountability)
- Exercise at least 3 times per week. (Physical activity)
- Eat whole foods in their most natural form. For example, I will not eat a green bean that has been battered and deep fried. I will eat it raw or steamed. End of story. (Good foods = good for my body)
- Start a group on Facebook with other individuals who wish to lose weight and live healthier. (Support)
I am by no means a weight loss, exercise, or nutritional expert. I do believe, though, that I can lose weight and increase my overall health by eating well and moving my body. I also believe that I can do this at a very low cost. I want to share what I learn with those who want, or need, the help.
Welcome to my journey.
