How to lose 50 pounds by Emelle

"Took me much longer than it should have, and I'm not to my goal weight yet, but it feels good to mark this goal 'done.'"

How I did it: I started this goal years ago, when I was at a very unhealthy weight and I was very inactive. I started eating better and exercising more and lost thirty pounds fairly easily, and then I got complacent and hovered around the same weight for years. 

Last October, I decided enough was enough, and I decided to declare war, attacking from all fronts. I increased my exercise (both time and intensity), decreased my calories, and started paying attention to carbs and protein. I also started trying to move more all day long, not just when I'm exercising.

It's working. As of today I have been below that "fifty pounds lost" mark for five days running, so I'm ready to call this goal complete. I'm still 10.4 pounds away from my ultimate goal, but I feel good about what I've accomplished, and about my ability to reach my goal.

Lessons & tips: Eating fewer carbs really reduced my hunger and cravings.

Exercise is important. But then if you sit on your butt the rest of the day, you aren't getting everything out of your day you should.
I learned not to phone it in when exercising. Wearing a heart rate monitor showed me the difference in heart rate and calorie burn when I'm working hard and when I'm not. Stopping the DVD to get more water, slowing my pace on the elliptical so I can read a book, those types of things reduce my calorie burn. Focus and intensity works.

Resources: I adore my fitbit. The fitbit is a little gadget you wear around that keeps tracks not only of your steps, but your calorie burn, your stairs climbed, and your activity level. I've found it very motivating.

Tracking my food has been essential to knowing what I'm eating in terms of protein, carbs, and calories. I also track my weight there.

I have long been a fan of The Firm. Lately I have fallen in love with Jillian Michaels' DVD's as well. Both are great for free weight training. I especially like how quickly Jillian Michaels can give me a total-body, kick-ass, wear-me-out workout. 


8 people found this helpful
 

Jan 27, 05:04AM PST | 9 comments | 36 cheers


Comments:

sarahinparis One word resolution for 2012 : EVOLVE

Awesome!

I’m so happy for you, great accomplishment, and gives me a lot of hope (I have the same goal)!

I’m already doing most of what you did, except in exercise – which I know I’m going to have to dial up.

Thanks for the thorough report here, and congratulations again on such a big loss!

Jan 27, 06:09AM PST | Thread | Respond to this

Emelle Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does. --William James.

Thanks!

Jan 27, 09:47AM PST | Respond to this

itsasecret is celebrating being Mark

Congratulations

I hope you can keep to your diet and keep the weight off. 

My biggeat problems seem to be keeping the weight off after i lose it and slipping up sometimes eating more than i should but i'm hoping to start walking earlier this year since it hasn't been a bad winter.

Jan 27, 09:25AM PST | Thread | Respond to this

Emelle Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does. --William James.

Thanks!

I have some ideas for keeping it off. I’ve lost weight before and kept it off for over a year, so I know I can do it. I just need to stay focused for longer than a year this time.

Jan 27, 09:48AM PST | Thread | Respond to this 1 cheer

itsasecret is celebrating being Mark

same with me

I lost around 25 pounds a few years ago and kept it off for several months. I need to stay with it more and not let myself get distracted by food if I’m lonely or down.

I know there are plenty of ways to exercise but for me i prefer walking. You can do it just about anywhere at anytime. This time i definitely will stick with it.

Jan 27, 11:36AM PST | Respond to this

Waterfall Nymph harder, better, faster, stronger

Where’d those supercheers go when someone actually deserves one?

You’re so awesome.

Jan 27, 03:41PM PST | Respond to this 3 cheers

Bob1623 Be the Fountain, not the Drain.

Great Accomplishment

You should be very proud of yourself. Great job!!

Jan 28, 09:21AM PST | Respond to this 1 cheer

sierrak Happy International Star Wars Day! "May the Fourth" Be With You!

Congratulations!

What a great accomplishment!

Jan 30, 07:19PM PST | Respond to this

jmarie12386 keeps pushing back goals because of lack of motivation. Not liking it!

Ahh I love seeing people accomplish their weight loss goals! Good for you! That’s so inspiring and will definitely help me get back on track. Yay! :)

Apr 30, 11:35AM PDT | Respond to this


Emelle has gotten 36 cheers on this entry.

 

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