Ask:
Ok ladies, this is it!! I am going home to see my family in 9 weeks. I've gained 20 pounds since my last visit!! Yes, yes, my fault, and I should have done something about it a long time ago, but now I've gotta get in boot camp mode! Can this be done? Can I drop the 18 pounds in 9 weeks? Anyone want to yell at me and tell me to drop and give you 20?? Give me your best advice how to drop this chunk in 9 weeks!!!
Answer:
O.K., here's what I know from my 40 lb. weight loss last year.
1. 2 lbs a week is a healthy rate to lose so 18 in 9 weeks is doable!
2. Increase your water intake tremendously. I drink about 80 oz. of water a day. I bought a 64 ounce water bottle, fill it up at the beginning of the day and keep pouring water into my glass filled with ice (I like water very cold) until it is gone. After that, I allow myself diet soda, tea or coffee but not until I've had all my water. Just think, all those trips to the bathroom mean more exercise!
3. I stuck to 1200-1300 calories per day and had to keep track or I was way over. You really have no idea how much you're eating until you start keeping track. I thought I would have a hard time making myself track the calories but it just became routine. Most of the time, I plan in my head what I want to eat for the day and put it in the calorie tracker in the morning to see how many calories it will be. That way, I can change the high calorie stuff before I eat it instead of trying to adjust and stay under 1300 after I eat something. If I want to go out to eat, I just plan my day around it. I get on restaurant websites and check their menus out ahead of time so I can decide what I want. That way I don't even look through the menu when I get there and get tempted by something else. I even got on the fast food websites so I know what are good choices at McDonalds, Wendy's, Taco Bell, etc.
4. Increase your activity/exercise level several times a week.
Good luck! You can do it!!! Just be diligent and keep your goal in mind. Nothing tastes as good as going home thin will feel!!!!
Answer:
Marcy, those are AWESOME tips!!! I agree, 2lbs a week IS doable...just be sensible and pretty much follow Marcy's tips
NO STARVING yourself! I know I shouldn't have to say it, but it bears reminding...it will do you no good and you'll prob wind up binge eating if you try to 'starve' yourself. Eat something every few hours so you don't feel hungry!
Good luck, and we're here for you for support!!!
Answer:
First, congrats on your 40 pounds weight loss! That is amazing!!!
I like the idea of not allowing yourself any extra beverages until after you have consumed all of your water for the day. That's a great tip!
I won't starve myself because I get too cranky!! And, you're right, it'll backfire on me!
Although I'm very happy in my marriage, I always worry I'll run into an ex boyfriend (we're talking high school ex boyfriend...years ago), and he'll look at me and think...yep, glad we didn't stick together, she's a chunk!!
Answer:
I also lost 40Lbs in the past year, I totally agree with the pushing the water idea.
Also, have several small meals--biggest in the AM, watch calories and increase fruits/veggies.
Increasing activity is essential also--but it doesn't have to be drastic! Doesn't matter where you start as long as you start right?
Be sure to eat--starving yourself will re-set your metabolism and mess all kinds of things up for you, besides, it's not going to help you in the long run, you just have to change your eating habits.