Grossly overweight

[SallyNow]

My advice: set realistic goals! Even in some diet commercials today, it is obvious that the diet industry wants to set the goals way to high. (how many times have you seen women who appear healthy in the "before" pics, and then look almost emmaciated in the "after" ones).

So, set realistic goals. Don't be too hard on yourself if at first the going seems slow, or tough. And do make sure to stick with it!

 

[Chilufya]

My advice: set realistic goals! Even in some diet commercials today, it is obvious that the diet industry wants to set the goals way to high. (how many times have you seen women who appear healthy in the "before" pics, and then look almost emmaciated in the "after" ones).

So, set realistic goals. Don't be too hard on yourself if at first the going seems slow, or tough. And do make sure to stick with it!

I've also noticed in some of those 'after' pictures, the person not only lost weight, but also made a trip to the plastic surgeon. Sorry, but in my experience a lady doesn't lose 68 pounds and go from a b-cup to a d-cup.

Unless she just had a baby. And that's a different story entirely.

Jeff

 

[vatuck]

I would like to add that there may be another contributing problem that many people overlook. How much sugar and white flour products do you eat and how much caffeine do you drink? These are all HUGE stumbling blocks for me. Although I was always pretty careful about my total calorie intake, I had a lot of trouble with an addiction, yes an addiction, to sugar, white flour and caffeine. I would suggest that you get your cholesterol checked. I did, and I found that I had a pretty good overall cholesterol count, but my triglycerides were high. My doctor (he practices functional medicine) told me that this tells him that I have a problem with insulin resistance, which creates difficulty in losing weight and can also cause weight gain. Not only does this make it VERY difficult for me to lose weight, but the addictions caused me to want to have more and more of those types of foods. I gave up white flour, sugar and caffeine. I felt like junk for a few days while going through withdrawal, but I feel so much better now. I am losing weight very slowly now, but at least I am losing now and not gaining. If bad carbs and caffeine are a problem for you, you will feel so much more in control once they are out of your diet. When I eat those foods, I continue to want to eat more. They trigger my appetite for some reason.

Also, remember all of the suggestions above. Exercise is VERY important.

 

[Wolflily]

Walking is still one of the best exercises, especially for beginners! If you have a dog or can 'borrow' a friend's or neighbor's you will enjoy your walks infinitely more!!

Start slowly like everyone is suggesting. 1-3 lbs per week is a healthy amount. You will probably lose more faster if you take on a strict eating plan because of the drop in overall caloric intake, but it will level off (plateau) at some point and then you can re-assess your food and exercise plan accordingly.

I will tell you from experience, the small changes you make over time that become habitual will be your lifesavers. Years ago I went on my first real 'diet' and cut out salt and butter straight out. Hardly have used them since. Over the years I've cut out all sodas except the occasional ginger ale or root beer and pretty much stick to suntea (brewed green and fruit teas with a little honey), some juice, and water. Next I eliminated almost all sweets with the occasional treat. Now I'm working on eliminating starches from my diet. Again, with the occasional treat while I get used to the change. Once things become part of your 'normal' day to day life, you don't have to think about it so much. But start slowly - any change is for the best and you will find yourself less apt to crave and binge if you don't try to change your whole diet at once.

I wish you the best! Don't give up! You have a lot of wonderful supporters here to pray and root for you.

 

[Mary of Bethany]

You've received lots of good advice. I'll add my two cents. This time last year I weighed 270 lbs. I now weigh 170 lbs and am on my way to my goal of 130 lbs. (I'm 5'7", and I'm a 50 year old woman.) I've done it by strictly following the Atkins diet. When done properly, it is not a fad diet, it's a very sound way to lose weight, and then to maintain that weight. If you don't want to do the full Atkins, at least, as someone else mentioned, stop eating sugar and processed flour. These are empty calories that have no redeeming value, and the sugar especially is bad for you, bad for insulin levels, etc.

Good luck with whatever way you choose! And definitely consult your doctor first.

 

[peschitta_enthusiast]

Try Atkins brother. The low-carb business is serious. It is very safe and very effective. My own story is 85kg a few months ago to now hovering at 67-70kg. I prefer fatty chunks of meat to white bread and doughnuts