Pounds Loss for the Journey

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I would have asked for help more often instead of attempting to do it all on my own. Many of us are willing to extend a helping hand, but we're very reluctant to reach out for help when we need it ourselves. As much as I know the struggle made me stronger, I could have saved a lot of frustration by seeking out a mentor to work with me on my journey to better health.

I was very stubborn and full of pride and that's gotten me into trouble in more ways than one. At one point at the beginning of my journey, I hired a personal trainer for a couple of private workout sessions. The personal trainer's work ethic was flaky at best, and I imagine I allowed that experience to cloud my judgment when it came to seeking help again. Research suggests that most people are more willing to give assistance to someone over asking for help. Now, I openly take any help someone is willing to give me in all areas of my life. By receiving help from someone, I'm not giving my power away.

At the end of the day, I'm the one who made the decisions and took the actions. I was an obese woman most of my life. I had no idea what it was like to live the life of an average-sized person. Even though my body appeared average after doing the physical work of losing weight, my mind and emotions were still that of my insecure self -- carrying around the extra pound of emotional and mental baggage. I think it's important to work on the person as a whole when losing weight.

Reading your story, it was like reading my own biography, seriously its scary lol. I am so glad you have found a healthy balance. My struggle is real with needing stupid easy but healthy recipes.

Your story is inspiring because I feel like we could be soul sisters haha and I have hope that i can learn to cook and eat better not only for myself but for my hubby and baby. Becky on July 25, at 8: I love that we could be soul sisters! Both my sister and my brother-in-law are nurses and those nursing hours are just insane They have Instant Pot plans and so many of them are just dump and go recipes and lots of other easy, healthy non-IP meals, too.

For me, frozen vegetables are a lifesaver. If I'm putting energy into cooking a main dish, I don't want to put much time into prepping sides too, so my freezer always has a ton of steamer bags of various veggies. The less I have to think, the better!

I'm so glad my story could give you a little inspiration. If I can do it, you absolutely can too. Thanks so much for your comment! Ashley on July 27, at 9: Thanks for the tips and link to the instant pot dump and go recipes! Becky on July 30, at 8: You are so welcome, Ashley! Sharon on April 15, at I loved reading your story and how you have found true peace. You look amazing and so happy. Congratulations to you on your success of finding true freedom.

Diets I Tried On My Weight Loss Journey

Becky on April 16, at 8: Thank you so much for your kind words, Sharon! I am definitely happy these days and feel a million times better! Karen on April 13, at 3: I'm struggling with fitness due to chronic pain and fatigue. Becky on April 13, at 3: I haven't dealt with chronic pain and fatigue myself, so my experience is pretty limited in that area. I would encourage you to move however you can without overdoing it. There is a woman who is going through this herself who talk about that here https: There is a bed workout here http: I hope that helps!

Cindy on April 15, at Great Job on your weight loss. I would like to document my journey I need to lose about lbs. Thank you so much, Cindy! You should absolutely document your journey! It makes such a big difference to have people to cheer you on and especially for you to have those pictures to look back on your journey. You can do it, one small change at a time.

My Weight Loss Journey | How I Lost 100 Pounds One Small Change At A Time

If you decide to document your journey on a blog or social media, please share it with me. I'd love to cheer you on! Amanda on April 11, at 8: Thank you for sharing your journey. I'm a mother of 5 and I homeschool. I'm 39 and 40 pounds overweight. I've never been over weight and I'm struggling.

I emotionally eat all day, everyday and my weight just keeps creeping up. I've hoped the Lord would tell me to fast so maybe I'd lose weight but He knows that's not the right heart and so do I. I've been praying for something to stand out, something that will help me desire to make a change. I've been feeling lost and hopeless. After reading your blog here, I'm crying and praying because I feel like this might be my answer to prayer.

I stumbled upon your story accidentally and I'm finding myself feeling the Lord all over it. Becky on April 12, at I promise you, you are NOT hopeless. One small change at a time. Every decision matters and those small things add up so quickly. Feel free to send me an email and we can talk more and I may be able to give you more specific guidance, but for now, just know that you can do this. If God can take a junk food-loving, couch potato like me and turn me into a veggie-loving runner, I promise He can transform your life and your heart , too!

Meloni Simpson on April 11, at 7: Wow, sharing your journey has encouraged me. I have been overweight since middle school junior high was what they called it in my day. I have been on many diets, while some worked, some didn't. I know that I need to get my weight off to improve my health diabetes and just to look and feel better. I appreciate your thoughts on losing weight and I am very thankful that you include God in your journey.

Thank you for your help in getting me on track. I look forward to reading more of your blog. Hope your day is blessed. Becky on April 11, at I just said a quick prayer for you and hope that you find the tips, guidance, and encouragement you're looking for here! Lost and don't know on March 27, at 4: I Love your story.

It is so inspiring. I often feel I can't lose. But it is the other weight that is getting to me.

Year's ago I did something that left me with a felony. But we always wish for more.

How did you hear about the plan?

I do t have a automobile. But reading your story again gives me HOPE. Becky on March 29, at Thank you so much for your sweet words! I definitely understand that feeling where you just don't know that you can do it, especially when you have bigger things going on in your life. I am so thankful you have a job! I'm not sure if you are able to, but not having a vehicle may be the perfect way to lose weight while doing practical things - walking to work, the grocery store, friends' houses, etc.

I know sometimes that's not possible, but you CAN do it! Let me know if you need more specific suggestions and we can talk through some possibilities that may fit your life. Good for you, fighting through the struggles of life. In Him, we are overcomers, and you are living that out daily! Dawny Tea Drinker on October 23, at Hi Becky, First of all I'd like to say well done to you.

You've worked so hard and you should be proud. It reminded my of my youth, up until I reached the age of 30 I struggled with weight, or more precisely, my body image. Then as I got older, something clicked in me and I focused on health and happiness rather than 'losing weight'. It was my 'eureka moment'. The rest took care of itself. I've been 'fat, fit and happy', and I've been 'slim, unfit and miserable'. I've always been happiest when active and healthy regardless of my size, the weight follows.

12 Things I did to lose 90 pounds in 6 months

Wishing you lots of luck. Keep up the good work. Kate on September 16, at 1: Wow, your story is inspiring. I used to be twig skinny, but once I hit my teen years, I gained weight. Now I am overweight! Whenever I try to lose weight, something always comes up. How did you get over the cravings for junk food? And how do you keep motivated??? Becky on September 17, at 4: Thank you so much, Kate! I'm not over the cravings for junk food!

I try not to keep very much snack food in the house, because between-meal snacking is really my downfall, but I also don't deprive myself. I always have Nutty Bars in my fridge, because I just love 'em. I also keep almonds, honey wheat pretzels, and hummus on hand for my salty cravings, I just really watch myself on the portion sizes. The other huge change in my eating was cutting out fast food.

Those calories add up fast and I've found that I really don't miss it. I prefer to splurge on an occasional nicer meal out than on more frequent fast food visits. And my motivation is people! I have a friend that goes to almost all of my gym classes with me, so I look forward to going just so I can see her! I found running buddies who go to races with me, so running a 5k is actually fun ish and it's more of a social experience than physical torture.

And my Fitbit helps me to be more conscious of my movement on a daily basis. I don't know why, but those silly little flashing lights make me want to get my 10, steps in everyday! Rachel on August 23, at I don't quite know how to put this, but my jaw was dropped throughout the entirety of this post. Your life story outside of having a husband is nearly identical to mine!! I was a cute kid, and then I was overweight throughout my childhood, I attempted dieting in the same way mine was carrots though, not bell pepper strips , I played volleyball and then tennis, I lost weight in college, I hated running with a passion and then started running.

I'm now 23, still quite overweight and attempting to lose it. I was kind of in a rut, upset because I have gained almost all the weight that I've lost back. Remember what they say, "A year or month or week from now, you'll wish you started today. This is an estimate of how many calories you'll burn if you were at rest for 24 hours. It is the minimum amount of energy your body needs to function.

This includes breathing and keeping your heart beating. This is the most important thing and my key to weight loss. Count your calories right down to condiments. I became very meticulous with counting calories and it paid off. There are a lot of apps that can help you track your daily caloric intake. Just make sure that your inputs are accurate and verified. Don't trust everything you see on apps. If you have to measure and weigh every meal, feel free to do so.

The key to weight loss is creating a deficit in your daily caloric intake and daily caloric maintenance. We know that gym memberships don't come cheap, but this made me accountable. I wanted to make the most of what I paid for and it meant going to the gym on a regular basis. My own personal work out? On my first day, I started at 30 minutes on the treadmill. The next day, I challenged myself to an hour of cardio and some weight lifting. After a few days, I found myself increasing the speed and inclination on the treadmill. To date, I spend 6 to 7 times a week at the gym on the treadmill for at least an hour more if my family plans to eat out and lifting weights for 30 to 40 minutes.

Once you sense your body adjusting to your workout routine and it gets comfortable or easy, make sure you increase the intensity. There are days when you just can't help yourself and you just want to eat. This doesn't mean that you have to suffer just because you're on a diet. What I do is work out first and then eat what I'm craving for. For example, if I want to eat a double cheeseburger from McDonalds and it's about calories, I will burn that calories first and then eat.

Based on what I've read, this is what often leads to giving up — people crave for something, give in to their cravings, feel guilty afterwards, and just completely give up on their diet. But hey, don't quit, okay? There's always tomorrow or later. Just be patient and you will learn the art of self control and discipline. I have a sweet tooth. Oftentimes, I would find myself craving for something sweet after a hearty meal.

When I embarked on this journey, I decided to quit sugar for a month to train my taste buds.

It is, indeed, evil! A few days after quitting sugar, I did not crave for sweets anymore. To date, I use sweeteners like Green Stevia but limit it to only half a sachet a day. Just enough to give my coffee a little sweetness. When I decided to lose weight, I told my family and my very close friends about my plan.

Before and After Weight Loss Pictures

This way, they would understand if I turn down a second serving or skip a pig-out session. Plus, they're a great support system, who will help you on your journey. Incorporate family activities as part of your work out.

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