How long would it take to realistically lose 20 pounds?

Amrice78

I've never dieted/worked out before.  I was one of the fortunate souls who didn't have to work to stay thin - until about 28 and then I'd work out for a few weeks and quit.  Well now I'd like to finally lose the extra 20 I've been carrying around for the last few years, but I don't want to get my hopes unrealistically high about how fast the weight should come off, kwim?

violetvirgo

rule of thumb is 1-2lbs per week.  but honestly i've always been able to lose it faster than that and keep it off - exercise just has to be part of your routine and life, though.

 

*sallymad*

If you really stick to the diet and work out on a regular basis I'd say you could lose 2-3lbs a week.

Val&B0604

I think *they* say 1-2 lbs per week is a healthy weight loss.  So 10-20 weeks depending on how you go about it.  A friend of mine gave up her Pepsi habit and lost 6 lbs a week after not drinking Pepsi.

mlc92404

Because you arent drastically overweight and dont have a ton to lose it will take a little longer.  You dont have to diet, but just cut back on portions, eat healthy, take a multivitamin and make exercising part of your life!  This will help you keep the weight off after you lose what you would like.

Amrice78

yeah, I didn't really mean "diet" because I can't - I'm bfing, I meant eat healthier which would be like dieting for me because I have some really bad food habits

RobynandJason05/06

I did weight watchers and worked out on the WII Fit and lost 45 lbs in 3 1/2months but i was busting my butt.  Realistically 1-2 lbs per week is the norm.

JoshnEllen

Eat lots of veggies.  Choose lean protein.  Exercise/walk.

Weight watchers has a program that includes nursing moms

Lisichka

Amrice78:

yeah, I didn't really mean "diet" because I can't - I'm bfing, I meant eat healthier which would be like dieting for me because I have some really bad food habits

This is also my problem, I have pretty bad eating habits, especially snacking too much (and too late at night). I started (again) the 30DS and try to really stick to it, cooking healthier meals (I try to find recipes that are fairly quick to make) - although I only have one kid, so I definitely have more time for all of that.

But yeah, realistically 1-2lbs a week. And I noticed that writing down what I eat and seeing the calories I consume on paper has helped.

ReeseM

I hired a trainer before my wedding, and was working out and dieting hard core. I was about 145 pounds before. After 6 months I was 125 and WAY more toned.

I was SERIOUS about diet and exercise. Anyways, I think you could expect it to take the better part of 6 months, especially with a baby to consider (time to work out, etc.)

That is really not a long time though! Less than a year to be where you want to???! Sounds good to me!

Rubygirl

violetvirgo:

rule of thumb is 1-2lbs per week.  but honestly i've always been able to lose it faster than that and keep it off - exercise just has to be part of your routine and life, though.

 

1-2 pounds / week is the norm for healthy diet and exercise.  You might lose more in the first couple of weeks - the last few pounds might take a little longer.  I'd recommend a program like Weight Watchers too.  It helps you learn just what you're eating and (for me anyway) helped me stay accountable. 

Brookie-Cookie

Ditto what everyone else said 1-2 lbs is a healthy and safe amount to lose.  3500 calories=1 lb.  So burning 500 more a day and consuming 500 less a day = 2 lbs a week. 

If you have a 4 coke a day habit, cutting that out will do wonders!

brideatbeach

I watched what I ate, cut out wine and soda (never been a big soda drinker), ate LOTS of veggies and lost about 35lbs in 4 months. However I was also working out an hour to an hour and a half 3 to 4 days a week. And If I did not make it to the gym DD and I would go on a walk or do something outside.

blueshirt2003

I've always read/heard/seen that 2lbs a week max is healthy. So, minimum 10 weeks.

Califlorida

what's your food weakness?  dessert?  snacks?  fast food?

how much time can you commit to a work out?  how many mins a day?  every other day?

i'm being 20 questions here...

punkfiction_v.3

i lost 15lbs last jan-febish, went on a cruise in march (haha we know how vacas are!), and then lost the rest and kept it off (til pregnant again).

but to be fair - i had been working out november and december with no results. but once i got into it - the weight fell off quickly. 

Amrice78

Califlorida:

what's your food weakness?  dessert?  snacks?  fast food?

how much time can you commit to a work out?  how many mins a day?  every other day?

i'm being 20 questions here...

um - all of the above (except snacks)

I think I can cut out nightly dessert, daily sodas, and McDonald's french fries

but I don't think I can cut them out completely.  Dessert once a week and 1-2 sodas a week - can I still lose weight like that.

I'll be adding exercise when I get cleared next week. 

punkfiction_v.3

you dont need to cut out all of that. no way. just eat smarter as often as you can.

and make sure you workout in circuits - that helps the most, imo.

Amrice78

punkfiction_v.3:

you dont need to cut out all of that. no way. just eat smarter as often as you can.

and make sure you workout in circuits - that helps the most, imo.

woman did you read where I've never worked out - wtf are circuits?

LucyPevensie

Val&B0604:

I think *they* say 1-2 lbs per week is a healthy weight loss.  So 10-20 weeks depending on how you go about it.  A friend of mine gave up her Pepsi habit and lost 6 lbs a week after not drinking Pepsi.

My husband lost 20 pounds like it was nothing simply by giving up his coke (coca-cola!) habit - the weight just fell right off.  

And OP I am in the same boat (once upon a time was naturally and easily thin, now, not so much!) and am also trying to lose 20 - I have already lost 4 in 2 weeks simply by cutting out all cakes, cookies, candy (and I ate one of more of those types of snacks every day) - I am cutting back on portions - and have been power walking at least 4 days a week (but hope to push that to 6 or 7 soon) pushing 40 extra pounds (25 pound toddler and 15 pound stroller.)  

Califlorida

Amrice78:

Califlorida:

what's your food weakness?  dessert?  snacks?  fast food?

how much time can you commit to a work out?  how many mins a day?  every other day?

i'm being 20 questions here...

um - all of the above (except snacks)

I think I can cut out nightly dessert, daily sodas, and McDonald's french fries

but I don't think I can cut them out completely.  Dessert once a week and 1-2 sodas a week - can I still lose weight like that.

I'll be adding exercise when I get cleared next week. 

if you can cut out nightly dessert, you are my hero.  that's my big challenge.  but it doesn't sound like you are a crazy bad eater.  add a lot more fruit and veg (frozen is just as good as fresh, btw) to every meal.  switch to whole grain everything.  if you can get rid of soda, awesome.  i did that years ago by switching to sparkling water.  now i'm addicted to that, lol!

this month i started working out 2-3/week, 30 mins a day.  but i'm not seeing big weight loss. the minute i started cutting calories my milk disappeared.  like overnight. i wanted to lose 20 lbs in 3 months and after almost a month i've only lost 3 lbs. but honestly, since i feel better and have more energy then i've had in a looooong time, i'm trying not to worry about the actual numbers, kwim?

Amrice78

Cali - I know what you mean - it's so hard not to focus on the numbers, though.

Thanks for the help