I'm going public about trying to lose 10 lbs

vtkgirl77 · October 2009

I would really like to lose 10 lbs so that I can get within a few pounds of my wedding weight. I'm at the same weight as when I got pregnant but everything is a little mushier and half of my suits do not fit (I can't button the pants). Plus, we go to Jamaica at Christmas with DH's family so I have to actually get into a bathing suit in 2 months.

I am very knowledgeable about how to lose weight. My mom is a dietitian so I know the calorie count in everything. It's just a matter of getting motivated and being held accountable.

I was thinking about joining Weight Watchers at Work to give me some additional accountability but it costs $125 which seems like a lot considering I already know how to lose weight. So, DH and I decided that we are both going on a 5 week diet which started last Tuesday, Oct. 20. We each have a target of weight that we are going to lose in that 5 week period. Mine is 6 lbs. If we reach our individual targets, we each get $100 of spending money (at least this way we are keeping the money in the family). And, whoever loses the highest percentage of body weight will also get an additional $100 (to add some competition in). So, I'm trying to win the full $200 so I can get some new clothes. Our goal is that this 5-week period give us a kick-start in order to get on track and then we will lose the rest of the weight after that.

Anyway, I just had to tell everyone what I am doing so that I feel more accountability. Also, you'll notice my new ticker. I lost 2 lbs last week so I am on my way!

Feel free to share any other ways that you stay motivated to lose weight.

MarieandCharlie · October 2009

Good luck! I'm totally in awe of this and can hopefully take some motivation from what you're doing. I have a ton of weight to drop before a trip to Bermuda in June and inspiration has to hit sometime soon Stick out tongue

Artslvr · October 2009

Fantastic, good for you!

I do WW. I'm within 10 pounds of my goal, so like you, I'm sort of in that home stretch. Unfortunately I've hit a major plateau - not a physical one, a mental one. So I have nobody to blame but me that I'm still staring at those last ten pounds.

BTW, I do WW monthly pass which is $40 a month. To me, $10 a week is worth it. I go to meetings - when I don't, I gain.

I think any effort to lose weight is commendable, so go you go!

My PS is that I had to get rid of 100% of my pre-pregnancy (before having DD #1) clothes, even though my weight is back down within ten pounds of that pre-DD #1 weight. My body is vastly different. So I would just throw in that you may not get into the precise clothing you owned before even if the number on the scale is equal to or less than your pre-preg weight.

Hey, it's an excuse to buy new clothes that look fabulous on the current you!

calhoun05 · October 2009

Good luck! I joined weight watchers online last week. I set my goal as 10 pounds as well, but that's actually so it doesn't seem as daunting. Once I reach that goal, I'm likely going to aim for another 5.

And I know what you mean about the post-pregnancy body. I'm actually a couple of pounds lighter than I was pre-pregnancy, but it doesn't seeem that way, probably because my body fat percentage is higher. I attribute some of that to still breastfeeding, but I can still get it lower and not jeopardize that.

Sofka · October 2009

good luck!

emack · October 2009

Good luck! That's a great idea to set a goal and make a reward at the end. Practicing "mindful" eating, or trying to be more aware of your moods, hunger level, experience of eating, etc. can also be really helpful. For instance, asking yourself, "what exactly do I feel like eating?", taking the time to really experience each bite, and reminding yourself of your goals can help you slow down, consider what you're eating, and eating more appropriately instead of thoughtlessly. I'm sure you'll get there!

bh2720 · October 2009

Good luck, Kendra! I know you'll be successful :-) That's a really great idea...although it wouldn't work with Ken because he is not allowed to lose weight--he's too skinny as it is!! (I'm always threatening to secretly add lard to his dinners Wink )

I just joined Weight Watchers about 3 weeks ago and I've lost 4.5 pounds. I was down to my pre-preg weight (finally), but since I gained about 25 pounds between when I got married and got pregnant, I have a ways to go before I get to my goal weight. And unlike you, I really have no idea how dieting really works. And I need a lot of structure so WW seems to be working well for me so far.

vtkgirl77 · October 2009

bh2720:

Good luck, Kendra! I know you'll be successful :-) That's a really great idea...although it wouldn't work with Ken because he is not allowed to lose weight--he's too skinny as it is!! (I'm always threatening to secretly add lard to his dinners )

I just joined Weight Watchers about 3 weeks ago and I've lost 4.5 pounds. I was down to my pre-preg weight (finally), but since I gained about 25 pounds between when I got married and got pregnant, I have a ways to go before I get to my goal weight. And unlike you, I really have no idea how dieting really works. And I need a lot of structure so WW seems to be working well for me so far.

I know - I remember you posting something about joining WW. That's great. My boss just lost 50 lbs on WW and she looks terrific. Good luck and congrats on the 4.5 lbs!

KristinandChris · October 2009

Good luck! I am down pretty much to my pre-pregnancy size, but as previously stated my body is shaped differently. Most of my clothes fit but some pants are just never going to work.

I don't really diet, I should, but I've been working out a lot lately. I'm training for a 1/2 marathon and while the lbs aren't falling off, I'm noticing a nice difference in the past few weeks. I would highly recommend doing the couch to 5k program if you're new at running or just getting back into it. I had really bad back issues when I was pregnant and knee issues after. The couch to 5k program was the best thing for me to get back into shape. Now I'm up to running 3 miles two or three times a week and 5+ long runs on the weekends.

Love the competition idea! I'd do that with my DH but he could lose weight just by thinking about it

eeclem · October 2009

Good luck! Last month, I was only 5 pounds above my pre-pregnancy weight and thought I was on a good track, but I've managed to gain a few pounds back and am going to get into a better diet and exercise routine before returning to work. I've restocked my pantry with healthier one handed snacks and signed up for a post natal yoga/pilates class at Holy Cross.

My motivation is that I can't fit in to my normal work clothes! The only nice pants that fit me are the big ones I bought when I was 4 months pregnant - yuck!

Hey Jellisy · October 2009

Good luck. I'll also say the clothes fitting thing is different with the post pregnancy body. I'm below my pre-pregnancy weight (still 10 lbs above my goal weight - I blame DH and his ice cream every night habit) and my pre-pregnancy clothes do not all fit. Especially tops, but I'm rather chesty. WW is great, I lost a lot of weight with it in my early 20s and it changed my relationship with food. In 10 years, I have yet to really relapse. I am more mindful, aware of portion sizes, and I just go back to basics when my clothes start feeling tight. I can't say enough good things about it. I

Temp763151187501242 · October 2009

Good for you! I actually weigh less than I did at my first doctor's appointment but like everyone else my mushy belly prevents me from fitting into most of my pants and my bigger breasts make my button-up shirts tight. I am looking forward to having the energy to work out again. Like you, I'm very knowledgeable on what to eat but my willpower gets me. I'm one of those that would rather workout than watch what I eat though I know they go hand in hand when it comes to losing weight. Good luck on your goals and keep us posted!