JenR

How much did you lose? Almost 20, but my lifetime goal is 2 pounds above that.
How long did it take? 18 months, but I wasn't focused all that time.
What steps did you take to lose the weight? Exercise made a huge difference, and going to meetings every single week = helps you stay focused and positive and celebrate even the little accomplishments.
If you did WW, what plan did you do? Mostly Core - that's how I want to eat for good.
What else do you feel that you gained from losing? (Besides a lower number on the scale.) Feeling so much healthier and more athletic.
What did you do for a daily snack? Popcorn, yogurt, 2-point kashi chocolate cherry bars.
Name one vital change you made to your lifestyle. The way I think about food - a treat is now really a TREAT, and I enjoy it.
Give me one tip for losing weight. Do it because YOU want to, and focus on the REAL goal - i.e. if the vague goal is getting healthy, figure out what EXACTLY that will mean you can do or will feel or whatever that you don't or can't now. Make your goals REALLY specific. GOOD LUCK!! You CAN do it!

Cynthia

How much did you lose? 70-80 pounds (currently at 70, as I fluctuate within 10 pounds and am currently at the top of the 10 pound fluctuation).

How long did it take? 6-9 months? I never really got on a scale much and wasn't really focused on losing, so I didn't pay that close of attention. I just was what I was.

What steps did you take to lose the weight? My primary focus was being healthy. I completely cut out sugar, white flour, white rice and all simple carbs.

If you did WW, what plan did you do? N/A

What else do you feel that you gained from losing? (Besides a lower number on the scale.). I feel like I gained a greater sense of self. But I was thinking about that and I'm not sure if that came before and that's why I was able to make the changes in my life or not. Like the chicken and the egg question. KWIM? I did lose a lot of inhibition. I felt like I was finally able to be me, the me I was intended to be. And that's really from an internal viewpoint. I mean, I never consciously felt like being overweight prevented me from doing things, but I guess it really did.

What did you do for a daily snack? At the beginning, while I was losing I ate a lot of soynuts that I got from TJ's. They were dry-roasted in no additional oil and they were very lightly salted. Unfortunately, they no longer carry them. But having them around (all.the.time) helped a lot. I also stopped at the grocery store when I was out and needed a snack, in lieu of driving through somewhere. I'd pick up some fruit.

Name one vital change you made to your lifestyle. The vital change for me was completely eliminating the sugar and white stuff. I've never had any since. For me, it's similar to being an alcoholic. If I don't have the stuff, I never have to worry about overindulging, which is what I always did. And I've never missed it. Honestly. I know it's odd, but it's really true. And I say that was the vital change because even though I may have been able to lose the weight w/o completely eliminating that stuff, I'm confident I would never have been able to keep it off. Here I am 6 1/2 years later!

Give me one tip for losing weight. Make you your number one priority and be prepared. Make your food your number one priority. Be sure that you have what you need to eat in the house and available to you when you go out. Always have food that you can eat ready for you to grab (i.e. fresh fruit cut up or apples, bananas - things that you don't have to take time to prepare). My other tip is start when you are ready. Don't wait until Monday or the first of the month or year. If you want to do it, do it now. Right now. And if you don't want to do it, then just don't! Don't beat yourself up. Beating ourselves up is the worst thing we can do for those of us who are emotional eaters.

creativesidebows

How much did you lose?152 lbs
How long did it take?9 months
What steps did you take to lose the weight?I took phenetermine (NOT phen-phen) and worked out 6 days a week. I also did a MAJOR portion control when I ate.
If you did WW, what plan did you do?n/a
What else do you feel that you gained from losing? (Besides a lower number on the scale.)My self esteam (sp?). I liked being the sexy Mom with 3 young kids
What did you do for a daily snack?It depended on what time of the month it was. I never denied myself anything. I learned how to eat 2 oreo's instead of 20. I tried to eat healthy snacks most of the time but sometimes you just need chocolate. I am a HUGE believer that you can have everything in moderation.
Name one vital change you made to your lifestyle.Portion control was huge for me. I could eat a plate of spaghetti big enough for 3 people. Also I found when I worked out I didn't want to eat the crappy food as much and I realized how I felt once I ate that way.
Give me one tip for losing weight.You have to be mentally ready. If you aren't it won't work.

I have to say that I kept the weight off for 2 years. Then I blew out both my knees and during recovery I discovered cocktails with dinner every night. It was like a double whammy. I gained back 80 pounds but I've started trying to get back to being healtier and have quit having cocktails every night and have already lost 13 pounds. I soooo want my size 7's back. I joined the gym and pay for it every month but I'm not good about going. It all comes down to time for me now and with my business and kids and DH and house and......I just have the issue of not wanting to take time for myself. Everything else is always more important and by the time I get done everything else there is no time left. I've lost the weight before so I know it's do able I just wish I could get that mental state of giving myself the time to do it back again.

Mcheer

Try a cleanse... I lost 6lbs in 5 days... and it is still off (even with my wine and smartie meal for tonight )

Eleni

Try not to loose weight fast. I think you should go for a gradual change over a year's time span. Weight lost the speedy way has more chances to return and also you have to think of your skin. You have to give it time to adjust to the weight loss. Good luck Kim, you can and will do this!

dbn13

Kim, you can and you will do this. Sounds like you're making this a priority these days. That's the first step.

What steps did you take to lose the weight?

Make small changes. The second you decide to flip your life upside down to make this happen, it's gets old really fast.

• When I go to the store or Target or the mall, I park further away so I have to do a little extra walking (and it keeps my car from getting dinged by other cars).
• Take the stairs, not the escalators or elevators - it really does make a difference in terms of your overall fitness level.
• When you go to the gym, variety is going to be the key. Mix up your workout. Do a step class one day. Maybe workout with a trainer one day a week. Try yoga. Without the variety, it will get boring quickly and you'll lose your motivation.
• All the working out in the world won't do you any good unless you change eating habits. Portion control is the key! I've heard it suggested that you use a small salad plate instead of a dinner plate to keep portions in control. Try to avoid sodas, alcohol, and sugary drinks. Skip gatorade after a workout - drink water.
• Keep some low fat snacking options around - I know that helped with WW. If I don't have reeses peanut butter cups in the house, I can't eat them!
• I do allow myself to eat what I want. If I want pizza, I have a slice, not two or three. If I want a burger, I'll go without the cheese.
• Take a before shot - seriously. I posted some of mine on my blog a while back. Boy, did that get me motivated!

If you did WW, what plan did you do?

• I did the online one and honestly have fallen off the wagon. I bet having to actually go and weigh in will keep you motivated!

What else do you feel that you gained from losing? (Besides a lower number on the scale.)

• Self esteem for sure - and the ability to look good in my clothes!

What did you do for a daily snack?

• Keep fruit on hand. And I keep gum and candy like jolly ranchers around to fulfill my sweet tooth. The WW cakes are pretty good too - I like the carrot cake the best.

Name one vital change you made to your lifestyle.

• Drinking diet soda instead of regular soda - I lost 5 lbs overnight when I made the switch years ago.

Give me one tip for losing weight.

• Make sure you're doing it for the right reasons - for you, your daughter, your health. With the right motivation, you'll get 'er done. And plateaus and boredom do happen - remember to try to keep things fun. Find a bellydancing class. Take the little one out for walks after dinner. It's amazing how getting outside can change so much!

Again, good luck - you can do this!!!