At a Stall and needs some pick me up advice!!

Hello all.. It has been a very long time since I posted anything.  But I still have been out there checking out everyone's post and also on facebook.  But I am in need of some advice and encouragement.  I am coming up on my one year surgery anniversary date (May 15th) and I have hit a wall.  Since end of January I have been playing with a 5 lbs weight up and down and can't get over it.  I know I haven't been as active as I like, but I started to get myself motivated and get up and get into my walking routine.  I am 42 lbs away from my goal and that seems like a hell of a lot of weight considering that it was just falling off in the beginning.    I was thinking about going back the basics and do protein shakes and salads for a while just to see if that does the trick.  Any other encouragement or advice is always welcome. 

Bring it on gang.  This girly needs to get in smaller pants.

123 lbs lost so far  - I know that is great but I want to be in a size 12 by July not 16.

Is this not a good goal.

Thanks.

Jenn

The weight loss will definately be slower now.  But Nan can attest that 3 years later and she's still losing.  It's possible. 

First off - you mentioned "not as active"  Obviously..that needs to stop (well, I guess, start, lol)  Walking routines are great - but you should probably start thinking about more than just walking.  More cardio and definately weight training.  If you can join a gym, great.  If not, get some hand weights and some DVDs for home, or even look online for stuff.  Your SIZES will change even if your weight doesn't significantly change with addition of muscle (which burns fat away, ps)

Now...nutritionally.  Are you getting the basics in?  That's the first step.  Make sure a minimum of 64 ounces of water a day.  More is better.

Protein...are you hitting your goals?

Fat...are you eating to much of it?

Carbs...they tend to sneak back in.  Dry crunchy carbs (pretzels etc) are my downfall....I can eat those slider foods seven ways to Sunday.  They don't make me full, they don't make me dump...but they do make me gain weight.

You can go back to protein shakes and what not if you feel you need to - but DON'T think of that as a way to "lose weight" or "diet"  Instead, use it as a tool to "reset your mind" and get yourself back to where you need to be.

And I know it's hard...but for goodness sakes...do NOT set yourself up for the "I want to be in size x by x date"  As long as you are doing YOUR part 100%, then your body will get down to where you want it to be. However, it might take longer than you hope.  And giving yourself an ultimadium is asking to set yourself up for failure...which is NOT the way to think about this.

Good luck!

yep - what  Pam said.

Your tool is there still you just have to work it! Getting "back to basics" is a great way to do it. Protein first, veggies next, fruits and carbs last. Make sure you are getting in all your fluids - but not too close to your meals (20 minutes before or after eating I believe is the rule for most). That and move your body!

I post a daily "sticking to the basics" thread with menu planning. I am 3 1/2 years out and still plan out all my food for the day. Some of my tips for that - I pack my breakfast, 2 snacks and lunch for work at night for the next day, That way even if I am running late in the morning all I have to do is "grab and go" in the morning.

Hope that helps!

Liz

Thanks girls... I am going to back to the basics and focus on my protein and liquid intake and definately going to start moving more. 

I really needed that kick start.  Off to the next day.

Thanks  again.

Jenn

You look great, by the way! I've hit a stall too, 25 pounds from goal, getting a little to complaisant with the status quo, I'm at 163 and feeling pretty damn good, but really want to get into the 150's. I need to get back to basics too, lets check in and see how we're doing a month from now. Good luck!
Priscilla

Jenn (and Priscilla),

I second (well, third or fourth at this point) what Pam said...

I was stalled for 3 months approaching my year, which was frustrating to no end.  But persistence and monitoring and changing things up a bit paid off, and the scale started moving again a couple of weeks ago.  Be patient, be vigilant and it will happen.

One suggestion to add:  Journal your nutrition and your fitness (at least for a while).  That will help you see clearly whether and where you need to make adjustments.  I love sparkpeople.com for that because the tracking is so easy and I can set specific goals for my own nutrient needs.  You can also put in a recipe and it will calculate the nutrition "label" for that recipe, which is sometimes a life-saver!

Good luck and keep at it!  You'll reach your goals at your own pace and in your own time.  The key is to do it in a way that you can sustain for your lifetime and periodically checking your assumptions about your nutrition and fitness can help you avoid complacency.

Karen

Its Twu, after FOUR years, the scale still moves, it just harder to make it do so. The key is variety, low carbs, varying your calories, fat, etc. Don't get stuck in a food rut. Keep your carbs in line with your fat intake. Are your meals spaced 2-3 hours apart and are you not eating late at night. Are your portions still within limits? Are your carbs only natural ones, no rice, no potato, no bread, no pasta, no sugar?