Long time lurker here making my first dip into posting. Waited for this day for so long and just want to share it now.
My wedding anniversary is in a few weeks. For the past seven years through various plans and programmes, I've had a goal of returning to what I weighed on my wedding day almost 17 years ago. Today, I achieved it.
I don't have any pics - I've never been one for progress pics, but I get why they're motivating for some. They're just not my thing.
During the summer of 2010, I was 21st 7lb (301lbs). Today, I'm 16st 2lb - down a total of 75lbs (really need to update that flair!). There's been a bit of yo-yo'ing over that time, but half of that loss has come in the past 4 months.
I developed Type 2 diabetes in 2013 and had to start insulin treatment in 2016. Over these last 4 months of loss, I have reduced my insulin dosage by over half. I have every expectation of continuing my losses and being able to get free of insulin dependence. This has been the single most motivating reason for my efforts.
The recent kick-starter for me was turning to professionals for advice and support and trusting they actually know what they're talking about. I've spent time in various communities and followed almost every fad - getting sucked in by some of the most zealous "evangelicals" - but turning to a trained and experienced dietitian made the difference. Someone who took time to work with me, understand my likes and context, and give me sensible, practical, sustainable advice.
I have never been a calorie counter. But the changes I've made to my eating habits have all been about reducing my calorie intake and sensible portion control. It's almost as if CICO does actually work if you do it right and don't cheat! Who'd-a-thunk-it! Well, let me caveat that by saying "worked for me". I hate this one-size-fits-all attitude in some parts of the weight loss community. We all need to find the thing that works for us - cut through the noise and marketing and downright lies and find our own personal solutions.
I've up'ed my exercise significantly in the last year, and whilst my weight is now down to what it was, my body composition is totally different and it has made a massive difference to what I can achieve physically. My body fat is under 30%. I've done cycling on and off over a decade or two and I'm achieving things on a bike I haven't ever achieved in 20 years of taking part.
So whilst what goes in is massively more important than what goes out (I was exercising at my currently levels for a number of months before I actually saw any weight changes - you know, when I changed my eating habits a little!), the encouragement you get from exercise achievements is such a valuable companion to the scales.
Some personal take-aways from my experience - don't believe everything you read about evil doctors and dietitians issuing bad advice. Don't believe everyone who's ultimately trying to sell you something or gain some fame has your best interests at heart. Move a bit... even if that means starting with walking from the garden to your front room (and back, obviously). It might take 7 years (or longer) - so don't worry if your 12-week programme bombs - but persistence is key and it gets easier. I didn't believe it myself, but I can vouch for it now.
And really enjoy those moments when someone you haven't seen for a while goes "God! You've lost a lot of weight!"
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from loseit - Lose the Fat https://ift.tt/2IDhUTx
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