peeperjj's Journal, 12 February 2021

And that is why I am here....To finally loose and keep it off. Be healthy and make lifetime changes that I can sustain. Rather than diet; loose to just gain again.... 

Peeper, I have been "dieting" since I was a teenager. I joined Fatsecret in 2012 and lost 10 to 30 lbs....multiple times. I finally seem to have been successful this last time (started July 2019). Time will tell if that is a fact. I know that I have to stick with a plan for the rest of my life if I want to remain at a healthy weight. I'm no longer "dieting"....I've created a lifestyle plan that includes all the foods I love in moderation. I also know some type of exercise/ activity needs to be a part of my daily life. Anyone that believes short term changes will give them long term results is fooling themselves.  

Some people are here to gain weight, let’s not forget them 😉 

Lorinh same for me! I’ve gotten to my weight goal range, but have slowly gained a few # the last few months. Being stuck inside and not able to go to the gym to lift weights has taken a toll even though I’ve not changed the way I eat. I’m actually eating home cooked meals more and restaurant meals less the past two months! Having a lifestyle change is way better than ‘dieting’.  

Exactly SherryeB! You are finding what works for you and that’s great! Once in maintenance you’ll have a bit more leeway. I started off too restrictive and it sucked. I toned it down a little and while my weight loss slowed a bit I was much happier having my handful of cereal, a candy bar or rice crispy treat occasionally. Every individual has to find what works for their own body, needs, wants etc.  

Thx Erq! Lambie yes, we can’t forget them! They haven’t been in my feed lately though. So as not to leave them out... if you are trying to GAIN and can’t then you’ll need to change something up too! Feel free to ask me and I can give you all kinds of higher calorie food options to explore 😂. Pizza is the best one! You can get your meat, some veggies, dairy and carbs all in one meal and it tastes great! Lol. I also recommend lifting weights if you choose the pizza route. That’ll help you gain some muscle from all those pizza calories. I gained 20# in a month on my ‘pizza pregnancy diet’. (Dr told me I was underweight and to gain 20# so I did. He later told me I was supposed to gain that in the 9 months NOT the first month 🤦‍♀️ Dude, be more specific lol) All jokes aside, trying to gain weight for someone who struggles is just as hard as losing for those that struggle there. I’ve been on each side so o get them both. Gotta say I much preferred having a hard time gaining weight lol. Kids ruined that for me hehe.  

I have noticed two problems with people who claim they can't lose weight or are stuck at the same weight for ages and for this reason, I tend no longer to engage with them. The first is that they tend to be far too invested in short-term changes on the scale that do not accurately measure fat loss. They'll claim being in a caloric deficit alone doesn't work because they haven't seeing a huge drop a day or two after starting. The second is that they tend to go on and off extreme plans that they know they can't sustain and don't plan to do long-term. In the end, people have to decide for themselves to make a change they can stick to, be consistent and not expect immediate results. Part of my job is coaching people (not weight loss) and what I see is that people who are successful just keep doing what they know they must do even when they're not getting any external validation (from the scale for example, or praise from others) and those who are unsuccessful want quick easy fixes that make them feel good in the moment. The same applies here. 

A lot of people don't want to do the work, that's the sad truth. They'll pay scammers and dishonest people half their savings to be told there's a magic way to lose weight where you're never ever hungry, don't have to give up anything and will see all the fat melt from your belly in a matter of weeks. No one likes being told the truth: it takes time, you're sometimes going to be a bit hungry if you're doing it right, you won't have everything you want, there will be some form of constraint and the fat won't all come from the places you want it to. 

I've been off/on FS since 2015 and I've noticed the same. I've been up and down and do feel embarrassed that I haven't 'got' it yet, that I haven't conquered maintenance, that I still struggle with the same feelings and thoughts BUT I've also changed things up and tried new ways (hello moderation with all foods). I feel for the people that I see sitting in the same situation that they were x number years ago. It's hard to change so maybe this post will be what they need to kick 'em in gear.  

Peeper & Laughing--Thanks for your words of wisdom. I don't comment much, but do read comments nearly every day. You both offer so much encouragement. I'm 75 and have been fighting the weight battle since I was very young. Fat Secret helps so much. Again, thank you! 

This!!! I've struggled with my weight ALL of my adult life. Lost a bunch and gained it back and more every time. This time, I'm doing it right. Logging calories. Being extremely mindful of what goes into my body. The same pics I've posted here, I've posted on my FB account. Mind you, I get so much more support here than anywhere else! From people that do t know me!!! EVERYONE asks but how?!?!? I've reached out and shared what I've learned and they just ignore it once they see the amount of work put in. I'm down almost 90lbs through dedication and commitment to myself. They dont want to put in the work. Definition of insanity is repeating the same actions expecting different results. Change the way you look at things and the things you look at will change!!!! Thank you for this post!! 

To each their own. Peace. 

DulcimerGal, I'm glad you found my comment helpful. I too have found useful suggestions and advice on FS. It's great. SofieRuiz, absolutely agree with your quote about insanity. I was guilty of yo-yoing between extreme discipline/restriction and extreme indulgence for many years, in many areas of my life, telling myself every time that I was going to deny myself all pleasure for good this time. Didn't work, and I finally accepted that I had to do it differently. 

I agree - sometimes is disheartening to see people posting photos of french fries and chips when I know I cant eat those things. Its only been a few weeks for me so it will be trial and error. 

🍀 

I believe don't just make it a diet. make it a lifestyle change the results are better and long lasting. We all know we are what we eat. Water is your best friend. Apple cider vinegar (with mother) is also amazing to help with results. But why all the hard work just to put it back on when it's better to make it your lifestyle change 

Thank you Peeper, and Sherry and Lori I totally agree with you! I want to enjoy all foods but learn portion control and moderation. I use this app because it's teaching me exactly what I'm putting in my body and I had no idea how much I was over eating. I hate "dieting". I would greatly appreciate delicious healthy recipes posted rather than pics of French fries and pizzas.  

generally speaking, if a routine has worked for helping you to lose weight and it's no longer doing so the odds are that you're having a hormone change. whether that hormone change is in the thyroid or your sexual hormones the end result is ultimately the same. You either plateau or you gain weight. 

I saw this and meant to comment! I agree with you!!! 👍 

Oh and very well said!