How much -should- I be doing?

MelanieAnn

MelanieAnn

New member
I've been getting more and more serious with my diet and exercise the past year. I've lost 107 pounds so far, was losing steadily around 10-12 pounds a month the first 9 months, but have only lost 8 pounds in the past 3 months. While I expect not to continue losing 10 pounds a month, it still seems like such a huge difference. So my first question, after losing 100 pounds, what is an average rate of weight loss I can expect to continue losing reasonably? Also, I am wondering what I should be doing to maximize my results as in exercise. Right now I work with a trainer twice a week, upper and lower body split, then I do both on my own a separate day. The other 3 days of the week I focus on cardio, at least 45 minutes, sometimes longer. Some weeks I manage to get to the gym twice a day one or two of those days... so on an average week I get in about 3 1/2 hours cardio a week and the 3 strength training sessions. I'm only with the trainer another couple weeks, after that I am debating on if I should try to continue by myself.. so in either case, again, how much and of what, should I be doing?

Thanks in advance for any input and help! Not sure what info I should provide, but I am 5'5, starting weight was 285, at 178 now... and yeah... let me know what else I should include. I've tried reading as many of those stickies as possible, but I have 3 little girls here than eat away all of my free time, so I don't know what I may have missed! Thanks again. :)
 
Also, I've been thinking about trying some group classes, but never get around to it. Here is the schedule, any thoughts on what would be a good starting point?
 
Hello! Great job losing so much weight, you're amazing! You must be feeling fabulous.

I know it gets harder to lose the weight as you have less to lose, wish I had an answer for your questions. Seems like there is no standard for weight loss, everyone is different and loses at different paces.

What I'd like to know is how did you lose 10 pounds a month! What was your secret??? That is great.
 
wow, the classes on that list are awesome!! I've only done a few, had great success with step classes, but I hear yoga is amazing too. I just can't seem to get into it yet, but want to. You can always try some of them out and see how fast they get you going. Go for the ones that make you burn the most calories and that should get your loss picking up in no time.
 
Well again, when I started I was at 285... eating atrociously, god knows how many calories I was packing in there, and Pepsi almost 24/7. Once I started limiting the calories it started falling off. I really only drink Crystal Light or Coke Zero, other than straight water of course. I very rarely eat out, and if I do, I make much wiser decisions. Now though, it is getting much slower. I used to get on the scale every day, but am down to once or twice a week now, which has helped me to realize it's not always about the weight. I was wondering if I should just take some time off and focus on maintaining where I'm at now, and if I manage to get a little smaller while doing that, it would just be a bonus.
 
You've come a long way, I don't blame you for wanting to take some time off. It is key to learn how to maintain, so that alone will keep you busy enough. Just keep up all the exercise and eating better for your health, and I am sure you will get past the plateau! You've come so far to stop now, but I know how hard it is. Good luck to you.
 
I'd pick one group class that appeals to you - and do it -if nothing else it'll give you some "you" time away from the children - and it's good to get away fromthe children once in a while..

(group classes are totally not my thing - so I couldnt tell you what to pick :D


Weight loss does slow down - the larger you are -the faster it comes off - and 12lbs a month at your heaviest weight is pretty normal ( 1 percent of your body weight is a good goal to shoot for) -but guess what pretty lady -you don't weigh what you did anymore -so your percentage of weight loss is going to go down.. 8 lbs over a couple of months is nothing to sneeze at...

The usual suggestion for someone who might be plateauing -is to eat at maintenance for a while - to give yourself a break - and it might mean gaining a lb or three -but in the grand scheme of things -the number ont he scale isn't all that relavant -what you're seeing in the mirror -how your clothes are fitting - your measurements -how you're feeling is the important stuff... Not the scale number... So spend some time figuring out your maintenance calories while still including a workout that you can stick with for the rest of your life.. (not overdoing it - it should be enjoyable and something you l ook forward to and not a chore) then when you're comfortable - drop back thecalories again..
 
Thanks for your input. :) I'm also one of those people that works better alone, so I'm not so sure about the group thing, but I gotta force myself to at least try it. Who knows, maybe it won't be quite as boring. I know 8 pounds isn't nothing, but I'm sure you know what I mean there. About how long should I try just maintaining? A few weeks, or longer maybe?
 
I'm sure there's a scientific answer - but my Auntie Mal says - As long as you feel comfortable -I wouldnt get too complacent... but set yourself a point - maybe right after 4th of july - and set that as your restart date (independence from fat :D and do your best to maintain til then...

Try the group class - you never know... worst thing that can happen is that you hate it and yu won't take it again but you own't be left withi wondering.
 
LOL Yeah, I don't plan on getting lazy. I know I need to keep doing what I'm doing, forever. I've worked way too hard to just stop and give it up altogether. :) Things like sugar bring me back to reality as to how far I've come. We had cake for my daughter's birthday on Friday, and I had probably more than I should have.. and felt amazingly depleted for the next day. Wow, what a migraine and lack of energy. Sugar is no longer my friend (and cake is evil for tasting so good).
 
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