18 replies to this topic

[kimmybear]

I have had food struggles for as long as I can remember. I was thin until age 7. I started overeating and was overweight until age 15. At 15, I started to exercise and eat healthy. I was a size 4 all through college and even until I had my first baby (she's 6 now). Actually, I was even a size 4 (through diet and exercise) within 4 months of having her. Well, I had another baby girl (she's almost 2 now) and I realized that since turning 31, I just don't have the drive to "diet" the way I used to. So, I turned to JC a week ago. I lost 5 lbs at weigh in today. Typically, the first week of any diet program I do well on. But, then- I get tempted by sweets and carbs...and I want just a bite....and then I overeat. I haven't done that so far. With such a small amount of weight to lose (just 15 more pounds), I am finding myself struggling after just one week to stick with this. I am on 1200 calories, so there isn't any (much) room for extra calories. I don't want to turn to diet pills or fads, so that's why I came to JC. I did the fasting and diet pills when I was younger, so I am trying to make an effort to take care of my body and show my girls to eat right.
I haven't found a forum on here that fits me....
Someone who has had a lifelong struggle with food. To an outsider, I might look like I don't need to lose weight. And, realistically, I probably don't need to lose any weight to be in a healthy range. But, I do want to look and feel my absolute best. And for me, that place of feeling great is a size 4- not 8 or 10. I want my pre-babies body back. I'm working out 3 days a week and know it's a matter of time before this weight comes off. Is anyone else out there having a hard time sticking to the diet/not cheating? I would love to hear from someone in a similar situation and how they handle it.

[tipseytoodle]

I totally could have written your post! I found the hardest thing when I started, and the thing I struggle most with, is that nagging feeling that I'm "fine" where I'm at... why push to get those last few pounds off. But, like you, I prefer to be a smaller size. I'm small boned and short, so there is a pretty noticeable difference from size 2 to size 6-8 for me. I try to really focus on the other reasons I want to lose too... I want a better outlook on food. I don't want to be up-down-up-down with my weight. I don't want my daughters to see me go through that. So... these are some of the non-size issues that help drive me when I'm feeling like I want to quit.

I've lost almost 15 lbs now, and have the last 5 or so to go. I would say that I feel more motivated and find it easier to stick to a life-long change now, than compared to when I started. It DOES take work though... more work mentally than anything else. But, that's why I came to JC. I wanted to make that mental change and make this a permanent fix.

I also find that the longer you go without cheating, the easier it is, and the more empowering it feels. I LOVE that feeling of knowing I can make a better choice, and I can pass up all the tempatations. It's AWESOME and it will keep me at size 2 for the long term!

Hope some of that helps.

[annie5]

I'm in the same boat as both you ladies! Here what I have been doing when I want to snack, I take a minute to evaluate if I am even hungry or not. (I never am hungry after eating everything on the menu) So then I try to figure out why it is that I want to eat. I came up with 2 reasons: 1. I'm bored or 2. I've had a long day and eating is my way of unwinding. So, I made a list of alternative things to do in those situations and so far its working. I seem to have a lot more control over eating. If you follow the plan you will lose weight, but if you don't figure out why you want to eat the way you do, you are going to have a hard time maintaining the weight. Your body/metabolism in your 20's is very different to you 30's, so what you did in your 20's to lose and maintain the weight loss may not necessarily work for you now (trust me on this one! 32 was a scary year for me!!!LOL)

Good Luck!

[kimmybear]

What a great way to start my day by reading these posts. I totally felt kind of alone with these weight issues because everyone I know says "oh, you look great. You don't need to lose weight". But, for me, I like being a certain size. Both of your comments are very encouraging.

I have been doing personalized menus. Do either of you think that the weight loss will come off slower because of that? I am concerned because I choose a lot of carb foods (french toast, pastas) and I don't do the planned menu option.

[Blessed4Life2]

I have been doing personalized menus. Do either of you think that the weight loss will come off slower because of that? I am concerned because I choose a lot of carb foods (french toast, pastas) and I don't do the planned menu option.

Hi Kimmy, I just wanted to chime in and say YES, I believe your weight loss will slow down when on the personalized menus. I have read it here time after time, and many swear by the planned menus if you want to lose continually.

Personally, I have been on the personalized since day one, and I can honestly say my losses are very slow.....BUT, the way I justify it in my head is if I dont like the food I know I will NOT stick with the program, plus I tend to get the same ole thing EVERYDAY.....I know......a creature of habit. ha.

I believe the way to go is the planned if you want to continue to lose at a steady rate. JC has the planned menus all worked out for us nutritionally, with just the right balance of carbs, fats and proteins. I also suggest everyone try everything jc offers at least once, so you will know exactly what you like next time you order.

Good luck to you Kimmy!!!!

[kimmybear]

Yes, I agree! I picked personalized because I love certain things. I actually started JC about 6 months after my 2nd daughter was born. I didn't stick with it because I didn't really like the foods (was on planned) and again, sabotaged myself by thinking that I looked okay, when really, I wasn't happy with the way I looked.

So, I guess it's a personal choice as to whether or not you would rather personalize and lose at a slightly slower rate. Thanks for your input. I can tell that you have been successful on your weight loss journey. You look fabulous!!

[Blessed4Life2]

Yes, I agree! I picked personalized because I love certain things. I actually started JC about 6 months after my 2nd daughter was born. I didn't stick with it because I didn't really like the foods (was on planned) and again, sabotaged myself by thinking that I looked okay, when really, I wasn't happy with the way I looked.

So, I guess it's a personal choice as to whether or not you would rather personalize and lose at a slightly slower rate. Thanks for your input. I can tell that you have been successful on your weight loss journey. You look fabulous!!

Thanks so much! I figure this is my new lifestyle, so I'm ok with slow.....all I have is time, I hope! hehe

[tipseytoodle]

I did planned for the first 4 weeks, but there were so many changes to it (I don't eat red meat, and I'm allergic to all berries), so it was really more like personalized. My weight loss has always been steadily decreasing (minus the odd week, but the trend is totally down!), so I'm happy with that. I think as long as you realize with only 20 lbs, and already being in a healthy BMI, it WILL be a slow loss, I'd stick with the personalized if it means you are more likely to stick to it! Just be prepared for slow losses. Feel free to email me any time if you are feeling discouraged about it (cari001"at"gmail.com).

Once I hit half way, there was a bit of a brain adjustment I had to do in terms of eating. I NEEDED to get my carbs down in order to keep losing and maintain for the long run. It's been a tough mental journey, but I'm now well on my way, and seeing the losses again. I am finding ways to still fit in what I feel I need to stay on plan for life. One of those is the Canadian anytime bar... I love those, and it really helps get me through my hungry mid-morning time. I find 10-11am is the hardest, as my girls are up early and I'm on the go from 5 or 6am. I need that pick-me-up and have found ways to fit it in. I also find I need to have the JC "treat" snack. It is my mini-reward that I look forward to every day. It's extra carbs, but I've found new ways to cut my carbs the rest of the day. I'm making lower carb choices for my JC days, and finding good alternatives to higher carbs on my DOMO days.

It's tough to stick to the weight loss when you start in a healthy BMI. But, I think it's important to focus on why you want it and to also be grateful that you have less to lose. Yes, others see bigger losses, but they have their own challenges too.

Really really really focus a solid week on eating ONLY what is on plan. Don't nibble the girls' food! Don't take a handful of those goldfish crackers (ugh, my weakness!). Plan plan plan to make sure you eat only the JC food. Come back in a week, and tell me how you are feeling in terms of motivation, drive and enthusiasm.

[annie5]

I was doing personalized menus up until 2 weeks ago when I read what people in the forum were saying. I can't eat everything on the planned menu (I don't eat red meat either and have some food allergies) but I make sure that whatever I substitute is the same number of calories/fat/protein. You can end up eating 100-200 more calories a day with the personalized menu. It has made a difference for me, the first week of doing this I lost 1 pound (where I usually lose .4-.6 per week), I'm mid-way through the second week and I have already lost another 1.2! I even tried a few things that I haven't really gotten since I started, and was surprised that they weren't as bad as I thought since I am better at volumizing my meals.

Keep us posted on your progress!!

[kimmybear]

Yes, I will def. check back in. My hardest time is 3 pm...I just want to eat something sweet! And I agree- I am up early to get my oldest off to school. By 3, I have already eaten everything except dinner!

[annie5]

Yes, I will def. check back in. My hardest time is 3 pm...I just want to eat something sweet! And I agree- I am up early to get my oldest off to school. By 3, I have already eaten everything except dinner!

Maybe try saving a few bites of one of your bars for the 3 pm muchies, if you are not really that hungry but just need a bite of something sweet it might do the trick. Or if you have a limited food left, try some dried fruit, its sweeter than regular fruit so it usually does the trick for me!

[kimmybear]

You know- I also read in some of the forums that the calorie count was not correct on some stuff (label compared to posted). Is the most accurate count right on the box itself?

[annie5]

You know- I also read in some of the forums that the calorie count was not correct on some stuff (label compared to posted). Is the most accurate count right on the box itself?

I would think that the most accurate would be on the box. I just don't think that I am that dedicated to collecting all the labels from boxes and comparing them!

[Lexykins]

Yes, I will def. check back in. My hardest time is 3 pm...I just want to eat something sweet! And I agree- I am up early to get my oldest off to school. By 3, I have already eaten everything except dinner!

You may need more protein in your diet. Instead of the cottage cheese I eat chicken and have carrots along with it. You could also switch that snack item with the afternoon one so the protein is in the afternoon, or you can just exchange the afternoon one for the chicken and carrots/other veggies. Tyson makes a great already prepared chicken that you just need to microwave and then you can eat it throughout the week (it's already cubed).

Also, to all the women on here, you shouldn't feel bad because you are losing ONLY 20 lbs! That's still a lot and you should be proud that you are doing something about it while it's a relatively low number.

[TexasAngel34]

Hi... I just wanted to say I know what your feeling and going through. I am on my 3rd week and its been very hard to not cheat... I only have 18lbs to lose and i am finding it hard, like you i have people telling me , no no you look great ... I am in a size 9 but dont feel i am where i want to be... to some yes it sounds silly cause of just only 15 or 20 lbs to lose.. but i myself have struggled with weight for several years, i was at 190lbs about 6 yrs ago and it has taken me this long of constant struggling to get where i am... My hardest issue is the motivation and cravings... i talk to my JCC and she helps alot... I am on the planned menus and think that is the best... I just started my 3rd week today and coming to this forum has helped me today to get back on track... You are not alone .... If you ever need to talk about anything please feel free to email me at anytime ... FrSprt08@gmail.com

You can do it...

[Maye]

Another one in the 20 pounds to loose group here!! I have been struggling with these 20 extra pounds for years and now is the time to "let them go". I started my 3rd JC journey on February the 21st of this year with 20 pounds to loose and have been losing steadily around 2 pounds per week and I feel so good about it!! Discovering this forum and learning and liking this new way of life is an eye opener. I'm drinking less (feeling great about it), eating healthy, proving to myself that I can stick to this!! Last Monday(3-23-11) finished my first month with an 8 pounds lost!!! I'm doing the Metabolic Max program and is impressive all the things that I know about my metabolism and how to make the most out of it. Knowledge is power and here in this forum united we stand...
Happy Journey and don't forget to chime in and let us know how the 20 Road goes.
See ya around,
Mariela

[Maye]

Thanks so much! I figure this is my new lifestyle, so I'm ok with slow.....all I have is time, I hope! hehe

Blessed for life,
You have a fan here! Thanks for the optimism and for taking the time to answer all these posts in many of the forums. Hope that everything is better with your daughter and baby.
Mariela

[Blessed4Life2]

Blessed for life,
You have a fan here! Thanks for the optimism and for taking the time to answer all these posts in many of the forums. Hope that everything is better with your daughter and baby.
Mariela

Thx for the kind words mariela! My daughter and grandson are healing nicely.

Btw, love your name....very pretty.

[Chris7675]

I am so happy that I found this board. While my initial goal is to lose 20 lbs, I think that I may get there and be ready to steam ahead and continue to my "dream" weight. I have had so many challenges along the way. I have recently had to have radiation treament on my thyroid and the 20lbs I am trying to lose have been lost so many times and returned thanks to the tyroid crap!

I am on day 2 and really looking forward to all the support that I am hoping will be provided on this board. So far, so good, but I did have a glass of wine last night since there were guests at my house. I am hoping that I will be able to stick to the planned menus and see all the great losses that y'all are experiencing!