The Weight I Didn’t Lose
Last Updated on November 26, 2018 by lydiaf1963
Is being the “ideal” weight the most important indicator of health? I’ve been asking myself that recently when I realized I’m not going to meet my goal of losing 20 pounds before going home for P’s first birthday. In fact, I’m not likely to be close to it.
Earlier this year, I got a new phone with an awesome app that tracks my steps, weight, and more. I was up to the challenge of walking 10000 steps a day and eventually increased to 12000 steps a day. On top of that I tried an oil free (mostly) vegan diet for 8 weeks and was able to track my food intake with a journal app. Between the two, I lost 10 pounds over two months and was still able to enjoy my wine on a regular basis. I figured I could lose the remaining 10 between August and the end of February without a problem.
Well that didn’t happen. As soon as the weather turned cool and I switched to wearing boots everyday the number of steps I walked decreased quite a bit. I missed the extra daylight plus cooler weather means heavier foods. The weight came back, plus a little more before it stabilized at the same weight I started. Same song, different year. At first, I thought it came back quicker than it came off, but when I examined my journals I could see the rate of loss and gain was the same.
In my journals I could also see that after two months, it became very difficult to stick with the oil free vegan diet, even though I felt very good when I was eating that way on most days. After more than two years improving my diet, it’s frustrating to think I’m back at square one…
…or am I?
The fact of the matter is I still walk at least 3 miles a day just doing my regular errands. I’m up and down stairs and hills. And while I’m not visiting a trainer anymore I still do regular body weight and range of motion exercises. When I started a new round of Couch To 5K training, I had no difficulties. Changing my diet to has also helped me get rid of a couple minor, but irritating, health problems. I feel pretty good about that.
Is it enough? Well, according to my BMI I’m overweight– just a few pounds away from obesity– and even if I lost 20 pounds I’d still be overweight. According to a new study, obesity is still a major risk factor, even among active and fit people, which tells me I need to continue my journey.
I didn’t wait for the New Year. In December I started running 3 days a week with the Couch to 5K program, and despite all the great food and wine, I didn’t gain any weight over the holidays (I didn’t lose any either, but I can tell by the way my pants fit I’ve lost some inches).
It’s a frustrating and familiar struggle, one I’m sure many of you are familiar with as well.
It’s definitely a struggle. For most people just walking or running aren’t enough. You need to mix in some weight training and other forms of exercise and I bet it will melt right off.
I’ve changed up my routine, hopefully that will help. As I mentioned I can tell my clothes are already fitting better. 🙂
After an entire lifetime of loosing and gaining weight Ive decided Im happy as I am. Those numbers are just guidelines that do not apply to everyone. I just like feeling healthy and try to focus on that. Good luck to you on reaching your goals. Looks like you are on a great path!
Looking at photos of my Nana at my age I can see I am built like her :). I suppose it could be worse!
The struggle is so real! After I had my third child, it’s been a constant battle trying to lose those last few pounds. But, at the same time, I’m finally comfortable with my weight.
Most days it doesn’t bother me, but this time, I was a little bummed. My grandson won’t care 🙂
It is a hard slog but you are doing so well and I am cheering you on every step of the way. Keep going you can do it!
You’re very kind! Thank you 🙂
Sounds like you are on a great track, good luck with your goals
I think a lot of us can relate to where you’re at. The most important parts are to love yourself and to keep going! And you’re doing that, so rock on!!
It is so hard to lose the weight after a baby. I did it once and I am determined to do it again!
After visiting a nutritionist, I don’t believe in BMI. Instead, I believe in being a weight that fits my body type and make up. While I’m still not at the weight I want to be, I know I don’t have to be a skinny minny to feel or be healthy. Hang in there. It seems like you are doing a great job taking care of yourself.
Good point about BMI. I think more emphasis is given to waist measurement nowadays.
Don’t get discouraged. Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly is the key to healthy weight loss and it sounds like you’re doing that. Be patient with yourself and don’t give up.
I am right there with you…. new year, same story. It is frustrating, but we can’t give up!
Thanks!
It’s a battle for almost everyone. You lose some weight on one time and gain the other time. I wish we had a remote that we can control the number of our weight according what pleasea us. But then I realise, keep the track of our eating habit and exercise is always a solution to control the balance of weight.
A remote would be great!
Weight loss seems to be the most common struggle in our culture. It’s so hard to determine which diets/products will work and which won’t. Keep working on it, determination will see you through to your goals:)
Losing weight is always so hard especially as we age. You will lose that weight though. I just know you will!
You’ve got this! It’s tough but worth the persistence and never give upness! I’m happy to help if you have quesitons.
Thanks, Jill! I appreciate the offer 🙂
Exercise isn’t enough for me to lose weight. I only started losing when I went on an oil free diet and the only meat I eat are chicken skin and fish. It’s hard, but I really need to lose the extra pounds.
Weight is a struggle for everyone, but I think it’s always important to consider the journey you’ve taken and how amazing that is! You’re putting in so much effort which is something to be very proud of!
I need to get back on track. My health has really taken a beating this past year with inactivity and not eating right. You can do it…and so can I…so mind over anything.
Uplifting words! Drop me a line if you need a shoulder 🙂
I struggle all the time with my weight! It is a never ending battle and the more I age the harder the fight. But I do know that the more I move and the healthier I eat = the better I feel.
I find the same to be true for me, too, Stacey. I wish it would translate into the results I want, weight wise. 🙂
I love that you approach this with a little humor, especially the GIFs and the title of this post. What I think is really amazing is the progress you have made so far, 10 pounds in two months is amazing, even if it all seemed to taper off a bit after that. It’s really hard for me to maintain any sort of steps, I barely make it to 6,000 on busy days since I’ve been working at home and don’t have many errands. I WISH I could make it to 10K. I did the Couch to 5K program a few years ago and it was really rewarding. Keep working at it! You are doing awesome.
Best,
Rebecca Kelsey Sampson
http://rebeccakelsey.com/blog
Thanks, Rebecca, for your thoughtful reply. I’m still working on improving my results because I know if I stop I’ll gain weight. I’m just frustrated that I put in all this effort to maintain the “status quo.” 🙂