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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

I expected faster results. AIBU?

147 replies

Roundtumble · 28/03/2018 11:27

I've had a major diet overhaul, I'm trying to change how I think about myself and food & I'm working out 7 times a week, getting up at 5:30 & then going again after work twice/3 times a week.
The end of this week will make it a month but so far I've only lost around 10lbs- which is yet to show physically.
I thought the complete 180 in my lifestyle would bring about drastic results.

I know I have to be consistent but It's getting me down just a little bit and I'm finding myself googling or youtubing weight loss tips at every chance!

To those who have gone through the weight loss process how long did it take you before you saw tangible results?

I'm 5'2 & starting weight was around 210lbs fyi

OP posts:

QuimReaper · 28/03/2018 12:13

Congrats on the 10lbs off OP! It's inevitable to want to see really dramatic results at the beginning, but you've done brilliantly - keep at it and it'll be double that in no time.

With regards to "visible" weight loss, that can be a weird one. I've found people suddenly start commenting on my weight loss at really random points: for instance, I lost about 4kg without it being noticeable to anyone (including me) but then when I lost a 5th everyone suddenly started going on about it There doesn't seem to be a rhyme or reason to it. I suspect I lost a critical inch and started wearing less baggy "disguise" clothing.

There is some kind of rule of thumb that kicks around on the Internet which is something like "you'll notice after x weeks, your family will notice after y weeks, and strangers after z weeks" (presumably not complete strangers, unless they're secretly stalking you ) which obviously isn't scientific but does indicate that it's common for it to be "visible" all at once.

Dvg · 28/03/2018 12:15

10lb is a lot seem as its nearly a stone BUT remember that with all the excerise your going to gain muscle which can weigh alot

QuimReaper · 28/03/2018 12:16

Also I had a friend who lost over 2 stone and was a bit demoralised that it wasn't "noticeable", but I think that's because she is SO SO lucky in that she doesn't carry weight on her face. I expect facial weight loss is what people really notice, but it's a matter of degree - people don't lose inches and inches off their faces - so it can seem quite random.

Original poster

Roundtumble · 28/03/2018 12:17

AnnieAnoni, really seeing what I had done to my body, becoming unrecognizable to myself and others and not wanting to go anywhere besides work and back home- which is still the case. It took a while to get to this point but I hope to keep up the momentum.
I wouldn't say I enjoy the gym tbh but I look forward to the hard earned results which is what keeps me going back.

OP posts:

Seafoodeatit · 28/03/2018 12:20

I agree that it's actually a really good amount of weight to lose! It also won't be as noticeable to you as others, I've had several comments on losing weight but I personally can barely notice it despite going down a size now (I've lost two stone in 3 months and a size 16 from 18 now and still have another 3 stone to go). Make sure you allow your body to rest, I don't think it'll do any good in the long run working out 7 days a week!

Slow and steady is definitely the way to go, be proud of how far you've come and take it one step at a time.

AnnieAnoniMouser · 28/03/2018 12:31

Roundtumble

One thing I think helps a little bit, when the loss is going slowly or plateauing, is thinking ‘this time will pass anyway’. So basically realising that the next 6 months will pass irrespective of what you do. If you keep on keeping on, the chancea are good that you’ll be lighter, thinner & fitter in 6 months. If you go back to what you were doing, the chances are you’ll be less fit & heavier/‘fatter’. So it’s not about this week, this month, this three months...it’s about looking further ahead and seeing that no matter how slow it seems, in 6 months you’ll see the difference.

It’s harder/easier depending on how much you enjoy the changes you’re making and how much they feel like a punishment.

MrsPreston11 · 28/03/2018 12:34

10lbs is awesome in a month. But at your weight it'll probably be more like 15-20lb to notice a difference.

Before I lost weight I was 220lb, by 200 people could really notice. (I'm 5'5 though)

Original poster

Roundtumble · 28/03/2018 12:40

AnnieAnoni
That's a good way to look at it. Thanks :)
I keep looking at the short term rather than the bigger picture later down the line.
Quimreaper- ive seen that post before.. takes 4 weeks/8weeks etc. Im taking it with a pinch of salt lol

Seafoodeatit- Congrats on your weight loss. Huge to drop a dress size in 3 months when you think about it. I need to stop being so hard on myself and enjoy the process
Thanks to everyone who has replied. I've read and taken away from them all!

OP posts:

morningconstitutional2017 · 28/03/2018 12:41

IMO you're losing weight very nicely. If you lost weight any faster wouldn't it be worse as you'd get more loose flesh - 'wobbly flabby' bits which would look unsightly.

It's unsustainable to work out very vigorously so often so be a bit kinder to yourself. Well done for what you've achieved so far.

Emmasmum2013 · 28/03/2018 12:42

Hi OP, what are you doing about your diet? Sometimes eating healthy food is not enough. I know for myself, if I don't track what I am eating I can easily over eat, even if I am sticking to healthy things. And even more shocking is when I guestimate my food and under eat. Exercise on top of that can leave you feeling totally shit and not wanting to carry on.

Can you get the My Fitness Pal app on your phone? Its free and it will help you to track you calorie intake daily, and how much you are burning from exercise. Its really good to keep track and make sure you're not over or under eating and gives you macro goals for your food as well (so how much protein, carbs, fat etc your diet is comprised of)
Give it a go and see what you think.

I'm a big believer in CICO (calories in, calories out). Basically if you burn more calories in the day than you have consumed then you will lose weight. So it means that you don't have to do lots and lots of exercise every single day to see results. Just track what you eat and make sensible choices.

I bet in another month you'll be able to see a difference and so will other people. And when you get closer to your goal weight, 1lb of fat lost will be a bigger percentage of your overall weight so you'll see it even quicker then.

I've seen people lose more than you want to purely from calorie counting and diet alone. Just remember to fill up on healthy things that are lower in calorie but high in nutritional value. If you allow yourself 1400 cals a day, and most of that is filled with say sugary treats and snacks, you're never going to feel full. Maximise your available calories with lean protein and veggies and salad and you can't go wrong.

Good luck on your journey, you've done amazingly well.
If you want any more weight loss support or chat I can recommend www.reddit.com/r/loseit

seafoodeatit · 28/03/2018 12:44

Thank you! I'm only 5ft so it makes a bigger impact on my clothing size. I wish I had your motivation for exercise, I keep meaning to start and nothing happens.

dejectedharry · 28/03/2018 12:45

If you can take some measurements. You don't notice the changes as much when you see yourself every day but still seeing the inches come off gives me a big boost when I feel I've not had a good month.

fuzzyduck1 · 28/03/2018 12:51

If your doing all that exercise your burning fat but replacing it with muscle so loosing 10 lb is great keep up the good work.

Original poster

Roundtumble · 28/03/2018 12:59

Thanks Morning2017- I realise I need to slow down a little now :)

EmmasMum- thanks for the detailed post. I've tried fitness pal before but not been consistent with it. Maybe I'll start again from next week and see how that goes.

This week my diet has changed a little to boiled eggs and a turkey sausage or a 4 egg cheesy omelette in the morning with onion, broccoli and red pepper and a turkey sausage. That keeps me quite full until about 3/4pm. I'll then have a bowl of alpro yogurt and fruit (blueberries/pineapple/rasperries/strawberries)
Dinner after gym around 9/9:30 is pineapple & jelly.

If I don't have a big breakfast I'll have 2 boiled eggs in the morning
Afternoon is a piece or 2 of meat and a whole lot of veg with a side of fruit

Dinner- big bowl of fruit or piece of meat and small side of veg again

OP posts:

Emmasmum2013 · 28/03/2018 13:04

This reddit community has got some amazing recipes for low calorie meals!!!

www.reddit.com/r/1200isplenty/

AnnieAnoniMouser · 28/03/2018 13:20

You need to do what's right for you, but I really would suggest you have a look at low carbing.

Fruit has a lot of sugar in it. You’re far better off with vegetables & protein.

Original poster

Roundtumble · 28/03/2018 13:36

Seafoodeatit- I made so many excuses as to why I couldn't work out time and time again all the while getting bigger and bigger but once I had a plan and had someone to be accountable to the momentum picked up.
And when you really want it for yourself you'll get it done.
Sort your gym bag the night before. If you're working out at home wake at least 30 minutes earlier and get a quick session in. Like others have said the time will pass anyway so you might as well pass it doing something beneficial.

OP posts:

Original poster

Roundtumble · 28/03/2018 14:10

Thanks Emmasmum- I'm on it now :)

OP posts:

hellsbellsmelons · 28/03/2018 14:31

That's a bit too much fruit.
Everyone thinks fruit is great but it has a lot of sugar in it.
Having it just before bed is not a good idea.
Do you like raw veg?
That would be much better.
Some crudites with a home made dip would be good.
Celery, cucumber, carrots, peppers....?
Some fruit is good but the earlier the better.

TalkinPeece · 28/03/2018 14:48

4 egg cheesy omelette in the morning with onion, broccoli and red pepper and a turkey sausage. That keeps me quite full until about 3/4pm
4 eggs good grief. that is a massive portion of food
that would be more than my main meal of the day .....

You need to use MFP and look at portion control and get your intake under a medium TDEE

araiwa · 28/03/2018 14:59

Op- youre the one thats done fabulously with a regime that is clearly working for you. Id carry on with it for a while more as it works and id ignore other suggestions as they might not work..

Youre nowhere near overtraining

KinkyAfro · 28/03/2018 15:28

Whoever said muscle weighs more than fat...it doesn't

Ninoo25 · 28/03/2018 15:28

OP are you doing any weight training at all? It’s meant to help up your metabolism and general fitness. It’ll also help with general muscle tone, but it may appear you’re losing less fat than you really are as you’re also building muscle. I’d use a tape measure as well as the scales to see how you’re doing x

QuimReaper · 28/03/2018 15:49

Talk to be fair she's doing the "breakfast like a queen" thing though, which apparently we should all be doing. 4 eggs is very filling but only what, 300 calories? It is her main meal of the day if she's only having fruit and yoghurt after that.

OP I'd agree that sugar before bed might not be ideal, but keep doing what you're doing as long as it works for you - just something to bear in mind if you stall a bit further down the line and want to change things up.

gamerchick · 28/03/2018 15:53

How many years have you spent mistreating your body and you expect it to just jump to command quickly?

10lb is awesome, give your body a chance to acclimatise and work properly the way you want it to.

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