So I didn't notice this thread earlier this year, but I figured I'd just chime in to voice my progress.
I'm down to 185 from 203lbs. over the past 5-6 weeks. Would love to get to 165, but I'll settle for 170 if the extra weight is a muscle issue rather than a fat issue.
Finally just decided "fuck it." I've always been a bit on the heavy side (I'm 5'6"), and it's always been an annoyance. Now, I'm built a bit wider than average, so I don't ever see myself weighing less than say, 150, without looking just sickly. Which is fine. As long as I feel good (and I'm no longer in the military, so FUCK their stupid waist-measurement/BMI bullshit). I've got a backpacking trip in Banff at the end of the month so I figured I should buckle down. Hoping to get below 180 before that.
I changed as much as I could without making it really obnoxious with my wife (she's tiny, and is trying to lose a few pounds as well, but her metabolism actually
likes her):
- Tried to cut out as many processed carbs as possible (been pretty good about this. Most I'd do is start my day with a bowl of cereal with almond milk)
- Upped protein and veggie intake everywhere else.
- Had a few days here and there where my caloric intake was purposefully restricted. Like 800-1200 cals. Not that often, but if I was in a slump.
- Increased cardio. I suck at waking up in the morning to workout, but I forced myself to do it on days where I couldn't immediately get home from work and workout. Usually about 45 mins a day or more.
- Had a rest day each week for cardio. Don't want to hurt myself.
- Had a cheat day once a week. Nothing too extravagant, but if we want to go out for dinner I don't mind sharing a plate of fries.
- No booze. Been booze-free for two months. Told myself I'm not allowed to have any until I make my goal. I may have a slight drinking problem (just finished an outpatient program for that...it was really easy though, not really sure how serious my problem is), so I'll have to be wary of that going forward.
- Tried to substitute most of my daily drinks with water. I still have a slight addiction to diet soda, but I've at least cut down on it.
- I instituted a "workout challenge" at work. Well, sorta. My initial plan was to get down and do some pushups or something every 30 minutes, but then my co-workers joined in. So now we do Mon/Thu -> Pushups, Tues/Fri -> Squats, Wed -> Crunches/Obliques. It only takes like 30 seconds each time, and you just add up your total throughout the day. Current totals are something like 500 pushups, 600 squats, and 350 crunches. I have a spreadsheet at work.
Anyway, just thought I'd chime in. I have a 203 lbs pic somewhere, but not on me. I'll try to remember to post a before/after at some point with my progress.
Good luck!
EDIT: Side note: Quest bars are delicious and surprisingly filling!
EDIT 2: Oh, right. I also got a new Fitbit (lost my old one on the subway) and that has helped me too. Just having the reminder is nice. I sync it with MFP, though I'm not always great at putting in the calories. But it's definitely recommended.
EDIT 3: I've been lifting at home too, so that helps too!