Back on track.
I lost about 70 pounds in six months last year by going extreme. Excercising 2 hours a day, limiting to very few carbs, getting good sleep, etc. It was going great, but one day I went home for a week and didn't keep up. Now, six months later, I'm back up ten pounds. Not horrible (especially when I wasn't even dieting or anything and hardly exercised) but I really liked my life before. At least the weight loss part.
Now I'm getting into it again. This time I'm going more gradual. I think I was too extreme last time. Extreme results, but I just got worn out. Now I'm jogging 45 minutes and limiting calories only instead of calories and carbs. I avoid carbs, but not going all out. I'll have my bagel in the morning, zero to few carbs at lunch, and maybe some carbs in the evening but not going to say no to something just because it has carbs.
I'm gradually learning that I can still eat what I want as long as I'm smart about it. I love chips. Before I'd eat half a bag of Doritos in one sitting. Now I have some homemade ranch and carrots or a handful of pretzels. Before I'd have two cheeseburgers for dinner. Now I have a hamburger with a bun and another with no bun, or with a lettuce bun.
Extreme dieting isn't for me. I think it's important to find out what works for YOU. Some people can do the P90X crazy stuff. I can't. I get discouraged and exhausted, even if I see the pounds falling off.
For reference:
- December 2009: 310 pounds
- May 2010: 270 pounds
- July 2010: 245 pounds
- August 2010 to now: 255 pounds
Wish me luck, and I wish you all the best of luck too.