Lost 15 or 20 Pounds? How Did You Do It?

I have lost 15 pounds in the past year simply by weighing myself every Sunday morning right when I wake up and recording in MyFitnessPal so I can keep track visually. Knowledge is power!

Laura

I will fairy dust to people over 50 who have lost 15 pounds. it is very discouraging....I spent a lifetime being the skinny girl...and then I was at a great weight from, say, 30 to 45....but once I hit 50...really a bummer. Over the past 5 years, I've picked up 12 pounds by doing absolutely nothing different. I walk 7 days a week, do 3 half-azz workouts a week (hey, that's better than most people :) and I believe I have a healthy diet. But ugh!

Grey Garvin

This year I lost 45 pounds and it only took me six months. I attribute it to working out twice a day (I became obsessed with the gym!); giving up meat and seafood, I'm a strict vegetarian now, and logging all of my food; and my support team which consists of my mom, who had gastric bypass surgery), and my two best friends who hit the gym with me at least 3 days a week. You gotta have a support team!!

Shanae

The news of cancer has a profound effect on almost everyone that has experienced it. Cancer in part was my wake-up call; Type 2 diabetes in the family was the other. I decided I wanted to be cancer free post treatment and that better eating choices would handle the threat of diabetes at the same time. So far, so good. I've dropped 60 pounds in a year by reducing my portion size, eating 3-4 meals a day, almost eliminating starchy carbos & dairy. Now and then I'll allow myself those foods I've loved for decades but for the most part, I'm committed to a healthier eating lifestyle. It's not easy but I take it one day at a time.

Mike

I'm 35 and for the first time I joined weight watchers to loose 20 pounds. Since I had my children I have gone up and down 20 pounds over 10 times!! I am tired of gaining and loosing and wanted to learn how to loose weight and keep it off. It has been a struggle to learn balance, but I believe I will see long term results. I use so many recipes from snack girl! She is part of the reason why I decided to join weight watchers. Some of my favorite recipes are the baked oatmeal, no bake cookies, and roasted broccoli!

Cher

I have been using myfitnesspal.com since June and have lost 20 lbs. The key for me is the diary and keeping within 1200 to 1400 calories per day. If you write it you own it!

Lisa

In May of 2013 - I volunteered to walk in the Susan B Komen walk for breast cancer in Detroit MI. I'd been exercising 3 - 5 days a week faithfully for over a year (diagnosed with high blood pressure and doc put me on meds - sad)and the weight just wasn't moving. My cousin (whom I walked for - she is a breast cancer survivor - took pictures to commerate the walk) and I saw pictures of myself and was appalled - I was @ 178# and at 5'4" I was enormous. My cousin recommended a dietician that she was going to and she had lost 30# - I thought I would give it a try I had nothing to loss - right? Crystal (the dietician) introduced me to the Candida diet - I lost 18# eating whole foods and drinking lots and lots of water - I was so encouraged - I have continued to really watch what I eat - I've lost a total of 33# since that faithful picture in April. My weight loss has slowed considerably but I'm still losing a # a week and am encouraged to continue for the next 20# I want to lose.

With this I encourage everyone to try something new - realize that what I do may not help you but try something - eating whole (unprocessed foods has worked for me) and you learn to find quick easy meals and continue to cook this way - I feel much better.

Julie

I lost about 13 -15 pounds over the past six months.

I took an Eating Mindfully course which helped me be more aware of my eating, and helped me slow down.

I added some walking during the summer, but not every day.

I stopped serving myself the same sized portions that I served my husband!

I switched from white breads to sprouted grain bread only (Ezekial).

I signed up for weekly organic veggie delivery.

I try to snack more mindfully...fruit, nuts instead of a bagel or ice cream.

I stopped bringing ice cream into the house for my family! I was the one eating it!

I do line dance two to three times a week. It is the first exercise I have enjoyed! Fun music, easy steps, no partner needed. These classes are available at most senior centers and open to all ages.

When I crave chocolate I have home-made hot chocolate at night, made with skim milk, for my dessert.

Morgan

I've lost more than the 10, 15......I'm 60..and since mid January...I've lost 60 lbs....I'm doing WW. I measure/weigh everything I eat. It helps not to eat out very often because of the hidden sodium in foods, and you don't know if the cook in the kitchen has a heavy hand and you are actually getting a bigger portion than you should be.

Some weeks the scale doesn't budge, but the next week there is usually a great loss.

I'm a food addict...and this is the 3rd time in 10 yrs that I have lost a significant amount of weight. I think I have finally figured out how to deal with food addiction.

Laurie

I lost 25 pounds in 2012 and have kept it off all year. I started by trying to run my first mile ever - at 37 years old. Worked my way up to running farther, doing cardio of any kind (Zumba class, treadmill, elliptical). I worked out 5 days a week doing something, even taking a long walk or doing YouTube exercise videos (free). I have counted calories, removed treats (carbs for me) from my house and eliminated dessert. I just started eating a Paleo plan and it has been wonderful for weight maintenance and digestive issues.

I learned that food is not comfort, joy, sorrow, love, pain, a friend. Food is the fuel for my body. I only drink water, tea, and unsweetened almond milk. I decided I wanted to be an example for my preschool children. I did not want to be a fat mom who couldn't ride bikes with her kids or walk them to elementary school. I am a fit mom now, running in a half marathon in February! That will be the 2 year anniversary of my first mile ever run and now I can run a lot farther.

You are in charge of you. You decide what to eat and how to treat your body. I took control of myself, I feel happy with my new life. And it must be a LIFE change. No diet, no pills - you can change the course of your life!

Ali S.

I've lost 15#'s since the first week of October. I joined weight watchers the week my youngest turned 1. It had worked great for me after my 2nd child. Track, track track! No excuses, write it all down. It makes you mindful of every choice you make. Got 15# more to go, have to be patient but I KNOW it works.

Shelly

I struggled with an extra 10-15 lb for the past ten years or so. I tried exercise and counting calories, but it never worked well. I would lose a couple of pounds, then get frustrated and give up. Finally, this year, I signed up for Weight Watchers online and it worked! In about 3 months, I lost 16 pounds! And it really wasn't that hard. I recommend Weight Watchers to anyone looking to lose weight, because you eat real food and it really works. And you don't have to give up all treats or eating out at restaurants, either.

Teresa

I have lost about 60lbs since January this year. I have mainly done it through running but have been doing weightwatchers too. I write a blog called 'The Fat Girls Guide to Running', which follows my journey and also provides lots of advice and support for other plus size runners. Check it out!!

julie 'fattymustrun' creffield

I have lost 25 lb . As the first person said the slow weight gain is frustrating. But My husband had all the bad high cholesterol , high triglycerides ... . So we are doing WW together which is more of a change in attitude. Just to say I do not exercise.

1. track what you eat

2. change my Juice to water with lemon and vanilla

3. Add veggies and fruit to whatever I eat.

4 Have a stock of oven roast Veggies in the refig. at all times. 350ºF with a bit of salt and light dust confectionary sugar (to promote browning)and or non salt seasonings. Carrots , butternut squash, onions, kale , mushrooms , eggplant consider slicing with Mandolin .

4. Never go to a meal ravenously hungry

Cammie

I have lost 23 pounds and it has taken me 13 months to do so. I have been on Weight Watchers and it came off slowly, but I think I really have it in my mind what I must do to keep it off. Like others, I have lost the weight 2 other times. This time I have a support group at WW and know that there are others just like me who struggle with food. Tomorrow I will hit Lifetime- which means I don't have to pay anymore! I simply weigh in once at month and still receive all the support. I highly suggest going to meetings instead of online- due to this big difference of going Lifetime.

I am very conscious of portion sizes and eat lots of fruits and veggies. My energy level is so much higher now! I am 43 and a teacher.

Melissa

I have lost 25 lbs. over 11 months. I used myfitnesspal.com to keep track of everything I eat. At my age (47) I have found it difficult to lose weight quickly. I have had to cut my calories to about 1,000 per day and I exercise on my elliptical 4 days a week. I have about 15 more pounds to lose but feel that I can keep up this "diet" which isn't really a diet at all :) My favorite snack that I eat is from snackgirl: strawberries drizzled w/melted chocolate and sprinkled w/ sea salt. Yum!

Lcuy

I lost about 20 pounds when I was 53 just by counting calories for the first time - duh. I use Sparkpeople and really like it. What an eye opener! I found tons of low calorie snacks that satisfy me to replace the mindless consumption of things that seemed "healthy." I also like tracking my consumption of carbs, fats and protein, as well as whatever nutrients I choose to track, which inspires me to make even better choices! Full disclosure, I gained about 10 back but have lost it again, the same way :-)

Susie

I've lost 20 pounds on The Fast Diet, and my triglycerides are back into the low/normal range after two years of being rather high. What's more, I've lost my fear of feeling hungry. I've written about the diet on my blog herehttp://latebloomingrose.com/archives/80

in case you'd like to read more about my experiences with intermittent fasting. Two thumbs up from me, and two pants sizes down!

Rhonda Strong

I lost 15 lbs in 6 weeks (the last 10-15 I felt I needed to lose) by cutting out starchy carbs and dairy and focusing on lean protein and non-starchy carbs. I added in 1-2 protein shakes a day (Beverley International Muscle Provider. I have altered my food choices in such a way that I no longer crave sugar and carbs and feel like I will be able to maintain this lifestyle easily.

KC

I lost 15 and I basically cut out sugar for a month. I also ate raw for a week once a month. And I kept my body moving. I also started eating off of smaller plates. I also started eating breakfast in the morning even if its just a piece of fruit. I'm not a breakfast person, but I learned that by lunch I was starving, so I started eating a little bit of something in the morning to tie me over.

Tabby

Same story as many...turned 40 and noticed that the weight was harder to keep off. Started making excuses..my jeans must have shrunk, do bras shrink if you dry them, etc. Then one day, the scale read 148. Hmmm...scale must be broken? But I eat really healthy, low fat, drink diet soda...life is so unfair.

Realized, yes it is unfair, deal with it. Being a logical thinker, I had to get my head around this. Joined Weight Watchers online and just tracked my food for a week without changing anything. And yes, there was my answer. I was eating well (for someone much younger), but the cold hard truth was that I was eating close to 45 points per day. To lose weight, I would have to commit to 23 points. I have to admit that getting rid of the carbohydrates was the answer. The points plus system really showed me that pretzels are about the same as potato chips when it comes to points. So, the best strategy was to reduce carbs, increase vegetables and find a sustainable way to change my daily intake. The main tricks are to have two snacks (morning and mid-afternoon) that are just fruit. Those are 0 points in WW Points Plus. I also have a late afternoon salt snack of Kimmy Seaweed snacks. The meals all took a shift toward more healthy vegetable based dishes. No more pasta, rice, lentils, beans or potatoes as the base. These are where I made my big mistake. Aren't they supposed to be healthy? They are if you compare them to things like heavy cream or high fat meats, but points-wise they are very high. So reducing the carbs, eating only high value lean protein, tripling the vegetable intake and using fruits to keep my blood sugar in check was my formula. I also do allow for portion-controlled treats. WW did help me do this, but I would think there are lots of ways to accomplish the same thing. It's like budgeting, if you are spending more than you earn, then you will go into debt. If you are eating more than your body can metabolize, then you gain weight. As you age, this is a fact. You can increase activity, but that will only earn you so many calories. Finding a way to reduce your intake is the trick. Also, weighing in every week on the same day at the same time will help keep you from lying to yourself. And bras don't shrink! I have been at 130 for 6 months now!

Mimi

I have always been athletic and have been a vegetarian since I was a teenager but I had some extra lbs creep up over the years until two years ago (I was 49 at the time) when I was just fed up with being uncomfortable with myself. It wasn't alot but I did not like it.

I continued going to kickboxing which I have been doing for years but I made the effort to go to every class (3X's a week) instead of making excuses to skip sometimes.

I weighed myself each morning ( I needed the accountability)

I ate more fruits and vegetables and less processed food and cheese (even though I love cheese).

I would eat nuts in the afternoon to curb my hunger before dinner.

I also drank more water and walked my dogs everyday.

I gave myself until the summer which was about 7 months knowing that it would be a slow road but by June I had lost 15 lbs. I was also able to have a glass or two of wine and was still able to lose the weight.

Healthy food and excercise are key. I have been able to keep it off by following the same idea.

laxmom16

I've lost 27 lbs. over the last year. The first 9 months was on WW, tracking everything. Then I got stuck for several months, scale did not budge, although I was still following Ww and tracking. Then I read that Intermittent fasting could help my terrible asthma and lung issues, so I started IF a month ago. Low and behold, the plateau was broken! I've lost 8 more lbs. since starting IF. AND, I haven't gotten sick! Double win!!

Marian

When I was 51 (I'm now 58), I was diagnosed with aortic stenosis and told I would have to have heart surgery when the calcification/narrowing of my aortic valve became severe. My cardiologist told me I should lose weight "to survive the surgery." I weighed 195, and soon started to limit carbs. About the same time, I became menopausal, but that didn't seem to slow my weight loss. I have Fibromyalgia and back problems, and am not as active as I would like to be, but I walk nearly every day. There was a series of family problems and severe stresses that helped to increase my weight loss, and I took advantage of those and maintained every small loss. As long as my weight was trending downward, I felt it was okay. I lost weight slowly over a period of 3-4 years, intentionally going slowly so I would be more likely to keep it off. Then I had heart surgery and lost several more pounds. My total weight loss was 75 pounds. I maintained it until my mother's last illness and death, gaining back about 20 pounds during a 9 month period . I have lost

part of that, giving me a net loss of about 65 pounds now, but I intend to lose 10 more pounds (again) to get back to around 120. Maintaining my weight is not as hard as I had imagined. Now I act like a thin person: if I gain a few pounds, I eat less until I lose it. Before, I knew that was what I needed to do, but was never able to do it. At my skinniest, I was actually described as petite a couple of times (I am not). One person was concerned that I had cancer! Oh, the glories of being slim!!

Cheryl

I love how every keeps sharing their 20+ lbs weight loss stories... read the assignment people! haha

I lost 20 pounds in 9 months. I was 145, now 125 (5'-6"). This is how I did it with "diet" alone.

Quit wheat & sugar. I eat a low carb, high fat and protein diet. I juice most days, otherwise only drink water or green tea. I do a shot of apple cider vinegar every day before a meal with carbs. That's pretty much it! I also cut out Aspartame, well any artificial sweeteners and MSG, which eliminates a lot of junk. I just try to stick to real foods, no gluten, and the only some dairy (cheese). Hope this helps someone!

Jen Matchett

I am 41 yrs old, and I recently lost 20 pounds over a ten week period. I lost the weight by using my calorie journal to keep track of the foods I ate. My biggest problem was not eating enough! Once I started eating regularly I noticed the weight started dropping. I started out walking, and now I jog and do yoga at home, and use my arm weights. I never knew it could be this easy. I am continuing with my exercise routine and better eating habits, and I hope to lose more weight.

Susie

Last winter/spring, I lost 20 pounds in 10 weeks (my goal was 16) by setting Livestrong's MyPlate to lose two pounds a week. I worked out for about an hour a day, six days a week, mostly with Tae Bo DVDs and Wii Zumba. I never ate less than 1200 to 1500 calories a day, and if I was hungry, I made sure I ate. By choice, I have not had sweets (cake, candy, ice cream, etc.) in 4-5 years, so those were never temptations for me. I do enjoy an "occasional" glass of wine, so I avoided that while losing the weight. I weighed and measured all of my food, and I was honest in recording everything in MyPlate. I started in the middle of the healthy weight range for my height, and I am now at the low end of that range. I am 48.

Melissa

For the second comment above about the problem of putting on weight after 50, consider 2 things: 1) You may have a thyroid problem, and most blood tests by your family doctor are not enough to pick up suble issues so you should see an endocrinologist if you have the other hypothyroid symptoms (easily found on Internet); and 2) Weight lifting 2-3 times per week helps you burn calories even at rest, so i would do this instead of your daily walk on some days. It is critical to maintain your weight and shape after 30.

Marcy

I lost 34 pounds since January. I purchased a weight watchers food calculator and books online and I am still currently following the program.

I cut out all the junk food and pop. I increased my exercise and try to walk 1 to 2 miles a day.

joanne

I'm 75 years old and I gained 20 pounds thanks to aging and post-menopause. #1. I kept a food log for a week and the culprits jumped right out at me. Droppped those foods/calories for healthier choices. #2. Portion distortion. Most servings today are more food then we need to eat. Share at restaurants or take half of it home. #3. Greens, veggies, fruits in a smoothie two times a week. #4. Nutrient dense shake free of dairy and soy four or five times a week. #5. Avoid all process foods and sugar. Hard to do. #6. Find an exercise program for you that works and stick to it for the rest of your life. I'm a masters fitness swimmer, racewalker, ballroom dancer. #7. Lose your weight slowly over time and during this period of time discard old eating habits one by one and when you reach your goal weight you will keep it forever because your lifestyle now includes clean eating and exercise. I manage my weight successfully. I weight in every morning. I'm very happy.

Karen Bain

I am 54 and lost 21 pounds over the past year. And it took the entire year. I tracked what I ate, weighed myself daily, and recorded in myfitnesspal. I increased my exercise, and now at 35 min/day 6 days a week. Careful attention to sugar consumption, more daily fiber in my diet also helped.

Erica

I'm with Grey Garvin above...Just turned 60 last week. Have slowly crept up from 115 to 150 over the past 10 yrs. Dropped to 125 back in 2009, then have slowly worked my way back to 150 now. I walk 5-7 days a week, try to watch my calories, and am so frusstrated. I know if I give up those 2 glasses of wine each evening, it would help, but darn!

I would love to read about others who want to lost 25-30 lbs.

Marilyn

A combination of calorie cutting (can't recommend the my fitness pal app enough), going gluten and mostly diary free, and regular exercise (3-4x per week). It's as simple as this- calories in must be less than calories used. Although, I've been thin my whole life, The my fitness pal app made me really realize how many calories I ate per day. Also, if I exercise, it means I can eat more and still stay on track. I lost about a pound per week, and the changes were so slow and steady that I know I can continue them the rest of my life,

Shana

I am very proud to say that with the help of the weight watcher program at 60 years old when I started it I have now lost 62 lbs and I have been lifetime for over 8 months I truely believe in the program and also had made up my mind that I needed to make changes in my life for my on health and my Dr. is so proud of me and my family also but no one is more proud of me than myself.

Alice Jones

I'm still helping people lose weight. No greater feeling than making a difference in someone's life, and seeing people achieve their health goals. I struggled with my weight, after having kids. I originally lost 30 lbs, which put me almost at my pre-baby weight, but I loved my body then because I felt healthy. It was a combination of eating right, a little bit of exercise and a supplement that helped with my cravings. I loved it so much that I ended up managing weight loss centres. :) The last time I had to lose weight, I lost the 15 lbs I wanted to and I was HAPPY! Then I got pregnant again (with my 4th) and I was a little worried about how long it would take me to get back to normal. Thankfully by then, I knew my body well and what it needed, and the weight came off effortlessly. There are so many challenges and so many things that could be causing that weight to not come off. My problem initially was that I was not eating enough, so my body would hang on to everything! Now I use my years of counselling by having a support group on Facebook that anyone can join to help people through their journey. My way of giving back. My oldest daughter is on her journey to losing 20 lbs too. She's eating well, drinking her water (she was always bad for that!), starting a bit of exercise, and using an all-natural product to help with detoxing the body. I can't wait to see her final results. :) For everyone on here going through their journey, of a little or a lot of weight to lose, stay positive! Keep at it and keep picturing yourself at your goal weight. If you always keep your goal in mind and why you want to lose the weight, you will get there! It helps to have people who understand what it feels like support you... get a buddy to do it with, join groups for support, tips, etc. Everyone is different, but you will be amazed as to how many people share the same struggles and challenges, and you eventually find the one thing that will work for you. All the best!

Maggie Plaunt

To jump-start my weight loss (about 60 pounds in 2 years) I ordered food from Seattle Sutton for 2 months and lost 20 pounds. From that I learned portion control and also knew that I was spending lots of money for the food to be delivered (very fresh, twice a week) but knew it was not a sustainable thing for me to keep doing. So while I was eating Seattle Sutton I planned to switch to WW after two months. When I track I lose. It's been about re-wiring my brain, avoiding my triggers, forgiving myself for "bad days". I still have about 30 pounds to lose but I've been on a plateau for several months - I'm not terribly discouraged, however, and am looking at it as maintenance.

Robin

I am currently on Weight Watchers and I'm down 16 pounds with so much more to go. My biggest switch was NO MORE MOUNTAIN DEW!!! Once I gave up all soda and replaced it with water and lemon - I was feeling so much better when I did. Per the WW plan - eating lots of fruits and veggies. I'm not really exercising yet - just try to stay busy.

Jackie

I lost weight by eating clean and working out daily. I also walk my dog (weather permuting here in MA) every day up to 3+ miles.

I drink Shakeology, which has changed me completely. I also have done such workout programs as Insanity, Les Mills, Pump, P90X, etc. The programs work. They come with a nutrition guide to help you with your weight loss. You also get a free coach when you sign up (which I am now, I love helping people!) and it's super helpful. I belong to a FB group for motivation and support, as well. I've lost 20lbs, but I've gain some back, but NOT INCHES! I've gained in muscle. Always remember, muscle weighs more than fat!

Heather

In 15 months I have lost 55 pounds by following Weight Wathcers. They are not available where I live, so I have to do it on my own. But it works!

Joanna Kronborg

I'm over 55 and have always known how to lose weight, but just never did it. I joined a college weight loss research study for 4 months, that gave me the accountability and help to lose 25 lbs. I've kept if off for 6 months, I'm proud to say. I joined My Fitness Pal and wrote down everything I ate, and still continue with this practice. I try and exercise at least 20 minutes every day. That, along with eating healthier has helped me. I have found I eat when I'm bored, so I try and get out of the kitchen and or get started on a project. It's a struggle eating healthy, but what helped is to try and separate snacks from treats. The candy is a treat and only consumed occasionally, but a snack is a carrot or banana. I have tried to say to myself that I don't or choose not to eat unhealthy foods such as cake as much as I used to rather than saying I can't eat them. This is not a diet, that you go on for a certain period of time. This is now my healthy lifestyle for the rest of my life. I know it's helped, I have more energy and I'm sleeping better. Know that losing the weight is much easier than maintaining the weight loss. Maintenance is keeping those healthy habits and not beating yourself up and giving up when you have a day that you eat garbage food. Tomorrow is always a fresh start, do not give up. Start now, don't wait till January. Be ahead of the rush!!

Suze R.

When I saw this, I knew I had to comment. I joined Weight Watchers about a year ago because I was unhappy at 137 pounds (I'm 5'4"). I went in to lose about 12-15 pounds and have shed almost 20. A year later, I've kept it off. When they congratulated me on my goal at the meeting, I felt a little guilty because there were other people there who were trying to or needed to lose so much more than me. But like your post says, losing 15-20 pounds is also an important accomplishment. Weight Watchers taught me portion control and better eating habits. I eat way fewer carbs, cut down on sugar (I don't drink juice every morning anymore and don't eat as large a portion of sweets), eat more fruits and veggies, and eat smaller portions. I know the difference now between being "full" and being "stuffed". If your weight loss goal is similar, more power to you!

Amy H

I lost 20 pounds last year using myfitnesspal.com. I'm 55 and the last time I tried counting calories, you had to use paper and pencil! This app made it much easier. Once I saw how many calories I was eating vs. how many I should eat, I then figured out what things to stop eating, eat less of, etc. until I was within my calories for each day. After years of trying to lose those pesky pounds, it was nice to see them come off at last! It just takes determination and focus.

Alice

September 2012 I started eating gluten free in an attempt to decrease my migraines. I saw an instant relief of food cravings but lost only 5 pounds in a year and had little improvements in my migraines. I switched to the Whole30 plan this past September. No grains, no dairy, no legumes, no sugar (real or fake) and no alcohol. Basically no processed food. And no snacking. Since then I have lost 9 pounds. I haven't been exercising due to my migraines. So a total of 15 pounds. I highly recommend the Whole30 approach. I haven't been hungry at all. It takes planning but is worth it. I think I'm down to the weight I was when I married 21 years ago. BTW, I'm 54. 5'6" 120.2 as of this morning.

Luci

I have lost 20 lbs. this last year. I am 60years old and let me tell you...the older you get the harder it is to lose it! I am a runner for the last 11 years and my weight crept up when I was dealing with a back injury. I went back to WW to get it off. It is a constant struggle like everyone here knows. Just watch portion size and get MOVING. As we know Eat Less, Move More!

Beverley

I lost 20 pounds since January and it hasn't been easy or fast. I use the app called MyFitnessPal, which also has a free website where all the data can be synced. This has been those tough pounds that I put on as I went through menopause - extremely hard to lose. I gave myself a goal of 1400 calories a day and kept track of all my meals and snacks. It's a little hard to get used to at first, but restaurants and packaging makes it easy to build up a database of calories of the foods you usually eat. Myfitnesspal also has a huge database that is updated to the latest foods. I didn't do any extra exercising or modifications to my diet, other than keeping track and not going over my calorie limits. When you aren't cutting out food you like or certain ingredients, you can eat everything and anywhere so no one will even notice. You don't need to buy diet foods, just eat a varied diet and keep track in the app or on line. Most diets tell you you'll lose 2, 5, 10 pounds in a week or month but this way, it's just slow and regular weight loss; it's not a quick fix but you'll gradually learn how much to eat each day. I'm so happy to be able to fit into my "skinny" clothes again.

Carolyn

Hi, I am 57 yrs old and I have lost 40 lbs in one year.. I use My Fitness Pal and I walk. When it's nice weather I might walk outside, but I have been using Leslie Sansone's walking dvd's.. I also have Fibromyalgia and somedays I can't do much, but I try to push myself.. I also eat a lot better than I used to.. My Doctor told me in March of 2012 that I needed to lose some weight so that my cholestrol(sp) would go down. I was about 183 lbs at that time. I now weigh between 143 and 145 lbs.. I will continue with my walking and eating right.. I don't want to go back to where I was.. Also my faith in knowing that Jesus will give me the strength I need. And boy do I need it! Thank You Jesus!! If I can lose weight at my age, I believe anyone can..

Joan Anderson

When I turned 50 I weighed 150 ! Now at 50 1/2, I weigh 130. How ? I joined Weight Watchers ! It totally works, I am never hungry, and it is easy to do ! Snack girl you are so fun to read.

Lisa Rosati

I've lost my 80 pounds with in pat 3 months and this just because of my different yoga techniques. I will always suggest yoga and proper workout for weight loss because it is quite natural and you don't need to compromise with your favorite food.

Melissa Mellie

I changed my eating lifestyle about four years ago and have remained at 123 pounds ever since. I simply stopped eating anything that comes out of a package and eat only whole food. This has also improved my son's health and well being.

Jonni

I've lost 27 pounds in weight watchers again! I started blogging and following others which has been loads of fun and really inspiring. Before dragging myself back to WW Over the last two years - I was tortuting myself- I felt so bad for getting to the point where I needed to lose 25 pounds again. My clothes were so tight - they still fit after losing the weight!

TheHungryMa

I made up my mind in March after not being able to wear my clothes, they were all so tight and I didn't want to continue to buy larger and larger sizes. So I joined weight watchers, which I have done in the past. Only this time I was determined and vowed to stay focused and really mean it !! So far I've lost 42 lbs with 13 to go. It has made me feel so much better. I'm not uncomfortable with myself, clothes fit and in smaller sizes. I'm very happy. It's been so worth it. The WW meetings are great, so inspirational. We're all in it together and it works if you give it a chance. Have patience, make it your mission. It's the best thing you can do for yourself.

Debbie

I've lost 50 pounds since March 1st. Took me about 8 months. I started eating healthy and moderate exercise. I also eat more fish and lots and lots more veggies. I was never a veggie eater, but have changed my mind on that! I think the key is to balance everything and get some exercise and plenty of rest. Also, drinking a lot more water. No soda at all. I do still drink tea. But I think overall it's just a change in lifestyle. But I still "treat" myself. I really focused on trying new recipes to find something I could live with as a substitute for what I might be craving. It really does work!

Connie Boundy

I have lost 10kg so far have 20 more to remove. I use the NO S Diet (no snacks, seconds,no sweets except sometimes on the days that start with S like sat and sun) and a portion plate that I created myself by a regular but smaller plate divide the plate by using a marker pen with 1/2 vegies or salad, 1/4 good carbs, the other 1/4 good protein.

vic

I agree with the power of the No S Diet. I believe that too made a huge difference in me dropping the weight as I was a big snack, seconds and sugar craving eater. I wish I could say it's all behind me after losing the weight however it's a daily battle. Good for you on your plate design. At every dinner meal in particular, I'm mindful of what's on my plate. http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/guide/myplate-food-groups…. Continued success.

Mike

What a great post. I loved reading all the comments. And am so inspired by all of the success. I became a lifetime WW member more than 20 years ago after losing 28 pounds. Through the years I've struggled at times to keep it off and have gained as much as 15 pounds over my goal weight. About 5 years ago I read Mindless Eating by Brian Wansink and began incorporating it's strategies. That coupled with a return to WW has helped me achieve a steady weight that is several pounds below the goal weight I established in my late 20s. I turned 50 this year and am living happy, healthy and slim!

martha@ simple nourished living

after having 4 kids i never really got back to my prepregnancy weight, but i wasn't obese, just heavier than i wanted to be...about 25 lbs heavier than when i got married. i was still very active and healthy but i was feeling that i would never see my single sized self ever again.

my sister asked me to join her in a dieting game. yeah whatever. after months of saying no i bought this book to learn about it and it literally changed my life. the game on! diet taught me rules that helped me change my lifestyle. i never felt as if i was on a diet ever. what is amazing about the whole thing is that i was just doing it to be a support to my heavier sister, i never expected it to help me lose any weight. the weight just melted off me...i am not kidding about this, this book and game changed my life and weight. i'm now teaching my kids these rules which are basically to drink water!!! eat every 2-4 hours a fat, protein and carb, eating 2 handfuls of veggies 2x/day, no snacking, exercise 30 minutes, sleep 7 hours a day, and a few other things that are more about making changes.

a year ago i started this and i have been able to maintain my weight loss (within 5 lbs) without playing the game, but just following the rules so to speak.

while playing the game i decided to use my fitness pal just to see how my food choices compared to my exercise. i have logged over 450 days and i really appreciate having the ease and knowledge of its information. so many people asked me if i was taking some sort of supplement to lose my weight and couldn't believe it was just by eating more frequently and exercising. another book that really helped me make better food choices was "eat to live"...those 2 books really clicked in my brain and i don't ever feel like i will have to worry about my weight again!

imacrazymomof4

Over the past 6-8 months I have lost almost exactly 15 pounds. I'm not at my goal weight yet, but I'm actually very proud of myself. I didn't use a fitness plan or diet. I changed my entire lifestyle. I stopped eating out, but once or twice a month. I eat to where I feel satisfied and not full. I do quick 20 min workouts every morning, and full 45 ones maybe twice a week. For the first 5 months or so I wasn't seeing any changes and it really discouraged me. I stuck with it anyways though hoping if nothing else, I would be healthy. It felt like all of the sudden the weight just dropped. I didn't even notice, but others really seemed to! My diet mostly consists of fresh fruit, and vegetables, and nuts and dried fruit. I only have meat about one meal out of the day, mix it into a salad, or make a sandwich. I snack on as much dried cherries and carrot sticks and almonds as I want and never feel hungry or dissatisfied. I drink mostly water, never soda, and juice is a luxury. I'm very happy with the changes I've made like not eating out a lot anymore and cutting back on the sugar and soda, plus I no longer eat processed foods. All of my health problems I was having seem to have disappeared too.

Jessica

I lost 98 lbs in 14 months in 2010/2011. I did it by switching to a healthy pesce-vegetarian diet (I eat every 2-3 hours), I increased my gym workouts to 60 min. cardio/60 min. core/floor work. I hired a Personal Trainer twice a week to coach me. I went from a size 16-18 to a size 4. It was worth getting up early to start my day at the gym. I've kept that routine going since 2010. I bodybuild now, and encourage friends with their weight loss journeys.

Cindy

I lost 21 lbs between January and September of this year. I started by walking on my treadmill, practicing yoga and monitoring my eating habits using MyFitnessPal. I learned so quickly that I was earing way more than i needed, especially high calorie, sugary snacks. Agter a couple of months, i got bored with walking, and started running. Slowly but surely, I worked from a few minutes of running to miles, and ran my first ever 5k in August! I feel great now, am in a healthy BMI range and am now i training to become a yoga teacher. I cant wait to find ways to share this journey and all that i have learned anout being healthy for others!

Hannah

look around you--at the lunch table, coffee shop break room--the black coffee drinkers are all smaller in the trunk than the "cream and sugar" users. (and many of them use not one but MORE packs of each!) no exceptions at my tables--in coffee room after group workouts--the rule is always the same. we talk around it and the sugar cream drinkers will NOT give it up!. PLEASE DO! after 3-4 days you'll never want sweet greasy coffee again--and you will "LOSE THE 15 POUND DONUT"! (old story-do everything the same except add one donut a day. 6 months later you weigh 15 pounds more.) none of this is secret we all know it some just won't bother to change at all--talking about it is JUST ANOTHER WAY TO OBSESS OVER EATING. cut it out!!

patsy

I lost 15 pounds by using myfitnesspal! It really helped me become aware of the things I was putting in my body. I couldn't have done it without the app. It makes calorie counting so simple and convenient. I would usually plan my meals the day before to prevent random snacking or over indulging.

Brianna89

Lost almost 50lbs in 7 months by portion control telling myself I can eat more later helps ... About 1200 calories a day. More fruits and yogurt! ;)

Yvette

Hi there, I am just starting my weight loss adventure. Need to lose a good 15-20 pounds. I am 57 and have slowly been gaining weight without doing anything differently. So frustrating. I know I need to exercise more, but my feet hurt when I try to run. I know I must start slowly and be consistent. I want to be the skinny girl again, haven't been her for so long...wish me luck everyone. Thanks!

Laura

I've gained 20 pounds over the last few years and am so uncomfortable - can't stand the way I look and feel. Today I joined WW online. I'm going to try my best to stick with it!

Cindy