People keep asking me how I do it...
By katsmeow1213
@katsmeow1213 (28717)
United States
April 30, 2010 11:26am CST
Anytime I tell someone that I've lost 70 pounds they always want to know my secret. Just yesterday I got into a lengthy discussion with a lady at my gym over what sort of exercises I do and how I've managed to stay inspired through this entire process.
My original inspiration was watching The Biggest Loser. When I first began watching this show I was about as big as some of the girls on the show, that was my wake up call! The show has some pretty good weight loss tips and advice, which I took to heart. Also some of the contestants can be inspiring as well. One of them last season had a saying which I say to myself frequently "You don't have to see the whole stair case, just the next step". It helps in those times when you're wondering how you're going to lose that next 50 or so pounds...
In the beginning when I didn't think I could go any longer I would imagine Jillian Michaels (the Biggest Loser trainer) was with me, pushing me to keep going.. to complete that mile I set out to do, or that hour long spin class, or whatever my current goal was.
Now I am my own inspiration. I've come so far and done so much that whenever I'm attempting to do something difficult, I remind myself that I can do it. I remind myself of all the other goals I've accomplished, and tell myself that if I can do that, then I can do this. If I can run 5 miles, then I can run 5 and a half. My newest goal is to be as fit as the instructors at my gym, who can teach 2 classes in a row and not seem at all tired. There's no reason why I can't, and I know it!
Oh, and the other thing is my gym. I know I wouldn't still be on this mission if I didn't have the gym! It's been a complete life saver, honestly. It does so much good for me and my boys too. It gets us out of the house, my boys get to play in their daycare with some other kids, and gives me other adults to talk to. Plus I get motivated by some of the other people I know there, like the instructors who are fantastic, and some of the other members as well. I'm even more motivated when I see a new member struggling to keep up in a class, because I'm reminded of how far I've come, and I push that much harder to show myself and the new member what you can accomplish when you put your mind to it!
So that's how I do it. How do you do it? What has been your inspiration for losing weight? What pushes you when you feel like you can't go any further? What pulls you out of those slumps?
2 people like this
10 responses
@dawnald (85135)
• Shingle Springs, California
3 May 10
My inspiration back when I actually did it was "if she can do it, I can"...
@dawnald (85135)
• Shingle Springs, California
3 May 10
Actually when I was 30, wow can it really be that long ago?, there was a group of people all losing weight on NutraSystem, Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, etc. And I just decided that rather than paying all that money to do it, I'd just do it. And I did. I also lost a lot of the weight (but not all) after I had the kids, but I have sort of lost my way of late...
@peavey (16936)
• United States
30 Apr 10
That's awesome! I really, really need to lose about 30 pounds but just can't seem to get there from here. I do well for awhile, then fall off the bandwagon, then dust myself off and try again.
I quit smoking so I know I can do this. Your enthusiasm is contagious!
@ersmommy1 (12588)
• United States
10 Jun 10
Actually, this morning (5:30) I couldn't get back to sleep. I came out to the living room and got my shoes. I found myself on the treadmill downstairs a few minutes later. Sometimes I think of my size 6 jeans, or being a good example for my kids. And I am motivated. And hey, yes, even pics you have posted have helped. With back problems I have even started keeping lunches(Usually Lean cuisines) at about 300 calories. Every little bit helps.
@katsmeow1213 (28717)
• United States
10 Jun 10
I no longer trust microwavable meals. Someone recently told me that those supposedly lower calorie meals have lied about their nutritional info. I used to keep them around just in case dinner wasn't satisfying enough.. I figured one of those was better than grabbing fast food because I do still crave it sometimes.. but since I learned this information I've stopped buying them. Not to mention I think they're higher in sodium anyways. Though I admit that I do love the Lean Pockets and I still keep them on hand. I may have one for lunch every so often.
@bluemars (952)
• Australia
1 May 10
I think there are so many people out there that are doing it for themselves and that in itself is very inspiring to me, seriously I know it can be hard at times depending on what is going on in your life but there are times when you just have to make the time and just take the effort to just do it. It will take time and that is just something people should just accept from the beginning. It is better if it does take time anyway because if you think about it, it took time to put the weight on so it will take some time to get it off. I am praying to stay on my health plan and try to be a bit more active. That area needs fine tuning but hopefully I will just get into it. I really want to also start training more but I have no idea where to start, maybe I should just start going to the gym.
@katsmeow1213 (28717)
• United States
1 May 10
Starting at the gym would be a great idea. Most gyms usually offer a free training session to familiarize you with their machines, so that trainer can offer you some great tips on how to reach your fitness goals.
@piya84 (2581)
• India
1 May 10
Hiii katsmeow1213
Weight reduction is isnt a child's play.That require lot of faith and determination,self control.Ou have reduce lot of weight and hats off to you.I have reduce 5 kg only and i know how much difficult it was.You have reduced in 70 pounds in a such small time.Thats really great thing.
@Fire10 (293)
• United States
1 May 10
This may sound like a silly question... but for all of those of you who have lost weight similar to this... did you experience more hunger than usual - while you lost weight?
@katsmeow1213 (28717)
• United States
1 May 10
Maybe at first, because you're reducing calories and your body needs a chance to get used to that, but at this point my body is used to smaller portions and smaller meals. I do not normally feel much hunger between meals.
@jillhill (37354)
• United States
2 May 10
Good for you...I have recently found out I have high blood pressure..so I am losing. That is also and inspiration...to be healthier! I do get in slumps but when I think about how I want to be around to see my youngest granddaughter graduate..that is inspiration!
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
30 Apr 10
I've told you before that you are my inspiration. I'm having a hard times with cravings and the low cal sweet snacks are so expensive. I will stock up when I get to the U.K. I only lost 2lbs this past week and I know in my heart that it could have been more. Just over 5lbs to meet my goal and then I will set the goal for another 7lbs over the next month. I keep saying to myself that even 5lbs a month would be excellent for me. The son came home last night - he hasn't seen me for 3 weeks and my weight loss was so noticeable to him - bit not to me. The clothes are loose though. I am now telling myself that Just to lose it one pound at a time. I really would like to lose 30lbs as it would do so much to help me with high blood pressure etc as there would be less strain on my heart.
Keep on doing what you are doing. Who knows? You may one day become and instructor too!
@katsmeow1213 (28717)
• United States
30 Apr 10
I have been thinking about it.. but I know I'm not ready for that yet, they are so fit and can do so much that I still can't do yet!
Two pounds in a week is great! I haven't been doing much better as far as weight loss goes. Last week I didn't drop an ounce even though I ate right and kicked butt at the gym!! But I'm still getting thinner.. I think I'm gaining more muscle, which weighs more than fat, and you might be too.
As far as not noticing, I don't notice myself getting thinner either. Even with as much weight as I've dropped I still look at myself and think I'm as big as I used to be. I was wondering earlier today if I'll need to be treated for anorexia because no matter how thin I get I'm always going to see myself as fat, lol. No I'm not anorexic yet! What I do notice is when I go back and look at old pics of myself, then I really see it and I'm so shocked that I let myself be that big, and that I wasn't embarassed!!
@maezee (41996)
• United States
9 May 10
I've also been inspired by the show Biggest Loser, but it didn't affect me quite the way it affected you. I think it's one of the only good reality shows out there because it touches a subject that's so close to like 70% of the world who's overweight. It just makes sense for a show like that to be on. I'm sure it has inspired many others.
My own inspiration..I just my motivation to get healthy; not to get SKINNY or be a size ZERO or be 110 pounds (which used to be my sick fantasies, really!) I was put in treatment last year for bulimia - and so my weight used to fluctuate and yo-yo like crazy. I've had enough, and I'm trying to make up for all the horrible things I've done to my body, by being good to it now. Eating enough - NOT overeating, definitely not purging anything, and getting exercise in every day - about an hour usually. It's also an emotional battle for me - because my eating disorder (overexercising, undereating, or overeating and purging) caused me to become so isolated from my friends and family. I pushed them away because I was so determined in my sick little game, and I felt like I didn't need them. I am still apologizing to them for these days, but now it's different. I'm eating a good amount (1,400 calories per day - about - but I don't count.) and involving my friends in my workout routine. I usually get together with friends about 4 times a week to do this, and do the other 2 days by myself. I like this system. And my inspiration comes from the relationships in my life; to stay healthy mentally and physically.
I haven't been in a slump since I've started dieting. I'm starting to realize that exercise can help all emotions and situations in my life. Angry? Go for a run - release some tension. Happy? Go for a walk at the park. Frustrated? Cool down, go for a walk around the lake, and then rationally argue with whoever is frustrating you. 
. It really does help in all situations, I've found.
. It really does help in all situations, I've found. 
@CJscott (4187)
• Portage La Prairie, Manitoba
30 Apr 10
Wow, katsMEOW!
That is awesome. Would you say you have had a complete mental shift? Would you believe it to be because of a catalyst, and finding a mastermind group? Having faith in yourself, the desire to achieve, Love of yourself and your family, a motivation, akin to that of a teenage boy when he sees a cute girl;), enthusiasm about your results, hope of your achievements, and a little bit of romance?
That is awesome. Would you consider, that what you did with your weight, you can do with anything in your life you want to change and make better, almost the exact same way.
That is phenomenal, congratulations by the way, I am super happy for you, and very proud of your accomplishments. I personally, don't have that rigid set of discipline, as you do, and though I am not getting any bigger, I am also not getting any smaller. Most of my weight loss comes from my changed diet, and increased energy because of it, I will have to start exercising regularly again. I tried to do the shoulder stand on Wii Fit today, only to find I couldn't quite get my toes to touch the ground behind my head anymore, that made me sad. I have been neglecting the thing for a while to this and that, petty distractions. I am sure you are aware of them as well.
Kudos to you, I hope you go as far as you choose to achieve.
With Appreciation.
@katsmeow1213 (28717)
• United States
30 Apr 10
No I would not say I've had a complete mental shift. It's a slow progress. I am thinking differently than I did 6 months ago, and as time goes on a lot of ideas change further, but I will not say that I am a completely changed person. Weight loss and weight maintenance will always be a struggle, because there will always be temptations and lazy days, but in time it's less of a struggle because of the slightly different thinking I have now.
I have not yet tried to change other aspects of my life, more or less because of the lack of desire.. but I am certain that if I put my mind to it I could probably accomplish anything, the hard part is setting my mind to it and doing it!
