Daily Post--4/6/08

This one is also a discussion topic on our YahooGroup on 4/5/08. It started as a conversation between me and Karen/Sindarin... See what you think and add what you can based upon your own experience and/or observations! I've been thinking about something today that may turn into a question of the day, Lea. I realized I have no idea how to lose 20 pounds (and I get there are many of us in that same boat). Remember going to Weigh****chers and seeing those people who only had to lose 20 pounds and thinking you could do that with a good trip to the bathroom. Well, Lea, you and I are there and how do you lose 20 pounds? I can lose 100 (did it several times on WW and Atkins and others) but I don't need to lose 100, just 20. I bet there's a different process or at least a different mindset...hhhmmmm...I think this might need some research. SO, what do you think??? How DO we lose 20 pounds--the LAST 20 pounds??? Lea, Karen, and others!

I can't wait to hear the answers to this one!!!!

Im anxious to hear this answer as well,,cause that is exactly what Im trying to do! Blessings Betsy

You know, the last pounds are the hardest. I had no problem dropping weight after surgery, but now I'm struggling. I want to lose at least another 11lbs, but I'm thinking I really want to lose another 15-20.

Stay positive, stay focused, stay a little bit hungry, excersize a bit more and say a prayer...then the even more challenging part of keepin' it off has to happen...I think I would rather keep losin' the 20-pounds then get there and have to figure out hot to maintain it...I have always failed at that point in my weight loss journey and I am not looking forward to that aspect of this process again.

Hey, Lea and gang, I think my old Weigh****cher on-line account is still valid so I may sneak over there and lurk. If I remember, I think there is a message board for 20 pounds or less to lose....I'll be back with some ideas.....

I don't know, not there yet. I'll be back to see what is posted later on. Jules

What a good question. I'm going to be in your shoes and I know I'll struggle with those last 20 pounds too. I'm grateful that you wonderful people are blazing the trail! It will be interesting to see hwat tips and tricks others might have.

OK, here's what I got from reading their message boards... 1. Staying on track over the weekend seems to be a biggie...been there, understand the issue. So if you only have 20-30 to lose, you really have to be diligent (no matter what "plan" you follow.) 2. EXERCISE (it seems to come in all capital letters a lot.) Most folks seemed to be doing six days a week of cardio/weights combo. Many people were what I would call obsessive about running/cycling for MANY miles each day. 3. They were adding calories (points in their language) for this added exercise in the form of dairy/protein or (get this) protein shakes...hhhmmmmm This is a neat idea I "borrowed" for us...it's called the 21 day plan (21 days to form a habit) You decided what the habit is you'd like to start/break You being counting each day you meet that goal. At the end of 21 days of success you begin the cycle again to ensure the habits becomes embedded. If you "fall off the wagon" you reset your count and start over. So if I wanted to stop eating...chocolate, I would make that my goal. And I didn't eat chocolate for 4 days so I would be at C1, D4 (cycle one, day four). If I then ate a Hershey's kiss, I would have to start again the next day at C1, D1. This was an interesting list for maintenence: 1. EXERCISE (there's those caps again) 2. Attend support meetings 3. Track your food 4. Try something new (recipe, exercise, etc.) 5. Deal with gains and off-track behavior quickly. ALSO, I found out over there that Champion has all their sports bras on sale for 19.99 at championcatalog.com. Bought three new ones!!!

I have no idea really but I would say just stay positive and be diligent in what you have been doing that has gotten you to the point where you only have 20 pounds left to lost. If you find you are on a stall maybe add some more exercise or change up your routine a bit to add some new exercises in and perhaps jump start your losing again.