MUST READ ARTICLE: Losing 3-4 pounds in four weeks doesn't sound exciting does it?
Nice 'n' easy does the weight loss
By Laurel Blackburn
FITNESS
Losing three to four pounds in four weeks doesn't sound very exciting does it? It probably doesn't make you want to leap off the couch and run to the phone with your credit card.
What is it about spending $19.95 or $29.95 that makes a weight-loss program or exercise gadget work? There must be something to it because Americans are spending an incredible $30 billion a year on weight-loss products. I'm no financial expert, but it seems to me that $30 billion could go a long way in wiping out poverty and disease, or feeding the hungry.
The sad part is that 95 to 98 percent of people who lose weight on these quick weight-loss programs gain it all back within six months to three years. Research also shows that 90 percent of these people gain back more than they lost. The failure of weight-loss programs is so great that a leading researcher has said, “Dieting is the leading cause of obesity in the U.S.”
So, what is my big weight-loss secret?
First of all you must really believe that it is OK and healthy to lose only three to four pounds a month, occasionally a little more or less. You must be satisfied with the fact that the slower the weight loss, the better the chances of the weight being fat loss and not water. More importantly, this way of slow and steady weight loss is conducive to long-term, lifetime success and health. Just say no to quick fixes!
{Kat Note: Cysters, please read ^that^ paragraph again. This article is directed at 'non-pcosers' and the rate of weight loss discussed it THREE to FOUR pounds per MONTH - sometimes more, sometimes LESS. If you are 'only' losing 3-4 pounds in a month, don't chalk your weight loss up to, "I'm losing slowly because of pcos." That rate is not 'unusual'. OK??? Now back to the article}
The rest of the secret you have been hearing and reading about for years. It's called healthy eating and exercise. Make it part of your life. Do it for your health. Don't make this about getting into a certain size or losing weight for a wedding or reunion. Do it so that you live a healthy, productive life. Do it so that you can play with your kids without passing out on the grass because you can't keep up. Do it so that you can model healthy behaviors for your children. Do it so that you feel good about yourself. Do it so you don't die early.
Start your program by picking one or two behaviors a week and start making changes. It could be as simple as eating breakfast and giving up sodas or other sugary drinks. Try eating smaller portion sizes or saving sweets for just one night a week. It might be cutting back on alcohol or taking healthy meals to work or school. You may set aside 15 minutes or more a day to walk or play with your kids.
The point is don't change everything at once or you're setting yourself up for failure. Of course if you want to reach your goals more quickly, then do a little bit more. But once again, watch out for the all-or-nothing approach.
Don't waste any more of your hard-earned money supporting the diet and weight-loss industry. You have everything you need within yourself to lose weight or get in shape. So, stop making excuses, quit looking for that quick fix and get out there and take back control.
If you think my weight-loss secret won't work because it didn't cost you $29.95, then feel free to send that money my way. I've had my eye on the new Ab-Inator 2000. It promises that I can get six-pack abs in just 2 minutes a day for only $29.95.
Thank you for posting this Kat I needed to read this today!
::HUGS::
__________________ Your friend and cyster,
~*Katrina*~
Pre-medical Student/Medic
22 Years old
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Girls- we are cysters by chance but friends by choice. I love you girls so much. You give me strength,courage, guidance, support, and friendship
I learned this lesson the hard way. My 2-3 lb/month weight loss used to depress me. I would see others dropping that amount every week and feel so jealous. But, they often didn't last long on their diets because to lose at that rate, they were often really depriving themselves. I, on the other hand, was able to keep going because I felt like what I was doing was not hard. Research study after research study speaks to the benefits of a slower loss. It increases your chances of maintenance and is better for your overall health.
I just wish we could all switch our mentalities away from that of looking for a quick fix to making small changes that lead to a healthier lifestyle.
__________________ Happily married; 1 amazing daughter born 12/06. short term weight loss goal: 20lbs by year's end long term weight loss goal: 65 lbs overall
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"I'm not lazy. I'm simply judicious about excess movement." -Jen Lancaster
First of all you must really believe that it is OK and healthy to lose only three to four pounds a month, occasionally a little more or less. You must be satisfied with the fact that the slower the weight loss, the better the chances of the weight being fat loss and not water. More importantly, this way of slow and steady weight loss is conducive to long-term, lifetime success and health.
YAY! Woot Woot! I lost 1.5-2 pounds a month and as long as the scale was budging, I always considered it a victory. When I read complaints here that "I've only lost 6 pounds this month", it makes me want to yell. Slow but steady still crosses the finish line and maintains it. I'm proof.
The rest of the secret you have been hearing and reading about for years. It's called healthy eating and exercise
This is key too...how many of us want to skip this part?! When i committed to finally getting my butt into gear and facing what i knew I needed to, I had success. There is no 'easy' button for weight loss...no matter how badly we'd like there to be.
Awesome article, Kat!
__________________ Christy
33 yrs, 1 precious hubby, 2 miracle kids, At Goal Wt for 4 yrs, Trygly's down 445 pts, Free Androgen down from 20 to 2, 3 half 'thons ran, 2 mtns hiked, 1 crazy run in the Rockies, 4 forest trail races, profiled in 2 magazines...1 woman determined to kick PCOS butt!
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It's nice to hear that you are heading in the right direction. I'm working hard and have managed to lose 8.5 lb since 7/1, but it always seems that 2 lb/week should be the goal. While the scale isn't moving as quickly as I would like, I'm eating healthier, working out 5+ days a week and have my family leading a more active life. I think that it is yet another exercise in patience.
__________________ Chris (38) Adoring Mom to Ethan (5) and Crazy Wife to Herb (37) Diagnosed: 5/06 with traditional symptoms Meds: Yasmin, multivitamin, Calcium, Vitamin E, Fish Oil, Cinnamon, B Complex Diet & Exercise: looking to become healthier, cardio and weights 5X a week, swimming daily with my son and attempting the IR Diet
Since 7/01/06
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...it always seems that 2 lb/week should be the goal.
Yeah, that "2 pounds a week" saying has been misinterpreted...
The rule (regarding 2 pounds per week) is:
2 pounds a week is the MAXIMUM you should attempt to lose on your own unless you're under medical supervision.
In other words, 2 pounds was never intended to be the 'goal' - it was just a guideline for people. If you're losing 2 or more pounds per week, your doctor should know to make sure you're not sick, and if you're not sick, to make sure you're getting the nutrients you need.
If SoulCysters gave out awards, I'd give one to the author of this article.
__________________
Hey, SoulCysters! Need to eat more veggies, but can't find recipes??
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Don't waste any more of your hard-earned money supporting the diet and weight-loss industry. You have everything you need within yourself to lose weight or get in shape. So, stop making excuses, quit looking for that quick fix and get out there and take back control.
I love that line.
__________________ Christy
33 yrs, 1 precious hubby, 2 miracle kids, At Goal Wt for 4 yrs, Trygly's down 445 pts, Free Androgen down from 20 to 2, 3 half 'thons ran, 2 mtns hiked, 1 crazy run in the Rockies, 4 forest trail races, profiled in 2 magazines...1 woman determined to kick PCOS butt!
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Thanks for that article Kat--- I needed it.. As one of those people who was never going to be a "YO-YO" dieter who has succeeded in gaining most (but not all and then some) of my weightloss back I am trying to get back into a healthy way of living.. It's hard and I need to stop having the Friday/Sat cheating--but I'm doing better than living off of pizza, fried chicken, and french fries..
P.S. On our old "eating where you can and not at the table thread" the balance ball makes a good seat too!
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153 is my 10% at Weight Watchers. Goal from there.
I run so I can have cream in my coffee
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The title of this thread almost had me jumping out of my chair! 3-4 pounds per week? Sounds REALLY exciting to me, lol!!!
Thanks Kat for the reality check. Don't need to worry about me, I'm now resigned to my teeny tiny losses and gradual downward trend. I totally miss my 10 pound loss months, but wth, it just means I have less to lose now. I'm happy
__________________ ~~~Vanessa~~~
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90 pounds lost! To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
I want to throw out another thanks for posting this article! When I started my "nutritional" program, my rate of weight loss was high. Now that I am closer to my goal, it has slowed, but I am trying to learn to be grateful for each pound that comes off and knowing how much more healthy I am!
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Cec: That's EXACTLY what I meant too! It's hard but I know that 1 or 2 pounds is absolutely grand considering how hard I work. How close to goal are you? Your ticker isn't showing up... Go us!
__________________ ~~~Vanessa~~~
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I was a 1-2 pounds a MONTH loser and I can vouch for the truth in this. Slow but steady wins the race.
__________________ Christy
33 yrs, 1 precious hubby, 2 miracle kids, At Goal Wt for 4 yrs, Trygly's down 445 pts, Free Androgen down from 20 to 2, 3 half 'thons ran, 2 mtns hiked, 1 crazy run in the Rockies, 4 forest trail races, profiled in 2 magazines...1 woman determined to kick PCOS butt!
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I want to book mark this page so when I really start to slow down I remember. Plateaus happen, etc, but you're right, slow and steady. Thanks so much. I needed to read this tonight
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MUST READ ARTICLE: Losing 3-4 pounds in four weeks doesn't sound exciting does it? 
I needed to read this today!
I lost 1.5-2 pounds a month and as long as the scale was budging, I always considered it a victory. When I read complaints here that "I've only lost 6 pounds this month", it makes me want to yell. 
