Lose weight the fun way.

Posted on August 14, 2014

This is my very first dietbet! I heard about the website from a friend and thought, who doesn't want to earn money AND lose weight?

But it's not so much about the money for me. I've been trying to shake the weight my entire life. I've always been overweight from as far back as I remember. I hit rock bottom, so to speak, in 2010 when I saw a picture of myself and was disgusted. I remember how surprised I was that my face looked so chubby and I was embarassed. My best friend and I signed up for a half marathon, and after about 6 months of moderate training, the weight started to fall off. Soon after that, I had lost about 30lbs. Even though I was still technically overweight, I was so much more confident with myself and the weight loss changed my perspective on life.

However, the pounds have started to pile back on. I've probably gained about 15 pounds back since I lost all the weight 4 years ago. I'm absolutely terrified that I'll keep gaining, especially since I'm starting grad school again in a week.

Here is what I need help on and I'd appreciate any and all tips and input!

-- I have trouble finding the time to exercise. I work 9-5 Monday through Friday and weekend nights, and the little time that I do have I just want to spend with my friends or family relaxing at home. I can eat well if I really try (there are little improvements that I know I can make), I just need help motivating myself to exercise. I have a gym membership and try and have lately only been going only 2 times a week or so because I've been so tired. And when I get to the gym, I have even more trouble motivating myself because my body is beat!

-- My friends LOVE TO EAT. They're huge foodies. Seriously, all they do is eat. Which is great, but not when I'm trying to be healthy. I have trouble picking healthy foods at restaurants because everyone else's food that they're ordering looks and sounds so amazing!! So when we hang out, I end up gaining several pounds in a night.

-- I'm on a budget. I'm a grad student struggling to pay rent, a car bill, etc. and carbs are way cheaper than lean meats and produce, and they typically last longer. I don't eat a lot of carbs (especially at home), but I guess I'm looking for tips on how to get more bang for my buck.

Any helpful hints would be great! Thanks guys and good luck to all!

Comment Now!

Kacie H.

08/14/2014 2:33PM

Thanks to all of you! Definitely liking the frozen veggies idea!!!

pbutterfly

08/14/2014 7:39AM

Oh, and as for the budget - maybe look into farmer's markets or local produce sharing groups that might be more cost-effective than grocery veggies? Frozen veggies are a great idea, and I love Trader Joe's for inexpensive frozen chicken (among other things).

If you can find more places to walk, you might also cut down on gas expenses for the car! ;)

Kacie H. likes this comment.

pbutterfly

08/14/2014 7:37AM

Welcome! I find DietBet to be extremely helpful in terms of motivation and sustaining my healthy choices consistently. Having a deadline and specific goal helps me greatly. I hope you find it as great a site as I have!

Finding time to exercise can be a challenge, and it's even harder when exercise is something on your "to-do" list rather than your "get-to-do" list. Find something that you truly enjoy and that supports your non-weight-loss goals as well (relaxation and spending time with loved ones). Lynda had a great idea -- if your friends walk with you, you get to spend time with them, and the time passes more quickly and enjoyably. I find that I am better able to relax when my body is taken care of - workouts make my relaxation time all the more relaxing. I also end up with MORE energy on a regular basis when I am getting my workouts in. Don't forget to have FUN -- dance, play games, play tag with your kids (if you have them), do things that feed your soul.

Kacie H. likes this comment.

Lynda H.

08/14/2014 4:06AM

Welcome! You'll get lots of ideas and support on the boards, but here are a few
1. Exercise time. If you're too tired at night, wake up a little earlier and go for a walk before work. Get a fitbit or other monitor to motivate you for additional movement throughout the day. Many of us set a 10000 step goal, which is both easier and harder than you might think. Invite your friends to take a walk with you after work. You can spend time with them AND exercise
2 most restaurants have their nutrition info on line. Look it up and choose your meal BEFORE you go. Make it something you want to eat, that looks good and not "depriving". Drink lots of water to keep you full as well. Some folks order their meal with a to go box so they put 1/2 away before they start.
3 budget. Eating out a lot can be more expensive than healthy food, and those processed meals cost you a lot in cals and sodium. Think frozen veggies if you're worried about them lasting
Good luck!

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