104lbs to lose before I can enlist

[CaitieCat27]

I've been struggling with this weight loss now for over a year, I started the journey at 292lbs in Aug 2012 and last year I lost 30lbs made it down to 264lbs.

That was as far as I got before I moved out with my best friend, started working two jobs, seven days a week and I flatlined. Stayed in the 260s all Fall then with the holidays working retail I gained 20lbs back and was 284lbs before ya know it.

Last week I really refocused myself and I'm losing again. This morning I weighed in at 281.9. I made a countdown on my phone, the days until my 20th birthday next January, the goal date I've set for myself to sign my papers and officially enlist. I'm 5'10 and 281, the max weight for my height is 177.

It's been incredibly hard goings, so I'm here reaching out, asking for any and all support, advice, workout plans, meal ideas, anything to help.

What did you do for motivation? Routine has never been a part of my life that is largely why I settled on Navy being my dream. I cannot see my self going anywhere else in life but to boot and becoming a sailor. 

My biggest mental road block is that if I had stuck to plans and was more disciplined then I would be shipping out by now.

[KSS2]

First congratulations on having a dream. You have a goal to aim for and it is a great one. Second no more looking back. You can't change the past so don't beat yourself up on could've/should've dones.

You have a goal and you know what you need to do by when. So now break it down into more manageable chunks. You have about 11 months so that works out at about 10lbs a month. Much better than looking at the whole amount. First thing you do need to have a good look at your diet. Unfortunately you can't out exercise a bad diet. If you are at a loss in this department may I suggest a session or two with a dietician/nutritionist? If that is not posible check out Fast Diet by Dr Michael Mosley and Mimi Spencer for a push to start.

Then the exercise. First believe you can do more than you think you can. Then as you have a fitbit you are obviously walking. Great that's a good start but as you get fitter it won't be enough. As a suggestion why don't you look at the Navy physical exam and break that down into smaller parts. e.g. if you have to do push ups and you can't right now, think about doing them against a table, then a lower bar, then off your knees then finally the full thing. Maybe think about a session with a personal trainer who can show you modifications that you can do now and change as you get stronger and fitter. 

Also the latest research is that high intensity interval training is the best way to lose weight and get fit. So no lovely strolls around the shops, make sure you have some hills or stairs.Alternate short bursts of jogging with walking and build up to sprints. If you have a stationary bike have a look at a program called Lifesprints again its based on solid research and you can download the music from itunes.

All the best, you can do this.

[Jabrat]

@CaitieCat27 you can do this - it's a mindset - you want to be healthy don't you - you need to be with like-minded people - you need a buddy system - you need accountability

[Baltoscott]

I agree with what KSS2 said - especially breaking down the year into chunks. Regarding diet, you should write down what you eat and look up the calories. Probably the easiest way to stay on a diet is to just eat the same 3 or 4 things. Pick 3 or 4 breakfasts, 3 or 4 lunches, and 3 or 4 dinners (maybe 400 calories each) and 5 or 6 200 calorie snacks ( you get maybe 1 or 2 a day) - make your meals on Sunday and don't eat anything else. Don't eat out. And watch liquid calories! Sodas, beer, wine, fancy coffees all add lots of calories and don't really curb your hunger.

Of course this is all about losing a lot of weight in a year -- once you get there you have to stay there so you'll need to figure out strategies for going out with friends. Keep reading these forums because everyone struggles with maintenance and there are lots of great ideas here.

[rinalepsie]

Hey!

I am in a rather similar situation as you are. I started out at 286lbs and reached 254lbs this summer. I have been moving around that weight ever since while dreaming of finally reaching my dream weight (187lbs). I am 24 and 5''11.

We could pair up and start pushing each other! I guess that could be more motivating and could help us to stay focused.

Let me know if you are interested!

Cheers 🙂