I need advise on where to go from here...

[bexstar]

I am trying to lose weight. 42lbs to be exact. Last year I lost 22lbs but have since gained back 10 of those. I'm just confused where to go from here.

Do I join a gym? Do I join a weightloss food group (weight watchers etc)? Do I attempt this all alone?

How do I manage to achieve my goal when I am not sure what would benefit me more?

So I'm looking for advise. Any stories of personal success using gyms, food groups, on your own etc. and if you think I should go a certain way about things let me know.

Thanks.

[bexstar]

I am trying to lose weight. 42lbs to be exact. Last year I lost 22lbs but have since gained back 10 of those. I'm just confused where to go from here.

Do I join a gym? Do I join a weightloss food group (weight watchers etc)? Do I attempt this all alone?

How do I manage to achieve my goal when I am not sure what would benefit me more?

So I'm looking for advise. Any stories of personal success using gyms, food groups, on your own etc. and if you think I should go a certain way about things let me know.

Thanks.

[Odyssey13 · Accepted solution]

You're not alone. Don't ever feel that you are, because this community is supportive and many are fighting their own battles.

Losing 22 pounds last year was great, so you have the ability to lose it. Don't kick yourself for gaining some back, because you're here and ready to make positive changes in your life.

For myself, in losing weight, it began with keeping a food journal. Every bite of food, I write down. I started walking more and making myself get up and move around when I didn't want to budge. The Flex has helped me in getting more active as I want see my steps increase daily.

Portion control is important. What I thought was a half cup was often over a cup. If you're counting calories, keep watch on those portions. Substitute water for soda or switch over to diet ones. Learn to read the nutritional ingredients of whatever you buy at the store or eat out. One thing that helped me going out to eat was checking the mentu online. Some restaurants include the calories and other information on their website. Knowing what you can eat and staying within your calories will help. You probaably already know to watch those carbs.

You'll get lots of advice here and people sharing their stories. It's a wonderful community and we're all making 2014 the best year ever. You've only just begun, but posting here was a good start.

[Colinm39]

As Odysey13 said portion control. About a year ago I realised what my issue was. I had plateaued with 10lb to go to maintenance weight. I was at our local shopping mall enjoying a franchised carrot cake with a soy latte. It was a lovely carrot cake with chunks of walnuts and lovely icing. Total 800 calories. 5 minutes of eating and 2 hours of brisk walking, not a good ratio.

What made me aware , my 45 year old cycling son had a slice and he only had 1/4 of it and spread the rest over 3 days. Portion Control.

Jonathan Bailors new book "The Calorie Myth" really throws light on our issue and it's all about quality calories and eat less of what can kill you. The US Food authority allows food labels to have a 20% error so we are running a loosing battle with calories.

Also our body burns 70-80% just keeping alive and the rest is our activity and genes.

The fork is mightier than the foot. quote from a learned Fitbitter.

[Dominique]

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@bexstar wrote:
Do I attempt this all alone?

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It can be hard, for the reasons explained here:

http://www.precisionnutrition.com/fat-loss-course-for-women-day-5

[chbeste]

I was very succesfull with Weight Watchers a few years ago when I needed to lose some weight.  What I needed was to be accountable; to have to get up on the scale in front of someone else.  That's what helped me.  Possibly the support of the Fitbit community will help you!   Good luck on your journey.

[Nick17]

From what I've read in terms of research, diets alone often don't work and often times people do tend to relapse unfortunately.  The key is often times to increase your physical activity.  As you consume fewer calories, the body adapts and metabolism slows down.  Joining a gym is always a good idea for health reasons alone, but you can always increase physical activity through brisk walks, aerobic work, or a combination of aerobic and strength training.  Keep your metabolism up by involving yourself in a regular schedule of physical activity.  For me, I set aside time during the week where I know I am going to work out and that has worked wonders for me.  Sometimes for the price of a gym membership, you can purchase at home exercise equipment.  Personally, I find it easier and more convenient to work out at home rather than getting home from work, and jumping back in the car again.  Whatever you choose to do, best of luck!

[bexstar]

Thank you all for your kind works, encouragement and help. I think a community with such a hard working "family" will help me with my goals. I've decided on making sure I note all my food, I tend to eat a little of everything and it soon adds up. I won't be rejoining a gym just yet until I feel my fitness has gone up with just some basic home exercise.

Again, thank you all.

[Colinm39]

Congratulations you are on the way.