LIVESTRONG.COM Daily Plate user JaydeRayn is 36 and hails from Tamaqua, Pennsylvania. She lost 35 pounds on The Daily Plate. She shares her story of how she lost the weight using The Daily Plate, and gives tips for others trying to do the same.
I've struggled with my weight ever since my pregnancy with my older son, now 15. What inspired me? Knowing I was closing in on 40 and that if I didn't make the changes now, it would just be harder in the future. My goal was 150, which was a loss of 30 pounds. It was realistic, because I've not only reached that goal, but surpassed it by five pounds and counting.
Staying Away from Temptation
The biggest challenges I faced when losing weight was the desire for refined sugar and the willpower to keep up with the exercise routine. Also, eating enough calories. I found that I slide into not eating enough calories and that's when I stop losing. You really do have to eat enough calories in order to lose weight.
Using The Daily Plate
The Daily Plate was free and easy to use. The database is so large and there are tons of forums for advice. The groups are part of what keeps me going, now. I get moral support through the groups, and it has instilled a sense of responsibility bordering on obsession! If I eat something, I know I have to track it and now that I've gotten into the habit of reading nutritional labels, I can't ignore the calories and fat. I immediately figure out how many calories I will have left for the day if I eat something unhealthy and ask myself if it is really worth it; usually it isn't. The groups help me want to log in on days I'm feeling lethargic and like I really don't want to face what I've been eating.
I met my goal by tracking my food intake, eating healthier, eating less refined sugars and exercising hard three to four times a week.
I feel great since I've lost the weight. I'm really proud of myself and relieved, although I'm not finished yet. I have another 5 pounds to go for my goal (10 for my dream weight).
After Losing the Weight
I'll continue monitoring what I eat and gently increase my caloric intake to maintain instead of lose, and I plan to continue doing my kickboxing and Jiu Jitsu.
I've always known I can do anything I put my mind to losing this weight just proved it. Knowing that, I will more readily tackle challenges in other parts in my life.
Now that I've lost the weight, I climb the hills in my town without gasping for breath. If I do get out of breath, I regain it almost immediately. My arms don't flap in the breeze anymore, either ... (that's ALWAYS a positive!) and I fit very well into my motorcycle leathers!
For those of you out there that are thinking about losing weight or are trying, You can do it. It takes time, but you can do it. If you backslide, it's OK ... it happens. Don't beat yourself up over it, just pick yourself up and try again. Every day is a new start.
If you have questions for JaydeRayn, or if you want to see what groups she is in, you can contact her by visiting her member profile.
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