Update to Post About Starting Over...I Did It!

Update to a post 3 years ago:

https://www.reddit.com/r/loseit/comments/5qjzsn/those_of_you_who_gained_back_a_lot_of_lost_weight/

Long Story Short(ish): Been wanting to lose weight since high school. Began running a bit as an exercise tool. Lost some in high school. Lost more weight once I got to college. Then I turned 21, started drinking alcohol by the handle, stopped going to the gym, stopped watching what I ate. And now, I realize, dealing with some mental health demons. Gained it all back, with interest. Then I made the post linked above. Went from 250 in high school, to 175 in college, to 275+ post college.

Well, I am happy to say that I am now lower than any of the goal weights that I had set for myself my whole life. I am in the best shape and weigh the least that I ever have!!! Currently 148

I'm going to share a bit of how I did it and a couple things I learned.

How Did I Do It: I am in no way saying that what I did is the best or only or fastest or any way. But it's what I did. I started running, a lot. I built up to running a Half-Marathon last year. I am currently training for a full marathon this year, but it looks like it'll be canceled (stay safe, everyone). For long stretches of the last 3 years, I have been 100% sober from alcohol. I drink some now, but much much less than I did before. I watch my calories, but I never logged calories. More of an estimation. I understand that a lot of people have more success with precise tracking. I think I would get in my head too much. I've had success just eating less and trying to make better choices when I can.

Basically, just a series of small good decisions done repeatedly on a long enough time scale. If you know the Al Pacino speech from Any Given Sunday, that ran through my head a lot the last 3 years "The inches we need are everywhere around us. In every break of the game, every minute, every second. On this team, we fight for that inch. On this team, we tear ourselves to pieces for that inch. We claw with our fingernails for that inch. Because we know, when we add up all those inches. That's gonna make the fucking difference between winning and losing. Between living and dying."

There's so many good tips on this subreddit that I won't say everything, but here's a few things I think are important that are under-represented in some posts:

1. Support Is Crucial. My #1 has always been my older brother. (shoutout: /u/oofgeg) It can be a loved one, a family member, a friend, or hell, this subreddit. But I think you NEED someone to vent difficulties to and share successes with. I'm sure my brother is tired of hearing my neurotic shit, but he doesn't show it. I don't think anyone can do it alone.
2. Exercise Helps. I know the common knowledge around these parts is that exercise is not that important. Well, for me, I think it is. Sure, it burns calories and allows you to eat more. But, more importantly for me, it gave me pride in a physical part of me. I was proud of what I could do physically for the first time ever. It makes me feel good and want to take care of my body. I don't want to eat and drink like garbage and throw away my last workouts or feel bad to start my next ones.
3. You are One. Every facet of your body is connected. Mind, body, spirit. I think it's all connected. Bad mental health can surely lead to bad physical health. I think we have all experienced a bit of that. On the other hand, taking small steps to help your physical health can help your mental health. Everything feeds into everything else. Good brings more good.
4. Do Things You Like. I have made gradual changes over time. I have replaced some unhealthy food with healthier alternatives (most of the time). I have experimented and found healthy meals I LOVE to make and eat. I'm not sacrificing good food. I have found exercise that brings me joy and pride. I have worked in habits into my life that I can enjoy doing all the time. Never ever do I feel like I am torturing myself. I could never keep that up long term. I do wish I could drink more, but alas. Some sacrifices must be made. I have a bit of an addictive side to me where I can lose control.
5. Losing Weight Won't Solve Everything. Whew, I'm learning that now. If you lose weight, you don't magically become happier. Things don't magically work out. You are the same person the whole time. Issues before will still be issues, except you'll be a bit healthier. And maybe a bit stronger to tackle them. Also, if you're like me, your brain will keep moving the goalposts and you'll never be completely content with how you look. Still working on that.

​

Overall, super happy with where I am. It has been a long journey. Have a ways to go with gaining strength and getting fitter. But I'm happy with where I am. If you ever struggle with starting over or get intimidated by how far you need to go, know that you can do it.

Imgur album. First 3 pictures are from 2016. Last two are from this year.

submitted by /u/Backstrom
[link] [comments]

from loseit - Lose the Fat https://ift.tt/3h2IpmQ