My Weight-Loss Journey
 

Hello!

My name is Jordyn. I'm 18 years old, I'm 5'5", and I'm 196 pounds as of today.
My BMI tells me I'm obese! How did this happen? I'm an active teenager. I'm almost always out and about... So what happened? I guess my eating and sleeping habits just started catching up to me.

Two years ago, at the wonderful and naive age of 16, I weighed 150 pounds. I was healthy and happy. That's the smallest I can ever remember being.

The most I have ever weighed was 210 pounds. Yikes! I need to start changing some habits, or soon I'll start hurting myself by carrying this extra weight.

I decided to join FitDay after lurking the forums for some time. I wasn't sure where to put this kind of a post, because I'm going to update my progress and successes every week. I settled on the Success Stories section because that's what this is going to be: a success story. I sound so cheesy, I'm sorry. Haha. I'm just overly optimistic that this is just what I need! I need to be healthy and happy again. You can support me, or follow my journey, or visit this post and never come back, but that's all ok. This is for me. This is my time to shine (I sound so selfish). I am making a better life for me.

The photos attached are of me TODAY. 196 pounds. No offense that I'm so... Exposed. I figured if I showed you all what I look like, I wouldn't be able to give up or back out like I have in the past. There's a front shot, side shot, and behind shot (all full-body). There's also a picture of me with my favorite pair of jeans (size 10). I used to fit into those! I'll update every week with the three underwear shots. I'll update once a month on the 22nd of each month with the size 10 jeans.

Today's a new day. :)

Your determination is great!! What is your plan for eating and exercising? Any ideas yet?
We look forward to seeing your new pictures, of a new you.
Be sure you don't undereat since you're really young and it can be dangerous.
Good luck and hang in there!

Hi Jordyn!

GOOD FOR YOU! I am so impressed that you have made this decision to change now. Your youthful energy will keep you going. It is all about lifestyle change. I believe you are on the right track. Eat clean and move; this is your life. The best thing you can do for yourself is to learn to change.

Here is my two cents worth from years of trial and error.
Do not diet. No fad diet works - for very long. Your eating habits need to change, for life. Sorry but you will learn to love it.
All food it okay to eat - it is the quantity (portions) we eat that puts the weight on.
We need food for fuel/energy. Food is broken down into glucose/sugar and that is what the blood needs to energize us. So, eat smart - no refined (white) sugars.
Diabetics have the answer to eating properly. Check out Diabetes Type 2 sites online; American Diabetes Association will give you more info.
Balance your Protein, Carbs and Fats.
Eat six times a day. Meal/snack/Meal/snack/Meal/snack. Space them about 2-3 hours apart.
Never, ever skip breakfast. Make it one of your biggest meals and then scale down to dinner.
Eat a snack (fruit) about 3 hours before bed. It will be digested by then and you will sleep well. Eating before bed makes our bodies work all night, when it should be resting, and we wake up tired because of it.
Drink water - please. Hardest thing for me to realize and what a difference it makes. I mean, really, the leftover foods need to be 'flushed' out of the body; if you get my drift.

Okay, enough already. Just some lessons I have learned. I hope they can help you.
Carren
ps - Walk 30 minutes a day, it really IS the combination of eating/exercise that works. What you are learning now at 18 - took me 56 years to learn. Some are slower than others eh! LOL :p
YOU CAN DO IT!

This is an inspiration - you're not selfish at all - in order to succeed you have to do it for yourself so you're doing it for all the right reasons - go girl!!!! :)

Jordyn I'm subscribing to this thread! I'm so proud of you and your enthusiasm to make positive changes in your life. =) You can do it girl! Can't wait to see you wearing your favorite jeans again -- it WILL happen! Just take your time and enjoy the process. We're all here to cheer you on. Count on us for support.

Best always,
Smoosh :D

Jordyn.
You're very brave. You've come to the right place - you'll find lotsa support here.;)

Wow!
 

Thank you all for your kind words of support. :)

vsabino - I found a website (nowloss.com) that had a basic weight-loss program lined up, but I took it and used it as an outline for my own custom plan. I'm mostly going to be working on running until I lose a bit of weight. Then I'll work on toning. I can't control much of what kind of food is at my home (my dad does the shopping). I'm trying to get him to eat healthier. For now, the food is decent. I don't think I could ever undereat; I'd get way too hungry and end up overeating.

carrenross - Thank you for all of the tips! Some of them I sorta already have down, but I learned a lot more. I eat 5 times a day because it's a little more convenient for me. I'm trying to run a little everyday, but I will ALWAYS at least walk. I can walk forever and not get tired.

elljak - Thank you! I meant selfish as in I didn't say other people could post their successes and progressions here as well. I hope you all or others do though! I like being inspired by others' success.

smooshmcsmeesh - I love your name. :p Thanks for the subscription! That really motivates me to keep going. I can't wait to see my weekly pictures side by side after a while. I know I'll see a difference.

nottango - Thank you! I knew after lurking around here for a while that this was the place to be for support. I don't get much of it where I live (almost everyone I know is overweight), so being on FitDay helps a lot.

Here's a few random parts of my journal entry I thought I'd share:

"I sweat so much today... I can't remember the last time I was EVER this sweaty!"

"I really had no trouble eating decently... I guess I shouldn't let others influence my eating habits."

"I know I'll get a good night's sleep tonight."

Good luck to you all!

Just wanted to echo those who posted admiring your courage. I imagine you will serve to inspire a lot of people here, including many who may be lurking and never post. Along with the others, I'm pulling for you too!

One resource I'd suggest, that nobody's mentioned here yet: marksdailyapple.com. His "Primal Blueprint" book is on Amazon.com, but all the info seems to be available on his blog if you dig around a little, and you'll find some primal fans around the fitday boards too. I've no idea how much of this approach you'd be able to adopt (since you mention you're not in control of the food available at home), but I think it's worth investigating to see if it resonates with you--at the very least, it will get you thinking.

Best of luck to you, and again, well-deserved kudos for publicly declaring your goals! We're all looking forward to cheering your success.

what a great gift you are giving yourself the gift of better health. i sooo admire you for posting your pictures & what a GREAT gift you are giving yourself for later. i wish i took before pics. i never did :( & i regret it for many reasons, but i now encourage others to take that before pic. also take measurements great motivating factor as well.

i agree with m330 about the primal diet. i was looking into it the other day & if i wasn't happy with my plan (which i am) i would be seriously trying this one.

good luck i'm going to watch this thread so that i can be one of your cheerleaders...lol.

Good Luck with your journey - you are so brave. I don't think I could have ever posted pictures but I have to take them so I can see the difference.

I will be following your story - it will be an inspiration! I just started last week, so I will be right there with you!:D

Today
 

Today was a little harder for me. I probably didn't eat as well as I could have.

m330 - Thank you for the advice. I will check it out the next time I'm free. Probably a little later in the week.

staceyalberta - Thanks for being one of my cheerleaders. :p I appreciate it. It really moves me to keep going. I DO take measurements. I find that when the scale doesn't move I probably lost an inch somewhere instead.

Deanna0404 - Good luck to you! Please post your progress or link me to where you're keeping track of it. :) Thanks for the support.

canary52 - Thank you so much! I'm sorry about your daughter. I can sympathize with you. My younger sister is a bit over 300 pounds. :( She's 17! I've tried convincing her to exercise or go places with me, but she refuses. They have to learn on their own and want to change I suppose.

Sorry my replies are a bit short. I'm exhausted so I'm going to bed. Goodnight everyone!

"Today was a little harder for me."

"I'm so tired; I just want to crawl into bed and under my covers and sleep for 3 days. Haha."

Jordan ~ that's great that you are taking measurements & your right if the scale is slow moving at some point i'm sure your inches will be down & that's a great movitator.

I Had A Good Day Today
 

Today I took it a little easy with exercise. I had been running on the steepest incline setting on my treadmill because I figured when I kept it flat, it would be easier to run that speed for a certain amount of time. Well it was! A little too easy, so I might have to adjust my time/speed, but it was relaxing. :)

canary52 - I thank you again. I love logging onto the forums and seeing more support. I think if it weren't for me putting myself out there like this I would have already been discouraged. I'm still going strong though. :cool:

staceyalberta - I have already lost inches in some places (spoiler), but I'll save the details for when I put pictures up on Sunday. I'm so excited!

I hope you all don't find my once-a-day forum posts annoying. It keeps me accountable.

Some parts of my journal entry for today:

"I noticed a small difference today; my tummy jiggled, but it jiggled less."

"I still have yet to lose a pound, which discourages me a bit, but the little progress I have made keeps me going."

"My new sleeping pattern is really setting in. I love going to bed early and waking up early now."

Hi Gunna...

You are doing awesome! Great strong start for you on your new healthy lifestyle. I wish I had had the foresight to do it at 18 instead of waiting! You will get back into those jeans in no time. Keep it up!!

You are right about the accountability. That is really key for some of us. Keep your eyes on the prize, girl! :D

GunnaLose80, I quickly looked at your fitday (I hope it's OK!) and I think you are seriously undereating proteins. They have only been 12-13% of your daily intake since you started your diet, and this way you are going to lose muscles.
Are you a vegetarian? If not, I see no red meat or white meat, and your proteins are only coming from milk and eggs sometimes.
Maybe other people in this forum can give you their opinion too.
Hope this helps!

Jordan ~ well gees spoil the fun can't wait to read the exact details. i love your daily posts & keeps you accountable then that's what you got to do. i love reading the details of your journal i'm writing more in mine as well. are you using the journal tool here or do you have a special book you write in? just being nosey...lol. that reminds me that i haven't written in mine yet....lol

Hmmm...
 

I had a decent day. I was being lazy with exercise, so I ended up doing it late (I just finished). I did it though; that's what counts. I hope everyone else is doing great. :)

cjohnson728 - Thanks for the support! I love when people cheer me on. It makes me feel good that I'm not all alone.

vsabino - You had me all scared and worried for half the day (I read posts throughout the day and reply at night)! Then I thought about it. Are you talking about the pie chart? At first I thought you were right, but I looked at my nutrition daily values report thing. I'm averaging just a little over the recommended daily value. I looked at the pie chart, read the description, and felt like slapping myself for worrying. The pie chart represents the number of calories FROM that part of your diet. So using your example, about 12% of my CALORIES come from protein. I'm not undereating them though (thank God). To answer your other questions... No, I'm not vegetarian, but I don't eat a lot of meat. I only have burger patties to eat for now until my dad comes home from Colorado. I ate one today to make you happy. :p I totally don't mind anyone looking at my FitDay. That's why I put it into my signature. I ENCOURAGE people to look at it. Thank you so much for your concern. If I had been undereating proteins I wouldn't have known otherwise.

staceyalberta - I write in the journal on here. It saves the paper from being wasted. Haha. When I write how I feel, it helps me let go of some things on my mind so I sleep better. Good for writing in yours more. :)

Today's most relevant thoughts:

"I never thought Spandex shorts could get too big... But mine fell off my butt while I was running on the treadmill (literally)."

"I'm doing good so far."

I know it's % calories in the pie chart! Still 12% is very little (you're eating about 45 grams of proteins a day).
If you really hate meat, you can try eating beans or eating more eggs. I can't see your micronutrient bar chart, but I would suggest you to take a multi-vitamin supplement, just in case you're low in something.

I'm curious to know what everyone else thinks about your protein intake? Do you guys think that 45 g a day for a 18-year old who runs for 1-hr a day is enough?

The ongoing protein dilemma...
 

There are two schools of thought on this (probably more; as a matter of fact, everyone who pays attention to what they put in their mouth probably has an opinion on it). One is the "Americans eat too much protein" argument, supported by the government-established RDA limits and data from people in other countries who eat very little meat; the other is the "protein builds muscle tissue and helps you lose weight more than eating carbs and fat" argument, supported by all the low-carb folks.

I've said this before and I'll say it again. You can find anything to support any position on the internet, in books, on TV, from dieticians, whatever. So pulling out various pieces of information to support any position is basically an exercise in futility. My bottom line is, and has always been, that you have to do what works for you.

I know when I started losing, I was focused only on the calories in vs. calories out. Once I got used to that, I focused more on the pie chart, playing around with it. I tried a lot of different proportions and I finally settled on about 25%-30% protein. More than that and I didn't feel my best, and it wasn't a way of eating that was sustainable for me, thus setting up a derailment. Less than that gives me too much room for fats and carbs, which, I believe, are more prone to turn to fat if you don't burn the calories. Many people on the boards have commented that the higher they take their protein, the quicker the weight comes off, but YMMV. It is very individual. It is worth thinking about playing around with, though, as you go further into your journey. And (sounding like commercial here), it couldn't hurt to check with you doctor since you are starting a weight loss and exercise program, and he or she could possibly address this issue.

Right now I think it's important to start to build good habits and be aware of what you're eating. Trying to change too much too soon may send you off track and be overwhelming. As you feel comfortable in your new habits, you can fine tune them. It's a process. Experiment. You will hit on the ratio that makes you feel best.

And last but not least, don't eat something to make somebody else happy! That's part of why we have food issues in the first place ;). Eat it to try to see if anything changes with how you feel or your weight loss, but don't eat for somebody else.

Sorry this got so long; hope you have a great day!!

Worry Worry Worry
 

All I've been doing is worrying today. It's no help though, because I can't do anything about the problem. Ugh. I worked out twice today. I tried eating a little better, and while I ALWAYS stay within my planned calorie intake, I was craving mac and cheese. So I had some. :) Best part of my day I'd have to say.

vsabino - You make me worry. :p I know all of your intentions are good. I may not have explained myself well enough. Let me try again. I am home alone until next week Friday about. My dad is in Colorado working. We live in Wisconsin. He left no money. I don't have a job yet. My mom is an alcoholic who only cares for my sister 'cus I'm technically not her responsibility now that I'm 18. So there are eggs and green beans and burger patties here that I'll surely get to eating when I'm not too lazy to make them, but as for the supplements, I have to wait for my dad to come home. I've already asked him to go shopping with me when he does. To make this a little more positive (so I stop worrying while I wait), what do you recommend I should put on my shopping list for healthy, nutritious, and protein-filled foods?

cjohnson - I would have to talk to my mom about seeing my doctor. She has me under her insurance still I believe. Ick. I will soon though, because my yearly exam thing is around September. So while I am examined I'll talk to my doctor. They told me everything was fine last time I went, so I figured it would still be fine now that I'm a bit healthier, but I'll still ask. I'm good with sticking to calorie intakes, but I never really worried about what I was eating 'cus I never really ate anything bad unless I was at a friend's house. Soda, candy, pizza, etc. The foods I've been eating in the last week are what I would just normally eat (and it's all I really have until my dad gets home).

canary52 - I ALWAYS tell my dad to buy whole wheat. He doesn't listen unless I'm with him. So when he gets back that's one of the first things I'm getting. Cereal is my addiction. Haha. I'm trying to have only one bowl a day for now. Once I go shopping I want to try my hand at cooking breakfast for my dad, my sister, and I. Thank you for your kind words of advice. :) I'm trying to take it a little slowly, so it overwhelmed me today when all I could worry about was how there's hardly any protein here. I'm ok for now though.

Boy, I feel like I'll be learning a lot over the next few months.

"I hope I'm doing this whole thing right."

"It's going to be a long journey, but I want this more than anything else right now."

"I think I'll give myself off on Saturday."

Jordin,
Now don't worry too much. You are not going to have any health issues for not taking a multivitamin for a week or for eating "sub-optimally" for some time. None of us actually does 100% of the things that he/she suggests. Since you're young it's good that you start to understand that it's not all about calories but also about quality of the foods you ingest, but don't stress too much. Eggs and green beans are actually great! And so is milk and fruit, so keep eating those. What else do you have at home right now? Maybe there's something you don't think it would be good but would be a good replacement for some of the cereals (and muffins!) you eat!
Having started to watch out what you eat is a great start already, and you'll learn a lot more along the way and maybe make some changes.

It's a long distance race!
 

Hello Jordyn,
I am sending you BIG props for being so real and brave. You are making sooo many good decisions on your journey... especially the one to seek out a support system. I also come from a long line of women who have struggled with their weight. At the age of about 13 I began to battle bulimia. The pressure to be thin and control what I "thought" I could control got to me. Although it was a horrible time, it taught me sooo much! I began to really heal and get better about 5 years later and now I am almost finished with my degree in dietetics and am working on getting my license as a Clinical Nutritionist. I have also worked as a weight loss/nutritional counselor. I knew quite a bit before I started in that position but while working there I learned a lot of tricks and tips that helped me drop 20lbs. So... that said, allow me to give you some quick tips from both my education, personal experience, and extensive background with others. I hope this helps and can't wait to watch you get healthy!:)

Take your weight and divide it by two. That is how many ounces of water you should take in a day. (Tip: Fluid retention is real and a pain in the butt! Individuals can at times retain up 6-8lbs of FLUID!) If you have been eating really "clean" and then eat something higher in sodium or sugar you WILL retain fluids it is just a matter of how much. So... if you are flucuating on the scale.... remember it takes 3000 kcals to gain or lose one pound of fat. Unless you hit up the buffet big time.. if your weight is up.. u are retaining fluids. No biggie.. water flushes water. More water for a few days and some fresh lemon juice and you'll be good. Same principal if you r sick or experiencing muscle soreness which also cause retention.

Protein is important for a lot of reasons. The primary one being that it is the hardest for your body to break down. Your metabolism has to kick into overdrive to digest it. This is good! It keeps your metabolism running at a nice high rate throughout the day. Space it out. Protein at EVERY meal and snack! Three meals a day and two snacks containing at least 10 grams of protein. I like shakes and protein bars but each to their own :)Chicken, Turkey, Fish, Beef ( limit beef to a few times a week) and Eggs and Protein Powders are all better choices than beans while trying to drop weight. I adore beans for their fiber/protein combo but they are also full of carbs and breakdown in the body like a starch. If u are working out... liquid protein immediately afterwards will help your muscle cells repair faster and eventually reduce soreness(lactic acid). It is very hard to have too much protein, water, or fiber but very easy to not get enough.

Sugars...even natural ones should be limited while trying to drop weight. Stay away from juice....you should just eat the fruit. At least Two a day Everyday! Eat your carbs(if possible) earlier in the day. Unless you are working out at night and will be burning them off before bedtime. There are lots of foods that I think are healthy and are important to include for nutritional reasons that are not ideal for weight loss. I add them back after dropping weight. Ex. peanut butter, real butter, milks other than skim, and I am very careful with when I eat high sugar veggies and fruits. Not forever though.

Fats... Very important! Healthy fats... are tricky. Obviously stay away from bad fats. Lard..butter..fried junk. However, good fats can be overdone easily. This is my weakness:o Avocados, Nuts, Olive oil, cheese, etc. All have excellent nutritional components but also have a ton of fat in a small serving. So... figure out what 1-2 serving of these babies are and don't go over that a day. another tip: white cheese is lower in cal. swiss, mozz. etc.

I know that I have rambled on and on. This however is my passion.. and has been for years also my burden. I have subscribed to your blog and am rooting for you! Remember, this is a long distance race, not a sprint!

Hi Jordyn! How are you doing today? I just wanted to post a quick note and let you know I'm still reading along -- and enjoying hearing about your journey. Sounds like you're doing great! Try not to worry too much... slow and steady wins the race, as they say.

PS - I really like your quote snippets from the journal, near your signature. And posting daily is a great way to maintain your positive attitude and get support.

*hugs*

Keep up the good work!
Smoosh

I'm really sad you guys. My internet connection isn't working, and I've tried everything to fix it. I'm using my phone right now, but there's no way I can continue this by phone. I'll take my pictures on Sunday still, so I can post them when I'm back. I'll stick to eating right, and I'll still exercise. For now though, I have to wait until my internet kicks in again. I'm so sorry you guys. :( I hope it's soon. If anything until it works again I'll update you guys on how I am every few days by phone.

Jordyn,
If you have access to a local public library, they usually provide internet access free of charge - depending on demand, it's usually for a 30 minute to 1 hour time limit... but it might be an option for you until your access comes online at home.

Don't be sad! *hugs* Hope it gets fixed soon!

Jordyn ~ wow girl you sure have some challenges to go along with this weight loss. you are doing great!!! off to a great start!! have your dad go shopping with you like you said & i'm sure you'll get some more variety in your diet then. i'm sorry about your mom ((hugs)) i'm old enough to be your mom...lol...& would love to cyber 'adopt' you as i'm sure many would on here. any problems or trials we are all here for you. that's great about writing in your journal. i'm surprised how much i actually write in mine & your right it does help release things. keep up the great work!!!!!!!!

It all depends on what you're trying to do. I can say that when I upped my protein intake to 30-40% it helped me break through a plateau that I couldn't get past using just calorie restriction and exercise. But we're all a little different.

I have to say gunna, that you are one brave cookie. Not only could I not bring myself to post those photos, I couldn't even bring myself to take them. I'm raising my caffeine free diet coke your way, you go girl!!!

Jordyn you are one brave girl! Kudos to you and keep up the good work!
There were questions about the macronutrient content of your diet. I found this on another forum and found it very helpful:

For FAT LOSS:
Total Daily Calories = Bodyweight or Lean body mass x 12
• This may need to be dropped to x11 or x10 if no progress after a few weeks
• Obese people can use LBM (lean body mass) instead of BW (body weight). If you want to figure out your LBM, take a look at your BMI. BMI is basically the % of your weight that is fat. Figure out how many pounds that is and subtract it from your BW.
• For a more accurate result, get a fat calliper test, offered at almost any gym, they cost money though.
• Your BMI at 196lbs is 32.6. So according to your BMI 64lbs of you is fat, meaning your LBM is around 132lbs. (BMI is just a good guess, and not fact, so don’t stress about the numbers too much)
Macronutrients for a day:
• Protein = 1g per lb LBM/day (4 calories/ gram)
• Protein is important while dieting, especially if you are exercising. You want to maintain your muscle while loosing the fat. If you don’t get enough protein your body will take what it needs from your muscle, reducing your lean body mass, and your metabolism, which in turn will make it even harder to loose weight . . .
• Good choices: chicken & turkey breast, lean cuts of beef, Extra lean ground beef & turkey, tuna, salmon, prawns . . . protein bars & powder (but they are expensive)
• Fat = .4-.5g per lb LBM/day (9 calories/ gram)
• yes, you read that right, healthy fats are important for fat loss
• Good choices: fish oil supplements (omega 3), olive oil, natural almonds, avocado . . .
• Carbs = whatever remains to meet your calorie total (4 calories/grams don’t go below 100g/day
• Good choices: Whole grains and fresh fruit & veggies. Read labels, and avoid foods containing weird chemicals, added sugars (high fructose corn syrup), and a lot of sodium. High fibre is good
• Highly processes Carbohydrates, the stuff that comes in boxes or bags that have a million unreadable ingredients on the label, should be avoided for the simple fact that they are unhealthy and if you eat them they tend to create cravings for more of the same. They are addictive and nibbles usually turn into bites which turn into eating the whole stinking bag . . . makes it hard to stay on track.
So for you, assuming you still weigh 196lbs (which you probably don’t, but you can play with the numbers if you like)
• Protein: 132g/day for 528 calories
• Fat: 53g/day for 475 calories
• Carbs: at LBMx12 = 1584 calories/day = 145 g/day for 580 calories

Also read, read, read, and educate yourself. Ask the nutritionists on the forum for good reliable sources on food choices. I personally found Tosca Reno’s Eat Clean book very useful for good food choices.
Anyway, sorry about the novel . . .
I am rooting for you! I hope your Dad comes home soon and your internet gets fixed. I look forward to following your progress! :)

@ rshep9101 - I found your post VERY informative! Thanks for putting it out there. I never know what to do and what not to do. You put it in very easy to understand terms. Thanks!

Jordyn, still around? Did you get your internet back?
I hope your weight loss journey is still going!
Hugs