After three months of frustration, finally progress!

[Lisa0825]

I had been wanting to start getting back in shape since about mid November, planning to at least work out throught the holidays to counteract all the holiday food, but I was sick most of the time from Novemebr through mid January. I think I had pneumonia, since several people I know, including 2 others in my office had it, with the same progression of symptoms I had.

Anyway, I started eating healthier in January, and as soon as I finally felt well enough, I started walking again. That was about 3 weeks ago. 2 weeks ago, I found a walking buddy to start walking after work with, and that really helps keep me going farther. This week, I went back on phase 1 of the South Beach Diet. I'd done it before, and it worked very well for me. 2 nights ago, we started adding intervals of jogging. The next day after jogging and being on SBDp1 2 days, the scale FINALLY moved. After a month of just general "eaing healthy" with no weight change, and 3 weeks of walking 2 or more miles 4-5 times a week, FINALLY, as of today, I have dropped three pounds! :woohoo:

Now, to be totally honest, I had been losing inches all that time too, but I know I have a lot of weight to lose, so I was really anxious to see that scale finally start moving!

For diet info and discussion, I use: http://www.southbeach-diet-plan.com/forum/index.php

I track my calories and nutrients on www.fitday.com

And to track my measurements and body fat percentage, I use the body fat monitor www.mybodycomp.com . I have used it before, along with a body fat scale and the numbers were almost identical. I mainly started using it just as a way to keep my measurements and compare them over time, but I like seeing the BF% drop too.

So, in total, over the 12 measurement points, I have lost 16.2 inches since January 5, including 3.75 each on my waist and abdomen! My BF% has gone down 3.4%, and I have gained 3.75 pounds of LEAN mass in addition to the 3 pounds of weight that I lost.

I want to hear about other people's progress too, because it helps keep me fired up! Anyone care to share?

[Beaverhausen]

1. Congratulations!!!

I'm on Weight Watchers and doing really well.

The exercise is so important. I walk too - I have a great walking path right outside my front door. It really helps me keep my metabolism in a "losing" mode.

Keep it up!

[AlCzervik]

2. Good for you Lisa!!

:toast:

[Lisa0825]

3. Thanks, both of you:-)

Well, it's time to go change clothes, put on my runnin' shoes and hit the pavement! :bounce:

[Longhorn]

4. That's great!

I'll be following your progress with great interest!

I was also walking after work but I can't for the next two weeks because I broke my toe a few weeks ago (confirmed by the doctor today.) I can't wait to get back to it! But a problem I have is that we started walking to encourage a 65-year-old heart patient and he sets the pace. I want to walk much faster but I can't push him (when I've tried, inadvertently, he has lightheartedly complained.) I've changed my hours in a few weeks to only two late nights so maybe I can come home and exercise at my own pace.

[Lisa0825]

5. My walking buddy is in better shape than me.

She hasn't minded when I slow her down, because she said she wouldn't even be out there as often if not for me. But she usually then goes on to the gym after walking/jogging with me to get more of a workout. I am betting I'll be giving her a run for the money in a month! :evilgrin:

When I get tired before her, I keep reminding her I am carrying 50 pounds more than her as we run! (she's also 5 inches shorter though, so she still has room to lose even though I have more)

So it sounds like a good plan, to add in some time working oout on your own. Also, it's very nice of you to put the needs of your walking buddy 1st. You're doing a very good thing for him! :pals:

[Longhorn]

6. Thanks!

We've had as many as half a dozen tutors and students walking after work (at 8 p.m.!) and it is fun. I care about the guy but he's kind of a pain -- lots of repeated Army stories, obscure history facts (and I love history!) and dominating conversation. So I recruited the others to stay sane! :)

But I know it's good for him (and me!) so I'll keep walking when I can. :)

[Lisa0825]

7. Awww, LOL!

I'm glad you have a group so you can spread it around! It's nice that he has folks who care about him. :)