What I learned today was:
- Women who are eating 1700 calories a day are gaining weight. Women must eat between 1300-1500 to lose weight.
- Building muscle is where most of the weight loss comes from. So don't just focus on cardio and forget the weights.
- It's better to warm up on cardio for 5 minutes, then do a 30 minute weight set, then do the rest of your cardio.
- I need to keep a food journal for accountability and to realize what problem areas might be.
- I need to eat 5-6 meals a day in order to lose weight. John (see below) explained it like this, if a Sumo wrestler eats 1 meal a day and a body builder eats 8 meals a day, most people wanting to lose weight and remain fit need to eat 5-6 meals a day. Makes sense.
- I can expect to lose 1-2 pounds per week, which means I can lose 20 pounds by the end of April!!!!!
- There is hope for everyone!! John was the 'sales' guy who signed us up for our membership and he use to weigh 681 pounds!!! Can you believe it!! He's now around 300 and looks great. He's kind of the poster boy for 24 hour fitness. What I love about this membership is that it wasn't a skinny-from-birth little thing trying to sell me a social club. John was serious about helping us to change our lifestyle and have a higher level of life because of it.
I finally feel like the pieces are in place to make changes that I have wanted to make for so long.
I am so thankful that I have a supportive husband who is in this with me and who has never judged me, not even once. I don't know how women live with men who are critical of their weight. I say, "look at your beer gut and love handles and then you can talk to me!" My next personal training appointment is on Saturday and I wish it was right now!!
On the last note, all of my peeps out there who struggle with their weight just like I do, I must encourage you to look into whatever you can to make a change. It is worth it, your life is worth whatever money or time or inconvenience it might be. I love you, and I want you to be healthy and happy, so go, go, go!!!
"I don't know how women live with men who are critical of their weight. I say, "look at your beer gut and love handles and then you can talk to me!"
I'm sure that was not directed at anyone in particular!!!
Not at all. Most men seem to carry their weight in the same area, that's why I said that. For women, their "problem" areas seem to be all over!!
Sounds great Kelli and Dustin - am so proud that you are jumping on the wagon..I'm six weeks in and feeling better about myself...even though the weight is not coming off yet, I feel very positive about my lifestyle change! Congrats!
What a great post- it was just the pick-me-up I needed today! With your attitude, there's no doubt in my mind that Skinny Kelli will emerge in no time!
Also- big props (did I really just say "big props?") to supportive husbands!!