tiggerlover
Still waiting for "the talk"
- Joined
- Jan 29, 2000
- Messages
- 10,314
I know there are a few of us that are struggling with those last 10-15 pounds, so I thought this might be some useful information.
From Weight Watchers.
Ten pounds to go... For lots of people, that amount of weight goes on the quickest and is the hardest to lose.
"I was feeling and looking pretty great, and I was in a healthy range," says one dieter, Jennifer. "But I had already upped the goal I was shooting for along the way (my high school weight wasn't realistic), so I really wanted to get to the number I had chosen."
But even though she wanted to reach her goal weight badly, it took Jennifer three times as long to lose those last pounds. Why are thse last few pounds so tough?
Nearing the Finish Line
"Several factors come together to create the 'pain' of the last 10 pounds," says Karen Miller-Kovach, MS, RD, chief scientist for Weight Watchers International.
The newness of losing weight has worn off, so your motivation may start to dwindle. You've gotten used to it, so it starts to become difficult to maintain the same level of dieter discipline.
Plus, there may be a physical reason your weight loss is slowing. "Your rate of weight loss is not going to be the same because you're a smaller person," says Miller-Kovach.
Tips for the Final Hurdle
So it's a fact that the last 10 pounds are a real struggle. But remember: It can be done. "I knew that no matter how long it took, it wouldn't be time wasted," Jennifer says. "So I kept going to my group meetings and kept in touch with other dieters on the WeightWatchers.com message boards. And I really paid attention to what the successful dieters had to say."
Take a tip from Jennifer's success and listen to those who have been there. We've gathered the best advice from Miller-Kovach and others on how to lose the last 10. Here's what we found out:
"Don't expect it to come off quickly," says one veteran dieter. "Stay focused and don't worry as long as you continue to work at it, the weight will come off."
Be realistic about your expectations. "I would keep trying on new clothes in the stores," says another dieter, Maria. "That always reminded me that although I may look good where I am now, I don't quite yet fit into that size I would really be comfortable at."
"Drink water! Remember: six or more glasses a day." says Ann. If you have not yet become physically active, do so, says Miller-Kovach.
"If you've been moderate, rev it up." Exercise enhances your mood and helps to counteract the physical slowing of your weight loss. "Plus, we know how important physical activity is for keeping the weight loss off," Miller-Kovach continues. "So it's great prep for maintaining the weight loss." Dina saw it work: "I didn't work out that much when I first started dieting, but as soon as I started exercising, the weight came right off."
Be sure to keep track of everything you eat.
One last suggestion from Ann: "PATIENCE. Never give up."
From Weight Watchers.
Ten pounds to go... For lots of people, that amount of weight goes on the quickest and is the hardest to lose.
"I was feeling and looking pretty great, and I was in a healthy range," says one dieter, Jennifer. "But I had already upped the goal I was shooting for along the way (my high school weight wasn't realistic), so I really wanted to get to the number I had chosen."
But even though she wanted to reach her goal weight badly, it took Jennifer three times as long to lose those last pounds. Why are thse last few pounds so tough?
Nearing the Finish Line
"Several factors come together to create the 'pain' of the last 10 pounds," says Karen Miller-Kovach, MS, RD, chief scientist for Weight Watchers International.
The newness of losing weight has worn off, so your motivation may start to dwindle. You've gotten used to it, so it starts to become difficult to maintain the same level of dieter discipline.
Plus, there may be a physical reason your weight loss is slowing. "Your rate of weight loss is not going to be the same because you're a smaller person," says Miller-Kovach.
Tips for the Final Hurdle
So it's a fact that the last 10 pounds are a real struggle. But remember: It can be done. "I knew that no matter how long it took, it wouldn't be time wasted," Jennifer says. "So I kept going to my group meetings and kept in touch with other dieters on the WeightWatchers.com message boards. And I really paid attention to what the successful dieters had to say."
Take a tip from Jennifer's success and listen to those who have been there. We've gathered the best advice from Miller-Kovach and others on how to lose the last 10. Here's what we found out:
"Don't expect it to come off quickly," says one veteran dieter. "Stay focused and don't worry as long as you continue to work at it, the weight will come off."
Be realistic about your expectations. "I would keep trying on new clothes in the stores," says another dieter, Maria. "That always reminded me that although I may look good where I am now, I don't quite yet fit into that size I would really be comfortable at."
"Drink water! Remember: six or more glasses a day." says Ann. If you have not yet become physically active, do so, says Miller-Kovach.
"If you've been moderate, rev it up." Exercise enhances your mood and helps to counteract the physical slowing of your weight loss. "Plus, we know how important physical activity is for keeping the weight loss off," Miller-Kovach continues. "So it's great prep for maintaining the weight loss." Dina saw it work: "I didn't work out that much when I first started dieting, but as soon as I started exercising, the weight came right off."
Be sure to keep track of everything you eat.
One last suggestion from Ann: "PATIENCE. Never give up."
Extra bouncing for me today!
