A few weeks ago, I told you I was on a plateau. I had been there far too long, and I wanted off! After reading all your wonderful suggestions, and considering WHY I wasn’t losing weight anymore, I realized there were 2 things going on:
1. I was eating too much.
2. I had lost some of my support.
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I like food. I have used food for comfort for years. Even when I was thin, I had a food problem. So, even though I was determined to get fit and lose the extra weight, when I ran out of steam, I went back to my old ways. Life was stressful, and I ate the stress I was feeling.
I had been doing Trim Healthy Mama, but I was slowly adding in way too much food, all the while telling myself it was okay because it was “on plan.” I began to waffle a couple of pounds here and there.
I wasn’t necessarily gaining, but I definitely wasn’t losing. I lacked the motivation to really dig in and keep going. That’s where my lack of support from others contributed to my plateau.
First, was my husband, Ty.
After losing 50 pounds, Ty was more interested in maintaining, so I sort of got into that mode as well.
Then, with the onset of summer, my online mommy weight loss buddies were less available, and I was online less as well, so I lost that support system.
I needed some accountability. I needed some support. I did the one thing I knew could get me both.
After the birth of my first child, I lost 25 pounds on Weight Watchers. I knew it would give me the accountability and support I was looking for. It was just the jump start I needed!
The first week, I dropped 3 pounds. This week, I am well on my way to another 3. I feel so good! I am now officially 25 pounds below pre-pregnancy weight, and in a weight range I haven’t seen in 7 years!
And here’s a side by side to show you me at pre-pregnancy weight and now, 25 pounds below that!
So, my answer to jumping off a plateau? Know yourself and what motivates you. Do something that meshes well with that. I still like the concept of Trim Healthy Mama, and I still use those concepts every single day, but I needed a little more accountability and I needed to track on paper (my husband uses MyFitnessPal, something I can’t seem to make work – I like paper!).
I am now half way to my ultimate goal, but it’s not all about the end goal for me. I used to live that way. I used to just want to get all the weight off and be done. That line of thought got me right back to overweight status over and over and over again.
I have to give God all the glory for this. I am learning more and more about Him and filling my life with Him instead of food. It really has been prayer that has lead me on this path.
I want to be healthy. I want to take whatever time it takes to make this work. I never want to get to that weight again! I know with the Lord’s help, I can do this. So thankful to have jumped off this plateau!
Charlotte Moore says
You look great!!! I am very discouraged with my weight too. I have been a lifetime member of WW for years. Two years ago I started going to the meetings again and lost 25 pounds. Now I have gained about 12 back and feel awful. It seems my system needs something else. I just don’t know know what though. I went months that I never lost anything. That is when I get discouraged too.
GOD BLESS!!!
Stacy @Stacy Makes Cents says
WAY TO GO!!! I’ve found great support with my THM online community. 🙂 I’ve made some great friends there.
Pam T. says
I can see both working but THM is more long-term. WW isn’t sustainable for me as I need the healthy fats to increase metabolism, ward off depression and to assimilate fat-soluble vitamins. THM to me has a ton of support online but is hard to figure out with the learning curve. Congratulations to you for losing so much weight! 🙂
Amy says
I actually feel the opposite. THM feels more restricting to me and not something I can feasibly do with all the traveling and events we go to. Another example of needing to do what works best with you. Really, in the end, I need to focus on the emotional eating. No program out there will fix that because it is a heart condition. 🙁
Pam T. says
I do understand the heart condition 🙂 It takes a lot of discipline to lose. I can see how traveling a lot would make THM harder or impossible! Are you doing WW temporarily to lose? Do you feel that healthy fats are important? I know for me that and the protein with each meal and snack are most helpful. I’m still reading through my THM and feel overwhelmed but I’m also losing. I like that they explain the carb/fat combo being problematic. Do you do WW online? I’m off to read your notebooking post. 🙂
Wendy Hoff says
Hi Amy, Have you heard of The Lord’s Table? It’s an online Bible study that deals with learning to be satisfied in the Lord rather than looking for food to fulfill emotional needs. I found it helpful in the long path on learning not to overeat, but to listen for hunger cues and eat only when hungry and to stop when full. It’s free. I didn’t do the fasting schedule, just worked on eating only how much I needed. http://www.settingcaptivesfree.com/courses/lords-table/
Amy says
Yes, I worked through some of it a few years back and was really impressed. I need to check into it again because it really is a heart condition for me for sure.
Stephanie says
You look great! I love Trim Healthy Mama!
Sara says
After an initial drop of weight following THM, I’ve been stuck for a couple weeks. It’s been hard. But I know that my problem too is eating too much! I’m breastfeeding and am ravenously hungry, so I need to work harder at finding more fuel pull snacks to sustain me. Weight watchers was always too hard for me, I just couldn’t keep up with points and all that. For me, THM has been so easy to implement. But you are right, each of us are unique, and have to do what works for us!
Blessings,
sara
Jen says
Ahhh… I totally hear ya on #1!eating too much is SOOO easy to do… Self control is harder, but the benefits are sooooo worth it. You look incredible Amy! Keep up the good work!
Jamerrill @ Free Homeschool Deals says
Beautiful, sweet Amy! I’ve been doing Weight Watchers also and it has been working great. I love the idea of “eating all the fruits and veggies that I want.” I tell myself that, anyway. 🙂 You look amazing!
Amy says
How fun! I wasn’t getting very many fruits in using THM, so it’s been nice to have them again. 🙂
Erica says
Have you ever read Made to Crave? Its such a great book. I am about to read it for the 3rd time.
Erica says
And you look great!
Annette @ InAllYouDo says
I went through Made to Crave at church a few years ago. Such a wonderful book!!!! I need to read it again!
Amy says
Reading it right now!
Annette @ InAllYouDo says
Thank you for this!!! I too am on a plateau and needed a push!!! You look GREAT!!!! Can’t wait to read more about your journey as you reach for that final goal!! Congratulations!
Blessings,
Annette
Tracie B. says
Amy, Good for you! Losing weight is so hard! I tried WW before & it didn’t help me out much. I have tried almost everything. I recently came across Plexus Slim. It has worked wonders!! I have lost 13 lbs & 5 inches in just a couple of weeks. Nothing else has worked like this has. Its all natural & very affordable. I believe in it so much that I started selling it. Check out my website for more info about it. traciebauguess dot myplexusproduct dot com
Emily R. says
Hi Amy,
I agree with you that being healthy is not a destination but a life life process. It takes a lot of changing of old habits.
I have really enjoyed reading about your getting healthy journey. I have just started my journey this summer. So far I am down almost 25lbs. With losing that much I feel so much better. My goal is to lose a total of 125lbs. It is going to be a long process, but I am finally ready to do it.
I agree with you that support and accountability is very important. It is important to feel that someone is behind you cheering you on!
Looking forward to reading more of your posts!
Emily R.
Amy says
Way to go on 25 pounds! You can do this, Emily! It doesn’t matter how long it takes. It’s one pound at a time all the way there!
Valerie says
This was motivating JUST FOR ME TO READ!!!! Thanks sweet friend for putting this out there 🙂 (I know it’s weird for online people to call other online people “friends”, but hey, your daughter of the King, I am a daughter of the King, and well, I have “commented” for a few years now, so technically, I get to say that! lol)
Amy says
Not weird at all! I get very motivated by reading about other people’s success!
Kendra Fletcher says
Amy! You look beautiful! Good for you. It’s so much work to try and get fit, isn’t it? You’ve inspired me to get back at it.
~Kendra
Amy says
Thanks, Kendra!
Ang says
You look wonderful! Thank you for sharing your journey with us all!
Allison says
You look great!! I love breaking through plateau’s!!! Keep up the great work! I’ll be joining you in January 2014 🙂
wendy says
congratulations Amy, I am so glad that I saw this on face book and followed. I am in a plateau for a few weeks also. I have lost 100 of my 130. Amy you are so right, this time I am letting the Lord direct me and I know I can lose it but keeping it off is where I need to realize I am never alone, God is there every pound off and he wants his vessel strong and in his word. also another thing is when I am off I try and read through his word, instead of hungering for food I am really hungering for his word to fill me. Congratulations on you journey and you look fabulous.
Amy says
Way to go, Wendy!
Amy says
Amy, you look beautiful. I, obviously, don’t personally know you, but you seem to be a person who shines from within and it shows on the outside. 😉
Amy says
Awww, thank you! 🙂
Rebecca says
You look great! We’ve been doing THM since May 6th and my husband has lost over 25 lbs. He is on a (trying) to maintain as well. I would still like to drop 10 lbs. I did WW after the birth of my last daughter and did well but never could maintain it. It’s so much points and counting and they’ve changed it at least twice since I was doing it. I got so tired of writing it and was too busy to keep it up. I also have been doing TTapp and wow, I have slimmed down so much, I’ve lost 16 inches! I’ve started Made to Crave and so far it’s great. I struggle with food too and I’ve just never thought of it as a substitute for God or His Word or craving Him. I am hoping to really have some lightbulb moments so I can let the Holy Spirit get a handle on this aspect of my life. I’ve heard everyone has something they just keep giving to God and taking back up, giving up and then taking back up and I think this is one of them (I can think of a couple more things too and it seems to always boil down to control issues). Glad to see you’re moving in a good direction! We need to pray for each other, the Devil loves to use food and discouragement against us!
Amy says
Great job, Rebecca! Wow!
Christy says
Good job! Cya plateau! Eating too much (in general) is not my problem, though I do love food. I hate exercising! I’ve heard a lot of of your commenters along with yourself talk a lot about T-Tap. Which do you use? I looked at some of the samples and I do like the concept!
Amy says
I use the Basic + Hoedowns. It is just the right amount of time for a workout for me (15 mins). 🙂
Sharon says
Hi, can I make a suggestion? Try cutting out gluten. It feeds the opium receptors in your brain and that’s why it’s addictive and makes us feel good. My medical Dr told me that and said that even if you’re not allergic to it, it will still influence you in this way. He knows his stuff. He heals autistic children and adults through diet and nutrition in about 18 months. Gluten causes brain fog. It has made a HUGE difference in our family. If you’re interested and wanting more info have a look at my blog ( no pressure); I’ve reviewed a book there on this and also shared my story of healing – God pretty much brought me back from the dead by leading me to this sort of information. Cheers, Sharon 🙂 http://heleadsmesharon.blogspot.com.au/
ps I’m having trouble posting this comment, so if it appears more than once, it was not intentional. LOL
Mckenzie says
Could I get an Home Management Training checklist? Is it a download?