Has anyone else read the personal stories of all the people that lost hundreds of pounds in People Magazine? Truth is, they all counted calories one way or another. Some did pre-packaged/pre-counted meals (lNutrisystem or Medifast.) Others did Weight Watchers or measured portions.

They all stayed around 1200 calories a day, which is what I'm currently trying. It ain't easy. I've gone over by 200 calories a few times, which will make losing weight slower.

I've read about turtles & rabbits & seen too many unhappy people that wish they could lose faster. I can only eat 3 tiny meals a day if I want to be thin. If you want to lose a chunk this year, you must restrict your caloric intake drastically.

I'm currently debating with my lawyer friend who thinks he's smarter than me. He's 30 pounds overweight for the first time in his 40 year old life, and he's decided to read a diet book that uses food combinations so you can eat as much as you want. I explained to him that "a calorie is a calorie." It doesn't matter if you mix prunes with guava nectar or brown rice with string Beans. If you eat 3000 calories worth of anything, you won't lose weight unless you exercise enough to burn a couple thousand - good luck.

I've been allowing myself 5 ounces of Protein at lunche & dinner - what a pig! NOT. Five ounces leaves me satisfied, but 4 ounces will get me into the tight, sexy outfit that I bought for my March vacation. 1200 calories a day to lose 2 pounds a week. Do I really want to struggle on 1500 calories just for 4-5 pounds a month? Hell no. I'd rather stick to 1200 and try for 8-10 pounds.

TO LOSE WEIGHT YOU HAVE TO EAT VERY LITTLE. I'm yelling at myself because it's too simple to register. And I'm hungry.

You could try having a protien shake (natural whey blended into one cup of skim milk - 210 calories and 31 grams of protien) instead of cottage cheese for Breakfast.

Also, it seems to me that you are spending a lot of calories on the oil that could be used for more benificial things. Check this out:

http://nutritiondata.com/facts-B00001-01c208D.html

I read the magazine on the plane on the way home from seeing Hubs over New Year's.

I get more motivated when I read stuff like that, but most programs don't work for me. I dislike vegetables for the most part. I don't even like salad :rofl: So low carb was great for me, but I've heard some really scary things about low carb lately, especially mood swings - and trust me, they are all true.

I also buy the Weight Loss issues from Prevention when I see them. Even if I don't take much away from them, they are very motivating.

delara, take a picture of you in it now then another when you wear it . it will give you something to aim for. i have been buying summer clothes 2 sizes smaller try them on cant even zip or button them NOW but by may or june i hope to be there. good luck i know you look great

I never have any problem getting my protien in...I have to watch getting too much and making sure I still get my calories. in. Day before yesterday, I ended up right at 100 grams of protein, but only took in a little over 1000 in calories. 33% fat, 25% carbs, 42% protein.

DeLarla - I want to see your sausage butt in the sexy dress!!! I bet you still look hottttttt no matter! I think it would be good for you to post a pic and then again when you lose a few more - use it for the motivation! You are so inspiring to us all my friend!