Overcoming Perception: One User's Journey From 151 Lbs to 125 Lbs

Overcoming Perception

Many individuals struggle with perception when it comes to weight loss. User laura117, a 24-year-old female, expressed this sentiment in a Reddit post titled "[151 > 125 = 26] (12 months) in my mind I’m the same size despite pictures and logic telling me otherwise". Although laura117 lost 26 lbs over 12 months, she still saw herself as the same size, highlighting the importance of addressing body dysmorphic disorder during weight loss.

Nutrition Changes

A significant change laura117 made was to control her portion sizes. Living with a partner who is 6’4” and 200 lbs, laura117 found she was eating as much as her partner. Additionally, she decided to reduce gluten from her diet and replace it with vegetables rather than carbs, which benefited her nutrition and weight loss goals.

Unconventional Exercise Routine

Although there may not be a "correct" way to exercise, laura117's routine may be unconventional in the fitness community. She went to the gym 3-4 times a week, completing 40-60 minutes of cardio and 4-6 weight machines per session. Her primary cardio workout was the treadmill, but she switched to the bike or elliptical depending on how she felt each day. While her routine may not be conventional, it worked well for her and shows that everyone can find their way to kick-start physical activity into everyday life.

Importance of Body Positivity

Although weight loss can be a positive and empowering experience, it is important to maintain a healthy body image. Laura117's post concerned some users, who encouraged her to remember that her pre-weight loss body was still beautiful and to celebrate her journey without becoming obsessed. Internet stranger AMA_About_You summed it up by saying "Listen to us internet strangers. You look great. Go any smaller and I may show up at your doorstep with a funnel and some Twinkies to keep you healthy."

Try Different Methods to Find What Works for You

Laura117's journey represents the idea that there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to weight loss. Taking the time to experiment with different meal plans or workout routines can lead to finding the right match. For some, it's important to stick to a more traditional routine, while for laura117, an unconventional approach worked best for her. Anyone looking to begin their weight loss journey should take the time to explore and experiment, rather than following a trend or anyone else's regimen.