From 165Lbs to 143Lbs in 6 Months: the Power of Small Changes

The power of portion control and calorie counting

Reddit user sea_warrior reveals that portion control and calorie counting were the key factors in their weight loss journey. They aimed for a daily caloric intake of around 1100, which is about 300-400 calories below the average suggested intake for women. While they weren’t super exact with calorie counting, the general principle of reducing calories helped them lose around 22lbs in six months.

The importance of consistency in exercise

Sea_warrior hit the treadmill 5-7 days a week for 15-20 minutes at a time. Their preference was for quick and intense workouts, and they also did arm toning exercises every other day. While they didn’t provide data on the amount of calories burned during each workout, lifting small weights during intervals can help boost the intensity of a workout and maximize the benefits.

The need for willpower in the first few weeks

Sea_warrior notes that the first few weeks of calorie-cutting are the toughest, as the body has to adjust to the new calorie intake and the stomach shrinks down to accommodate smaller portions. However, they also note that after the initial adjustment, it gets much easier. This is a common pattern in weight loss journeys and highlights the importance of staying consistent with calorie reduction even on days when the desire to indulge is high.

Maintaining motivation and visualizing success

Sea_warrior says they took a risk by ordering a size too small for their wedding day dress, but this strategy gave them a goal to work towards. Visualizing the moment when their hard work would pay off helped them stay motivated. They also planned healthy meals in advance and kept low-calorie snacks available when cravings struck, setting themselves up for success.

The importance of setting realistic goals

Sea_warrior’s goal of fitting into a smaller dress was realistic and tangible, which helped them stay motivated. It is important to also consider setting realistic goals that help encourage a sustained healthy lifestyle. These goals could be maintaining the current weight, losing a pound every week, or starting a new exercise routine that keeps you fit and healthy. Remember that small changes in behavior can lead to significant changes in physical health over time.