Post # 1

Member
1270 posts
Bumble bee
I only want to drop around 12-15 pounds. I know it’s totally do-able. I want it done by my wedding, of course, which is April 2. I have a little less than 5 months.
Are there things that you did or cut out that you noticed worked especially well for you?
What are specific exercises or pieces of equipment you have used that were noticeably effective?
Any good pilates videos?
Any tips from personal experience would be greatly appreciated!
Post # 3

Member
558 posts
Busy bee
My fiance has started using an app called “lose it” on his ipod. It has really helped him track his food and exercise, and he’s lost 9 pounds in the past two weeks!! I’m excited to try it, but I have to get an ipod touch first.
As far as diet, anything real food in moderation along with sticking to a low sodium diet with lots of water and no soda. I bet you know that, though!!! 🙂
When I started getting into exercising a bit more, the 30 day shred really helped jump start me. I added it to my running routine and didn’t change anything else lifestyle-wise, and I lost an inch each off my waist and hips in a month.
Hope that helps 🙂
Post # 4

Member
1701 posts
Bumble bee
I needed to lose about the same so my sample-size dress fit. I was really careful about what I ate–pretty much if it wasn’t a fruit or vegetable I asked myself if it was worth it. Sometimes it was, but mostly the answer was no. That extra moment of thought probably saved hundreds of calories a day. I also paid close attention to portion sizes. Planning meals and snacks is a must.
I also did 30-Day Shred and it really changed the way my upper body looked more than anything I’ve ever done in the past (my lower body is just hopeless). I lost all the necessary weight between the end of June and mid-September without crash-dieting or killing myself (well, that video is tough–thank god it is only 25 minutes).
Good luck!
Post # 5

Member
7300 posts
Busy Beekeeper
30 Day Shred.
More Protein/less carbs
Water
Multivitamin
MOVE! I am cutting out TV time for exercise time. I’ve lost 7 pounds in 2 weeks.
Post # 6

Member
1872 posts
Buzzing bee
WRITE DOWN what you eat. Every. Single. Bite.
Cut out processed foods, refined sugar, and refined carbs as much as you can.
Make your diet plant-based–meaning every meal, at least 1/2 of your plate should be vegetables.
Exercise!
If you mess up, write it down and move on.
Don’t allow yourself to go hungry. Ever. It is the road to ruin.
Throw away all your temptations. Do not allow junk foods to cross the threshold of your house. If it’s not in the house, it’s not in your mouth.
Google “why the scale lies” and read it. Then tape it up by your scale. It’s there for the inevitable bum week. And don’t weigh yourself more than 1x per week.
(and I also love Jillian Michaels, including Shred, but the Biggest Loser Last Chance Workout and No More Trouble Zones are also fantastic)
Post # 7

Member
1641 posts
Bumble bee
I incorporated protein (chicken, turkey & fish)
Lots of water.
Exercising at least 5 days a week.
Decrease carb intake.
Post # 8

Member
8353 posts
Bumble Beekeeper
I have lost about that much already and have only about 6 more pounds to go. I haven’t really been doing much to lose weight, expect portion control. I am still eating the same food, but less. I use smaller plates to eat off, so that to my eyes it looks like more. I have decreased my bread intake and have stopped eating 99% of the junk food that I used to eat. This has worked for me so far. Now I just have to incorporate some exercise into my regime, and hopefully that will help me lose the last few pounds.
Post # 9

Member
606 posts
Busy bee
I am in the same boat and need to lose about 10 lbs. I started the p90x and followed it to a T. I weighed my protein and the workouts are an hour to an hour and a half a day, every day. I gained 9 lbs! First I thought it must be muscle but no way. I now cant wear any of my suits. I now think that the P90x is designed for men. I am getting the 30 day shred tomorrow. Thanks ladies.
Post # 10

Member
41 posts
Newbee
I have lost 25 pounds in the past 5 months. I have been tracking my calories using the Lose it! app on my iPhone. I am not OCD about tracking, I track more often than not. I find that I make better choices this way. I still have wine, bagels and pizza….just not all the time.
Good luck!
Post # 11

Member
622 posts
Busy bee
Try “SparkPeople.com” it is like a free version of Weight Watchers. It provides you with meal plans (or the option to log your own), and it gives you demos on how to do new excercies. It has a TON of info as far as articles and support groups. 🙂
Post # 12

Member
1270 posts
Bumble bee
@15happyyears: I did p90x too… and my abs got so ripped that they were protruding from my stomach, rather than having a long and lean, sexy look. I was definitely hard and muscular, but i did not look thinner!
Post # 13

Member
1270 posts
Bumble bee
what is the 30 day shred? is it a dvd series like p90x? and it’s jillian michaels?
Post # 14

Member
1775 posts
Buzzing bee
@heatherrobyn: 30 day shred is a DVD by Jillian Michaels. It is a 20 minute circuit workout with 3 levels. The idea is 10 days on each level. I think it’s a great workout (I haven’t tried level 3 yet), but disagree with doing the exact same thing ten days in a row. There are multiple threads on here about it. It’s about $9 at amazon.com.
Post # 15

Member
2237 posts
Buzzing bee
@heatherrobyn: If you did p90x the shred will be too elementary for you. Have you considered Insanity? It’s like p90x only you don’t use weights (just your body weight) so you get a leaner look.
And what has worked best for me was tracking everything I eat…and look up the nutritional values before I eat it so I can decide if it’s “worth” it…and cut out as much refined carbs as possible. That and I drink nothing but water and 1 cup of coffee a day and I allow myself 1 soda a week, lol.
Post # 16

Member
1270 posts
Bumble bee
@mandamack yes, i have insanity! i love it! it’s a super good workout! it was super hard for me at first, and then my body got used to it i think. i love it though, it’s just hard for me to do it at my house cuz i don’t have enough room!