r/loseit • u/Far-Boot5639 New • 4d ago
Why did I let myself go for so long?
- 316 pounds. I almost cried when I (43m) saw those numbers on the scale in my doctors office. My long held excuse of excessive weight was always "at least I'm not 300 pounds", but I was beyond that silly concept. Finally after waking up with another belly ache from eating like $hit the night before, I decided that I was done doing this to myself. So in early July I started (another) weight loss goal. For 2 months, I've kept it simple by just eating better, walking an average 8k steps a day, and being more active around the house. And I am happy to share I have lost 22 pounds to date with minimal effort through big (for me) lifestyle changes. Tomorrow, I plan to start a couch-to-5k training regimen, with the ultimate goal of competing in a half marathon in Disney someday.
I'm sharing this to hold myself accountable, and with hopes the community can help hold me accountable. I'm open to any and all suggestions, stories, opinions, thoughts, etc.... dms are open for positive vibes only please. But I refuse to be another early death in my family of excessively large people.
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u/Hamsterball91 34M | 177cm | SW:138kg | CW:80.5kg | GW1:77kg - 57.5kg lost 4d ago
Welcome to the start of your journey! Try the quickstart guide if you need advice figuring things out :)
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u/thedoodely 40lbs lost 4d ago
Great job! If I can offer some advice as a c25k graduate, run slow. Like slower than you can walk. I see a lot of people quitting after a few weeks of trying to run, or getting injured, or holding on to the treadmill for dear life... The name is a misnomer, it's not meant to train you to run a 5k in 9 weeks, it's meant to train you to run continuously for 30 minutes in 9 weeks. Given your current fitness level (walking 8k steps a day), you need to take it slow to start with. Just remember that the tortoise won the race and you can absolutely do this.
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u/Working_Cucumber_437 New 4d ago
Couch to 5k is awesome! It really meets you where you are. Don’t be afraid to repeat weeks or runs if you need to before moving to the next week. I loved the program and now I run 5k a few times a week.
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u/omnihelios New 4d ago
be careful with your c25k goal, running is a bitch for your joints
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u/that_other_person1 F 5’ 6” SW:222lbs CW: 143lbs GW: 140lbs 4d ago
This for sure. It’s great that op is beginning to feel better and be motivated, but I don’t think it’s great to pick up running early in a weight loss journey. Especially when weighing well over 200 pounds, it’s so hard on the joints in particular when you’re heavier.
Running can make you hungrier too, and can make it harder to stick to your calories over walking. Walking isn’t so glamorous, but one can improve their stamina and speed with just walking, and better for being on a diet and better on the joints, in particular if you’re really overweight.
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u/ElectriciSea New 4d ago
Amazing!!! Well done so far, and that's a really lovely goal you've set. One day at a time, remind yourself there's proof you can do this, you're already doing it!
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u/Financial_Mark1452 New 4d ago
Every Journey begins with the first step! You did the hard part. It's all down hill ( or scale) from there. Congratulations! We all had to make that first step.
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u/BretterBear19 New 4d ago
Had the same moment. 336lbs at 49 years old. I cried after the nurse left the room and after decades of being at least 100lbs overweight, it changed. I’m 60lbs down currently and already feel a lot better. I have probably another 100 to go but I’m finally taking care of myself the way I’ve always taken care of others. That’s my advice to you. Take care of yourself the way you take care of others.
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u/carolorca post-partum re-comp! SW: 170 | CW: 162 | GW: 27% body fat (135?) 4d ago
Welcome! I’m doing c25k too :)
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u/tomboy_legend New 4d ago
If you decide you like running I would highly recommend the Nike Run Club app. It’ll make you a workout plan for free for a variety of distances/runs-per-week and has both guided and unguided runs. I believe they may have couch to 5k on there as well but can’t be certain. As someone who needs exercise to function well but can’t be bothered to design a whole plan myself it’s awesome.
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u/CatCafffffe 33 lbs lost 4d ago
My friend, this whole journey is truly, about being kind to yourself. You are taking steps towards being healthy because you want to be kind to your body. So it's equally important to be kind to yourself in the past too. You did what you needed to do, then. Food was comfort, you needed comfort, that's just what you needed to do then.
And now--you're going to take healthy steps to find comfort. That's what you are doing now. Don't waste any energy berating yourself! Just focus on moving forward, and you're taking exactly the right steps: find interesting new foods you can enjoy that are healthy. Find a sport/activity that you enjoy that is healthy. This is you NOW and this is exactly what you are doing!
You got this!
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u/MoreCanadianThanYou New 4d ago
It doesn’t matter where you start. It only matters that you start. You’ve got this!
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u/Open_Temperature_567 New 4d ago
I love this for you. Thank you for sharing your journey and being vulnerable with us. I’m proud of you!
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u/AdOwn6086 New 4d ago
I’m so proud of you! I’m also training for a 5k. It’s not easy and you will want to quit multiple times, but I promise you it’s worth it. I use the Runna app as my training tool and it has some strength training as well. You’ll need that on your non-run days.
Do you do social media at all? I recommend following a few people that I think will encourage you when things get hard (and they will). Mikeneedsaplan is my favorite person to follow. He has developed a great community of people and a Discord you can join that’s really fun and encouraging. ScottyKFitness is another good dude who just has the best vibes. Really anyone else that those two follow are people in this space that I trust.
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u/Marokiii New 4d ago
Because it's really easy to "let ourselves go", it literally requires no effort, and it feels "good" while you are doing it.
On the other hand its constant work to keep on top of your weight and fitness. It's not easy, and it's not always fun either.
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u/Wellness_Rated New 4d ago
You should be proud of yourself for making that shift. Losing 22 pounds in two months is an incredible start, and doing it through sustainable changes like walking and eating better sets you up to keep the momentum going. Starting couch-to-5k is a great next step, and having that Disney half marathon goal will keep you motivated. You caught yourself and made the decision to change, and that is the hardest part. Keep going, my friend. you’ve already proven you can do it.
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u/missilekidd 55lbs lost 4d ago
Your story almost mirrors mine! I kept telling myself the exact thing. "At least I'm not 300 lbs... at least my blood tests come back fine..." But I just got so sick and tired of being EXHAUSTED all the time. Like you, I started simple. Trust me when I say, those small yet powerful habits add up over time. Above all else, never stop taking your walks and prioritize eating nutrient dense foods. The weight wasn't gained all at once, so you gotta stay patient and persistent. You can do it! I'm 55 lbs down since February. Taking things slow and sustainable and doable. We're in it for the long haul!
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u/Far-Boot5639 New 4d ago
55 pounds...I love this for you! Thank you for the encouragement. Wish me luck tomorrow!
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u/missilekidd 55lbs lost 4d ago
Have fun with it! I tried the C25K program too and am so proud of myself! Like others have said, take it slow and jog at a comfortable conversational pace. For me, at first, was ridiculously slow but helped me maintain stamina throughout the whole run. Also- make sure to warm up and cool down appropriately! Taking care of your joints is super duper important. Make sure you hydrate well before and after! You can doooo ittt!!!!
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u/Zestyclose-Writer-48 New 4d ago
Hey man, seriously respect the honesty and determination here. That moment of seeing 316 must’ve been rough, but the way you turned it into a wake-up call instead of letting it drag you down? That’s a great way to have taken it.
The 22 pounds down in just a couple of months especially through sustainable changes like walking more and eating better is a huge win. And setting your sights on a Disney half-marathon? That’s such a great, motivating goal.
If you’re cool with sharing, I’d love to know:
What’s been the hardest part of sticking with your new routine so far?
Have you tried using any fitness or habit-tracking apps in the past? Did they actually help?
What do you usually do to stay on track when motivation dips?
And do you think having a simple system to build discipline day by day would make a real difference for you?
Just asking out of curiosity no pressure at all. Just always interested in what’s working for people who are making real changes. Keep crushing it though you’ve already taken the hardest step, and it sounds like you’re just getting started.
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u/Far-Boot5639 New 4d ago
Thank you so much! Yes, please share away. If my story and battles can inspire just 1 person it will be worth the share. Here are the answers to your questions:
What’s been the hardest part of sticking with your new routine so far? About 2 weeks ago I pulled a muscle in my knee, probably from the muscle growth and pushing myself a little too hard one night. It was the biggest wake up call that I'm not 21 anymore when it wouldnhave previously meant just sleeping it off. The Tucker hurt for 10 days, even with caring for it. So ot meant much less walking, if I was able to at all. I felt so deflated not being able to walk as much, which would have previously led to so much stress eating and snacking. So I had to push myself not to eat everything. It sounds silly, to have to mentally force myself not to eat, but 30 years old bad habits are hard to break in 2 months.
Have you tried using any fitness or habit-tracking apps in the past? Did they actually help?
Yes, I've used the my calorie counter app, and I saw a dietician. I lost so much weight, but I wasnt developing sustainable processes, and the 1st road block I hit, the weight came back in full force.What do you usually do to stay on track when motivation dips?
My mom died in her early 60s, and a big reason was because she just didn't take care of herself. It still breaks my heart, almost a decade later, and I refuse to put my kids through the pain of a relatively early death.And do you think having a simple system to build discipline day by day would make a real difference for you? Taking a simple approach helped big time because it wasn't a sudden drop in calories like when I mentioned seeing the dietician before (they put me on a 1200 calorie/day diet with 1 hour of walking and exercise) Simply cutting back on processed sugars, especially in soda, along with watching my sodium intake, was actually a little hard at 1st, as I think I went through a withdrawal of some sorts. But its since allowed me to enjoy actual food so much more. A few weeks ago I treated myself to a fancy sugary beverage from Dunkin that I previously LOVED. Took 1 sip and I hated it.
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u/Zestyclose-Writer-48 New 3d ago
Thanks for sharing all that! It’s super helpful to hear the real challenges people face. The knee setback and how you handled it says a lot about the habits you’re building. And that soda story is such a cool example of how sustainable change works way better than crash diets. I really respect what you’re doing, and I think your story will help a lot of people who feel stuck right now. If it’s cool with you, I might reach out again as I keep learning from people’s experiences.
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u/No_Onion7427 New 4d ago
WOW, you are so brave and I envy your courage, but you know, life is a revolving door, and it is 100% okay to go in and out of these things. You should not punish yourself for letting things loose from time to time. Quite on the contrary, see it as an opportunity to catch a breath, unwind and recollect yourself. We are often told heroic tales of adventurers conquering the summit, and rarely shared how they came along -- numerous trials, failures, marginal progress and perhaps even despicable moments of retreats -- they lay the foundation for sustainable change, endurance, perseverance and, ultimately, success. It is okay to let yourself go --for however how long you might need to bring yourself back, and it is always okay to restart.
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u/Nyteflame7 4d ago
Started at 359 on May 31st. As of Friday I was 334. I'm meal prepping each week, strength training for 1 hour, 4x a week, walking at least 6k steps a day, and drinking at least 160oz of water a day.
Edited to add: we've got this! I'm proud of you!
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u/JadedMuse 45 M | SW 240 | CW 192 | GW 165 4d ago
Don't be too hard on yourself, OP. Most of us can relate to one extent or another. I gained 70 pounds over a two year period by actively ignoring the scale. I didn't want to see what the scale said because I didn't want to confront the truth. Denial is a heck of a drug. Just focus on the bright side. You could have got up to 400 pounds before you confronted it. It's all relative. All the matters is that you're on the right path now.
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u/Creepy-Bathroom-25 sw: 238lbs gw: 176lbs 4d ago
I tried the Couch to 5k as well but didnt want to pay for the app to help me through it.
Recently discovered the 'Runna' app, it does the SAME training regimen as the C25K but its completely free!!
You got this, we all start somewhere. I'm proud of you internet stranger ❤️
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u/sum_beach New 4d ago
22 pounds is a lot! That is a good accomplishment so far. The disney marathons look SO much fun. You can get there! I'm sure of it
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u/Far-Boot5639 New 4d ago
Thank you!!!
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u/sum_beach New 4d ago edited 4d ago
The disney marathon weekend is also a goal for me. It makes me feel better to know that there are others reaching for a similar goal! Love that for us
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u/Far-Boot5639 New 4d ago
You may see me there! I'll be the tall guy with the Disney tattoos on his hands.
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u/xAvPx 37M | 175CM (5'9) | HW: 349 | SW: 328 | CW: 208 | GW: 180 4d ago
I know that feeling too well, I let myself go for so long that I never thought I'd get out of it. On my 37th birthday I told myself enough is enough, it was either that or I slit my wrist, I chose wisely and I'm still here today.
I never thought I'd make it this far, my goal is getting closer everyday and I can see the light. To keep myself accountable and inspire others I've updated my progress picture and posted it on progresspics, I always kept myself in the dark but I want to change that.
You can do it my man I believe in you!
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u/Petite01Nbusty New 4d ago
Love that ur taking control of ur health, it’s never too late to start. Keep at it and don’t beat urself up on the rough days
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u/Honest_Ad_6898 New 4d ago
Man, huge respect for facing that number head-on and then doing something about it , that’s not easy. Dropping 22 lbs in 2 months through lifestyle changes is proof you’re on the right track, and starting couch-to-5k is going to feel like a whole new level of momentum.
One thing that helps a lot is tracking progress beyond the scale waist, photos, energy levels. Sometimes the mirror shows wins way before the numbers do.
Keep stacking those daily wins. That half marathon finish line at Disney is 100% doable. 👏
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u/Far-Boot5639 New 4d ago
So I noticed the mirror and energy levels wins almost immediately. I thiught I had lost more weight based on how my clothes look and how more energetic I am. But my wife pointed out that im burning fat and replacing it with muscle tissue now. So that was a huge win
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u/Psychological_Name28 New 4d ago
So impressive! Your new lifestyle habits will take you far. Sorry about your injury, but your commitment is great 💪🏼
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u/Alternative-Glass367 New 1d ago
Good for you! 22lb is what I've lost and it took way longer than 2 months. Earlier this week I was at the grocery store and bought cat litter, a 25lb bag. I picked it up and thought "i used to carry this around everywhere i went. " which is an old weight watchers trick- picking up things that weigh as much as you've lost. I don't look any different. But I feel better, more energy. I find small goals are less daunting. 5 more pounds and I'll weigh less than I have since 2019. So that's my next goal
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u/JustCurious12347 New 13h ago
Finally today my scale moved down. It was yo-yoing for a month now and always stopping at the same point when going downwards. 😍
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u/phantasybm New 4d ago
Just watch how quickly those numbers start to fall if you are consistent in your efforts.
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u/Mamallamanoms New 4d ago
I did C25K and then a Disney 10k. Here’s what I’ll say… if you plan on doing the run, then going to the park afterwards… it’s rough. You want REALLY GOOD SHOES. I did the 10k and then got another 4 miles just walking the park afterwards. I hadn’t factored any of those steps into my training regime and I was wrecked for like two days after.
Be smarter than me and factor it in if that’s part of your plan!
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u/Kitchen-Bit-9613 New 4d ago
Please consider videos on YouTube about Carnivore. Dr Jen Berry, Steak and Butter Gal, My Zero Carb Life, etc.
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u/lacrimaeveneris 32F 4'10 SW: 140 CW: 136 GW: 110 4d ago
Also if Couch to 5K feels like a lot (it did for me), try the None to Run app to ease in as well.
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u/AshOrGary New 4d ago
As a former 300+ pound guy, please, don't try couch to 5k yet. At your age, weight, & fitness level it's just a matter of time until injury strikes. When it does, it's easy to fall back on old patterns.
I suggest rowing and or cycling. I have a rower at home--tough workout and injury free. Started at 300lbs. You can get one cheap second hand or get a gym membership for access. The gym will also have free weights, a huge bonus. Lifting with cardio is a game changer.
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u/Wolf_of_Fasting_St New 2d ago
The most epic journey starts with a single step. You had your moment OP. You might not get a chance to read this and that's OK.
Everyone has "the moment". Mine.... I was on the verge of multi organ failure and death. Extremely unhealthy. Doctors said if I didnt change I would not live to see my son (at the time not a year old) graduate high school.
This was unacceptable to me. I had to change to be a good example for him and to be present for him.
Now I have multiple lifts in the elite range for my body weight and am pushing single digit bodyfat % naturally.
Small steps. You can do this.
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u/HazardousIncident New 4d ago
Are you into podcasts? If so, check out "We Only Look Thin" which is hosted by a husband/wife who lost a combined total of 250 pounds by making small, sustainable changes. No gyms, no crazy diets.
You got this.