I lost 90 pounds many years ago.
Lots of people have asked me how I lost the weight.
But the better question is probably how I kept it off.
Lumina/Stocksy
And the answer to that is: I didnt!
Not all of it.
Granted, the math equation isnt the whole storynot all calories are created equal, after all.
But broadly speaking, it is true that creating acaloric deficitis key to losing weight.
Where I had a harder time, though, was in maintaining the weight loss.
I checked not one, but two marathons off the bucket list.
Then I got injured.
Like, surgery-and-no-more-running injured.
When I was running, I felt like I could eat anything and my weight was unaffected.
Slowly, some of the weight crept back on.
And thats actually really common among people who have lost weight.
But what about the people who dont gain it back?
What do they know (and do) that the rest of us struggle with?
Which makes some sense if you think about it.
Doing a hard thing for a limited amount of time is easier than doing a hard thing forever.
Before I get into it, though, I should point out some limitations.
Its possible that the people who gained the weight back also shared many of these habits and behaviors.
We dont know, because their data isnt in this registry.
And, of course, the big one: Correlation doesnt equal causation.
One final note before I dive into it.
Its worth pointing out that trying to do what these people have done may not magically work for you!
Every persons body is different, as are everyones needs, preferences, lifestyles, values, and habits.
I dont know your life.
I also don’t know that weight loss is the healthy choice for you.
That’s why I’m not here to tell you what to do with your body.
Ninety-four percent of people who lost weight and kept it off increased their level of physical activity.
OK, fine, no big shock there.
But you know what I found encouraging when I looked a little closer at the data?
The most frequently reported form of exercise is walking.
A fancy sports watch and a training program?
Chafing your nipples off in attempt to check that marathon off your bucket list (hint: Band-Aids)?
Look, more power to you if you enjoy that stuff.
Do what makes you want to keep working out, but remember, you dont have to destroy yourself.
Theres no such thing as a best diet or approach to weight loss.
Whatever works for you is whats best (as long as youre being safe about it).
Do you crave the structure of a program with a coach and support?
Prefer flying solo with an app and meal planning in the peace and relative quiet of your kitchen?
Forty-five percent of registry participants worked independently on their weight loss and 55 percent worked through a program.
Again, this probably just comes down to how you work best.
Dont attempt to force yourself to do something that makes you miserable!
Food is more important than fitness when it comes to losing weight.
Theres a saying in the fitness world that you cant out-exercise a bad diet.
This is a reminder that the calories you eat really are key to a weight-loss effort.
Patients who had amedical triggerfor weight loss, i.e.
In my case this included trying to prevent other health problems that might be weight-related in the future.
OK, so what does this tell us about weight loss?
Yes, at first glance it sounds like all of this amounts to eat less, move more.
And furthermore, those habits might not be helpfuland indeed can be harmfulfor others.
The hard truth is thatmany attempts to lose weight will fail.
I found one way that worked for me out of countless ways that didnt.
Ive gained and lost.
You should always consult with your doctor and a registered dietitian before changing up your diet.)
Dont have a dog?
Its time to get a dog.
I mean not even if youre trying to lose weight,I just think dogs are great.
And Im begrudgingly learning to only eat one portion of Ben and Jerrys at a time.
Wait, what do you mean one pint isnt a portion?
Some habits are hard to break.
