Wanted: Results--Now!
A FUTURE FORMER FAT GIRL WRITES: I have been working out almost every day for 2 months and NOTHING!I am frustrated. I want to start Michael Thurmond's 6-week body makeover. Have you ever heard of it? He used to be with the Biggest Loser. Basically, he says that certain foods will step up your metabolism, and with exercise you can lose weight effectively and keep it off. Its not that expensive and I feel I need to do something, anything! Please tell me what you think.
DEAR FUTURE FFG: I certainly understand your frustration at not seeing results after working out for two months. But ... are you sure nothing has changed? I guess I'm wondering how you are measuring results. How much weight do you have to lose? You may be replacing fat with muscle and therefore not seeing much of a bump on the scale, particularly if you are only 20-30 pounds overweight.
Are your clothes fitting differently? Do you see more definition? Do you feel better about yourself? The danger in measuring progress only by looking at the scale is that the scale can't really detect everything that's going on inside your body ... or your head ... which is where a big part of the transformation needs to happen if you are to become a Former Fat Girl.
Anyway ... I am not familiar with the program you mention. And, frankly, there are few (legal) quick ways to boost your metabolism. But your body may need something of a jolt. I do know that the Biggest Loser trainers tend to be sort of extreme, but also pretty knowledgeable, and I think the programs they put in their books are fairly safe (they typically adapt the ones on the show so they can be done by people who don't have personal trainers).
So, I would say give it a try. But please be patient with yourself and your body. We don't become Fat Girls in body or mind overnight ... and so we can't expect to become Formers instantly, either. Part of the thing that makes it difficult for us to lose weight is our inability to forgive ourselves for messing up, our need for quick results. Real change (which is, I think, what you want) takes time. You might not want to hear this ... but it's true. I truly believe that you can do it if you are patient, if you give yourself credit for trying, and if you focus on the inner transformation as well as the outer.
Best of luck to you on your journey.
Lisa D
DEAR FUTURE FFG: I certainly understand your frustration at not seeing results after working out for two months. But ... are you sure nothing has changed? I guess I'm wondering how you are measuring results. How much weight do you have to lose? You may be replacing fat with muscle and therefore not seeing much of a bump on the scale, particularly if you are only 20-30 pounds overweight.
Are your clothes fitting differently? Do you see more definition? Do you feel better about yourself? The danger in measuring progress only by looking at the scale is that the scale can't really detect everything that's going on inside your body ... or your head ... which is where a big part of the transformation needs to happen if you are to become a Former Fat Girl.
Anyway ... I am not familiar with the program you mention. And, frankly, there are few (legal) quick ways to boost your metabolism. But your body may need something of a jolt. I do know that the Biggest Loser trainers tend to be sort of extreme, but also pretty knowledgeable, and I think the programs they put in their books are fairly safe (they typically adapt the ones on the show so they can be done by people who don't have personal trainers).
So, I would say give it a try. But please be patient with yourself and your body. We don't become Fat Girls in body or mind overnight ... and so we can't expect to become Formers instantly, either. Part of the thing that makes it difficult for us to lose weight is our inability to forgive ourselves for messing up, our need for quick results. Real change (which is, I think, what you want) takes time. You might not want to hear this ... but it's true. I truly believe that you can do it if you are patient, if you give yourself credit for trying, and if you focus on the inner transformation as well as the outer.
Best of luck to you on your journey.
Lisa D
posted by Lisa Delaney at
9:41 AM
5 Comments:
I tried the 6 Week Body Makeover several years ago and was not successful. I think it depends on how much weight you have to lose and your body type. The reason I say this is because when I tried his plan, I had well over 100 pounds to lose and so that made me a Type A body type which drastically limits what you can and cannot eat. His meal plans may have changed since then, but I do remember that he wanted you to eat collard greens for every meal if at all possible. That was just too extreme for me. Now, 10 years later, I have lost 130 pounds by cutting back on portions and working out. I agree with Lisa, you can't just rely on the scale for progress. Stick with it! If I can lose the weight, anyone can! Good luck!!!
Hi angela here original poster of this question
I decided to go on Weight watchers and I LOVE IT
I have been on it now for 5 weeks and i have lost 13 pounds
I have never had a good time dieting before
anyone feeling that their at the end of their rope like i did?join ww its been my lifesaver, well ww and Lisa of course.
Thanks lisa, reading your book changed my life!
Hi~ I think Michael Thurmond's advice is sound, but his program is pretty extreme and I didn't have the willpower to stay on it. For much less money, check out his book of the same title (maybe at the library?) and learn about what you'll have to do. I think it could work GREAT if you can do it! More power to you!!! ~Still a Fat Girl
Hi...I am exactly in your shoes, but a couple of months further into the journey: I went from years of ZERO workout (except running around with my kids, I guess that counts for something) to going to the gym 4-5 days a week for pretty intense group exercise.
I have about 20-30 lbs to lose, and my scale has only gradually inched ints way down by about 5 lbs. However, I do see a lot of change:
I am stronger. I feet fitter. I have alot easier time keeping up with the exercises for the full hour. I have built a lot more muscle. I have started to look thinner "on the outskirts", even though I still have a ton of belly-fat left.
But I just figure: if it has taken me years to put on the flab, it probably will take a good while to take it off again.
So I figure, I'll give it some time, stick with it, and meanwhile congratulate myself for really toughing it out with my "lazy self" and doing my best.
I think it'll work - just give it some time...good luck!
I totally understand the balance of exercise and healthy eating to lose and keep off weight. The biggest struggle i have is motivation. I have recently started running and though i have not built my speed up, i have managed to achieve distance. however, i go through so many emotional battles with myself when i get out for a run. I really need to find a way to think positive and keep my positive thoughts. I set out for a 7 mile run and only do about 5 miles as i talk myself out of being out in the cold and running...This is my weakness to losing the pounds and i know it. I really wish i could persist - HELP!
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