Just joined weight watchers to gain a more girlish figure and fit into more dresses

[cindy777]

Well like so many people at 50 find themselves desiring a better looking body than the one that is staring at them when they peek at a mirror.

Last week, through a lot of contemplation I joined weight watchers. The first meeting I went to, I chickened out after driving 10 miles to the venue and parked my car started walking to the meeting but got cold feet and turned around and left.

Personally I know very little nutrition or how foods work together chemically, I know basically what is good for me and what is not but as for protein, carbs, fats, etc I really am clueless. So far after following this program guidelines I have lost about 8 pounds in less then a week. That is without doing any exercise or starving myself.

My goal is to go from a size 18 to a size 14, so I can have a more variety of dresses to chose from lol.

If anyone has inspirational story or has tips they would like to share, I would love to hear them.

I can use all the help I can get lol.

[~Joanne~]

I wish you the best of luck in losing the weight. I think just learning to eat better and a lot of exercise is probably better than signing up for these scam artist though. While your hoping to lose weight, getting a more 'girlish figure" isn't going to happen from it so please don't set yourself up for hurt feelings when all is said and done. for us, girlish figures come from padding and enhancers ;)

[Linda E. Woodworth]

Cindy,

Congratulations on making the decision to lose weight and eat better. How you go about it doesn't matter and if "Weight Watchers" works for you GREAT!

I was a short fat kid growing up. I remember the scout master punching the roll of fat under my belt or the comments my father would make if I had a 2nd piece of cake. I lost it all in high school one summer when I grew along with dieting and exercise. I will never be that fat again and can be almost fanatical about it at times.

There will be bumps in the road but don't lose hope and give up. There are always set backs but then you just pick yourself up and get back on the horse (diet) and start again.

Good Luck!

[AllieSF]

Congratulations for taking that proactive approach, or is it reactive after gaining weight. One of the key concepts of Weight Watchers is the regular meetings where you weigh yourself and it is recorded. It seems that we put extra effort into hard ongoing tasks like this when we are in some way held accountable (check weight and compare to lat time) in a more public/private group situation. Yes, they make money from memberships and selling their food products. But, as weak humans many times we need some outside help to keep us going. I think that the other key is to learn from the process so that you can continue it for the long term. Good luck and enjoy your better health.

[cindy777]

So true, I normally do wear hip pad and a corset. Every little bit helps :battingeyelashes:

Yes, being held accountable is a bit of pressure to perform, in this case the number on the scale. Also hearing other people success and challenges are encouraging. It will be for the long haul, as in I will be changing how I live / eat and how I experience both.

[docrobbysherry]

Cindy, weight loss is important for quality of life reasons, not your figure. U will live longer and enjoy it much more if u can do things when u r old!:thumbsup:

I am 70+ and needed to lose about 20+ pounds because of my back back about 10 years ago. I did it with gradual, small, changes to what and how I eat and drink. Excersize is NOT a valid tool for weight loss. And, neither r diets! Because u won't stick with either one forever. :sad:

Just switching from beer to red wine allowed me to lose a quick 10 pounds! The 20 pounds is gone and is never coming back. I can do things today I couldn't do 10 years ago! And, Sherry's figure speaks for itself----:D

[rebecca_ns]

I have done weight watchers in the past, and it worked great. It's not a scam, and you don't gave to buy special food. Weight Watchers teaches better decision making skills, and portion control. That's the key right there. I never gave up anything when I did it. I lost 40 pounds in 6 months and I had bacon and ice cream every day. Instead of a bowl of ice cream, I had half a cup. Instead of half a pack of bacon I had two slices. Instead of the bag of chip, or a candy bar, I ate fruit and berries. I never went to meetings, or even joined up. I bought the books online, and bought the points computer from a friend who actually did join. It works. It's a lifestyle change. Not a diet, not a fad. You go girl.

[Diane Taylor]

Losing weight is a good thing whether it's for "style" or health reasons. By all means continue with it. I'm 6 feet tall and at one time weighed 180 pounds. I went on a weight loss program of my own and got down to my current 145. Mainly I cut way down on snacks and though quite active I added some walking exercise to my routine. Not easy, but if you stick with it, you can do it. Good Luck....

[Dana44]

Weight is so important for good health. I do cross-fit and have been pushing myself and my weight is alright .But I have a bit of hypertension So I have to push myself to keep the pressure down. It works and also keeps the weight down. However eating well is para mount for a healthy lifestyle. So keep at it Cindy.

[Teresa]

Cindy,
My weight and figure is down to walking my dog twice a day. The most dramatic example was when my old dog died and we bought a new one I lost 28 lbs in two months just by upping my walking speed , I didn't change my eating habits at all. I measure 37" hips 31" waist and 37" bust, I'm 5' 7" and weigh 147 lbs, I love being a UK size 12 and buying things off the peg .

I wish you the best of luck and can hit your target .

[BLUE ORCHID]

Hi Cindy:hugs:, You may be better off going to a gym...:daydreaming:...

[Bailee]

Weight watchers works really well for some people, my ex lost 40 lbs through their program. I don't disagree that you could do the same without them, but the nutritional guidance and peer support are really what some people need. I was able to drop 25 lbs recently on my own, but whatever you do there's no quick fixes, it's a long hard road, and it's really REALLY hard to stay at that target weight (especially for those of us who are looking at 50 in the rear view mirror). I wish you success!! :)

[NancySue]

Congrats on your goals. What works for me is: 1. Count calories 2. Exercise 3. Balance diet with lots of water. I still need hip and butt pads for a more girlish figure. Good luck.

[Aunt Kelly]

Good for you, Cindy.
I started my weight loss journey a couple of months ago this week, but it sounds like I have much further to go than you. Maybe you've seen the thread I started in the Clothing, Shopping, and Beauty section - https://www.crossdressers.com/forums/showthread.php?247317-Weight-Loss

Weight Watchers is not the only program out there, but they have the results that prove it is a successful one. May I suggest... You really should attend the meetings. They serve several important purposes. First, they provide some education and insight that you will often find helpful in your pursuit of "good decisions". Second, they provide support and encouragement. It may not seem like much, but a roomful of friends supporting you, and applauding you when you reach a milestone, that's some powerful stuff. Third, and I guess I've pretty much outed myself now, I find that the time commitment of an hour or so each week keeps me just that much more vested in my own success. I'm busy, and that hour is worth much more to me than the membership fee, so it helps me to keep in mind that I'm giving that hour per week to myself in pursuit of my goal, and to my peers at the meetings, to help them as they've helped me.

Again, good luck on your journey.


Hugs,


Kelly Marie

[LaurenS]

I know basically what is good for me and what is not but as for protein, carbs, fats, etc I really am clueless. So far after following this program guidelines I have lost about 8 pounds in less then a week. That is without doing any exercise or starving myself.

Wow, your instincts must be right on!

a nice, toned body looks good for everyone, and it's much easier to see without the fat. I have a lady friend about 50lbs overweight, and she exercises like mad, but without a good, healthy diet, it's hard to tell. I dropped down a few pounds more than usual the other day, and actually saw two out of a six pack abs!

for me it's low- or slow carb. Paleo, Atkins and others are similar. Nothing processed, mostly cook my own meals. I often fast, maybe once a month for 48-72 hours. This pops off a quick 5-6 pounds, but I mostly do it for the other health benefits.

Even if can't exercise yourself to a femme body, I still do the booty workouts and yoga, just for the attitude.

[Linda E. Woodworth]

Cindy,

You also hit on something very important to all this. Diets don't work long term since we view them as something to lose the weight and then go back to our old habits.

You have recognized that you have to change your habits for the rest of your life to get and maintain the results you want.

Good Luck!

[sometimes_miss]

I have done weight watchers in the past, and it worked great. It's not a scam, and you don't gave to buy special food. Weight Watchers teaches better decision making skills, and portion control. That's the key right there. I never gave up anything when I did it. I lost 40 pounds in 6 months and I had bacon and ice cream every day. Instead of a bowl of ice cream, I had half a cup. Instead of half a pack of bacon I had two slices. Instead of the bag of chip, or a candy bar, I ate fruit and berries. I never went to meetings, or even joined up. I bought the books online, and bought the points computer from a friend who actually did join. It works. It's a lifestyle change. Not a diet, not a fad. You go girl.
^this is the key. Allow yourself ONE portion of pretty much anything. PORTION being the most important word. Eating ONE whole pizza isn't ONE portion, even though that's what I used to tell myself. WHen I went on my last weight loss regimen, all I did was cut out all liquid calories. Basically, I just drank water all the time and stopped coffee, tea, juice, soda, milk, ice cream (yes, frozen liquids count too). The weight started coming off in a few days. Bonus, once you do something for about 20 days, it becomes 'normal' to you. I still only drink water. It is, after all, the only natural thing to drink on the planet (well, once you're done breastfeeding, anyway!).

[Wen4cd]

I find that to get a girlish figure, padding is far more important than slenderness.

Go ahead and be the weight you're happy with and makes you feel healthy and active, but know that it will never add the curves in the right places. At best you 'shrink the center of the hourglass,' but will almost always need to pad out from that center to get any sort of figure. We're keyed to notice proportion over scale.

If anything, I've found myself to be a more attractive girl with a little extra flesh, especially in the face. Too skinny makes me look to gaunt and drawn, and masculinity just pops out in the facial bones.

[Nikkilovesdresses]

You say you know nothing about food combinations or what the different types of foods do to your body- so educate yourself. It's all available online for free. Read different sites and take a cross-section of opinion, but avoid any site that offers a fad diet.

The food industry tries to influence you to buy the products which give them the greatest profit - they don't care about your health, and this includes the 'Diet' food industry. 'Diet' foods are often worse for you than full-fat foods.

One huge favor you can do your body is to avoid processed sugar, and it's surprisingly difficult- it appears in almost every convenience food and nearly all drinks, so READ THE INGREDIENTS!

Almost everything packaged shows how many calories it contains, again READ IT! You need roughly 2,000 - 2,300 cals a day and it's amazingly easy to rack that up. Keep it under 2,000 a day and you will lose weight, it's as simple as that. Exercise is secondary to weight loss, though if you want a flat stomach and better muscle tone you're going to need to do exercises to get that.

As we get older we gain weight faster and lose it more slowly than we did when we were young. This is very unfair. It sucks. But it's reality. The more we eat the more our body tells us it wants to eat, and re-educating it requires both patience and strength- think of your body as a whiny child in a supermarket- are you going to give in and buy it the candy it's demanding, or... are you serious about losing weight?

Your call.

[HollyGreene]

Best of luck with the weight loss program.

I too really need to lose some weight. Most of my adult life I was around 80kg (sorry - don't know what that is in pounds or stones). About 5 years ago, I began to put on weight and at the beginning of this year, I tipped the scales at 101 kg and I don't feel comfortable being that weight. My BMI is way too high and it's probably a contributing factor to my high blood pressure. Furthermore, there are some clothes that I really like that don't fit any more and I'd really like to get back into them.

So I have also started to try and shift the excess weight. I plan to lose the weight slowly though. A steady decrease over the year, because I believe that it will be easier for me that way, and I'm more likely to keep the weight off than if I dump it all in a couple of months.
Half a kilo per week (or 1 pound per week) seems about right to me, and it seems to be working so far, being down to 99 kg after 3 weeks.

[TheHiddenMe]

I've written this elsewhere on these boards, but I'll repeat it here.

Based on research, no one diet (Paleo, high carb, low carb, ad naseum) works any better than another.

The only diet, IMO, is the math diet. Every pound is 3,500 calories. Burn 3,500 calories more than you eat and you will lose a pound (and vice versa, unfortunately). Keep track of what you eat via an app (I use MyFitnessPal), and you are more aware of what you are eating. You can use a fitness tracker (FitBit, Apple Watch, etc.; I have a Garmin GPS watch that tracks calories) and aim to have a negative calorie balance every day (more calories burned than consumed). If you have a 500 calorie deficit daily, you will lose a pound in a week. Two pounds a week is generally about the max you can do unless you starve yourself (not recommended).

Remember, both the consumption and calorie use are estimates. But over time if you get the numbers close the results should follow. I generally exercise on a regular basis, but the only time I can lose weight is when I track calories and remain discliplined about my calorie intake.

[Aunt Kelly]

Weight loss, permanent weight loss, is about far more than the numbers. They don't lie, and there's no getting away from that reality, but the way you face it, day to day, is the key. And that way is not the same for everyone. For some, exercise is the most important component. For others it's a fairly regimented diet. I've had friends were very successful with Nutri System. That would not work for me. Yes it's simple and removes much of the decision making that can be our weak spot, but the tedium of living on that diet forever would kill me. The point is that everyone needs to find the way that allows them to deal with mathematical reality, long term.

[cindy777]

Wow, thank you for so much information and support, it is greatly appreciated.

I have lost over 6 lbs in the first four day, then stayed about the same weight for a week. Since starting this program, I am starting to change how I eat and approach food in general. Realize that this is will take some time to lose the weight (long haul) but I am a very determined person and inspired by your personal experiences that some have shared with me, thank you for that.

The biggest noticeable charge I would have to say is I do not snack any more and when I do it is fruit. I walk everyday and enjoy being outside doing yard work, etc as some of you have mentioned it is not only what you eat but what you do that is important.

Will start going to the gym in about 3 weeks. I have tried just going to the gym before but not really knowing what to eat was somewhat counter productive in the weight loss area.

Thanks again everyone for taking the time to share your advice and wisdom with me :)

[HollyGreene]

Strange coincidence. I also have stopped snacking, and have replaced it with fruit. And to be honest, I enjoy eating the fruit more than the junk I used to snack on.
As a result, I also find I'm eating smaller meal portions because I'm not so hungry.
In 6 weeks I've lost 5 lb. Might not sound like a lot, but I always planned to lose it slowly. I don't do calorie counting and I don't exercise any more than I did before. This is purely through filling up on more fruit and veg, cutting out the junk and eating only what I feel I need to eat when it comes to mealtimes.
Apart from feeling overweight, I really want to get in reasonable shape before December. Some of you might remember that I have been drafted into doing a comedy ballet act in a leotard and tutu in the local stage school Christmas Show. I don't want to be the guy with the fat belly squeezed into a ballet outfit. I'd really like to look as feminine as possible.

[Stephanie47]

My inspirational story is basically getting a diagnosis of diabetes. I was diagnosed with diabetes in 2010. I had been living with undiagnosed diabetes for a very long time. There were tell tale signs which I missed due to lack of education. My family always ate a well balanced diet with lots of fruits and veggies. I stopped cold turkey years ago drinking beer and soda just because I read the back of the can...150-175 wasteful calories. I was always active. Never smoked. Absolutely no family history. All my elders died of old age between ages of 82 and 103. My downfall was a combination of eating the dreaded whites: pasta, white rice and white potatoes. They were in moderation, but.... and that's the rub.....toxic poisoning. Independent of each other my personal civilian physicians and the Veterans Administration arrived at the conclusion Agent Orange was the root cause of my diabetes.

I went to nutrition classes. I followed the recommendations. I stayed on the diet. What is critical for anyone starting a diet at age 50 or later or before if the tell markers are there is to get a complete physical and blood workup. If you are going to get a blood work up and test for pre-diabetes or diabetes make sure you get an A1c glucose test. The customary glucose fasting test is not sufficient.

It is nice to be able to slip into a smaller dress size, IF that is your correct body size. Frankly, I've seen some pictures on the site and elsewhere which suggests some are really doing injury to themselves by starving themselves. They look gaunt in the face and have too slender legs and arms for a male body. I'm not trying to be critical, but your body will try to rebel if you are going to starve yourself of adequate nutrition.

I'm six foot zero and weigh in at 200 pounds. The scale will not move. After a surgery I did go down to 185, but, my body said "nope." It gradually rose back to 200 pounds. At 185 I felt and looked terrible.

Just remember in my youth the goal was to have a body like Marilyn Monroe or Jayne Mansfield...... a body that gave a man something to hang onto.

I'm comfortable in a size 16 or 18 or L or XL dress.

[HollyGreene]

Yes, I agree - most people have a natural, comfortable body weight, but I'm definitely not at mine. Most of my adult life I weighed in at around 177 pounds, and I felt comfortable and reasonably fit at that weight. Some years ago after some medical problems I started to pile on the pounds until I reached about 220 pounds at the beginning of this year. I look and feel terrible, and my blood pressure is up. I don't know if I'll ever get back to 177 pounds, but even if I get half way there, I know I'll look and feel better.
Anyway, I know I won't be starving myself to death (I enjoy my food too much), and my wife is a doctor, so I have health advice to hand.

[nikkiwindsor]

Cindy,

I hope you're still on target in achieving your weight loss and dress size goals.

Nikki

[Fiona123]

Maybe 10-12 years ago I was 5'6" & & weighed 235 pounds. You can imagine how fat I was. I started exercising at a gym daily before work. Last Friday I was 175. I still eat pretty poorly. I have stopped drinking though. Weight loss is complicated. It's a daily struggle. The important thing is to try.

[Aunt Kelly]

Bravo, Fiona! You have nailed it. You're "The important thing is to try" advice is the best. My numbers were similarly bad when I set out on my weight loss journey. I still have a long way to go, but I know I will get there, in no small part to the loving encouragement that you and others provide here.

Hugs,


Kelly

[LaurenDeHart]

Interesting article.

https://www.yahoo.com/beauty/what-average-size-16-women-really-1536527233409078.html

I have a tendency to stay away from the "organized" weight programs as they are all a business looking to take your money. All the information you need to be successful is out there and I know that we have a few members that are highly trained in the subject and related areas.

Four times a week I get in front of my TV with EA Sports Active 2. It is available for most game consoles and reasonably priced. As a former gym rat I can tell you that you get a full body workout. In 30 to 40 minutes I am sweating buckets. Coupled with a sensible diet it works. I've dropped 14 pounds since January. It is quite diverse and keeps changing things up on you to alleviate boredom. Plenty of biofeedback and it is sensitive to your age and weight. I own a number of Wii fitness "games" but this one kicks butt and takes names later. Some people like the Zumba "games" but you really have to know how to Zumba first.

Lauren

[cindy777]

Well the weight loss continues over 11 lbs now since starting over a month ago. My clothes do feel loser and started going to the gym today. I joined weight watchers and I am really learning what foods I can eat and ones I have to limit or decide if they are worth eating.

As I love chocolate and sweets, in addition to, snacking I have really started to develop healthy habits and a positive attitude towards food. Now I write down everything I plan on eating that day and then figure out if it is worth eating or not. I have relearned to savor the food I am eating and can always fill up on fruit or vegetables if I am hungry.

It is nice to finally understand (at least modestly) what food I should eat and what amount. Losing weight and keeping it off is thru healthy eating and fitness is a life long commitment, as well I am looking forward to having a more girlish figure and buying small size dress lol.

[kimdl93]

Good for you...slow and steady changes...and you'll make your goal!

[Beverley Sims]

Cindy,
The trick is to keep it down, go for it. :-)

[rachelatshop]

Way to go Cindy, I knew you could do it. Keep up the good work and you will be at your targets before you know it.

[AmyVanessa]

That is awesome Cindy!!
Keep it up wishing you the best.

[alwayshave]

Cindy, that's great. I have been on a low carb and Exercise plan for a month and have lost 15 pounds with only 65 to reach my target weight.

[Salina]

That's awesome Cindy! Way to go!! I'm also on a weight loss journey, 23 down, and 31 to go. One thing that's really helped me is drinking water almost exclusively, I do have 1-2 cups of coffee daily, other than that about 98% water only.

[Stacy Darling]

You are correct Cindy in saying that healthy eating and fitness is a life long commitment.
Your plan of attack seems good so keep it up.
You may be surprised how good you will feel once you have reached your goal, inside and out.

[Lana Mae]

Way to go, Cindy! Work your plan it seems to be working well for you! Best wishes for continued success! Hugs Lana Mae

[bridget thronton]

Congrats on losing 10 pounds - hope you have continued success

[prettytoes]

Good luck to you! I'm down 35 lbs since starting my weight loss journey in August. My motivation seems to be all the pretty activewear that's out there for my girly side. I love the bright neon colors. I have a drawer full of running skirts and racerback tops to go with them...and of course matching sports bras! I have 3 pairs of women's sneakers...baby blue with neon yellow trim, silver with pink, yellow and purple, and my favorites are bright pink with black and sea-green trim. I do 2 miles every morning on the treadmill or elliptical, and I weight train 3 times a week on a Bowflex. I don't try to pass, I just like the look and feel of pretty things, so muscle build-up is not a bad thing for me.
Keep at it and you will triumph! I'm went for size 16 jeans to size 12, and still going strong.