New to Core, Lost ~ 50 lbs on regular WW

[hippechld]

Hi everyone! I am Stephanie, I am almost 25, have a daughter, Rebekah who is 16 months old and I am married. I started plain ole WW 1/1/06 and have since lost ~ 50 lbs. I now weigh 143, and my goal is 140. I weighed in at 139.6 3 weeks ago (140 is my goal) so I am on maitenance. I have GOT to be back down to 140 in 3 weeks and I am not eating above my 20 points per day and I am constantly STARVING. Like physical hunger starving. The I drank 2 bottles of water and my tummy is talking STILL starving. Maybe core is the way for me to go. I am an avid journaler...I put EVERYTHING in my journal, good or bad. I am frustrated and almost just gave up last week. A few months ago I tried to do atkins, but after being on such a low cal regime for so long, I gained 10 lbs after the 2 week induction and went back to regular WW and lost the 10 pounds again. I work out 2-3 times a week for 45 min to an hour on the elliptical. Has anyone had this happen to them, where after 50 pounds of loss, you stall and gain without even changing your diet. I don't feel like I can cut any more food out of my diet. I get shakey (no NOT Shakey's) at about 10 am, then about 2, then about 4, then about 8...like I need to eat something because my blood sugar is low. I try to reserve points for these times, like some grapes or other fruit. This has turned into a book. I just wanted to say thanks for such an invaluable resource. Any insight anyone can offer would be VERY much appreciated, my leader has no tips on core, or even support for core.

[becky]

Welcome, Stephanie,
Congratulations on your weight loss. You look great.

My first guess is that you're starving yourself and slowing down your metabolism. Two recommendations by dieticians for speeding up the metabolism:
1- No skipping meals. Ideally, eat 5-6 small meals a day, each with a mix of carbs, fat, and lean protein.
2-Regular activity-a balance of resistance training and aerobic, or cardio.

Core is a great plan to fuel your body at the level you need, withou going hungry. The program materials are a good start, and since your leader offers little help, you can find lots of support, tips, recipes, etc here on this board.

Good luck in your continued success at a healthy weight. Don't ever give up.

[hippechld]

Thanks, Becky! I do feel like I am starving myself. While 20 points a day was okay for short term goals, it feels like the longer I am on program, the hungrier I have become. Can't wait to start core in the morning. I feel that I have all the "ammo" that I need - recipes, tips, thoughts...I will keep you posted

[girliepurple]

Hi, Stepanie - I love your moniker hippiechild, lol, great!

I have to agree with Becky, I think you look great. You don't say how tall you are but you may be starving yourself for the wrong reasons because your body may WANT to be no less than 142 and will fight you every step of the way...you look great, how do you feel besides hungry, LOL your body is trying to tell you something...why not 143 instead of 140, why is it so important you get to that number. Good health and a toned body is more important than the number.

Core may be the plan for you if you want to avoid processed foods....I don't know if you're a snacker on the bad stuff but again like Becky said...5-6 small meals a day or 3 good meals with 2 snacks...Core healthy food snacks.

Glad you joined us! Stick around, you will learn a lot! Good luck and do NOT give up due to a weight #. WW is the best plan around!

[hippechld]

Sorry, I'm 5'4" and 140 is the upper limit of my WW goal, thats the only number concern I have I'm not unhappy with the way I look or feel besides being hungry on my prescribed ww points level. I have been eating junky but low point snacks (evil 100 calorie packs) but I do eat a LOT of healthy snacks as well...I am eating 10 baby carrots as my snack right now, as I just hit a "I'm stttaaarrrvvvviiinnnggg" spell I'm really afraid of not getting my lifetime in 3 weeks and I have been trying SO hard....blllahhhh. But tomorrow is a new day, with a new CORE beginning in store for me.

[girliepurple]

Don't rush yourself, Stephanie...you have done phenomenal and should be so proud but don't set time limits...remember this is for life so once you hit goal and lifetime you will have to do this forever...get used to it and don't stress!! ;D

You can always change your WW goal, your leader should be able to help you with that...you can try Core, not only because it's great (we're prejudiced here! lol) but because it may "jump start" you down toward where you want to be, this plan does that for a lot of people...but still your body may want to be 143. Core is still wonderful though for not feeling hungry...you just have to watch that comfort zone.

I am 5'3 3/4" and a medium build...my weight range according to WW is 117 to 146 pounds..HELLO...I will never see 130 again let alone 117 so I went toward the high end of the range and settled for 145 but I like to keep myself closer to 143...but that's me. It took me 19 months to lose 23 pounds and I was frustrated many times but it feels so good to be here and I want to stay here. You can do it!!

Let us know how you love Core!

[hippechld]

OK!! I have started my core plan today! I feel very satisfied so far. For breakfast I had oatmeal with splenda, and I think I'm going to have an orange for my mid morning snack attack. My friend Tess from work should be joining us soon. She's my at work accountability parter. 5 of the ladies in my office are on WW too, but they are not core. It's a great support group inside my ww support group. Can't wait to keep it HARD CORE!

[nightsinge]

Welcome, welcome!! I started a month after you did and have lost over 50 lbs too. Yay, us!

I've done it all on core--the entire time. There have been times when I ate more or was especially hungry, but I'm learning to see and be in touch with my body's signals. Sometimes it WILL be more hungry due to times in our cycles, activity, or other factors.

One of the things I love about core is that we use healthful foods and really, really learn to pay attention to hunger and satisfaction. I hope you find the plan as wonderful as we all do, and that you post regularly. This is a strong, supportive group of people!

I also agree that the number you're shooting for is less important than what you and your body agree on. You can always get a note from your doctor that says your goal should be 145. WW will accept it, then you can still try for 140 if you like, but have more room to play with as you learn maintenance.

I wish you every success, and congratulations on your hard work and new path! ;D

[becky]

Just a quick suggestion.
If you have a bit of protein at every meal, including snacks, you might find you won't get as hungry as quickly. Simple Carbs, like fruit, give you quick energy, but wear off soon. I like to have a piece of core cheese, or lean sliced meat, or a boiled egg with a piece of fruit.

Good luck with Core: it's a great way to live and lose.

[katelight]

Hi Hippechld. Welcome to Kippy's. Congratulations on your amazing journey. I've lost 80lbs all Core and have been lifetime for a year now. This is such a lifetime, livable plan. I knew I couldn't be tied to a points budget for the rest of my life, but Core... I can do.
I'm really learning the importance of having some protein at every meal. I've had shredded wheat & bran cereal, with fruit everyday for almost 2 years. I've just started having some cottage cheese, or some sort of protein with my breakfast and am amazed at how much longer this sticks with me. I was also getting the low sugar shakes, but not any more.
Just a little warning... some people experience a small, short lived, gain when switching from flex to core. Your body just wants to rebel a little bit at the change. I'm not trying to discourage you in any way, but just want you to know of this possibility.
If you haven't already check out the Challenge board and also the journals. Great information and encouragement there.
Good luck.
Katie

[hippechld]

Wow guys, thanks. I am so inspired by seeing that it can work for me. I feel great today - I took the protein advice and had a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast and i'm having fruit and cottage cheese for my snack attack Last night for my night time munchie I had an almond joy smoothie, it was delish and I didnt snack at all after that - i was really full. The points thing was great when I was starting out, but as an on the go mom - it is just too much to worry about!!! I love the freedom I have and guess what - I lost 1/2 a pound (prob. water but shhhh it's helping my motivation) Thanks so much for all of the responces. I am SO glad I found you all!

[nightsinge]

We're glad too! Hey, it's never too late to join us over at challenge central. All you need is a goal that you want to work on from now till Labor Day. It can be a weight number, a non-weight goal such as getting in the good health guidelines or eating slowly--or both!

[nanajana]

Glad I found you too... 3 weeks on Core and 10# down. I love it. I dragged my DH with me
and he has lost 7#. He is diabetic and so this should be our way of life. I just need this reinforcement. Core Meatloaf tonight and sweet potatoes, steamed veggies and a glass of milk. Who could not love this diet!

[nightsinge]

Hi there, and welcome! Core rocks, you're so right. ;D

I'm a diabetic too and have cut down my insulin almost completely. My numbers have never been better! Good luck to your husband and enjoy your new, healthful life!