How Long Does it Take to Lose 10 Pounds {My Story!}
How long it’s taken me to lose 10 lbs, and the things I’ve learned along the way!
Last November I decided I needed to stop the weight creep before I returned back to my pre-weight loss size.
I hit 117 lbs in the fall (my starting weight). While I know that isn’t alarming in itself, it did make me a little nervous because the scale was increasing, and I didn’t want to have to start all over again where I was 3 years ago. I would really like to be better at maintenance though so I don’t have to get to a point where I have to be so meticulous about my diet. (and I’m only 5’0″ for reference)
But, since November 5th when I wrote this post declaring I would continue to share my food every day until I lost 10 lbs (thinking it would take me 30 days. hahahaha), it has officially taken 24 weeks. 6 months! Losing 1/2 pound per week. But the last 6lbs was in the last 6 weeks. My weigh-in to officially mark the 10lb point was April 27th. (read factors to consider how long it really takes to lose weight here.)
I know I could’ve lost it quicker, but to be honest, I think the restriction necessary to do it faster probably wasn’t worth it. Between November 5th and this week, I had my birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas, a cruise, etc. So, being 100% all the time, really wasn’t as important to me.
However, it’s important to say, I NEVER gave up. I got right back at it the day after not tracking. I never stopped. I enjoyed my life, and I met my goal.
It also should be noted that while I started off with 1500 calories (probably more due to untracked or unweighed food), I did have to drop to 1200 calories in the last 6 weeks to see the scale start to move.
And at the end of the day, 6 months, while It might seem like a long time to stick with a plan, upon reflection, it’s not that long! On reflection, the time is going to pass anyway, so why not reach your goals once and for all!
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What I’ve learned about weight loss
What I’ve learned is
- Unless I’m tracking, when I think I’m in a calorie deficit, I’m really not. Naturally, being a lover of food, I will always push the limits of what I think is the right amount. (SEE THE TIK TOK BELOW! It is me to the nth degree!
- I’ve learned 1 day of overeating can take 3-4 days to recover from. And by recover, I mean, have my weight return to what it was before the ONE indulgent day.
- I’ve learned that I’m not allowed to say, “This isn’t working”, unless I’m 1000% honest with weighing my food (again, see tiktok above!)
- I’ve learned that consistency is the key above all else. 6 days of eating in a deficit and 1 day of overeating for me usually equals a 7 day average of no deficit at all.
- I’ve learned that the less time I spend in the kitchen, the less I think about food.
- I’ve learned that with the a strong enough “why”, I actually DO have self discipline.
- I’ve learned that I can still lose weight WHILE eating delicious food.
- I’ve learned that I love weight training.
- I’ve learned I really like the feeling of being “full” – Forget those “mini-meals! I like BIG, high volume meals”.
- Because of my size, I’ve learned I do need to eat pretty low calories to see weight loss. And that’s OK. It’s not “unfair”. It’s just science.
- I’ve learned the scale can fluctuate a LOT and I shouldn’t let it create drama in my life.
- I’ve learned, calories between meals can REALLY add up. (see my 3 meals a day diet here)
Anyway, what have you learned about weight loss?
Full day of eating at 1385 calories!
So, now that I’m VERY close to my goal, and I still have 5 weeks till the bikini show, I’m increasing my calories to around 1300-1400 calories and hopefully I can keep it there for the next 5 weeks, and just really come in looking full and healthy!
𝟏𝟑𝟖𝟓 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬
𝟏𝟓𝟖 𝐠 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐢𝐧, 𝟏𝟎𝟕 𝐠 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐬, 𝟑𝟓 𝐠 𝐟𝐚𝐭
- 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐭: 1 cup egg whites. 1whole egg, 100 g blueberries, 125 g banana, 45 g mushrooms, 2 slices turkey bacon,
- 𝐋𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡:. Salad with 6 ounces chicken breasts, 150 g cucumber, 2 tablespoon bolthouse ranch dressing, 1/2 ounce shredded cheese, 50 g carrots, 5 cherry tomatoes, and croutons!
- 𝐒𝐧𝐚𝐜𝐤 Blueberry protein waffles! 100 g blueberries, 1/2 cup egg whites, 1 scoop vanilla protein powder.
- 𝐃𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫 125 g asparagus, 100 g sweet potato, and 6 ounces chicken breasts
Amy, I truly like the way you think and how you keep yourself accountable. You are a true inspiration and such a prolific blogger as well… You inspire me a lot.
Best wishes
Gulbin
Thank you so much!!
Good morning! I just found you on Pinterest and came to your website. I am so excited. I had weight loss surgery one year ago. I have not lost a pound (and actually have gained 8 pounds from my lowest weight) in six months. I am still not able to eat a lot, but I am so frustrated with the devil in the scale. I have been working with a nutritionist, but I feel she doesn’t understand bariatric patients. I have had a difficult time knowing how to eat balanced or low fat/low carb. My fats have been the struggle. I love your meal plans and pictures. They are simple and don’t have a million ingredients. I am going to follow these plans and will report back. I am very disciplines. I know that I am not far off, but these changes will make a difference. I am looking to lose another 20-25 pounds. Thank you so much for your resources. I am so excited.
Thank you for sharing your story Michelle, and I’m glad you found me! I wish the best of luck to you, and would love to hear how it’s going!! Check in often, will you!?!
Thanks!
Amy
Thank you for this post. I am 5’0 (just under 70 yo) and would LOVE to get bk down to your top weight of 117 lbs. LOL
I am following your 1200 program w/o your level of exercise. In the weeks since I started, I am down 4 lbs…10 to go. BUt after reading your message I understand that what I thought would take 2 months…. will not. Sadly what I also learned is that my goal should be less than the 117. But, one goal at a time! Thank you
L
This is amazing Lorraine!
I’m so glad you shared with me.
You definitely don’t need to get below 117. I was actually *mostly happy there. I was just so afraid of the fact that I had been gaining, and I didn’t want to start from square one again!
but yes, it takes time, unfortunately. But not too long. It’s not years, so it feels manageable.
I’m so glad you’ve lost 4 lbs!! You’re amazing.
Amy
I admire how you stuck to you goal. I did it twice when training for a figure competition. It seems that I have to have that kind of pressure in order for me to stick with my program. I am now 60 and my husband does not really want to to compete again, so competing again is not an option. I find you blog motivating and inspiring. I won’t give up. I am 5′ 3″ (not as small as you) and have to have my calories from 1500 down to 1200 in order to lose weight. I have had to accept that I don’t need as many calories as I once thought. I love to fill full and I love food as well. I can’t wait to hear about your bikini competition. I am excited for you.
This entire message resonated with me so much!
I ALSO need that pressure to stick with it.
That is so great that you competed!! I love hearing from people who have been there too.
And, unfortunate but true, I also realized I don’t need as many calories as I once thought. Heck, my grandma at 99 years old was down to 4ft 8″ and I think she survived for the last 9 years on sub 1000 calories. Hope I never get there!! haha.
Thanks for following along! I can’t wait to share the competition in June with you!