Lobke’s 75-Pound Weight-Loss Secrets: Weight Watchers and Fitbit – POPSUGAR
Lobke's 75-Pound Weight-Loss Secrets: Weight Watchers and Fitbit
After her "aha!" moment, Lobke Meulemeester from the UK realized she had to change her habits to live a healthier life. Starting at 233 pounds, she's used Weight Watchers and Fitbit to lose 75 but she still lives a life of balance, sharing that even now she has days where she doesn't go to the gym and gets takeout ("takeaway," in UK terms!) instead. And while she always gets her steps in, she has a little chocolate every day.
POPSUGAR: What made you decide to start your weight-loss journey?
Lobke Meulemeester: I came to a point in my life where doing simple tasks like walking became difficult. Walking short distances gave me a backache; I got short of breath. I was borderline diabetic. I knew things had to change if I wanted to prolong my life. But it wasn't only physical my mental state was also suffering. I had no confidence in myself and didn't care anymore. I didn't care what I looked like or what I wore.
I have always been a little overweight as a kid, even though I was quite active. And this continued through adulthood but escalated after my mother suddenly died back in October 2013. Dieting and losing weight got put back and I wasn't on my mind at all.
PS: Was there one program or method that you used?
LM: I had used Weight Watchers before so I thought I'd give it another go. I followed the program, combined with exercise and daily hour-long walks while being on lunch break at work. I got myself a Fitbit and tracked my daily steps. I enjoyed doing the challenges with people all over the world and it got me walking in all sorts of weather. Before Weight Watchers, I had tried a few different weight-loss programs like SlimFast, calorie-counting, and shakes. I had lost weight but always ended up regaining after going back to normal foods.
PS: What's your favorite way to work out?
LM: I love to go to classes. I find it more fun than just using the cardio machines, although I do plow through it sometimes as I know that's what works for me.
PS: What's your weekly exercise schedule?
LM: It depends. I try and go to the gym three times a week but I never set myself a target or set days; I go when I feel like it. Sometimes I have days where I can't face it and go home and have takeaway instead. It's all about balance!
PS: How do you keep workouts exciting?
LM: I try and switch it up as much as I can. I go to different classes and do a day of HIIT cardio in between.
PS: What was the first big difference, other than the number on the scale, that really made you feel proud and excited?
LM: It was the confidence I gained while losing weight. Not only did I feel so much better and more alive, but I also started to love how I looked as a result. My skin was glowing, I was smiling more, and I started enjoying clothes shopping again.
PS: How do you track your weight loss?
LM: I use the Weight Watchers app but I also have a sheet I made in my kitchen at the moment where I track the days until I go on holiday which I cross off every day so I can keep motivated and on track until then. It's good to have goals to work toward.
PS: What's a typical day of meals and snacks?
LM: I start my day with a good, filling protein breakfast that will keep me going until 11-ish. Lunch would also be a sandwich with a good amount of protein like chicken. I make sure I have plenty of fruit with me to snack on during the day, and I also make sure I have a little treat in the afternoon with a cup of coffee to keep me going. Being Belgian, that's mostly chocolate!
PS: Do you count calories? What's the range of calories you eat per day?
LM: No. I have tried using the MyFitnessPal app before and it's just not for me. I want something that's easy and doesn't require me to weigh everything I eat.
PS: What are the healthy staples that are always in your fridge?
LM: You will always find yogurts, pineapple, almond milk, eggs, precooked chicken, and gherkins [pickles] in my fridge.
PS: How do you strategize for meals out?
LM: I always have one day where I have a treat meal and dessert. I always choose what I want as I think it's important to listen to your cravings. I have learned from experience it doesn't end well if you ignore them. So one day, I will have something I've fancied all week and a nice dessert to follow, that way I feel refreshed for the week ahead.
PS: How did the Fitbit help you on your journey?
LM: I got myself a Fitbit when I first started my fitness journey. It helped me get more steps in on a regular basis as I have an office job and it's actually astonishing to see how little steps you do in a day. So I started taking two 10-minute breaks and walk around the car park, as well as walking on my one-hour lunch every single day. On top of that, I would go to the gym three times a week. I did challenges with people all over the world and it can get quite competitive. Sometimes I ended up walking in the rain just so I could win the workweek hustle!
PS: What advice do you have for anyone starting out on a weight-loss journey?
LM: Don't expect it to happen overnight. This will be a long process but one that will be totally worth it. It will become easier once you are a few weeks in. Don't get upset when you are having an off day; we all get those. I've skipped the gym many times for takeaway and treats instead. It's life. Take one day at a time. Every day is a fresh start. Just never stop, never give up. You will get there, one day at a time.
Image Source: Lobke Meulemeester
8 of the Best Weight-Loss Programs For Women
by Dominique Astorino 1/13
Try to Control Your Excitement: Fitbit Launched 2 New Products, Tory Burch Accessories, and More
by Dominique Astorino 9/02/16
Amanda Took Her Health Into Her Own Hands and Lost 86 Pounds
by Dominique Astorino 8/17/16
Police Used Fitbit Data to Charge a Husband With His Wife's Murder
by Ann-Marie Alcntara 4/30
Solve the Brain-Teaser That Is Driving People on Facebook Insane
by Kelsey Garcia 6/01
View post:
Lobke's 75-Pound Weight-Loss Secrets: Weight Watchers and Fitbit - POPSUGAR
- How To Lose Weight - How to Start - Healthy Weight Loss - Losing Weight The Hard Way Antishay Q [Last Updated On: May 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 7th, 2011]
- Weight Loss Time Lapse: 84 Days In 48 Seconds [Last Updated On: May 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 7th, 2011]
- Photoshop: Virtual Weight Loss in Photoshop! (HD) [Last Updated On: May 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 8th, 2011]
- TDM - 80 - Small Weight Loss Update [Last Updated On: May 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 16th, 2011]
- 500 Before and After Weight Loss Pictures! Amazing! [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2011]
- How I lost 90 pounds and kept it off [Last Updated On: May 22nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 22nd, 2011]
- PCOS Weight Loss Journey [Last Updated On: May 31st, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 31st, 2011]
- My Weight Loss Journey [Last Updated On: May 31st, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 31st, 2011]
- Sara Rue's Amazing Weight Loss [Last Updated On: June 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 3rd, 2011]
- Teen Weight Loss Tips! [Last Updated On: June 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 6th, 2011]
- Woman Shares 150 Lb. Weight Loss Secret [Last Updated On: June 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 8th, 2011]
- Weight Loss Before [Last Updated On: June 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 9th, 2011]
- Weight Loss Workout | Circuit Training [Last Updated On: June 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 13th, 2011]
- Weight Loss Challenge - Are You With Me? [Last Updated On: June 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 19th, 2011]
- Health Beat: Weight-Loss Surgery For Men? [Last Updated On: June 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 20th, 2011]
- Easy Weight Loss Tips- Benji's Health Advice [Last Updated On: June 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 25th, 2011]
- New approach to weight loss [Last Updated On: June 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 28th, 2011]
- Raven Symone Discusses Weight Loss, New Sitcom 'State of Georgia' (06.23.11) [Last Updated On: July 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 8th, 2011]
- INSPIRING WEIGHT LOSS BEFORE AND AFTER PICTURES (195 pounds - 150 pounds) [Last Updated On: July 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 14th, 2011]
- 20 Minute Weight Loss [Last Updated On: July 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 17th, 2011]
- Weight Watchers weight loss myths debunked [Last Updated On: July 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 19th, 2011]
- Supersize vs Superskinny | Fear of Food | Channel 4 [Last Updated On: July 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 24th, 2011]
- Rambling about Fat, Weight Loss, Biggest Loser July 13 2011 [Last Updated On: July 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 28th, 2011]
- Weight Loss Tip: Fat Burners [Last Updated On: July 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 30th, 2011]
- Preventing Binges, Abs, Weight Loss Questions Answered! [Last Updated On: July 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 30th, 2011]
- Toronto Weight Loss Boot Camp [Last Updated On: August 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 1st, 2011]
- UFC Personal Trainer: Matt Weight Loss Trailer [Last Updated On: August 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 5th, 2011]
- Weight Loss Success Story - 70 Lbs. In 7 Months! [Last Updated On: August 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 6th, 2011]
- Weight Loss Vlog 4: 20 days of dieting [Last Updated On: August 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 6th, 2011]
- Does *HCG* Work For Weight Loss? [Last Updated On: August 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 8th, 2011]
- WLS'ers Tips to Overcome a Weight Loss Stall [Last Updated On: August 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 9th, 2011]
- Mary Beth Can't Be The Biggest Loser? [Last Updated On: August 10th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 10th, 2011]
- Easy to Make Healthy Meal for Weight Loss [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 17th, 2011]
- Home ab workout: crunch exercise for 6-pack abs [Last Updated On: August 22nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 22nd, 2011]
- Wargaming Weight Loss Challenge - 10th Weigh In [Last Updated On: August 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 27th, 2011]
- Weight Loss #Vlog 2 : Weigh in [Last Updated On: August 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 28th, 2011]
- Extreme Weight Loss: Two Women Transform Lives [Last Updated On: August 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 29th, 2011]
- Wow More Weight Loss On My Juice Fast [Last Updated On: September 2nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 2nd, 2011]
- What i eat during my weight loss journey? [Last Updated On: September 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 4th, 2011]
- Best Weight Loss Tips For Women [Last Updated On: September 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 4th, 2011]
- Weight Loss Muscle Building Tip - Its OK To Have Cheat Meals or Days [Last Updated On: September 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 6th, 2011]
- Day 54 - Juide Diet Plan Update! [Last Updated On: September 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 15th, 2011]
- Best Raw Food Diet For Weight Loss [Last Updated On: September 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 17th, 2011]
- Elite Weight Loss Program [Last Updated On: September 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2011]
- Weight Loss Vlog #5 [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2011]
- Juice Fasting - Detox to Jump-Start Weight Loss [Last Updated On: September 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 26th, 2011]
- Day 43 - Juice Diet Weight Loss Still Going [Last Updated On: September 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 28th, 2011]
- New Psychedelic Weight Loss Drug Transforms Food Into Monstrous Hallucinations [Last Updated On: September 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 30th, 2011]
- 132 pounds in 56 weeks update to my weight loss journey I'm sick and tired of being FAT [Last Updated On: October 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 3rd, 2011]
- Green Smoothies For Weight Loss Rock [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Weight Loss Motivation- Health or Beauty, The Photoshop Effect, Psychetruth Nutrition [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Free Juice Fasting Ebook [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Get six pack abs in 6 minutes on your couch. This Works! [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Best Weight Loss Practice And Eating Properly [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- Day 15: 30 Day Weight Loss Journey [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- Weight Loss Vlog 3: Staying Motivated Alone [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- My amazing weight loss journey - Video [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2011]
- Weight Loss Vlog #1 - Video [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2011]
- WEIGHT LOSS! - Video [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2011]
- Bodyweight Cardio - Video [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2011]
- My easy weight loss secret - Video [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2011]
- I LOST WEIGHT! - Video [Last Updated On: October 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 18th, 2011]
- Newtopia- Weight Loss. Healthy Living. Personalized. - Video [Last Updated On: October 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 19th, 2011]
- The Reality of Reality Weight Loss Tv - James Garrison of Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition - Video [Last Updated On: October 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 19th, 2011]
- POP Pilates for Weight Loss - Video [Last Updated On: October 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 19th, 2011]
- FASTING for WEIGHT LOSS- The Safest Way to NOT Eat and Lose Weight (Ramadan) - Video [Last Updated On: October 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 20th, 2011]
- Shake Weight Loss - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2011]
- Ask Anna: Relationships, Bodyshapes [Last Updated On: October 22nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 22nd, 2011]
- Raw Food Weight Loss - Video [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2011]
- 200 POUND WEIGHT LOSS EATING FRUITS AND VEGETABLES - Video [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2011]
- Fat Joe talks weight loss,New single with Chris Brown, New project, [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2011]
- Jonah Hill on His Amazing Weight Loss - Video [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2011]
- Kids Yoga, Stressful Co-workers, Weight Loss [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2011]
- 33lbs Lost! Before [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2011]
- Cannabis 4 Crohn's: Weight loss [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2011]
- Peace, Love [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2011]
- Fat Joe Speaks On His Massive Weight Loss - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2011]
- Wednesday Weigh In Inspiring Weight Loss Story - Video [Last Updated On: November 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 4th, 2011]
- The Last 40 Pounds - Lose Weight witout Dieting - Video [Last Updated On: November 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 4th, 2011]
- Long Overdue Video Update - Video [Last Updated On: November 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 4th, 2011]