AngelicFruitcake - Same Old Me Again Today

[AngelicFruitcake]

Hello all. I am new to the WISH boards, and sort of new to Disboards. I am not new to struggling with my weight.

So....I guess I am starting one of these because maybe if I keep a journal in a public space I may be more motivated. Possibly.

I have struggled with my weight for the last 10 years. I used to actually be too skinny, and then I had my daughter and never lost the weight. Then I had my son and gained even more weight. I developed sleep apnea (unknown to me at the time) which contributed to me gaining even more weight.

I got up to 200 pounds at one point, then two summers ago I lost 55 pounds. But then I took a promotion which equaled about 1000x more stress and along with a patch of gray hair, I also gained back almost all the weight I had lost.

I decided a few months ago that I really need to make a change. I've spent my entire 20's being unhappy with my body, and now, on the cusp of my 30's I don't want to spend another decade hating the way I look.

I went to the gym regularly and walked 2 miles every day at lunch, but I started to get frustrated when I wasn't seeing results. So, I started tracking calories and started the 30 Day Shred routine, which totally kicked my butt, but still wasn't yielding any results. Probably about 3 weeks ago, I gave up altogether.

I know what my main struggles are, and numero uno is carbs. I am a carb addict. Bread, potatoes, pasta, whatever, I love it. Also, it helps that it's cheap (the uber stressful promotion did not come with an equal raise in pay) and easy (when I don't get to start cooking dinner until 7:00, convenience is key).

My other problem is protein. As in, I never seem to get enough. Who knew protein was so hard to get? I track my nutrition through sparkpeople.com and I always come in under their protein recommendation.

I get bored with food easily as well. I was doing good at work with the Healthy Choice meals, but after a couple weeks of those I had had enough.

We have a trip to Disney planned for next September and my main goal is to be able to wear a costume to MNSSHP with the kids, and feel good about it. (Being able to wear a bathing suit without cringing next summer would be an added bonus.)

Ideally, as of the weigh-in I just did (first time in 3 weeks) I would like to lose 53 pounds. But I just don't know how to get myself started. Nothing is more frustrating to me than killing myself working out and then gaining weight.

I've considered Weight Watchers because I have a lot of friends who speak highly of it, but it's a bit pricey and I have concerns about investing that money in something that may not work.

I am open to any suggestions, and welcome any support.

 

[lolakat]

Hi and welcome to the WISH journals. I think you've taken a great first step just by starting a journal here. I know mine has given me a great sense of accountability that I think has helped me along.

It sounds like you do a great job getting your exercise in but struggle more with food. Exercise is so important but when I think about how much exercise I have to do to burn 3500 calories (= 1 lb) it can be overwhelming. That's why I think controlling calorie intake is really the key to weight loss success and exercise is a bonus for overall good health and for keeping weight off.

I have had a lot of success with weight watchers and I'm sure other folks will come along with other good alternatives. If price is a concern maybe you could just try the on-line version for a bit and see how it goes. You could always cancel in a month if it doesn't work for you.

Best of luck as you get started. I look forward to following along on your journey!!

 

[Jaaaacki]

I felt like I just read my story.

I too gained weight after having children, have sleep apnea, and it's a struggle to find time to exercise. Carbs are my enemy, it's so hard to go without them. And I'll be 30 next summer.

I wish you lots of luck meeting your goal. I'll be following your progress.