Brenda's Wish Journal - Goal to lose 150 lbs

[pankyg]

Reading alot of the other journals on this thread inspired me to start one of my own. I'm a 42 year old single mother of 2 beautiful kids. My DD is 8 and my DS is 3 1/2. We've been going through a really rough patch and I've gained so much weight it's disgusting.

I'm now tiping the scale at 275 lbs and I'm only 5'2". I'm now suffering from health issues due to my large size. I can't stand the way people look at me and the way I feel anymore. Most of all I want to be around to raise my kids. I'm all they have (since their dad is a whole other issue and only sees them once a week for 2 hours). They are my life. I'm just having trouble getting motivated and staying motivated.

I can't afford weight watchers or a gym. I'd love to get some tips and advice from anyone out there trying to lose weight. I've just lost all sense of direction when it comes to eating healthy. I also don't want to see my kids battle a weight issue either.

My daughter gets embarrassed to be seen with me in public at times and it kills me. I don't want that to happen anymore. Also my family isn't incredibly supportive. My father and step-mother attack my weight issue everytime I see them. All my brother says is "If I did it you can do it. I don't know what your problem is." It's easy for him to say when he is single and doesn't have
2 jobs, no money and 2 children to raise on his own like I do. It's easy for him to spend 2 hours in the gym everyday after work. I don't have that luxury.

I've decided today is the first day of the rest of my life. I actually walked my daughter to school instead of driving her (it is only 4 blocks each way). I'm even considering walking my son to his speech class. It's about 8 or 10 block, but it will do me good. I had a cup of cheerios with a bananna and 1% milk for breakfast.

It's a start.

Any tips or advice would be welcome!!

Thanks!!

Brenda

 

[donac]

Welcome to the Dis WISH There are a lot of inspiring people around here.

The first place to start is to figure out how much you eat each day and start cutting down from there. I have found that the best way to watch what I eat is to pack lunch for work.

Good luck on this journey. If you need a place to find out the calorie count of foods a good place to look is at sparkpeople.com It is a free website and has great ideas about food and exercise.

 

[Amy&Dan]

Brenda, welcome to Wish! This is a great place to find support and unconditional friendship.

It sounds like you are at a low in life which is painful but that also means there is nowhere to go but up! You can do this. Any woman strong enough to raise two kids alone, work two jobs and admit she has a problem is a very strong person. You can tap into that strength and by putting your health as a priority you can do it!

My best advice is to take your weight in increments. Start with a 5% goal. Roughly 13 pounds. Just take it in small steps. That website donac mentioned is a good one.

I also love the Walk Away the Pounds DVD's. They are easy to do in your own home, not at all complicated and the woman who does them is very motivational and upbeat without being one of those annoying, perky, super thin tv fitness bimbo's! I know you don't know me, but as you can see by my postings, I have been around WiSH and the disboards for years. I have an extra Walk Away the Pounds DVD, and I would be more than happy to mail it to you if you'd like to send me a pm and where to send it. If that isn't comfortable to you or it doesn't sound like of interest to you I totally understand!

I look forward to reading more of your journal. Just remember you can do anything. Many people lose weight without gyms, WW or other plans. It can be done. Good luck and believe in yourself!

 

[toystoryduo]

Hi Brenda,

Welcome to WISH!! We are so glad that you joined us here!

First of all, I want to send a gentle your way. It sounds like you have been through a lot lately.

I think Amy's idea of setting up weight loss in increments is a good idea. You can also set up rewards for yourself once you reach those goals that will help keep you motivated.

Cutting calories, adding more fruits and vegetables, and drinking lots of water are good ways to help jump start weight loss. In terms of exercise, be sure to start off slowly. Maybe set up a schedule where you walk 15 minutes a day and you can increase that amount as you go. The Walk Away the Pounds DVDs that Amy mentioned sound like a great way to get started as well.

Above all else, know that you CAN do this!!!! We are here to support you and encourage you to accomplish each and every one of your goals.

We're glad that you're here, Brenda! You CAN do this!!!!

 

[Plumeria]

Hi Brenda!

At 215 pounds, I too have a lot of work to do! I feel similar to how you feel, and it's time for a change.

I started a journal this week too. Hopefully we both can get a lot of support on here and meet our goals.

Good luck to you, and if you need anyone to talk with, let me know!