Cats 7494 Journal ...Just beginning and not so scared anymore ...(comments welcome)

[cats7494]

Well, here I go. I was always a very muscular person – I played ALLLL the sports in High school…then I blew my knee, hit college, had a baby, got married, got divorced, gained weight, and became very sedentary. Sometimes I get so depressed just thinking about it.
I have gained 100 pounds since high school!!! I can hardly believe it myself... ME… the all state basketball and volleyball player!

I have, since November gained 50 pounds! Is that nuts or what!?!?! Well, I am an emotion-linked eater too! November was a wonderful and awful month for my DH, DD10, and myself. Wonderful – I got married to the man of my dreams. Awful – while we were on our honeymoon in Cancun, our house had a fire in it and we lost everything , worst of all - our beloved 2 cats and pet chinchilla. Completely devastating!

As you can probably see…. That was such a hard time for us…. I ate so much and still do…. It is what makes me feel better then I hate myself for doing it!
I have read the books, I bought the latest Atkins book…. How do you make yourself do it! How do you end the cycle of emotional eating?

I am sorry to rant to you all…. You don’t know me…. Maybe that is why I am able to do this…. More anonymous and “safe.”

I need to just get healthy, emotionally and physically. I “know” what I am supposed to do… I “know” how to exercise and how to eat right…. Just doing it!

Thanks for “listening”! Wish me luck as I begin this journey of healthiness!!

Cats

 

[wilderness01]

Good luck. It is hard breaking old habits. Take one day at a time and know you are now living a healthier life. It is a day to day struggle but with the right mindset and support you will have success. There are very supportive folks here, post often to your journal and visit others to see how they have been winning their battles.

 

[toystoryduo]

cats7494~
Welcome to the world of WISH journaling! First of all, sending your way for all that you have been through. Please don't feel like you have to apologize for telling us how you feel. Often times, that is what helps us on our weight loss journeys. We have all been through it and we are here to listen and lend you our support.

I was an athlete in high school too and was in pretty good shape through college. Once I started teaching, I gained quite a bit of weight because I didn't have time to go to the gym anymore. Then, I had two beautiful girls, put on more weight, and have been trying to take it all off since January of this year.

I think that weight loss is a journey... Some days we eat all of the right foods and some days we do not. Some days we exercise and some days we do not. I think that journaling helps a great deal because it allows me to express my feelings and sometimes identify the source of my emotional eating. It also helps me to keep track of my workouts and my meals when I post them.

Please know that we are behind you 100%! We are here to encourage you and support you.

Have a great Monday!!

Tracy

 

[Strings]

Hello Cats,

Welcome to the WISH journals. If you need support, this is the right place. I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Pets are so much like children that it is a huge blow to lose one,let alone 3. I'm sorry.

Emotional eating is something that most of us struggle with daily. Journalling has helped me battle that. I don't always win, but most of the time I do. I believe that my journal has helped me stay on track this time. I hope you find it helpful.

Beth

 

[DoeWDW]

Cats, welcome to the WISH Journal board! My journal has been the one thing that has kept me going - through the good times and the tough times. No matter how you're doing, please post to your journal, ESPECIALLY when things are tough. It will help you get back on track.

I'm so sorry to hear of your pets. My furbaby (a mini dachshund) means the world to me and I truly can't imagine the pain you must feel.

On the other hand, congratulations on your marriage! I hope your DH is supportive of your efforts to be healthier.

You asked how we end the cycle of emotional eating. I can only speak for myself. I haven't ended it. I have gotten better at it and I don't have emotional eating episodes nearly as often. I've started to recognize what situations might send me in that direction. I've started to realize what healthy foods I can eat instead of the carby foods I used to turn to. I've found lots of hints and tips on coping from other WISHers. I'm not sure I'll ever completely be free of emotional eating but I think that minimizing it is enough for me at the moment. I don't have to be perfect - just better than I used to be!

Glad you've decided to join us on the healthy living journey!

 

[cats7494]

After work, my DH and I are going to our fitness center that we have had membership to.
I like kickboxing, walking, dancing, aerobics..... I always feel so much better after I get done (and recooperate! haha)

I am a size 20...

Yes, I am putting this in here
I am 5'6 weigh 220 as of yesterday morning.

I need to eat more healthy.... I know of a group called TOPS that sounded sensible. I will attend a meeting of theirs next week. (first one available that I can go to - DD has softball games the other nights...

Goals:

1. Exercise at least 3-4 times a week for 30 minutes.
2. Drink more water.
3. Lift weights - strength train 2 times a week
4. Drink less pop - Unfortunately,I love Coke and Dr. Pepper
5. THINK POSITIVE

 

[CheapMom]

Your goals look great- very sensible and attainable!
I am so sorry about your house and pets. What a difficult way to start out in your marriage. I can't imagine the stress.
Well I know it seems like a lot- gaining 50 pounds in 8 months but it is not too different than what I (and many women) face after pregnancy. So don't feel like you have gotten yourself into a place that you can't get out of.
The good thing is that you are athletic and you probably can find some physical activity that will be enjoyable to you. If you just make a commitment to start excerising a few times a week and
make a simple eating goal like "I will drink 8 glasses of water and have no fast food this week" That would be a good start. I think if you start full throttle, cutting calories and excersising it may be too much too fast. So take it slow- remember- it took several months to put on the weight and it will take several months to take it off.
You can do it- if you hit a bump in the road (and you will- we all do) just forget it and get back on track asap.
I'm routing for ya!
mary

 

[cats7494]

I DID IT…. One whole day of being “good”
My DH and I went to our fitness center and worked out. He did treadmills, weights, and the bike. (He is in pretty good shape)
I did a Total Body Conditioning aerobic workout. It was a combination of step, hi and lo impact aerobics, and some weight training. It was 55 minutes long and it was hard, but I DID IT!! I was so proud and this is just the first step to getting healthy!
I even stayed away from fast food and pop all day!
I had a nice turkey sandwich for lunch and baked fish for dinner…. It was good!
Cheapmom, good point on the small goals! I am staying away from Coke/Dr. Pepper and fast food this week and will continue to exercise.
It was a little depressing at the class seeing the other women who were soooo thin and muscular…. BUT…. I reminded myself that I was there to get stronger and I can do it. (My goal of thinking positively is working so far – 1 whole day! Haha)
The teacher of the class was great and very supportive. She said I did great…that felt good to hear.

So, tonight my DD10 has a softball game and usually we would just go home afterwards and sack on the couch… my DH and I have both decided we can no longer do this. We will go on a walk at a nearby walking trail and my DD can ride her bike if she wants. She loves that! So… here’s to one more day and one more step towards losing weight and being healthy!

Thank you to everyone for all your support…. I am so glad I found this website!

 

[DoeWDW]

YAY!! All of our journeys began with one healthy day! You're on the right path - doesn't it feel great??

Be careful of starting too quick, of making too many changes all at once. If you start to feel overwhelmed by all the changes, then just scale back a little instead of giving up totally. We'll be here to help you through the rough spots so post to your journal, even if things aren't going the way you want them to, OK? We've all been there - none of us are perfect.

Hope you have a great day today!!

 

[cats7494]

I did pretty well yesterday. I did not drink ANY pop or eat any fast food -which is a MAJOR step for me... 2 whole days in a row

It is not much but it is a step in the right direction. I am keeping track of everything that I eat in this little food/exercise journal I bought. I list what I ate, when, where, calories, fat grams. So far, I have been able to stay under my "budgeted" calories per day.

I know I am just starting out... but at least I am still headed in the right direction. My DH has been very supportive and he is watching what is eating too. He just has a little belly - but he really does not have a weight issue. But he is still quite understanding of my desire to become more healthy.

It is important to teach my DD10 healthy eating habits... she is like me when I was a kid...could eat anything and I was so active in all sports - it really did not matter. She needs to learn more about healthy eating now before she ever gets to where I am... luckily she took after her dad's body type

well...have things to do now... better get back at it thanks for "listening" :

 

[tkd lisa]

Cats, welcome to WISH. You're doing great so far.

As many people here will tell you, the way we do it is by starting, and then starting again when we fall "off the wagon". This is a very supportive group of people.

I'd agree your goals are very achievable. I'd suggest you track with them for a couple of weeks, then either adjust the goals (if they aren't working well for you), keep them the same, or add a new goal or two (some people don't drink enough dairy for instance, so they added a goal for that).

I try to simplify what my "goals" are. For me, over the long run, I can't be bothered with adding up all those calories, or weighing all my food, or counting points. It just gets too hard, and I stop doing it. So my plan is very simple. I count servings of carbohydrates, and limit myself to a maximum of 3 servings in a meal. When I reach my goal, my maintenance should be 9 servings (not gs) in a day, but for now, I'm averaging between 3 and 5 a day. I truly think I've found an eating plan for life. I have been cheat free for 162 days and can honestly say it hasn't been at all hard. I can eat "fun" food within reason. And the only servings I have to "measure" are the carb ones.

I have a minimum goal to exercise 3 x per week, with a plan to exercise 4-5 times in a week. That's the one I haven't been meeting lately because of the weather, the kids, and school committments, but since the goal is simple, I know when I haven't met it.

Anyhow, sorry for rambling, but I wanted to say good luck! and you can do it! Welcome to journaling and WISH!

 

[wilderness01]

You are doing very well. Here's a big high five!

I agree with what TKD Lisa says. She has good words of wisdom. Don't try to take on too much at first. I once heard a trainer say to try and change one behavior at a time. Good for you for avoiding the pop, it does get much easier! Have a good one.

 

[Auntmeme]

Just wanted to WISH you a big welcome

You are doing great already! And isn't; it wonderful to have a supportive dh, not to mention the time you can spend together exercising, yahoo!

I always try to remember - I did not gain all this weight over night so I will not lose it overnight, it will take time. Take it day by day and if you fail to achiever a goal one day, you just come back and start over the next

Hope today was a good day!

 

[cats7494]

Thank you AUntmeme, TDK, and Wilderness for your welcome and advice! One day at a time!

I did pretty well yesterday.... had a grilled chicken salad for lunch yesterday, dinner was soup......

STILL NO POP! What is that 3 whole days in a row? haha!

I think my main thing is not getting discouraged. I have in the past started out with GREAT intentions - but got frustrated when I did not see results as quickly as I wanted.

I need to remind myself that it does take time...good point, I did not gain all this weight overnight - so I certainly can not expect to lose it over night!

Stepped on the scale - Why do I do that? I have gained weight... yes, I know muscle weighs more... but is it still annoying!

I think the journeling - keeping track of the food I eat every day helps... makes me more accountable for each bite I may take while cooking!

Still working on it!!!!

 

[wilderness01]

Congrats on staying away from the pop. It really does make such a difference. I was addicted to pop and now the taste is gross to me. I much prefer water which is really saying ALOT! Don't worry about the small gain. Muscle does weigh more. Have a great day.

 

[LAinSEA]

Cats:

Welcome to WISH journaling. It's what keeps me on plan and sane most days. Everyone is incredibly supportive and you can learn from our collective experiences, good and bad.

I'm a "cat lady" too. My DH and I have only 2 right now, Matilda (6) and Niko (2). We just lost our 18-year old last month to kidney failure. I'm not dealing with his loss very well right now. We also lost our 10-month old kitten to congenital heart problems 2 years ago - you don't stop missing them ever, I've decided. My comfort is that the two that have gone to rainbow bridge will look out for us and find the next little traveler to join our family when we are ready.

I'm so happy to hear that your DH is working with your to become healthier. Without our families' support, reaching both health and weightloss goals just won't happen.

Your excercise program sounds really exciting! I'd love to be able to attend a class (very difficult with my work schedule). I had a very difficult time getting in any excercise when I started. Now I feel terrible (and guilty) if I don't get at least a 40 minute walk in daily.

Foodwise - you don't necessarily have to be on a plan. I follow Atkins primarily because I find I have more and sustained energy on a low-carb diet. I also find that I'm just not hungry for things that triggered binge eating in the past. You will have to experiment a little before you find a eating plan that works for you and your family. It is very difficult to stick with a plan if your DH and daughter are able to indulge in a food you've forbidden yourself! Congratulations on giving up soda. I switched to Diet Rite rather than give up my Diet Coke...I still have a terrible addiction to caffeine!

Good luck to you! Please feel free to drop by my journal anytime.

-Laurie

 

[cats7494]

LAinSEA, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your cats! It is hard... it has been 7 months for ours...and my DD 10 and I get pretty upset about it still. We do have 2 wonderful kittens now and they have brought us so much joy. Our other cats can't be replaced as some people think it is so easy to do, but we love the kittens we have. They make us laugh, smile, have fun.... all the joys of cats One of the kittens has definately become my daughter's cat! She will follow my DD around, go to bed with her, cuddle with her... it has been very therapeutic for my daughter. She still cries about our other cats: Tigger and Lily Rose, but she does get so much joy from Snowflake. The male cat- Stormy, on the other hand, follows me around and goes to bed with my DH and I.... funny how cats do that!

Well.... I was not very "good" on Saturday and Sunday... I ate too much and drank some pops. But I have to let that go and not get too disheartened. I have to keep positive! I have lost some weight... but not much yet... only been a few days since I have started. Sunday - was a family reunion potluck with sooo much good food...
Just for lunch I ate:

Hot Dog
Potato Salad (too much!)
Shredded chicken sandwich
Pasta salad
Few bites of a Zuccini cassarole

Sheesh! Then we went home and for dinner I had a salad and cheetos.... yummy, huh?

Saturday we celebrated my brother's bday at a restaurant and I did not do too badly, I only had a BLT sandwich and an Ice Tea.

I did not really exercise a lot this weekend... at the Family Reunion my Dh and I did play with bunch of the kids at the playground... that was exercise! That was a lot of fun though... I usually get tired doing that kind of thing and quit - but yesterday I just stuck with it and it was really fun. The kids followed my DH and I around like we were the Piper!

Anyway, I am back on track... I think that eating those cheetos got to me... too much junk!

Well.... better get back to work.... hope to have a better day!

 

[cats7494]

So, today was good... I had a turkey sandwich for lunch with an apple and for dinner - on the way to a late meeting had another turkey sandwich...
I usually don't like to do that...but I get off at 5 and had to get my DD home and back to the meeting at 6....so time was essential.... I am wasting time now that I am 10 minutes early!

gotta go..... I can do it!!!

 

[myhandd]

Hey welcome,

I have alot of the same things you talked about, allstate athlete, I gained 130 lbs over 10 years and have lost 75 of it now. Check my post out, especially the early part. You can do this!

I'll be checking in on you!

Later,

Dax