How do I join in the "fun?"

[swilphil]

I'm trying to lose 15 pounds by my mid-March Disney trip. I lost 40 lbs. a year ago, but I've slowly been gaining it back. I do pretty well exercising, though I'd like to do a 5K run this spring and I need to train for that. My big problem is food. I lost weight before on the Dr. Phil program, but I really just want to eat healthy and cut the junk out. I don't want to try anything too drastic because I'm afraid once I lose the weight I'll go back to my old habits.

So how do I join one of the groups here? It looks like several are already in mid-stream.

Thanks,
Sherri

 

[DoeWDW]

You've made a great start already, by being brave enough to post your own thread and ask the question!

Everyone seems to have their own idea of what "healthy eating" is. Are you interested in low-fat or low-carb? Do you just want to cut out white flour and sugar and more processed foods and go with more fruits, veggies and whole grains? Figuring out what makes sense to you is a great place to start because you're more likely to stick to something you're comfortable with.

A really powerful first step is to make sure you're drinking enough water. I'm not sure what you weigh but a good rule of thumb is 1 oz of water for every 2 pounds of body weight up to a max of about 100 oz per day. You'll be amazed at how much this simple step will help.

Make some small changes and I'd bet you'll see big results! Your goal sounds achievable! Keep posting and we'll help you stay on track!

 

[Christine]

I just started "eating healthy" on January 2. I have lost 7 of my 15 lbs already. I didn't go on any particular diet. Just cut back my portions and tried to make better choices.

The first thing I did was to start logging stuff in at Fitday.com. It's really important to get an idea of exactly how much you are putting in your mouth. Then you start tweaking from there.

When I first started on January 2nd, I "thought" I was doing good. Fitday showed me that I was still taking in 2,200 calories a day. That was certainly better than what I was doing but not low enough for weight loss. I then began to look at each of my meals to see where I could cut. You would be surprised what the little things do. Like, instead of eating Campbell's soup which is higher in fat and loaded with sodium, I switched to Amy's Organic. These are much lower in fat and sodium and still taste pretty good. Doing those types of things at every meal can shave 500 calories off your day. My little bits of "tweaking" get me in a calorie range of 1500-1800 and that seems to be working for me.

I get very overwhelmed by "diets" and can't really do them. Even the Weight Watcher's point system just sends me over the edge. But everyone's different.

 

[swilphil]

Thanks Christine and Doreen! I will definitely up my water intake. It's so hard when it's cold out, but I have been drinking lots of green tea! I probably am eating more low-fat, but I really want to just eat healthy-- lots of fruits & veggies, whole grains, balanced meals.

After losing weight and then gaining it back, I realize I was missing some kind of accountability and a support system. If I know I have to report what I eat, then I won't eat as much. I also like to get meal and recipe ideas from others.

So how do I join one of the challenges or groups that already exists on this board?

 

[sap1227]

So how do I join one of the challenges or groups that already exists on this board?

Just post on the thread for the group(s) that you are interested in. I don't know of any group that will not glady accept a new WISHer

Good luck with your weight loss journey, you have come to a WONDERFUL place for support!

Christy

 

[DoeWDW]

You can always come on over to the WISH Journal board. Many of us post daily to our own journals and then "visit" each others' journals for help and support and encouragement. Some people track their food intake. Some track their exercise. Some of us explore how our emotions affect our eating patterns.

I agree with Christy, though. Post to any thread here on WISH and everyone will gladly jump in and help you. We're a real friendly bunch - we've been where you are and we know how hard it is!

 

[ZerasPride]

Another plug for just jumping in there and posting on a thread that interests you. If exercise is your aim, then the January exercise challenge might be good for you. I started a lose 5 pound challenge for January and was so surprised and thrilled to have about 60 of my WISH friends join me.

Doe gave you some great advice about starting a journal on the journal board. People will read your daily posts and encourage you. I have gotten away from posting to my journal and I really miss it!

I know the Weight Watchers have a daily thread, the Firm work out ladies have one and so do the South Beachers. Just jump right in!