How do you do it?

[DaisyLynn]

Hello...I'm new here! I've been lurking for a bit on this board and thought I'd finally introduce myself!!

I've recently decided that enough is enough and I'm not happy in this size 18 body anymore! A little backround...

I was always an average size child...in high school I was 5'7", a size 6/8 (and I of course thought I was a pig). Then I graduated and went to college and into the workforce. I gained about 80 lbs. in a matter of just a couple years. I wasn't as active as I had been as a teen, but my eating habits never REALLY changed that much. I went to a doctor. Low and behold, I have PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome...as does 1 out of every 10 women). I did all the research I could on the subject and to be quite honest, it disgusted me. I already had a couple of the symptoms, I wasn't going to suffer from ALL of them! I decided then and there that I would lose the weight, as hard as it was...I was going to do all I could to be as healthy as I could be. Of course I couldn't kick the smoking habit. I'm sure that SOMEONE out there can relate. I said "if I'm quitting food, I've got to have something to fall back on". Yes, I know. Brilliant! I tried all kinds of diets. Low carb, no carb. All veggies, all the time. Only eat half of your portion. I even made up my own "sandwich diet". It was silly. And then I joined weight watchers! It was awesome, I lost 15 lbs! And then I stopped. A year later I went back and lost another 30! Woohoo! I'm looking good now. And then it happened. I met the man of my dreams. The man who loves me just as I am and who loves food. All food. The good and the bad. In this time I quit smoking and moved in. It all went very fast. And the weight started creeping back up. So I went back to WW. Lost 2 lbs, gained 1, lost 1, gained 3. And then I got discouraged and gave up. And now, here I sit. I've gained back that 30 lost. I'm happy with my life, but I'm not happy with myself. I "try" and I say "this is the day!" And then we go get chinese food.

So now, back to my question. How do you do it? What are some of your secrets and tricks to staying away from the "bad stuff"? The thing I love about WW is that it is so flexible. Nothing is really off limits...but everything in strict moderation. I'd eat one happy meal a week when I was successful on WW, because I'd crave that fast food. Well, now it seems that isn't good enough. I want the big kids meal! I should take lunch from home, but I got so darn sick of those smart ones and lean cuisines that I gag thinking about them! How do you eat healthy when your hubby/boyfriend/girlfriend/kids are sitting down to pizza and beer (umm...grape soda for the kiddies)?

Let me also add that I never ever thought I'd be putting this information out there for anyone to read! But I'm pretty anonymous on here, and we're all in this together...so I thought, "what the hey!"

 

[ZerasPride]

Boy could I have just written your post! I commend you first off for realizing that you are ready to do something about the weight. I lost 110 pounds and felt just great. I was strict with myself for the longest time and then I started slipping here and there - well it got really bad when we bought our house in April and I was so stressed and then my son graduated from high school and that brought more anxiety (long story). So here I am 20 pounds heavier than where I was back in April.

It is so frustrating and frankly embarassing so I can totally relate to what you are talking about. Everyday in July I said "today is the day" I get back on track but I always found some excuse to go off track. Well yesterday was another "today is the day" line drawn in the sand days. The difference between getting back on track this time and all my other attempts? I am going back to basics. Back to the things I did that helped me lose 110 pounds. Specifically, eating clean (no excuses), working out every day (no excuses), drinking lots of water, taking care of my needs first (sounds selfish but hey it really does work) and getting and giving support.

One of the other things that helped me to be successful for over 2-1/2 years is taking it one day at a time. I know that sounds simple but it really is effective. I don't think about yesterday or tomorrow I live in the today. I can eat right today. I can work out today. I can pass up that donut, cookie, pie or other tempting goodie today. I strung together over 500 consecutive cheat free days making that mental adjustment. Things started to go wrong when I thought how unfair it was that I was going to have to watch what I ate for the rest of my life and workout pretty much every day to maintain my weight. I got really resentful and that's part of why I started to put the weight back on. I started resisting and resenting my healthy lifestyle. Now 20 pounds heavier and with only one black skirt and one pair of black slacks that fit in an entire wardrobe of clothes in my closet, I realize that this is just the hand I was dealt and I'll have to just deal with it - one day at a time. You can do it too. Let's both take the weight loss journey and more important the maintenance journey, one day at a time!

I am going to try to be around a lot more so hopefully we can get to know each other better. I did so well when I made WISH a regular part of my self care and I'm going to do my best to be here often!

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

DaisyLynn Welcome to WISH!

Congratulations for comming to the Best place that you can be for help! Being here on WISH has made a big difference in thngs for me.

In my own way, I can relate to everything. As a young one I never had to worry about what or how I ate. I could consume mass quantities everything! Life changes, things slow, kids are born...you know.

At 5'7" and in my size 18s I just had to face that I need(ed) to learn how to do it right. I'm still trying to learn. I've managed down, but see things creeping back too. I take it one small step/moment/day at a time.

It does help to be part of the WISH community. For me I feel like I am offering help and the giving and getting helps me to keep at it.

I WISH you all the best with the struggle. Don't ever give up. Keep on keepin' on. It is more worth it than we will hopefully ever realize.

 

[lovinaz]

Welcome to WISH! Congrats on wanting to make some changes in your life. I'd like to add my 2 cents in. I think it is important for everyone to eat healthy at least 80% of the time. Especially kids. There is nothing wrong with pizza and beer night, as long as it is maybe once a week or once every other week, instead of several times a week. There is nothing wrong with fast food as long as it is the exception rather than the norm. I think in order to succeed, it would help if your new beau was also eating healthy and not tempting you with the goodies you know you can't resist. Start with one small thing and when that becomes a habit, work on something else. For example, start taking your lunch to work. It doesn't have to be a frozen meal, you can take a sandwich or salad, or leftovers from the previous night's healthy dinner. You might find it helpful to start a food journal and join some of the monthly WISH challenges. GOOD LUCK to you!

 

[DaisyLynn]

Thank you all for your kind words and support! I really appreciate it!

I now know what "one day at a time" means. People have always said that, but I never really understood. I think one thing holding me back has been the fact that I will have to do this for the rest of my life...and how unfair I think it is. I just need to do the best I can each day. And only think about that day, not the previous, not the next, and not next month.

I feel like a new woman!!!

 

[CJK]

Thank you all for your kind words and support! I really appreciate it!

I now know what "one day at a time" means. People have always said that, but I never really understood. I think one thing holding me back has been the fact that I will have to do this for the rest of my life...and how unfair I think it is. I just need to do the best I can each day. And only think about that day, not the previous, not the next, and not next month.

I feel like a new woman!!!

Welcome to WISH!! Wow, could I ever relate to this quote. I too feel frustrated sometimes over how I will have to exercise and watch my calories for the rest of my life. However, I try to weigh this frustration with the joys of being healthier too. I started to lose weight in early June of this year and am doing pretty well. Already, I'm enjoying CLOTHES SHOPPING again. In my previous size, I was on the cusp between regular and plus size clothing. I was so depressed. I'm not well into regular clothing stores and I'm feeling better about myself. I still have a long way to go, but seeing the progress really helps.

I also have more energy to do things. I'm looking forward to going to WDW this year and being able to run around the parks without being too tired.

The BEST reason for getting into your healthy lifestyle, is how you'll start to feel about yourself. I'm feeling more confident and proud of myself - which were feelings I rarely felt when I was eating whatever I wanted and not exercising.

This isn't to say I'll never eat bad food again. Heck, hubby and I eat pizza every Friday and I'm been consistently losing weight. I just have a smaller amount, but still get that anticipation of having pizza!

What I'm rambling on about I guess, , is that it may be frustrating sometimes, but hopefully the joy and confidence you'll feel, will help compensate for that frustration. Best of luck to you, and keep posting!! We're all in this together!