It's time to stop making excuses

[desiree71081]

DH, myself and our kids went to DW in March. I was 50 lbs heavier than I want to be/where the charts say I should be. DH, myself and our youngest will be going again in September. I am 10 lbs heavier than I was in March and am pretty much miserable with myself. On our last trip I was in some of the pictures but I hate them all because I feel like I look horrible.

This trip is extra special because we will be celebrating our 2nd anniversary, our son's 1st birthday and the 1st anniversary of his open heart surgery.

I DO NOT want to be 60 lbs over weight. I DO NOT want to have trouble breathing when I walk. I DO NOT want to shy away from pictures because I feel like I look horrible. I DO NOT want to be miserable in the heat because I am 60 lbs over weight.

I DO want to feel the best that I can by September.

I have tried diet pills in the past, eating very very little, exercising (that never sticks).

My excuse is always that I don't have time. Don't have time to exercise. Don't have time to eat right. I just don't have time. Sometimes this is honestly a legit excuse but for the most part it's not. It's just so much easier to have a burger and fries when the rest of the family is doing it. It's so much easier to say, I'll go exercise tomorrow instead of today.

I have to find someway to make this losing weight thing stick.

Since I am on the DISboard so much I thought I might start here.

 

[manqvu]

I never venture to the WISH boards but now I'm glad I did. GOOD LUCK! I hope you reach your goals. Maybe external motivation will work. Please know that I will now regularly visit this page hoping to see you document your progress.

 

[Riverhill]

I wish you success on your new personal challenge.

I understand your feelings. I am at my all time high of 210lbs. 2 years ago I was 160lbs. There are a lot of reasons for weight gain... health, stress, depression etc... but for me. I handled all the reasons by eating to deal with stuff. Time to pull it together!

I wish there was a magic pill... but for me I will be moving more and eating 1400 healthy calories at day.

Here to success!!!

 

[mainemooncat]

Hello there from a fellow DISer who is traveling to Disney in the fall. For us, it is in October and our first trip - a surprise for DD8! I too did not want to shy away from pictures because of my size, so I feel your pain.

Two things that helped me here on the boards were the WISH challenges that run monthly, one weight loss challenge and one exercise minutes challenge. I find these keep me accountable and there is AWESOME support from the members here. Tomorrow (today?) is the start of June. I encourage you to look for each of these threads and join us and participate. It helped me a lot, even though I am mainly a lurker, because these ladies are so inspirational and supportive. Just reading them daily gives me strength to keep going on this long journey.

Good luck to you! If you are ready to make a change, you have taken the most important step!

 

[desiree71081]

Just met my goal of 5 lbs per month and I still have a week and a half to go for this month!!!

 

[ANIM8R]

DH, myself and our kids went to DW in March. I was 50 lbs heavier than I want to be/where the charts say I should be. DH, myself and our youngest will be going again in September. I am 10 lbs heavier than I was in March and am pretty much miserable with myself. On our last trip I was in some of the pictures but I hate them all because I feel like I look horrible.

This trip is extra special because we will be celebrating our 2nd anniversary, our son's 1st birthday and the 1st anniversary of his open heart surgery.

I DO NOT want to be 60 lbs over weight. I DO NOT want to have trouble breathing when I walk. I DO NOT want to shy away from pictures because I feel like I look horrible. I DO NOT want to be miserable in the heat because I am 60 lbs over weight.

I DO want to feel the best that I can by September.

I have tried diet pills in the past, eating very very little, exercising (that never sticks).

My excuse is always that I don't have time. Don't have time to exercise. Don't have time to eat right. I just don't have time. Sometimes this is honestly a legit excuse but for the most part it's not. It's just so much easier to have a burger and fries when the rest of the family is doing it. It's so much easier to say, I'll go exercise tomorrow instead of today.

I have to find someway to make this losing weight thing stick.

Since I am on the DISboard so much I thought I might start here.

2+ years ago (Dec 2011) I was in a very similar situation. We went to WDW for our 10th anniversary and had a great time. I was about 30-40 lbs overweight but not really doing anything about it. In fact, I had given in and bought larger clothes because my old ones no longer fit.

We came back and I was looking on YouTube at Disney videos and I somehow stumbled across videos people had posted of the marathon. It looked like a blast! I had run a little bit in the past but it had been more than 10 years since I last ran at all...and the furthest was one half-marathon in '97 or '98.

As silly as it sounds, when I searched even more on the marathon, I saw the medals and I was hooked (and this is before the 20th anniversary medal was revealed). Just to be able to run around the Disney Parks and through the castles seemed <ahem> magical.

The fact of the matter was that running the marathon was very much a 'pie-in-the-sky' dream but it was something to work towards. If I came up short and could still run a 10K, drop some weight, and get in better shape, then I would be very happy with that.

As I said, I used to run awhile back so I thought I could start out and run an easy mile (this is Feb. of 2012) and then I could progress from there. I made it 1/4th of a mile (not even a Par 4 golf hole distance) before I was exhausted!! That was a real eye opener.

A couple days later, I went out and and ran a 1/2 mile. A few days later I ran 3/4 miles. Finally, I made it to 1 mile....a very slow mile but a mile nonetheless, right?

The big thing though was I coupled the exercise with portion control, drastically limiting fried foods (and all french fries), and laying off the candy (I have a sweet tooth). I lost five pounds in 2-3 weeks and 10 pounds in 6 weeks. That was the 'easy' part, the weight proved tougher to lose after that. It was another 6 weeks for the next 5 pounds.

But here's the real takeaway (to me, at least). By sticking with an exercise plan, watching the portions, and keeping off the candy it became (for lack of a better term) a new 'lifestyle'. I no longer got appetizers when we went out to eat. Instead of supersizing, I got a grilled chicken sandwich and apple slices. The longer I stuck to this regimen, the easier it was to stick with the diet. It became my 'regular' eating pattern rather than a 'dreaded diet'.

Fast-forward to today, and I've been able to keep that eating pattern (knock on wood) and running. I'm 40 pounds lighter than I was in 12/2011. I've actually been lower but I think that was too much. I've learned so much about eating better, eating leaner, and eating "good" calories while avoiding empty calories.

Sorry I wrote a book but your post spoke to me - I felt the exact same way. It's tough to make those changes to your diet and exercise but I found it got easier as I stuck with it...so much to the point that the thought of eating bad almost sickens me (almost). Also, I learned that I'm that proverbial "if I can do it anybody can do it" guy - both with regards to eating healthier and running a marathon. I never though I'd get back down to this weight OR run a marathon - ever. But now I've run 4. I'm not setting the world in fire with my times but I never thought I'd realize how much fun those events are!

Good luck with your weight and fitness goals!

 

[GrandAdmiralStrife]

I know where you're coming from all too well. My wife and I both work and we have a toddler turning 18 months next week. We don't do the childcare thing so I work overnights and watch my DS during the day. I have been overweight for some time, and yes, not having time is a legit excuse sometimes. I hardly get any sleep, so obviously that doesn't help, but what I need to be doing is at the very least watch what I eat, and get the boy out of the house, in the stroller, and out for a walk every day. It's hard when you're tired, I understand completely, with taking care of a little one while still needing to do the housework (I do that too), but if you can just make 30 minutes a day, great, if you can do more, awesome. Just go out for a walk around the block with the small one.

I need to start getting serious. I want to start doing the runDisney events, starting with the 2016 WDW Marathon, and my goal is to do the Dopey Challenge and the Coast to Coast challenge. I need to lose somewhere around 60-70 pounds from where I'm at, and I know it's doable. There are lots of people here that are where you are now, and lots more that started where you are now. Don't give up, don't give in, and hopefully I'll see you out on the course at Disney!

 

[pikaboo27]

This thread spoke to me too. In January 2009 I weighed 248 pounds. I went through an unsuccessful invitro and so I vowed to lose weight so we could try again. I also took up running because I wanted to do the Disney Princess Half (I love tiaras.)

Well, I trained too hard, injured myself, couldn't do the half and then life got in the way. I woke up in Jan 2014 280 lbs. We now have our 2 year old son who we adopted, so life is even crazier, but I decided that enough was enough. I decided to try the Paleo lifestyle and lost about 25 pounds, then did a whole30 cycle and lost another 11. I'm 4 weeks into training for the Star Wars 10K and planning to sign up for the Tinkerbell half.

I feel amazing, although the last 3 weeks, I have lost NOTHING. And I've been running! So frustrating. But I've kept doing what I'm doing because I feel good. It's hard though. Eating real food requires a ton of prep. I often have to cook after the kiddo goes to sleep so that I have breakfast and lunch for the next day or two. But I'm worth it. I'm worth the time and energy I take to prep. And I'm worth the time I take to exercise, which is usually at the gym at my work at lunch time.

Good luck to all of you! We can do it!

 

[Missypyxi]

Your post spoke to me. 2 years ago, I felt the same way you did. I knew I was unhealthy, and I felt awful about how I looked. I was about to have to go out and buy a new larger wardrobe and we were on a budget. So, I downloaded Couch to 5k on my phone and started running, counting calories, cutting portion sizes, and cutting out empty calories. I'm 50 lbs lighter now and have maintained it for a year.

I'm so much happier now, and I wanted to tell you that it sounds like you're in that place where you really feel it and you can succeed for sure! You have a great goal ahead of you, to get fit for Your trip and be present for your family. You can do it!

I do want to add that it makes me sad when mothers avoid pictures with their kids because they're embarrassed by how they look. To your child, you are Mommy. You're their world. What if something happened tomorrow and you weren't there, and they had no happy pictures of you to look back on?

Smile for your photos and be in them with your family. They love you no matter how many extra pounds you're carrying. They should. You're amazing.

 

[desiree71081]

The hardest thing for me lately is eating healthy while the rest of the family isn't. Finding the time to cook not only 1 meal but 2 is a task especially with a picky 9 year old son. I know I could always say "ok, we are ALL eating healthy" but that's not really practical and even though my kids eat veggies, they are very limited in the kind they eat. Still working on getting the healthy eating thing straight.

I just keep reassuring myself that portion control is actually helping even if I can't make healthy choices at every meal. I am somewhere around 7 lbs down in almost a month and I still have the next couple of days until the end of the month. 10 lbs for me equals 1 pants size so I am almost there.

I downloaded the couch to 5k app a while back. Lasted not even one round of jogging. My legs hurt so bad I thought I would have to crawl home. I also have tendinitis in my knee now which makes walking not too pleasurable. We put up a swimming pool a couple of weeks ago. I have only been able to get in it a couple of times but it was much easier on my knee. My 10 month old had surgery a couple of weeks ago and couldn't go in the pool. He just got cleared Tuesday so hopefully I can make it a daily thing to get in there and get some sort of exercise in. Although, with all the walking I do at work and chasing around the baby, I'm not sure how I'm not smaller than I am.

Counting calories only works for me if I am eating straight from a container and it's calculated for me. When I cook at home, I get very frustrated with counting calories because I never know how to figure out how much I am eating.

I read something on facebook the other day about how as a mother I shouldn't be ashamed to put on a swim suit and go have fun with my kids. This post made me feel so much better and opened my eyes. When I got in the pool I actually didn't put a huge t-shirt and shorts over my swim suit. I got in with just the swim suit and it felt great!!! The only opinions that matter are those of my husband and children and they love me the way I am. So no more t-shirts and shorts over my swim suit. Still, I can't wait until I am completely comfortable with putting a swim suit on without the extra "baggage" that having 3 kids will add to you.



Slowly but surly the weight is coming off. Just gotta stay motivated. There are days that I want to just give up and I think "what's the point" but everyone commenting on my post has given me a reason to stay accountable and keep going. Thanks!!!!

 

[desiree71081]

8.2 lbs down since the first!!!!

 

[kimj88]

8.2 lbs down since the first!!!!

That's great news!!!! Keep up the good work!
I can completely identify with your original post. Feeling the very same way for awhile now. I am currently trying weight watchers online and am down 6.5 lbs so I hope I can also keep motivated. I don't want to hide from pictures anymore, or cringe when I see pics of myself!

 

[StayCool]

Good job!! I'm in the same boat and started training for TOT 10 miler in February. I hurt my foot and had to stop for 2 months so it was tough. Now I'm back at it and down 7 lbs. keep plugging away and good luck!

 

[desiree71081]

That's great news!!!! Keep up the good work!
I can completely identify with your original post. Feeling the very same way for awhile now. I am currently trying weight watchers online and am down 6.5 lbs so I hope I can also keep motivated. I don't want to hide from pictures anymore, or cringe when I see pics of myself!

Weight Watchers worked for both my sister and my mom. Glad to see someone else joining in on this weight loss journey.

Currently planning my weekend meals. Want to stay on track instead of eating bad on the weekends which is usually what happens.

 

[Skykyo]

First off 8lbs down is fantastic!!! Very well done.

I'm a 3rd year sport & exercise sciences student at a top English university so any questions just ask away.

Your original post contradicts everything about weight loss though, everyone has time with a small bit of planning you can do sooo much. For instance ever tried coking all your meals for the week but on one day? Many body builders do this you marinade chicken cook it then freeze it in bulk. Then you just cook potatoe or veg on the day and it's easy starving yourself is just that...starving yourself...your body goes into shut down and it starts storing carbs and fats as you enter a fasting state. If you cut calories so low it will do this, if you cut out carbs again water will be lost along with your carbs, you will drop weight fast for first few weeks, but yes, water follows carbs and technically your fat loss has probably not changed and it's water weight your losing. So forget weight loss and think fat loss...also cutting carbs makes you feel like crap! With no energy.

The science.... If you drop calories by 300-500 you will drop 1-2lbs in one week this is because 1lb of fat requires 3500 calories to burn. So when people say omg iv lost a stone in a week...just nod and say congrats and walk away...because chances are their fat loss hasn't budged an inch. This is why your 8lbs since starting is excellent, it took you years to get to your current weight it won't go in 2-4 weeks so be realistic.

I have lost 3lbs this week by exercise, not drinking calories (water, diet coke) and sticking to portion control. I.e. Carbs protein 1/4 of plate each veg 1/2 eat 5x a day the 2 snacks are not snacks because it's just healthy fruit etc no garbage.

If you hate going to the gym, then hey up to you if you go....but you do need to do exercise. Vary it up if your bored...the second best fat burning exercise you can do is stair climbing at home. Anything that makes you lift your weight against gravity burns way more calories than being flat. Most gym goers know to avoid the cardio for fat loss, it's great for fitness but that's it. Do body weight squats or light weight (bags of sugar if you must ) working your legs is the biggest muscle in your body. So more muscle you make in them the higher your metabolic rate will be...this is why guys doing bicep curls in gyms for fat loss you have my permission to laugh at...but don't do it coz they are in the gym so hats off to them for trying,

Work multiple muscle groups in one movement I.e. Lunge into shoulder press, be strict in your diet if you don't reduce it or fix it then your maintaining the bad habits you have now, and your not going to lose weight your going to gain it....coz lets not kid about...before you started this topic you were putting on weight not maintaining.

Post a lot, be planned, create goals, workout plans, motivational music, motivational speeches, some women have success about buying the dress of their dreams in the size they wish to be and hang it on their wardrobe door for motivation....fact is everyone is different find what is personal to you and what works for you...

Don't believe in fad diets, starving yourself, do moderate exercise or walk 3x a week, don't drink calories and stick to the plate suggestions that I have you / nhs recommend if you want more tips or questions or what a workout plan give me a shout.

Sorry about the long post, just want to help good luck!

 

[Skykyo]

This relates to me more for sport, but listen to the words from a success conference in America. Most of your problems are psychological and with motivation is such a powerful thing.

This is on my personal YouTube motivational playlist enjoy.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?list=PLT3ezstYt3zY2JKjAwNunNsOG6eSg51bz&v=lsSC2vx7zFQ

P.s. Apologies if I'm not allowed to link

 

[desiree71081]

14.2 lbs down in 7 weeks!!!! Still going strong.

 

[nerderella]

The hardest thing for me lately is eating healthy while the rest of the family isn't. Finding the time to cook not only 1 meal but 2 is a task especially with a picky 9 year old son. I know I could always say "ok, we are ALL eating healthy" but that's not really practical and even though my kids eat veggies, they are very limited in the kind they eat. Still working on getting the healthy eating thing straight.

This has been one of the hardest things for me-- trying to keep a healthy diet when everyone around me eats these amazingly tasty meals that I can only look at. One day I had enough and looked up low-cal versions of the meals everyone liked so I could eat alongside and not feel like I was missing out. So while they'd order Chinese, I'd look for low-cal teriyaki and fried rice recipes. It's not the same, but similar enough to curb the cravings for me.

My other issue has been eating healthy on the run. In my search for low-cal food recipes, I came across a world of amazing recipe sites. I use two primarily, menu plan your butt off, and the fat free vegan blog. I'm not vegan, but many of the recipes are incredibly tasty, easy to make, and low-cal. On Sunday mornings, I'll figure out what I'm going to eat for the week. I'll hit the market, come home, and start cooking. When finished cooking, I'll separate each recipe into the number of portions it is supposed to be, and label the tupperware with calorie count and what the meal is. It has made such a difference for me, as has picking up microwave meals in the freezer section.

 

[desiree71081]

This has been one of the hardest things for me-- trying to keep a healthy diet when everyone around me eats these amazingly tasty meals that I can only look at. One day I had enough and looked up low-cal versions of the meals everyone liked so I could eat alongside and not feel like I was missing out. So while they'd order Chinese, I'd look for low-cal teriyaki and fried rice recipes. It's not the same, but similar enough to curb the cravings for me.

My other issue has been eating healthy on the run. In my search for low-cal food recipes, I came across a world of amazing recipe sites. I use two primarily, menu plan your butt off, and the fat free vegan blog. I'm not vegan, but many of the recipes are incredibly tasty, easy to make, and low-cal. On Sunday mornings, I'll figure out what I'm going to eat for the week. I'll hit the market, come home, and start cooking. When finished cooking, I'll separate each recipe into the number of portions it is supposed to be, and label the tupperware with calorie count and what the meal is. It has made such a difference for me, as has picking up microwave meals in the freezer section.

Found a recipe for cauliflower rice since rice is my weakness and it's not exactly good for weight loss. Going to try to make it this weekend. Trying to do my best to stay on track this weekend. 15.8 lbs down.

 

[Desiree]

Just had to come and throw some support for another Desiree! I'm down about 53 pounds (been stuck for a while though)! Keep up the good work!