Need help!

[umaangel00]

I have gained 75 pounds in the last 5 years! That is horrible to me. I want to start losing it but don't know where to start. I tried Weight Watchers and low carb diets but I can't stick with them. Any ideas? Weight Watchers might be the way to go but I can't afford the meetings right now. I want to be at least some what lighter for my trip to Disney in March. What is a reasonable goal? My overall goal is to be 130-150 and I am currently 225. Any advice is helpful! Thank you so much for listening.

 

[lulu201]

to you! Isn't it tough when you gain weight? I've gained 29 lbs. since last March, so I know a bit about what you're talking about.

I think that it's key to educate yourself about all the different diets and programs that are out there and then to realize that even though you may find a program that fits you perfectly, YOU have to be ready to do the work necessary to get healthy.

Two books I'd recommend (not necessarily for the diet, but for the talk ) are "Thin Tastes Better" and "The THIN Commandments," both by Dr. Stephen Gullo. Also you might find help at Overeaters Anonymous (free) or Weight Watchers online (less than meetings). Oh, and Dr. Phil's book is good, too.

You can do this; you can help yourself lead the fit life you deserve.

Best wishes,
Erin

 

[Cruise04]

I have tried Weight Watchers many times and I always failed. I am bound and determined to get this off and so far I am doing what I was hoping for - learning to adjust to eating healthy and eating regular foods - which is what WW basically does. I have also tried other weight loss programs/diets and when I go back to eating regular foods I have always gained. So what you need to do is decide on how to eat regular foods - I wouldn't recommend carb diets or sugar diets or anything because once you go off of them, your body doesn't know how to eat. I know some people swear by them but my doctor told me that's what happens. I don't know.

So what have I done? I started working out - if you can't afford to go someplace, purchase some tapes/dvds to work out at home or start with a walking program of some sort. Then decide how many calories you think you can eat and lose weight. I would guess between 1200 and 1500 would work for you to lose, closer to the 1200 would be good. Write everything you eat down and calculate it - if you don't know how much something is go to www.calorieking.com (it's been a world of help to me) and use that or any other sites people might suggest. Watch your fat intake and try to increase your fiber intake. Those are important. Trying to stay between 30 and 50 grams of fat a day is a good number to go by.

Increase your water intake if you don't drink a lot of water. You probably need to drink at least 90 ounces of water a day if you can, if not more - at least in the beginning. How do you do that - get a 32 ounce glass and start there. For me it's easier for me to drink that much in one glass rather than trying to drink it in 4 glasses. Drink 2-3 of those a day to start and more if you can.

Come here for support - this place has been GREAT for me!!!!! We are all here for the same reason - to get healthy. Go to the journals and read some if you'd like and join us and start your own. But most of all they help when it gets discouraging - it does for me anyway.

And welcome - you've come to the right place!!!!

 

[umaangel00]

Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Welcome to the WISH group!

You have found the best place to start.

I want to add to the great suggestions you already have. Your mind must be in this. I would recommend going with what WISH stands for and really say it and mean it when you grab something to eat. We're Inspired to Stay Healthy.

That in my mind (see I do try to get my mind in this--even if it is not always cooperating) means that it is not a Diet. Get rid of that D-word. You must convince yourself that you are making healthy choices for all that you will do. You need to know you are worth this and your family and friends need you to be healthy. It is a job. It is not easy for many of us. Yet, it can be done.

I like to use FitDay.com to log all that I need. It is a little labor intensive in the beginning when you set up what you are eating. After a bit, it becomes a breeze. It does not contain absolutely everything, I sometimes get something colse if I need. The thing is what has already been suggested. To log all that you eat and try to get it balanced. Work on smaller portions as a life-style, and maybe splitting that into portions that you can eat through the day instead of at one meal.

The next is the exercise. Your body needs that. Walking briskly (increase the heart rate being the goal) not stolling, if you cannot afford those exercise tapes/cds try your library. When you figure what works for you then you might consider a purchase.

Water consumption is a must too. It will make a huge difference if you are not already drinking the recommended amount.

Keep a positive attitude.

Come here often to post and let us know how your are managing. We need everyone to make this work. Come often post lots!

Good luck with your quest.

 

[MerryPoppins]

Looks like we're going to Disney at about the same time. I really want to lose weight too, but I am a terrible yo-yo dieter. Maybe we could be diet buddies and help each other somehow? I'd be willing if you would.

 

[umaangel00]

That sounds great! Sorry I didn't post until now. I don't normally come this far down on the boards.

 

[MerryPoppins]

I'll send you a PM. Maybe we can get to know each other and decide how we could be "buddies".