Some help for a friend??

[karebear1]

I have a friend who lives in WIsc. that asked me to post for her. She is a wonderful, creative woman that has just opened up her own B&B- (if you're ever in Wisconsin- you should visit her- it's is Beautiful!) called the Honeybee Inn. She is looking for some inspiration. Because of the new business she is really lacking time and motivation to pursue losing weight- but really wants to get her motivation back. It doesn't help, of course that she has to make delicious full breakfasts all the time either! AND SHE"S SUCH A GREAT COOK!!!!! (oh- let me take a minute to compoise myself here!!!- I think I got a little carried aay thinking about those yummy breakfasts!) She has, in the past lost as much as 95 lb , so, I know she can lose weight- the last time she lost it, she was so determined and single minded about it! But she just can't seem to get it going again. Does anyone have any words to help motivate her?? Maybe someone with experiences similar to hers- people that have lost weight only to gain it back etc.?? What helped get you back into the weight loss mode again?

Edited to add: I should add- I think she'll come to the board to read this thread- I've told her how wonderful all of you are! Her name is Barb.

 

[lmhall2000]

I lost over 90 pounds in college- kept it off for over 8 years then my 3 children came- along with 3 children comes difficulty in finding time to exercise- in college I could go walking/to the gym/aerobics anytime I wanted- but now it's more challenging.
I have lost a total of 30 pounds since the height of my last pregnancy and have about 85 more to go- the key for me is taking it in 10 pound chunks- set a goal for the first 10 pounds then the next etc. But you must get some exercise in there- walking is the best/or swimming when you are carrying extra baggage. Last fall I walked 5x a week 3 miles each time- I toned up but maybe lost 2-3 pounds- now I've included dieting with my walking and have already lost 6 pounds in two weeks- I'm shooting for 10 pounds a month until I hit 190 then I'll aim for 5 pounds a month. Tell her to set realistic goals and find a time where she works exercise into her day- with a B&B I'm sure she stays busy with cleaning and gardening- I have to walk at 6am every morning- and lately have been going again at night after the kids are in bed- it's been beautiful!
Just stick to it- make short goals- and keep healthy snacks around- I only drink water and skim milk- maybe some grapefruit juice or cranberry really watered down- if you can cut out all sodas or drinks with caffeine/sugar it can really help you body regulate! And lots of good encouragement from friends like you really works!
Tara

 

[glo]

I believe that anyone can do anything they set their minds too. All of our bodies respond differently, but we can ll do this. I think if she wants to do this first thing is go to the Dr.'s and make sure she has no health risks right now. Then read, read, read, and choose a diet that is best suited for her.

If she lost 95 pounds once, she can do it again. She is already a weight looser and has proven it to herself. There are many who would kill for that success. I know she can do this...she just has to reach deep inside her and look for that spark to start everything rolling again. That spark will grow as she starts to see the difference even a few pounds can make.

Ask her to join us here...we would love to have her.

Good luck...she can do it...and she will succeed.

 

[nativetxn]

karebear, did you tell her about Atkins? If she was on atkins, she would lose her appetite and would be able to cook those delicious breakfasts with much less temptation. (<i>okay, okay, I'm getting off the soap box </i> )

Oooh, I just thought of something, if she started doing Atkins and came up with delicious Atkins breakfasts, and offered them as an option for guests at her B&B, I could probably convince dh to take a road trip to Wisconsin. For research, yeah...that's it....for research

<b>Barb</b>, I wish you would join our support group, I really do. No matter what eating plan you decide to follow you will find others here following that same plan.

We have a terrific support group here. I love hanging out with all of these losers and I'd love to hang out with you too. Come on...you can do it. I know you can. Join us and succeed with us. We can do this <b>together</b>

What a great friend you are, karebear, to introduce your friend to WISH. It's been such a help to me, I know Barb would find it helpful too.

Katholyn

 

[karebear1]

Barb is very familiar with every weight loss thing there is! I know she knows about Atkins- he daughter did it, but I don't think it's for her. I don't know- maybe we should ask her.

Barb- why is it you don't like the idea of Atkins??? I can't remember.

And Nativetxn, The website for her B&B is http:/www.honeybeeinn.com ., Please everyone check it out. She'd love to see visitors to that new site! I'll be there at the end of June- maybe we can arrange a little mini meet!

 

[blanq]

Barb, I too think you should join us! I have gained and lost weight more times than I care to admit. I can relate to not having the motivation to start again, because sometimes it feels so daunting. However, do you remember how GOOD is feels to be thinner? It is such a freeing feeling! When I am heavy, I know I am a thin person trapped inside a big body and it's like a cage. Before WISH I had never done weight loss along side others, for support and motivation. I am only in week two of WISH, but I can tell you my attitude about getting healthy is so different this time around, and I think it is because of all of the wonderful people on this board. I can talk with people who can relate, and who share some of my struggles. It is so motivating to see others succeed, and it makes me want to try harder. I really want to do this for myself, but I can tell you that having my WISH friends peeking over my shoulder to cheer me on makes a huge difference. So, that is my pitch, for whatever it's worth. Give it (and us) a try!

Linda

 

[Cthia]

Barb, please come and join us. Everyone on this board offers so much support and encouragement. If you need motivation I think this is the place to come. There are different types of diets everyone is doing so I am sure someone could help in making your decision of what diet would work for you.

I am sorry I can't offer you information on how to get motivated but try to remember how you felt before when you lost your weight.

I come to this board to read and post daily and that is keeping my towards reaching my goal.

I hope you will consider in joining us.

 

[karebear1]

Barb- even if you don't start dieting right away- come and join us. You're one of us- You ARE A LOSER!!! It'll be some new friends for you and might motivate you to do something unexpected! We'll all love ya even if you don't start !

 

[Mskanga]

Barb , I can't say anything else that hasn't been said yet , but like Glo said the first most important thing to do is talk with your doctor and make sure that you don't have any health problems.
I have been here for a couple of days now but I can tell you one thing, the caring here is genuine , I have the honor to know some people here in real life. This is the right place to come for support and motivation.
By the way , I saw your bed and breakfast.....I have to go there!!!
Please join us.

 

[TigH]

Barb....come join us!

 

[glo]

Barb...come join us...we would love to have you !!!

 

[Barbruka]

My gosh, you sure are a friendly bunch! Some of you might remember me from a year or so ago. I use to post on the Dis ALOT!!! But my life has gotten crazy the last two years. My husband and I remodeled and opened a bed and breakfast and life has changed drasticly!

I still love WDW and want to go soon, but money may not permit it. Things are really tight financially in the last 6 months. Also, very stressful! Like Karen said, I lost 95 pounds about 5 years ago, and gained most of it back . Just in the last year, I gained 40 pounds. I feel like losing weight is the last thing I have time for. My problem is I know all about dieting and exercise. I just can't get motivated. Karen has been bugging me (LOL) for weeks to come to WISH. How long has this board been around? I don't remember it from when I frequented the boards before.

I miss my days from the Dis, but life now may not allow me much time to Dis like I use too. But maybe I can find the time for this board to help me with this serious problem. Thanks all for your encouragement.

 

[TigH]

OH MY GOD!!! Barbruka, I TOTALLY remember you!!!!!!! But you probably don't remember me! But that's ok! It is SOOOOOOOOO good to see you! WISH is the best place in the world, so I hope you stick around and post as often as possible.

Good luck with your new venture. Maybe we should plan a WISH meet up there? Then you can prepare tasty breakfasts for all our weight-loss plans! ha ha!

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay! What a great weekend. I am so thrilled that you are here. This feels like a beautiful reunion!!!

 

[karebear1]

TigH- I happen to know Barb remembers you because she told me that she knew some of the posters in this thread. WHen I asked her who she said a you and Katholyn and Glo. SO- I'll bet she feels right at home!!! Wouldn't it be soooooo fun to meet at her B&B??? It could be a WISH reunion and I know she'd cook what we needed- she's just like that! I'm actually going to be there from June 28th- July 3rd- BARB- are you booked for those nights? Taking any ressies are you?

 

[nativetxn]

I can't believe you remember me, Barb. How neat.

Look, surely you have at least 5 or 10 minutes a day extra? Maybe just before you go to bed? Then you can visit WISH and find some motivation and inspiration, even if only a little bit.

WISH used to be part of what used to be called the Inspiration board. Remember now?

The inspiration board didn't make it But WISH lives on and Kelsie started this wonderful WISH challenge and it has been so helpful for me.

I know exactly how you feel. I lost 80 pounds in 1998, I've gained 60 of it back most of it over the last two years. It was really hard to get motivated to lose again. I'm about to bore you with a a long story

My mother was diagnosed with stomach cancer about two days before Christmas. My sister came up to Michigan when she had her surgery. She begged me to try Atkins with her. She convinced me to try it just for 3 months. I wasn't convinced but I agreed. I also got my husband to agree, I promised him he only had to do it for two weeks, though.

Well, I lost 18 pounds in the first three weeks. So, I was hooked. My husband got his blood sugar under control and lost 13.5 pounds the first week...he was definitely hooked.

Then Kelsie came up with this WISH challenge. I took the challenge and found so much motivation, inspiration, hope and friendship here on WISH. I will never be able to repay the kindnesses I have found here. It has helped me so much.

If you aren't ready to try to lose weight just yet, will you visit us anyway? You can help keep us motivated. It's fun, honest.

Use WISH for stress relief. I'll bet you will rest better at night if you do. Sounds like you have a lot of stress. It couldn't hurt, right?

I would love to see you visiting the DIS regularly again and would really love to have you be part of my support group. I seem to need lots and lots of support

Katholyn

 

[Barbruka]

Can someone tell me what exactly is the WISH challenge?

And yes I do remember you Katholyn. Why wouldn't I? I was on here alot for about 1 1/2 years. Then for some reason I got this crazy idea to start a Bed & Breakfast Inn. Life changed as I knew it. Stress factor went crazy. Weight came back on. I have to lose this weight! Just not sure which way is best for me right now. Time is a big factor.

One more question - Does anyone know someone who lost a lot of weight with Atkins and kept it off over a longe period of time? Everyone I know who did Atkins, once they go off, always seems to regain it. Everyone!

 

[karebear1]

Barb- Kath can tell you lots about Atkins- and, the thing with Atkins is it pretty much has to be a life style change- at least that's the impression I'm under. But I'm telling you, it is not that difficult to change to it. I've been on 10 days- have no craving for carb foods. It just amazes me. But I won't lie, the first couple of days are tough to get through-but once your through, your appetite TOTALLY changes-. For all practicle purposes I have no appetite. I have to remind myself to eat- and like I told you before, my blood sugar is under control for the first time since I have been diagnosed with diabetes.... and , I cut my meds in half! There are so many carb friendly sites to go to for recipes, and people here that are on Atkins have a ton of ideas! Need something sweet? Go ask Kelsie- she's the QUEEN of low carb snack food! Glo has great ideas for recipes.... and the list goes on. Even if you choose not to do Atkins Barb, anything you do here is good with everybody! It's just a wonderful, friendly, VERY encouraging place to be! Check out that thread I told you about with the inspirational weight loss story and read the responses. Many people post their weight when they started and where they are now.

 

[nativetxn]

Barb, I am honored that you remember me. Atkins works for me. I don't know if it's right for you, though.

If you lose weight following <i>any</i> weight loss program then revert to eating the same foods you gave up to lose the weight, then the weight is going to come right back on plus extra.

I have no doubt that if I was to start eating sugar, flour or pasta again, I would gain weight <b>fast</b>. So, I have made a lifetime committment to this way of eating. My husband definitely has made a lifetime committment because this way of eating controls his diabetes and has reduced his cholesterol and triglycerides to normal levels, something his medication wasn't able to do before. But that is what works for us. You have totally different needs than we do.

WebmasterAlex lost 100 pounds on Atkins 3 years ago and he hasn't gained it back yet. So, it is possible.

We have a lot of people, here on WISH, who have had wonderful success on WW. It works for them but it might not be right for you.

Our Tara follows a slimfast plan and it works for her. Lots of different plans here on WISH. The important thing is that there is a lot of support here for everyone. It is a very empowering place.

Let us know what you decide. I hope you decide to visit WISH often

Katholyn