Support/Advice Please

[disneyismyname]

For my 500th post, I've decided to come on the WISH board and say I have a problem with food. I'm addicted to it. I over eat and eat when I'm bored. I'm the biggest I've ever been. At the beginning of this month I hit 200 pounds (5'4"). All I could do is cry. How could I of let myself get like this? I weighed myself today and I'm 197. Even when I try to lose weight and workout, I don't see the results. My self esteem is at an all time low...to the point that I don't want to leave the house. When I have to get out of the house, 2/3 of my clothes do not fit. I get upset and angry at myself for it. I don't feel comfortable in anything. I'm at a loss.
I just want to feel healthy! And I just want to be happy! Any advice or support would be great. Thank you.
And I will post my progress (or lack there of).

 

[stuff-and-fluff]

And for my first post, I thought I'd reply to yours

I was in a similar situation last April (2010). My parents had come home from a 3 month vacation and the first thing they said to me when they saw me was "what happened?" I knew right away that they were referring to the 20 lbs I had put on in only a few months. I had unfortunately gotten into the habit of either taking a nap or sitting on the couch as soon as I got home from work. I knew what I was doing wasn't good, but it wasn't until my parents had said something that I went to weigh myself on the scale and it sunk in.

I also had "out-grown" alot of my clothes and had to go out and buy a new wardrobe. I thought I'd have to just get used to my new size and deal with it, but you know what? I really wasn't happy and I was disgusted with myself whenever I looked in a mirror.

I started going to the gym 2 to 3 days a week, and after getting used to being more active, started going 4 days a week on a regular basis. I also started to practice portion control with my meals and to cut down on breads and cookies (which I love....I used to buy small cakes every 2 weeks because I loved them so much). I unfortunately have a job where I sit around alot and if I'm not careful, I get bored and want to snack. I prepare my lunch the night before and take things like fruits and veggies for snacks. It used to really bother me at first that I didn't have anything "fun" to eat but I got used to it after a while and rarely crave anything now.

It's taken me almost a year to lose 10 lbs, which I'm very happy with. I know that the weight loss is because of a lifestyle change rather than a quick fix. I go to the gym 5 days a week now and it's become a bit of an addiction...on my "rest" days I feel like I have to get out and be active otherwise I feel odd.

I'd suggest doing cardio along with weight training...and don't be afraid to go heavy (but make sure that you have someone teach you how to properly lift before you try). Lots of women think that if they lift heavy weights, they'll get bulky, but that's not true. You'll build a bit of muscle and tone up. Muscle also helps to burn fat.

I also started a blog and posted it so my friends on FaceBook could see my progress. I knew it would be harder to cop-out if other people were watching me.

Also, when working out, don't pay too much attention to the numbers on the scale...if you're weight training and putting on muscle, there may be much of a change as muscle weighs more than fat. Every couple of months I'd measure myself and was pleased when I saw that I'd lost a couple inches here and there.

I think I've rambled enough...I could seriously go on forever about this cause fitness is a big part of my life now.

I wish you luck, and I know you'll be able to do it if you're really determined. I went from being a literal couch potato to working out almost every day, so if I can do it, anyone can.

 

[disneyismyname]

Thanks! Very helpful.
I thought I could deal with my "new" weight too. I just can't though.

 

[lovetoscrap]

I have been exactly where you are right now. You have made the first step which is realizing you want to take control of it. Unfortunately after I made that decision I didn't do much more and the weight went up and up and up. I have just gotten back out of the 200's and boy does it feel great!

First, find a support network. Sign up for our Summer Biggest Loser here on the WISH board. No pressure, no real competition, just a bunch of really great and supportive men and women here to offer help, advice, inspiration, support, encouragement and friendship.

Then find a plan you can live with. Decide how you think you would be most comfortable trying to change your eating habits. We have a lot of people that love Weight Watchers and the guidance and support it provides. We have others on plans like Nutri System or Jenny Craig. Some are on low or limited carb plans like Atkins or South Beach. And some like to just try to cut their calories and fat themselves. There are some great websites that can help you plan healthy balanced meals with minimal effort. Take a look at sparkpeople.com and fitday.com to start with. Sparkpeople also has great articles to help you get started and along the way.

Make the commitment. Decide today that you WILL change your eating habits and get healthy. What do you have in your life that matters to you? I want to see my children get married and hopefully see my future grandchildren get married. Being at risk for all the health issues that being overweight causes could mean that my seat would be empty at those weddings and I don't want that to happen. I have that in mind as I make the changes I need to make and make decisions about what goes into my mouth.

Set small attainable goals. Yes, I need to lose another 50 pounds but for right now I am focusing on just 10 of them. 10 pounds isn't so hard to lose it? Just a few months of commitment and you will be there. Then it is just another few months to get another 10 off. Doesn't seem so daunting that way, does it?

Plan ahead for the challenges. Make a list of things you enjoy doing or hobbies you have thought about starting. Pick one to have on hand so the next time you are bored you can turn to it instead of food. Figure out what activities you may be doing that you tend to eat during (like TV or sitting at kids activities) and make a list of what else you could do, or what you can eat that is healthy. Replace the chips with cucumber slices and hummus. Replace the sodas with Crystal Lite or water. It is a change, but your health is worth it.

Of course you should always talk to your doctor before starting a diet and exercise program. Tell the dr what plan you want to follow and ask for any advice they can give.

My personal bias is towards the South Beach diet which has really become not a diet in our house, but just the way my whole family eats now. The book is pretty cheap to buy or usually available at the library. You can find a whole lot of books at the library you may want to check out a few and look through them and see if any of them click with you.

You CAN do this!

 

[disneyismyname]

I have been exactly where you are right now. You have made the first step which is realizing you want to take control of it. Unfortunately after I made that decision I didn't do much more and the weight went up and up and up. I have just gotten back out of the 200's and boy does it feel great!

First, find a support network. Sign up for our Summer Biggest Loser here on the WISH board. No pressure, no real competition, just a bunch of really great and supportive men and women here to offer help, advice, inspiration, support, encouragement and friendship.

Then find a plan you can live with. Decide how you think you would be most comfortable trying to change your eating habits. We have a lot of people that love Weight Watchers and the guidance and support it provides. We have others on plans like Nutri System or Jenny Craig. Some are on low or limited carb plans like Atkins or South Beach. And some like to just try to cut their calories and fat themselves. There are some great websites that can help you plan healthy balanced meals with minimal effort. Take a look at sparkpeople.com and fitday.com to start with. Sparkpeople also has great articles to help you get started and along the way.

Make the commitment. Decide today that you WILL change your eating habits and get healthy. What do you have in your life that matters to you? I want to see my children get married and hopefully see my future grandchildren get married. Being at risk for all the health issues that being overweight causes could mean that my seat would be empty at those weddings and I don't want that to happen. I have that in mind as I make the changes I need to make and make decisions about what goes into my mouth.

Set small attainable goals. Yes, I need to lose another 50 pounds but for right now I am focusing on just 10 of them. 10 pounds isn't so hard to lose it? Just a few months of commitment and you will be there. Then it is just another few months to get another 10 off. Doesn't seem so daunting that way, does it?

Plan ahead for the challenges. Make a list of things you enjoy doing or hobbies you have thought about starting. Pick one to have on hand so the next time you are bored you can turn to it instead of food. Figure out what activities you may be doing that you tend to eat during (like TV or sitting at kids activities) and make a list of what else you could do, or what you can eat that is healthy. Replace the chips with cucumber slices and hummus. Replace the sodas with Crystal Lite or water. It is a change, but your health is worth it.

Of course you should always talk to your doctor before starting a diet and exercise program. Tell the dr what plan you want to follow and ask for any advice they can give.

My personal bias is towards the South Beach diet which has really become not a diet in our house, but just the way my whole family eats now. The book is pretty cheap to buy or usually available at the library. You can find a whole lot of books at the library you may want to check out a few and look through them and see if any of them click with you.

You CAN do this!

Thank you.
This is very helpful. I'm excited to start.

 

[PrincessAndrea'sMom]

I have been there too! For me, I needed a BIG goal to get me motivated! I choose the 2012 Princess Half as my goal.

My two year old daughter has very serious health problems and has since birth. She spent about half of her first year in several different hospitals, some several hundred miles from home. I gained alot of weight from the stress of it all, from eating alot of hosital food and living at the Ronald McDonald house.

When she turned a year old, I looked at my self in discussed. I decided then to change my life for her! She deserves a health and happy mom! I joined weight watchers and started to lose some weight...but not enough for me! On new years of this year, I made my Princess Half goal. It has motivated me so much! For me, I needed to do something fun! The rest of my life is so serious, I need something fun to look forward too.

I am now the spin class queen! I joined a gym in January to train for the race, and gave spin a try...and now I love it!!!

I have lost 60 pounds so far (in about a year and a half), and would love to lose 60 more before the race!

Keep trying! You WILL find something that works for you!

I would love to keep in touch. Check out my blog. It is a supportive place for women trying to lose weight and get fit!

 

[rubato]

First off, for how you are feeling.

Good job holding yourself accountable here.

Now, I will tell you my philosophy on weight loss. Of course, what works for some, does not work for others. I look at weight loss or gain as a mathematical game. For every 3500 calories you overeat, you gain a pound of fat. For every 3500 calories you eat under your recommended calories, you lose a pound of fat. It truly can be as simple as that.

Get online and look up your daily caloric needs with a calculator. Make sure it takes your gender, age, height, weight and daily activity into account. Then, you can start journaling everything you put in your mouth (and I mean EVERYTHING). If you eat 500 less calories a day than that magic number you got through the calculator, you'll lose 1 pound of fat a week. If you also add 500 calories burned daily through exercise, you'll lose 2 pounds a week.

This has always worked for me. I gained 30ish pounds when I quit smoking 7 years ago. Lost it through calorie counting. Then, I was diagnosed with an auto immune thyroid disease after gaining 25 pounds (and not having the energy to get out of my bed more than 2 hours a day along with lots of other symptoms), and lost all that weight through calorie counting. My hubby just lost 35 or 40 pounds through this method and my stepson has lost 60.

Once you get a handle on the amount of calories you need to eat, you can focus on how you are using those calories. Nutrition plays a huge role in overall health. 500 calories of cookies vs. 500 calories of vegetables will definitely affect your body in different ways. But, it can sometimes be overwhelming at the start of a lifestyle change.

Whatever you decide to do, please don't give yourself too hard a time. You didn't gain this weight overnight and you can't lose it that way either.

 

[disneyismyname]

Thanks everyone!
Last night was hard. I couldn't sleep and this usually happens when I try to lose weight. But I didn't go downstairs and snack! I just kept reminding myself how great I slept when I was heathly!
For desert last night, I ate an actual peach for the first time. Yummy. What was I doing eating it out of a can for so long? Sticking with the real peaches now! For dinner I decided to skip the tacos that my mom was making and had some kashi cereal and a bananna instead. Oh and NO POP!
I weighed myself this morning and I went from 197 to 193.7
Though I just finish my "woman thing" (sorry if tmi)so I guess that could be the cause of it.
Went on a 2 mile walk today and I feel great!
Biggest Weight:200 lbs
Now: 193.7 lbs
fyi-my scale is a weight watchers one.

 

[BabyTigger99]

You CAN do this! I just started WW this month, and have gone from 202.8 to 191.0. I am also 5'4". Keep up with the healthy foods, but make sure you are eating enough. You don't want to go into starvation mode. Water is your friend! I used to drink too many diet sodas a day. Now I am down to one or occasionally two a day, but drink usually 96 oz of water a day as well. Be sure to make yourself some mini-goals as well. I would like to lose between 60 and 80 pounds, and I have mini-goals for myself at every 20 pound level. It's a great motivator!

 

[disneyismyname]

Yes...I totally quit diet pop and any pop for that matter! I drank too much of it!

 

[disneyismyname]

Okay...I need to stop weighing myself every day..now I'm 195
This is the kind of stuff that ticks me off and makes me want to quit. I think I'm going to weigh myself 2 times a week instead.
I had cereal for lunch today.
I haven't had pop at all!

 

[Cin]

I totally understand the weight gain and bored eating. After seeing my pics from my last trip to WDW and I didn't like how I looked now I am determined I will get back into shape and not look like that in my next set of pics! I try not to get on the scale, too depressing and I go with the fit of my clothing as to how I am doing. Of course, temporary bloating made me depressed over all my hard work not paying off and I had a setback by binge eating, but caught myself and rather than get upset over it, I started again with my regimen and watching what I eat. I only have 20 more lbs to lose, after losing about 15 already in 4 months, but it just seems to hang on... sigh. But I keep imagining myself actually going to the pool at our resort and picturing my new improved body so it helps me keep on track. Wishing you the best with achieving your goals and dreams.

 

[stuff-and-fluff]

I forgot to add...it's a good idea to keep a food journal. You can try doing that for the next few weeks to get an idea of what you're actually eating. Write down the amounts and calories you're consuming...you can even break it down into carbs, protein, fat if you want. It helped me because I didn't realize how much I was eating until I started to write it down.

 

[PrincessAndrea'sMom]

I totally agree about keeping a food journal! It is a great accountability tool. I also jot down what workout I did that day. I keep mine in a a small sprial notebook. When I have an extra good/ bad week, I look back at what I ate that week and what workouts I did to try to find a reason. It helps me to plan my following week....keep doing the good stuff or tweak the not so good.

 

[Cin]

If you can quit pop so can I. I practically live on Diet Coke Zero Vanilla, seriously, but Yay! I'm on day 2 of no soda at all and doing fine. I did replace it with iced tea and Crystal light. I hate the taste of plain water. So here's to no more soda pop!!!

 

[disneyismyname]

Not doing as well as I'd like. I haven't been on the dreaded "scale" in a couple days. I have cheated on my food and I haven't been working out. This happens to me everytime I try to lose weight......

 

[lapdwife]

Not doing as well as I'd like. I haven't been on the dreaded "scale" in a couple days. I have cheated on my food and I haven't been working out. This happens to me everytime I try to lose weight......

I'm a strong believer in weighing every day. It gives me an idea of if what I'm doing is working.

 

[disneyismyname]

Sorry, I haven't been on here. Just got back from Texas. I ate some things I'm not too proud of ...but I didn't gain much weight. As of this morning I'm 196. I going to go for a long walk tonight after dinner, if it doesn't rain!

We took pictures in Texas and I look like crap. If there's a way to make me want to change ....its looking at pictures of myself!

And there is some wedding cake in our kitchen....I haven't ate a bite of it!!!!


Here's what I ate for breakfast (if you have any points or suggestions feel free to give them!):

One Egg w/ wheat toast
Whips! Yogurt Raspberry Mouse
Btl H2O w/ crystal light


I will put lunch and dinner on here too. I'm not good about writing in a journal but I do go on the dis a lot. So...this might be my journal.

 

[NeverlandClub23]

I love horrible junk food and I especially loved watching TV with horrible junk food. I ate when I was bored, tired, sad, happy, it didn't matter. If there was an emotion, I was eating for it. The biggest success I had was GETTING OUT OF THE HOUSE. After work I would eat something quick and quickly get outside to go for a walk or even just go somewhere and read. I took a one month hiatus from TV and, you know what? I didn't miss it. I also set mini goals for myself, doing 5 push ups every day and increasing by 1 a week or running/jogging for 5 minutes. I now run regularly and I watch 1-2 hours of TV a month, if that.

If you have a bad day or things just don't go the way you wanted to, don't beat yourself up. Tomorrow is a new day and every single little change helps. When I gave up soda I would mix a teeny tiny amount of diet soda with regular and increase it over time. I still love diet soda, but don't drink it as much as I used to (and at least it's calorie free).

I also had a "vegetable/fruit of the month". I would pick a fruit or vegetable every month and at least once a week I had to figure out a new way to cook/prepare it for a meal.

It was with all of these little changes that I lost about 33 lbs. over two years. Yes, I could've done it faster but the changes were so gradual and minuscule that I didn't really notice a whole lot changing or felt like I was giving up anything.

Good luck! You can do anything you want to and you have the power to make better choices every day.