Diet Support Group

I feel so upset with myself for gaining all the weight, I have. I started packing it on after having my second child. Just being on the go with the kids, working evenings and dealing with the unexpectd death of my mom, almost 2 years ago. Since my mom died, I've been stuffing the feeings down with food. I've gained about 30lbs more and would now be, almost 100 lbs overweight. I can't even begin to express, how upsetting this is to me. I'm scared, I will not be able to get control over my emotions, the weight and terrbily unhealthy foods I consume daily. I need help but I can't afford to go on some of the diet plans I have in the past. Most did not work for me anyway. I just want to scream or cry.

Peace, plan on making changes slowly. If you are overeating, start substituting the high calorie items for low calorie...celery, carrot sticks, cucumber AND substitute the high calorie for HEALTHY high calorie...72% dark chocolate minimum, almonds, sunflower nuts, walnuts. It takes time to figure out what's at the heart of emot'l eating, so give yourself time to work on that. But, in the meantime, work on changing one habit at a time...for you and your kids and your mom's memory. Start w/substitutes for the high calorie stuff. Start incorporating some movement into your routine. Parking farther away so you walk a few extra steps. Using stairs instead of the elevator...taking short walks w/the kids or just sitting quietly outdoors instead of in front of the t.v.

Instead of feeling powerless, empower yourself. If you take baby steps towards gaining control, you can get that weight off FULLY in 5 years AND be done w/it for good! Give yourself time and nurturance along the way.

We're here for you!

Post edited by: sharone, at: 06/13/2009 08:44 AM

Thank you Sharone, I think I'm gonna start with one thing at a time, like you mentioned. Water is the first thing I need to substitute for instead of ice coffee and icetea and then maybe, choosing grilled foods and vegies or salad, instead of just grabbing a snack at will because I missed lunch and didn't have time to prepare something. Right now, I'm having trouble with walking the past 3 months. I have problems with my heels, tendons keep swelling when I'm on my feet for a meer hour. I do have a gym membership but hadn't seen it in years. I could probrably start on the recumbent bike and some free weights and machines. Going on vacation next week. I'm sad that I am this heavy but I don't want to have a bad time and I want to enjoy my family this trip. So, I think I'll try to let these painful negative feelings go for now. When, I get back, will try to institute this plan. It's not just about being fat and feeling ugly, it's also about being healthy. My mom had colon cancer and I have suffered acid reflux for years and I get gall bladder cramps too, when I eat certain fatty, sugary or caffeinated drinks or foods. I'll be 40 next year and I have to make a change now, if I want a life of happiness and good healthy eating habits to model for my kids.

Post edited by: Peace4Rach, at: 06/13/2009 10:27 AM

Post edited by: Peace4Rach, at: 06/13/2009 10:28 AM

You're going to be okay. You already sound like you understand what you need to do. Give yourself time. Enjoy your vacation!

Hello Peace. First let me introduce myself. I am Yvonne from Vermont. Actually I just did an intro so try to find it. I once had 100 pounds to lose to and I am here to say it can be done. First thing is buy a new plate. We get used to seeing a full plate and with a smaller plate its less food because of its size. Also try not to let your food touch each other, that makes the posrtions even smaller. I don't recommend eating carrot and celery sticks as you get sick of them so fast. Could you substitute a salad for one meal a day a couple of times a week. I eat a salald with various vegies at least three days a week. I am basically on the weight watchers diet but the truth is I feel like I am starving to death on it so I kind of made it half weight watchers and half my own. I use two measured teaspoons of grapeseed oil on my salad and no commercially made salad dressings. Grapeseed oil it very good for you and you do need some fat to lose weight. I have all kinds of ideas I would gladly share with you. Just ask.

Hi Yvonne, thanks for your reply and support. I go back and forth between having hope and not. Truth is hope will not get the weight off and you and I both know that. I do have a good 65 pounds or more to loose. Right now, I'd settle for anything. Just got to get a plan but what. Weight watchers and other diets too have left me starving, so I will not go back to weight watches. The most I ever lost on a plan was 42lbs at LA Weightloss or Diet Center, I think it is now renamed. But you had to weigh in 3x a week, with a diary and buy their chocolate soy bars, which were delicious. I just dont' know if I have the money to pay. My husband would give me the same bull, your not going to stick to it and waste our money.

I have thought about Nutrisystem but that costs too. I have thought of doing it on my own but I have to really focus and take the time to think in advance about each and every meal. It's hard work and then to stop myself from my old habits, like going for that delicious coffee coolata in the mornings. Oh, my where to start? I need some guidance.

Substituting one meal with salad is good. I've done that before, and try to fill up on veggies before a meal. I need meals that are quick to prepare. I have 2 kids and I work afterschool, into the evenings. I am waiting to get to the gym which I have a membership and havn't been in years. Right now I have swollen feet prolems, heel spurs, very painful to walk on. I don't know what I would do at the gym with my feet hurting so much. Maybe use the nautical machines?

Rach, does the gym have a coach? I'd use the coach if possible.

I am losing weight just by ramping up the veggies and fruit, whole grains and varying my protein...adding in beans and tofu. I eat every few hours but now when I eat it might be a minibowl of beets w/tsp of Paul Newman dressing. In the past a snack might have been 400-800 cals.

I drink at least 6 cups water/day plus a glass of milk. I don't count cals...just give myself a rough estimate of where I am each day...not so I control my intake, but just for peace of mind. My son is almost 17, much different than when they are little and you are tied to the kitchen, I know. But, I don't let sweets in the house. We have chips here, but, I never overdo w/those. I made a batch of pumpkin muffins but we are not overdoing w/those, either.

Just keep thinking it through. That's part of the process. Change one behavior at a time. You'll work out the kinks on the way. I work out a lot now. I love it. It makes me feel mentally balanced. If you've lost even a few pounds between now and the end of the year, or at least maintained, you've done what you need to...

I am in the same boat Rach! I too started gaining a lot of weight after my second child and have just continued to put it on over the years and havent done anything about it. Now my son is going to be 6 next month and my daughter will be 10 on Saturday so there is really no excuse for me any more. I have been losing weight slowly but surely over the last month. I have cut out soda and drink a lot of water or tea with no sugar. I began working out 3 times a week to start with and I started doing this workout called P90X! Its supposed to be one of the best on the market and I tell you what it is kicking my butt but i lost 7 pounds the first week. I saw results almost immediately. Just work out, drink lots of water, dont eat any fast food and try to replace you high calorie snacks with lower calorie snacks and eat smaller portions I also recommend not eating after 7 pm. Those are just the things that I am doing, I understand that different things work for different people. But I know just how you feel and just what you are going through because I am going through the same thing. I need to lose 100 pounds and I have set myself a goal for a year. I dont know if I will lose all of it within a year but I think I can lose a lot of it in a years time.

sounds like you have a solid plan, dredre! cool! I'm doing the things you mention, including a weight training type of workout 3x a week. I've been losing slowly but give me slowly over not at all anyday! best of luck!

I am very depressed lately about my weight. I was wondering if anyone had any simple, low fat recipies to share. I am not much of a cook and could use some help. Anything, simple meat or vegetable dishes that are easy to prepare and don't take long to do.