I don't know how to start....

THISISJESSICAMARTENS

My name is Jessica...I just turned 29...I have 2 sons, Bryan is 4 years old, and Chase is 7 months old. I really don't know how to start this again and I feel so disappointed in myself....letting myself get to this point...
I'll start from the last time I actually felt good about myself...
I was 23 years old, 202lbs...and decided to take control and make myself happy for once. I started in April 2009 eating healthy, exercising everyday, and just staying active in other ways overall everyday. By July 2009 I was 160lbs and felt AMAZING...even sexy...
At some point I "fell off the wagon" and by January 2010 I was back up to 175lbs...and by February I found out I was pregnant....I gained 25lbs during my pregnancy and right before giving birth to my son Bryan I was back to 200lbs.
Considering I had just had a child I tried not to beat myself up about the weight gain too much and by 2 weeks postpartum I was back down to 175lbs...I thought I could get back on track....
Anyways...I didn't....fast-forward to July 2013 I was 194lbs and expecting again...gained 21lbs, so right before giving birth to Chase, I was 215lbs...2 weeks postpartum I get back down to 196lbs...and 7 months later, here I am at 215lbs...and Im not even pregnant.
To say that I am depressed about this is an understatement...not to mention...Im only 5'2"...so 215lbs does not look good on me....I want to be happy again....how do I do this...how do I start??? I know Ive successfully done this before and I know that I CAN do it again..but with it being 6 years later....where do I start.....

CoachJen71

Hi, Jessica! I've been here since July, and I have found some things to be helpful.

1) Baby steps. You can't lose all the weight at once. You can't get in shape right away. And you can't make over your diet in a day.

2) Start with logging. Someone people just log their normal eating for a while, to help open their eyes to what is really going into their mouths. I had done that before I got here, so I started with the next step, planning out nutritious(ish) food a day ahead of time. I don't do well if I log on the go, so I try to log the night before and follow the menu the next day.

3) After I started doing well with that, I looked more closely at my calories and then my macros. I also started walking and sometimes doing Zumba.

Maybe these are steps you can try? *hugs*

sonata62164

Thank you CoachJen. I started on Oct 11 and I am learning to change certain habits. I have already lost 5 lbs. I am very committed to the change in me!

THISISJESSICAMARTENS

CoachJen71 wrote: »

Hi, Jessica! I've been here since July, and I have found some things to be helpful.

1) Baby steps. You can't lose all the weight at once. You can't get in shape right away. And you can't make over your diet in a day.

2) Start with logging. Someone people just log their normal eating for a while, to help open their eyes to what is really going into their mouths. I had done that before I got here, so I started with the next step, planning out nutritious(ish) food a day ahead of time. I don't do well if I log on the go, so I try to log the night before and follow the menu the next day.

3) After I started doing well with that, I looked more closely at my calories and then my macros. I also started walking and sometimes doing Zumba.

Maybe these are steps you can try? *hugs*

This is awesome advice Jen! Thanks so much for responding!!

fabulousmomma

Hi Jessica, your definitely not alone on how you feel. I re started on MFP on September 16. I haven't missed one day of logging in, and because I'm actually following my calorie intake I have lost 11 pounds already! You just have to want it more than anything and constantly keep telling yourself that you can do it!!!!!
My Fitness Pal is true success. It's all about calories in and calories out. Follow your allowed calories to lose weight and you will be well on your way!

THISISJESSICAMARTENS

fabulousmomma wrote: »

Hi Jessica, your definitely not alone on how you feel. I re started on MFP on September 16. I haven't missed one day of logging in, and because I'm actually following my calorie intake I have lost 11 pounds already! You just have to want it more than anything and constantly keep telling yourself that you can do it!!!!!
My Fitness Pal is true success. It's all about calories in and calories out. Follow your allowed calories to lose weight and you will be well on your way!

Thanks girl! I know I can do this!! I have to get healthy for myself and my family! Thank you for your response!

wmcmurray61

First of all, don't beat yourself up. You REALLY need to try and think positive about all of this. Also, if you want to be healthy and stay that way you need to find it in yourself to be patient, go slow and make reasonable changes that you feel you can sustain over a lifetime. Don't fad diet. Don't deprive yourself of foods you love. Try to exercise as much as you can in a way that you enjoy. Portion control has worked well for me. I still eat foods I enjoy but I weigh and measure EVERYTHING so I know what reasonable portions actually look like. It has been an education for sure and I have applied everything I have learned to my every day life. I am 7lbs away from my goal weight of 140 now and I used to weigh 206. I KNOW you can do this if you REALLY want it because I have done it and plan to maintain it and 3 years ago I had myself convinced that there was no way I could. It's largely mind over matter and sheer determination. Friend me if you like. Good luck! We are here for you!

THISISJESSICAMARTENS

wmcmurray61 wrote: »

First of all, don't beat yourself up. You REALLY need to try and think positive about all of this. Also, if you want to be healthy and stay that way you need to find it in yourself to be patient, go slow and make reasonable changes that you feel you can sustain over a lifetime. Don't fad diet. Don't deprive yourself of foods you love. Try to exercise as much as you can in a way that you enjoy. Portion control has worked well for me. I still eat foods I enjoy but I weigh and measure EVERYTHING so I know what reasonable portions actually look like. It has been an education for sure and I have applied everything I have learned to my every day life. I am 7lbs away from my goal weight of 140 now and I used to weigh 206. I KNOW you can do this if you REALLY want it because I have done it and plan to maintain it and 3 years ago I had myself convinced that there was no way I could. It's largely mind over matter and sheer determination. Friend me if you like. Good luck! We are here for you!

Thanks so much for your response!