In need of Support and Knowledge

RickyHarless

Hello. I am Ricky and I have a great deal of weight to lose. I have uncontrolled insulin dependent type II Diabetes that makes me need to change something in my life. I have been on insulin for about a year now. I have had diabetes for several years. It is time for a change. I need to lose about 200 pounds total but will be happy if I can just lose 150 pounds. I have never been very successful at weight loss since I have been large my entire life. My wife, athenaharless and I are ready to make the change. I just worry because I have never eaten healthy and am a very picky eater. Please add me and share your motivational support and knowledge of healthy lifestyle with me and my wife (you can add her too). Thanks!

neaneacc

Every journey begins with a single step! I know it sounds dorky, but regardless if you are losing 5 lbs or 200 lbs the basics are still the same. To lose weight you need to take in less calories than you burn with activity. I recommend setting small positive goals that you can use to boost your motivation levels for both of you. They can be about weight, measurements, or even goals at the gym (like I will spend 15 min doing some cardio). This sounds silly at first, but you need to prove to yourself that you are capable of doing the work to make the changes. I have put together the basics that I know will help:
1) get plenty of water! Current research says that you should divide your body weight by 2 and then drink that many ounce each day. ( IE. you weigh 200 then you would need 100 oz of water a day. At first you will feel like you are in the bathroom all the time, but within a week your body will adjust to a normal amount of bathroom breaks.
2) get plenty of rest! Sleep helps the body to repair itself and critically important during weight loss. Try for 8 hours a night if possible.
3) eat more protein! Especially with diabetes eat more protein! This can be meat, fish, eggs, beans, yogurt and so on. These foods will fuel your body while helping to maintain your muscle mass.
4) Try to get more fiber! Fruits and veggies are good sources, but the fiber will help you to stay fuller longer. This will help you to avoid eating out of feeling starved or bored.
5) Try to plan out your meals and pre-time needed to keep to your good diet. At first shopping and prepping food can take some time, but it pays off to be prepared.
6) Log all of your food on MFP! This is a tool to help you visually see all your hard work and progress.
7) Don't be afraid to try new stuff! I know that you mentioned that you are picky, but if you keep an open attitude you will find out that some really good tasting foods are good for you too. I try to pick out a new veggie at the supermarket each time just to try it out. I have found that spaghetti squash is easy to fix and use for just about any noodle dish.
8) Remember this is a marathon not a sprint! One or two changes at a time and lose the weight slowly so that you can adjust fully to making them life long changes is the better plan.
Good luck and let me know if you have any questions!

sofaking6

One suggestion - read through the forums and solicit friendships with people you think would fit. When you send a friend request, WRITE A MESSAGE. Many people just flat-out ignore any FR without a message. So tell the person why you want to see them on your feed and why you think they might want to see you on their feed, and you'll see a good percentage of people will accept your requests that way.

slp51

Do you have a strategy for exercise? Or, is there a Planet Fitness gym near you? Through next Friday their sign-up fee is only $10/ person and the monthly membership fee is also just $10. They have licensed personal trainers on staff that will help you set up a program that works for you. The thing I like most about Planet Fitness is that it is a judgment-free gym. No body builders; no one looking to hook up; just people of all shapes, ages and sizes who are there to get healthy. Important note: I DO NOT work for PF, I'm just a member. But I've belonged to several other gyms over the years and this is the best one by far.

Obviously, use MFP to its fullest. As tedious as it is, record your food intake and your exercise. It really does help!

Also, set small but manageable goals for yourself: for example, decide that you want to lose five pounds in two weeks. When you've met that goal, set another one!

Commitment is THE most important tool you can have in your toolbox. Start your weight loss program (have you consulted your doctor, BTW?) and make the commitment to stick with it. No excuses!

Best of luck to you and your wife! You can do this!