I'm on an ongoing journey

mcn79

I was successful on MFP three years ago and then drifted in and out, finally coming back two months ago after regaining the 30 lbs I lost.

I've always struggled with my weight and I'm the first to admit that for the majority of my life I've had a disordered reltionship with food. Years of therapy has helped me address the emotional aspects of my eating and has also taught me to pay attention to what I eat. I've learned my trigger foods and am starting to realize how much what I eat affects how I feel. I definintely still struggle with stress eating, but I'm getting better.

I'm 35, a newlywed and a step-mother who also works full time. I spend about 2 1/2 hours a day commuting and have a sedentary office job. I need to exercise and I'm not. It's challenging to fit it into my schedule, but I am aware that at this point, it's just an excuse.

My husband and I eat a plant-based diet. We do, on occasion, eat dairy, but it's usually rare and only in small amounts with the exception of pizza...we're still working on that! As I mentioned above, I've been able to determine my trigger foods - usually sugar and simple carbs - and eating a plant based diet full of complex carbs, legumes and veggies has really curbed my cravings.

I love to cook and our success as vegetarians has been based on this. I love trying new foods and we certainly eat a wide variety of foods.

My husband has lost about 80 lbs over the past 18 months through the combination of eliminating junk food, transitioning to a plant based diet and working in a very physcially demanding field. I am proud of him and so happy about the health benefits that have accompanied his loss, but am envious. It is much, much more challenging for me to lose weight.

I'm trying to keep this journey in perspective. Every good habit I pick up, every little bit lost is beneficial. I'd love more friends - especially others who eat plant based, struggle with juggling all facets of their lives, or are in the SE Wisconsin/Chicagoland area.

I log in daily and have an open diary.

Maria