New and already struggling...

LizFrencham

Hi folks,

I'm a veteran of three times in my life when I got to a healthy weight but I keep snapping back to heavy like a rubber band. Would love some support and accountability because this time I'm 44 years old with a busy sedentary life and no wedding or big event to pressure me into changing my habits.

Cahgetsfit

have you tried slow and steady or do you go low cals and lose then eat normal again and gain?

Rocknut53

Don't wait til you're 62 like I did. I've been on the same journey as you and have finally figured out that I should have done this and kept with it in my 40's. I have wasted so many years being heavy, taking meds due to health issues (high cholesterol, persistent heartburn, and achy knees and hips), and just being dissatisfied with myself. I came back to MFP in January and have not only reached my goal weight minus an additionaly 10 pounds, I'm off my cholesterol meds, nothing aches, my resting heart rate is in the 50's, my blood pressure is 110/60, I hike 5-8 miles several times a week, and I just feel awesome. I wish there was some magic that could make this happen, but there isn't. You just need to make up your mind once and for all that you are going to do this. I wish you all the luck in the world and just know that if I can do this, anyone can.

LizFrencham

Cahgetsfit wrote: »

have you tried slow and steady or do you go low cals and lose then eat normal again and gain?

Yeah that sums it up. I guess I've been heavy for more of my life so all my habits are around eating for comfort. As soon as life gets busy it's too hard to be hungry.

LizFrencham

Rocknut53:

Yes I know it takes a decisive measure but I don't know where to get that focus from. I know that most of my health and life problems would be eased if I could do this thing. I guess I'm going to have to find a solid enough reason to stick to better habits.

Rocknut53

@LizFrencham I was so in denial that I had a problem with my weight. After all, I hike and ski, how bad could it be? My doctor told me during my physical 3 years ago that I was borderline obese. I thought she was nuts. Then gained 17 more pounds. My husband almost died a year ago from a perforated colon, partially due to our bad dietary choices. I guess I finally realized that we are both getting old(er) and if we don't want to die prematurely or be plagued with constant medical issues we need to change what we were doing. He's not 100% on board, but he's getting there. My focus has come from within. I just knew it was now or never. You, too, will find the "reason," just remember, it has to be for you, no one else, but you.

PinkPixiexox

You've done this before and evidently you have no issue with losing the weight - it's the maintaining I feel you struggle with. Before you embark on this process again, I'd strongly suggest sitting down and working out what it is that makes you gain back your weight. Do you eat a low calorie 'diet' to lose your weight and then once you've reached your goal continue eating 'normally'? I think what I'm trying to say is - it's all about finding that balance. It can be hard but it's most certainly possible. This is a re-educating process - your natural eating habits will gradually change over time (if your plan is sustainable) which means you'll have no issue keeping the weight off.

There is a lot of support here so don't be afraid to reach out if you're struggling.

LizFrencham

Thanks! This is all helpful stuff. I think I'll start by committing to tracking and participating in this community. One good habit at a time...

Derek_McC

Welcome and best of luck. I have been her 2.5 months and MFP has helped because there is a sense of accountability. The biggest hing that helped this time was that I started logging everything. I am getting much better at saying no to some things because I know that they will mess up my diet for the remainder of the day.