I welcome your support

idratherbeonvacation

Hello, everyone! I'm happy to learn I'm not alone. I lost weight two years ago but have since put most of it back on. I'm not ashamed to say that I hate how I look, and I feel like a failure for having put the weight back on. I welcome some--any--encouragement, positive thoughts, anything!! I have a mother and a sister who are size zeros and have no problem with weight. I have issues with low self-esteem because of my weight. I won't make this support be a one-way street, however. I promise to be supportive to all of you. Thanks for being here.

Greybeard51

You have taken the first important step in the process of getting fit by joining mfp. Virtually everyone here has been in your shoes. Sadly for some of us, many times. I would encourage you to not compare yourself to anyone else in your family or the world. Each of us is given a unique body and sometimes no matter what we do we can't be like someone we admire. I, for instance, had three brothers, from the same parents. We ranged from tall and thin to short and thick. The key is to be fit and happy in your own skin.
Start out with realistic goals for where you want to be in three months. Once you have met that goal set another. This is a lifestyle and will require you to be honest with yourself about calories intake and exercise. Remember, the weight did not jump on you in a few weeks so it will not fall off instantly either. A slow steady loss of weight is important for your body to have time to adapt. Don't think of this as a diet or you will surely be doomed to repeat the process as diets always fail us in the long term.

Good luck in your fitness program and remember, you can do anything you set your mind to.

idratherbeonvacation

Thanks so much, Greybeard51. I really appreciate your time and your kind, motivating words. I am going to make a short-term, weekly goals: eat dessert two fewer times a week, exercise three times a week.That's how I'll start. You're right about eating; I have such a hard time when I am limited in what I can eat. So for the next three weeks, I'm going to challenge myself to eat smaller portions and to be aware of why I'm eating. I'm an emotional eater, and I tend to punish myself or celebrate a good day the same way-- with food. I really need to get that under control. I will make a sincere effort to not compare myself to my sister. It is very difficult as we live together, and I am so conditioned to focus on her appearance and my appearance that it takes nothing to make me feel bad about myself. I really have to get that under control. I know it's all a mental thing. Thanks for the advice and the well-wishes!! I feel better already knowing I have support!