Time to Track My Calories

Hi everyone! I will be 45 this year. I have 4 children, ages 24, 21, 20 and almost 1. I lost all of my pregnancy weight, plus 20 pounds, but gained the 20 pounds back over a 7 month period after going on hormonal birth control and simply not having the time to exercise like I should.

I have arthritis issues that prevent me from doing intense exercise, and even walking much at times. My issue is that I LOVE sweets. I could live on candy, cookies, brownies, ice cream. I have allowed myself to fall into the trap of, well, I exercise, so it's ok if I eat this or that (fully knowing that whatever I am eating is going to catch up with me over time, sigh.)

I have lost weight before, but have never been able to maintain. I am going to start tracking my calories tomorrow. That will at least hold me accountable.

I welcome anyone who would like to add me as an accountability and motivational friend!

Replies

  • JustSomeEm
    JustSomeEm Posts: 20,251 MFP Moderator
    You've got this! I'm 42 with a 16 and 20 year old, and over the past year or so have put back on about 30 of the 70 pounds I lost with MFP. I'm just finishing up a grad program, and am planning to be more diligent about food and exercise once the stress of school is over. With full-time work and school and momming (even to nearly grown young men), I just haven't had the mental bandwidth to focus on fitness. So, I"m in a very similar boat, I think.

    You can totally make it work. :flowerforyou:
  • HrRoses76
    HrRoses76 Posts: 10 Member
    Thank you. Today is day 1 of eating right! I have been staying active, but not tracking what I eat at all. That changes today. I may have to add the app to my phone so I can add my food and water while I am at work. It's so frustrating to gain the weight back! Working full-time and school plus older children is a lot to manage. I was in the same situation when I was finishing my Bachelor's Degree.

    We can do this! I have to keep at it...