Not your usual introductory post

MakingProgress

Hello, I am new to this site, and honestly all I can think is ... "Ugh, not another start at weight loss!" It isn't that I don't know I need to lose weight (hello, I weigh 270 pounds!), nor is it that I don't think I need the help, support, and encouragement of others, all while giving the same in return. No, it's the fact that I've been right here a dozen times before, certain this will be THE TIME I lose the weight and keep it off. And I do lose a bit in the beginning ... and then I don't lose any weight at all, even though I'm doing my level best to follow whatever plan it is I'm trying. As a result I'm a bit discouraged before I even get started.

Still, my mother has always told me that if you don't succeed a thousand times, the 1,001st time may be exactly what you need. And so, here I am. I've spent some time reading the success stories and other posts, poking around the site, and generally getting familiarized with the tools and people who are here. And even though I know I NEED to lose weight, I've decided that weight loss isn't my first goal here. My first goal is getting right with myself - taking better care of myself, eating better, getting rid of the things that are bad for me. Not bad for my waistline, but bad for me. Goodbye, ginormous muffins for breakfast! So long, big pieces of cake! See ya around, big buckets of soda!

I know I won't be perfect, and honestly, the worst part will be giving up Dr. Pepper (and even that will be a process), since I don't like coffee, and giving up caffeine completely just isn't in the cards right now. But maybe when I see just how many calories I've been drinking, it might cause me to modify my behavior a little bit? I know what my health risks are, being this big. I know how difficult this will be. But I think I can do it, one bad habit at a time. And I'll start adding in better ones to replace them. Hello, elliptical machine at the gym! How ya doin, evening walks? What shakin, baked and broiled fish?!

I'm hopeful ... cautiously hopeful that maybe, this 1001st time, my mind is in the right place and I can stay on track, not get discouraged when I hit a plateau, and I can finally start to see some very real progress. Even if the progress is that I don't crave soda and sweets all the time, I'll consider that a victory.

I can do this - I just need to be sure I don't get overwhelmed. Set goals, and focus on one at a time. That's how great people are made, isn't it? ;-)

Eliannasmom

Welcome... the first steps are always the hardest! Make this the time

suse75

Yes you can do this. This site is a great support system. Feel free to add me

d2footballJRC

You sound like me! I was drinking 100+ ounces of Dr. Pepper a day. I have quit it cold turkey, I had headaches for a couple days but going to the gym and working out helped get rid of those headaches as well as good ole' ibuprofen. You can do it, you will be amazed the amount of energy you are on the cusp of gaining!

Amo_Angelus

Greetings and good luck!

When your scale stops showing a loss (happens to us all) tart measuring yourself with a tape measure, which will still show loss if you're sticking to the plan and thus keep you motivated.

bjshields

You are definitely at the right place for support. All of those new habits -- and breaking old ones -- sound great and very doable. Good luck to you! Feel free to add me as a friend.

Texas501

I think you have to get into the mindset that this is a PERMANENT LIFE STYLE CHANGE. If and when you reach your ideal weight, if you don't keep up what you've been doing, you will definitely gain it all back. Thus starts your new life if you so choose to do so.

sophjakesmom

First of all, Welcome! You are definitely not alone in your struggles. I know exactly how you feel, because I was there 8 months ago. I can't tell you how many times I tried to lose weight, but I can tell you the percent of time I gained it back, 100%.

I took a different approach this time and it sounds like you are taking the same one. I didn't try to fix everything or eat perfectly. I tried to take each choice I have and make the healthier one. If I fail, I don't let that bad choice lead me to another one. (I call that the one cookie/whole bag syndrome.:ohwell: ) I focused on getting my water goal in EVERY DAY and I keep my weekly calories under my goal (logging everything, regardless of how embarrassing it was). Nothing is off limits. If I have the calories, and I want an order of fries, I get it. I have found, though, that the small fries is enough.

I like your login, and I believe you can embody that! Make progress every day, be honest with yourself and use the support of your friends here in MFP and in 6 months, you will truly be amazed at how far you have come. :drinker:

jlc1243

Good for you. You'll do it! BTW, Diet Dr Pepper rocks. Give it a try ;-)

rainbowbuggy

Welcome! Your at the right place. We all love each other (even on good and bad days lol).....and support as much as you allow us to. And of course we like the support too :-)

Just remember....you only fail if you give up! You can't move forward looking in the rearview mirror. You can do it if you really want it. And we will be here if you need us.

Welcome to MFP!

Xaspar

Welcome. I am glad you are taking the steps toward a healthy lifestyle change. People use the word diet when they are trying to lose weight so often. But really there are so many other factors than just the food that contribute to our unhealthy approaches to the world around us. Congratulations on realizing, acknowledging and making a positive move toward changing your whole attitude toward food, yourself and those around you. Not only how you treat them, but how you allow them to treat you. You may find that you end up cutting out things other than food from your new healthier lifestyle. Like negative self-talk, or accepting it from others. You CAN do this! And some days you will not do so well as others, but just keep at it and you will find that life is good in so many ways!

jbdowns35

Loved your post. You are straight forward & honest with yourself & others. You are also very smart and realistic, & very right - the goal here should be what's healthy and good for you. You can do it, even if you feel discouraged. Surround yourself with supportive friends & family. The people here on MFP are fantastic & will help you along the way. Add me as a friend if you like, I like to help, & can use some support myself.

Xaspar

Good for you. You'll do it! BTW, Diet Dr Pepper rocks. Give it a try ;-)

JEALOUS! Love Dr. Pepper, but allergic to artificial sweeteners. Urgh! I DO give myself a treat and have a DP every once in a while though.

Betsybeee

Congratulations on coming back! I've come back and forth myself. However, each time, I do better! and you'll do the same!

cherrytomatoes

hi and welcome
I think you will do it this time - apparently people who are successful at losing weight and keeping it off have usually tried loads of times before.

Good luck and be kind and patient with yourself.

What's working for me is to adopt the attitude that I am not perfect and I do have good days and not so good days but overall the scales are mostly going downwards.



Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Free Calorie Counter

BobL436

The last comment you made is probably the most important! Make goals, long term and short term. Give yourself weekly goals, daily goals, whatever it takes to get the routine rolling. Small steps over time will add up to major accomplishments. Just stay consistent and be proud of what you're doing! MFP is a great place to start. There are wonderful people on this site that will help and support you. Be honest, open, and interact with others and you will succeed!!!

Feel free to add me as a friend. You can do this!

Doresoontobehealthy

Wow this sounds like something I could have written. So many of us are in the same place that you are. I'm at the beginning of my 1001 time doing this. All I can do is take things one meal at a time. Try to make the right decisions when there aren't a whole lot of options available. I know you can find the inner strength to be successful.

LauraC_NH

Welcome! I loved reading your post. I think that was because I am in the same boat. I, too, am on my 1,001st time trying to lose (and keep off) this weight. But, like you, I am just trying to change one bad habit at a time. I'm new to the site too and have found it to be very informative. My first goal is to log every bite I put into my mouth no matter how embarrassing it may be, or how far over my calorie goal. I think the main difference for me this time is not trying to tackle too many things at once.

There is a lot of support on these boards. Feel free to add me as a friend...I know I could use the extra support as well.

NMandaMarie

Welcome to MFP! :flowerforyou:

You'll find while "getting right with yourself", you'll become healthier and lose weight.

As for Dr. Pepper - I was right there with you! After realizing I could spend 150cals on something else, I knew I had to ween myself off them. I'd start working on having just one can less a day. Then when I couldn't have less, I'd substitute one for a Diet one instead. Now if I still need one, which is rare, I grab a Diet Dr. Pepper. Just remember baby steps.

You'll do great here!
Manda

Angel1066

You can and will succeed especially with the support from MFP members.
Good luck and feel free to add me

ThatGamesStudent

Welcome. I am certain you can do it

MakingProgress

Thank you all for your very kind welcome, and words of encouragement. It took me a long time to decide to write my original post, mostly because ... well, I just don't currently have it in me to be all upbeat and excited. LOL Isn't that terrible? I SHOULD be upbeat and excited, but instead I'm filled with trepidation and a bit of fear. I can't say I'm sure things will be different this time, because I've said that the other 1,000 times ... and it always ends the same. I won't lie - I'm scared I will fail this time too.

But I'm determined to make one positive step a day. Today's step was joining and posting. Anything past this is just ... well, I hate to say gravy, because that can't be good for me, can it? ;-)

How do I add friends? I need all I can get!

Thanks again, everyone!

carrie1128

You can do it! This time look at it like a previous poster said, a permanent lifestyle change and not a diet! That is the difference. Learn to cook decent meals, find an exercise that you enjoy doing and will continue to do even after the weight is gone and you will succeed. Also, check out the success stories section of this board. You will not believe the motivation you will find there looking at the amazing job so many people have done. Good luck!

ursy87

Hi, welcome. I hope that this time will be THE time for you!
Just remember to log everything . good and bad- it'll keep you on track

joybell32

Welcome! I have a question though: Are you in my head?????????????? :noway:

All of what you said is what I say everyday!! Good luck to you! My highest weight was 268. I've bounced around from 230 to 242 for the past couple of months, but its a process! (It didn't take a couple weeks to put it on, and it's gonna take as long to get rid of it!)

NMandaMarie

How do I add friends? I need all I can get!

Click on someone's name (above their picture) and open their profile. Near the top is a button that says "Add As Friend". :happy:

Manda

katkins3

Welcome and it does get easier as you establish your new routine. You can do it, and in a healthy, balanced way.
Since you are new, you may find some helpful information and tips in the "Search" tab. I know I found out answers that I didn't know enough to ask.

Diana35bha

What an intro! Very familiar to plenty of people here I'm sure.

Take one day at a time in little steps and you'll be fine!!

A statement I've heard lots is - Q : How do you eat an elephant? A : in little pieces
Solve any problem / task bit by little bit

Good Luck, friend me if you like

Di

Diana35bha

Add friends by clicking on a person to get to their profile, & click add as friend

d2footballJRC

Good for you. You'll do it! BTW, Diet Dr Pepper rocks. Give it a try ;-)

I had to go cold turkey, even diet dr pepper leaves that craving there. And the sweetness of the artificial sweetners are suppose to increase your cravings, I lack enough willpower I couldn't chance it.. I do tell you some days all I want is an ice cold DP.

ashlielinn

Switch to Diet Dr. Pepper, for sure! Diet Dr. Pepper is the only soda I like! While I certainly don't drink it every day, I will say it's very tasty, and MUCH better for you!

I think we've all been in the same boat with being discouraged. This is a GREAT place for support and to finally teach you about a healthy lifestyle. It's become my favorite website!

Good luck and welcome!