I'm new and I'm fat, but I'm ready to be ALL THAT!

ladyofivy
ladyofivy Posts: 648
edited September 19 in Introduce Yourself
Haha, I know, that subject line was really corny. But I'm here. I had never heard of this site before this morning when I was simply looking for a weight loss ticker. I'm so glad I found this! I have to say, I only just created this account this morning, and input my info, and it says, "If every day were like today, you'd weigh 180 lbs in 5 weeks."

I haven't eaten anything today (it's only just 5am now), so I haven't put anything in. But... that's kind of depressing. Really? That's all I'd lose if I starved myself every day for five weeks?? I mean, it would be 20 lbs, but... *sigh*

Well, nobody said this was an easy road. As I constantly remind myself, it didn't go on overnight, it certainly won't come off overnight, either.

I've attempted to lose weight before. I actually *did* lose some weight about a year and a half ago, because I entered a contest. I was really pushing myself. But we moved and I couldn't participate in the contest anymore, and I went right back to my old ways.

This time my motivation is much more personal. I mean, there is the part of me that is just plain vain and wants to look sexy and thin again (like I did back in high school). But then there's the part of me that wants to truly TRULY be healthy, and I want to teach my kids how to be healthy, too. Then, there's the other issue; my brother was killed in a car accident in January, and I'm the only living child that my parents have left. I want to do all I can to be here for them for the rest of their lives. I can't bear the thought that they could end up childless due to something that I could have prevented.

So this is the very last time that I'm doing this.

I bought myself a gym membership the other day, and I've used the treadmill for the past two days. I'm REALLY enjoying it! I love walking on it, and I love how I feel afterwards. Yesterday I even did some work in the weight room, on my arms. On the treadmill, my second day, I walked 22 minutes at 3.5 mph.

I would really love to meet and become friends with some other people who are just as serious about this as I am this time. People who will hold me accountable, but not be critical.

The "diet" (aka life change) that I've decided to follow, is that I will have a healthy cereal for breakfast about 90%-95% of the time, like Cheerio's. For me, this is no problem, because I *love* Cheerio's, Chex, Basic 4... those are my favorite kinds.

For a snack, I plan to have fresh fruit. I wish it weren't so expensive though! Holy cow, produce is like, through the ROOF lately! Anyway, fresh fruit or veggies. I want to mix it up a little with some kind of proteins too, though... like eggs or cottage cheese. I'd love any ideas for healthy snacks that you guys have. :)

For lunches, at least for the first little while, I've been planning to buy Lean Cuisine types of meals. The only problem with this, is that I have a four year old and a two year old, so doing that means making a different lunch for me than for them. My kids LOVE fresh fruits and veggies. Any ideas for kid-friendly, easy and healthy lunch ideas would be greatly appreciated! (Especially if they're cheap, but I won't push it. ;) ) Also, I've heard that the food quality in those frozen meals is poor. I really need some other recipes, please!!

For dinner, I plan to try to make healthy meals. I have a weight watcher's cookbook that I have used a few times, and I'm always up for trying something new that is truly tasty. My husband is wonderful about trying new things, although he can be pretty picky about food. He won't eat onions, peppers, nuts or beans of any kind. :P We do love us a good salad though... everyone in the family! So it's a good start. :D Edited to Add: I got off on a tangent there. Haha! What I was going to say is that I plan to make healthy meals, but whatever I have, I need to have portion control. This means that even if I have something healthy half the week and something not-so-healthy for the other half of the week, I'm not going to punish myself or feel bad, because I *am* going to work on having only one portion of whatever it is that I eat. (This is a problem for me. I'm working on only taking one portion, which means asking for an extra plate at a restaurant to dole out the proper amount, etc.)

Umm what else can I say? Oh I can be obnoxious about smileys, without intending to. Please forgive me! I can't wait to meet some new friends who are on the same *serious-about-this* journey that I am!

Replies

  • ladyofivy
    ladyofivy Posts: 648
    Haha, I know, that subject line was really corny. But I'm here. I had never heard of this site before this morning when I was simply looking for a weight loss ticker. I'm so glad I found this! I have to say, I only just created this account this morning, and input my info, and it says, "If every day were like today, you'd weigh 180 lbs in 5 weeks."

    I haven't eaten anything today (it's only just 5am now), so I haven't put anything in. But... that's kind of depressing. Really? That's all I'd lose if I starved myself every day for five weeks?? I mean, it would be 20 lbs, but... *sigh*

    Well, nobody said this was an easy road. As I constantly remind myself, it didn't go on overnight, it certainly won't come off overnight, either.

    I've attempted to lose weight before. I actually *did* lose some weight about a year and a half ago, because I entered a contest. I was really pushing myself. But we moved and I couldn't participate in the contest anymore, and I went right back to my old ways.

    This time my motivation is much more personal. I mean, there is the part of me that is just plain vain and wants to look sexy and thin again (like I did back in high school). But then there's the part of me that wants to truly TRULY be healthy, and I want to teach my kids how to be healthy, too. Then, there's the other issue; my brother was killed in a car accident in January, and I'm the only living child that my parents have left. I want to do all I can to be here for them for the rest of their lives. I can't bear the thought that they could end up childless due to something that I could have prevented.

    So this is the very last time that I'm doing this.

    I bought myself a gym membership the other day, and I've used the treadmill for the past two days. I'm REALLY enjoying it! I love walking on it, and I love how I feel afterwards. Yesterday I even did some work in the weight room, on my arms. On the treadmill, my second day, I walked 22 minutes at 3.5 mph.

    I would really love to meet and become friends with some other people who are just as serious about this as I am this time. People who will hold me accountable, but not be critical.

    The "diet" (aka life change) that I've decided to follow, is that I will have a healthy cereal for breakfast about 90%-95% of the time, like Cheerio's. For me, this is no problem, because I *love* Cheerio's, Chex, Basic 4... those are my favorite kinds.

    For a snack, I plan to have fresh fruit. I wish it weren't so expensive though! Holy cow, produce is like, through the ROOF lately! Anyway, fresh fruit or veggies. I want to mix it up a little with some kind of proteins too, though... like eggs or cottage cheese. I'd love any ideas for healthy snacks that you guys have. :)

    For lunches, at least for the first little while, I've been planning to buy Lean Cuisine types of meals. The only problem with this, is that I have a four year old and a two year old, so doing that means making a different lunch for me than for them. My kids LOVE fresh fruits and veggies. Any ideas for kid-friendly, easy and healthy lunch ideas would be greatly appreciated! (Especially if they're cheap, but I won't push it. ;) ) Also, I've heard that the food quality in those frozen meals is poor. I really need some other recipes, please!!

    For dinner, I plan to try to make healthy meals. I have a weight watcher's cookbook that I have used a few times, and I'm always up for trying something new that is truly tasty. My husband is wonderful about trying new things, although he can be pretty picky about food. He won't eat onions, peppers, nuts or beans of any kind. :P We do love us a good salad though... everyone in the family! So it's a good start. :D Edited to Add: I got off on a tangent there. Haha! What I was going to say is that I plan to make healthy meals, but whatever I have, I need to have portion control. This means that even if I have something healthy half the week and something not-so-healthy for the other half of the week, I'm not going to punish myself or feel bad, because I *am* going to work on having only one portion of whatever it is that I eat. (This is a problem for me. I'm working on only taking one portion, which means asking for an extra plate at a restaurant to dole out the proper amount, etc.)

    Umm what else can I say? Oh I can be obnoxious about smileys, without intending to. Please forgive me! I can't wait to meet some new friends who are on the same *serious-about-this* journey that I am!
  • Fitness_Chick
    Fitness_Chick Posts: 6,648 Member
    Welcome, sounds like you're really got yourself off to a great start Hon:drinker: Joining the gym is a great place to begin, it teaches one commitment and a great place to meet others who are looking for a healthier lifestyle. Healthy cookbooks are always great have around.

    One thing I'll add just in case you hadn't thought of it, the frozen meals are usually quite high in sodium so you might want to be sure and check that when purchasing certain ones. Sounds like you've got a good jump on planning meals.

    I agree it's tough to buy produce sometimes...yikes! But I love my salads and my fruit so I try and find a ay to make it work.:drinker:

    FC:heart:
  • nursevee
    nursevee Posts: 344 Member
    Girl... you sure did join the right place! You'll never meet a more supportive bunch of people who are all looking for the same thing you are. We might all be here for our own personal reasons, but the end result is the same.

    - Drink as much water as you can manage. It's detoxifying, will keep away those pesky cravings and make you feel so much brighter!
    - Cut out sugar. This has been my problem and it's a nasty hurdle but one that you can overcome.
    - Find some great quotes online and stick them up around your house to help keep you motivated. Sometimes we need to see things and not just think them.
    - Stick to the food diary. It really does keep you accountable!!! The number of times I've though about eating something and then gone "wait a minute... that would be "x" amount of calories (*shock horror*) and then put it back. It's the shizz!
    - Hit the gym, keep increasing your work-outs and definately do some weights! On the days you can't get there, put a work-out DVD in and do that.
    - Take your measurements as well as your weight. It makes a world of difference to motivation if you know you've lost something from somewhere!!!

    Proteins: Tuna/Egg/Cheese/Meat/Beans or Legumes are fabulous proteins. They keep you full, are low GI are great after the gym. Get some protein shakes for those times when you don't actually want food. They help replensih after a work-out. Cut out the refined carbs. White bread/pasta/ potatos in any large quantities are pretty average. Find alternatives and you will feel a whole lot better.

    I'm looking for friends too! I hope you find everything you are looking for. This place will change you if you allow it!!

    - vee
  • ladyofivy
    ladyofivy Posts: 648
    Thanks for the positive responses and advice. :) It really helps to hear the encouragement. :D I do get discouraged easily at times, and hearing other's advice and support really makes a difference. I ate veggies for snack today, and I'm drinking water and feeling GREAT! :D
  • MOMOFTWO29
    MOMOFTWO29 Posts: 8,276 Member
    Hello and welcome to MFP. You will love this site if you don't already. I love this site, it is so motivational, supportive, helpful, and everyone is so nice, and friendly. I just wanted to tell you good luck on your weight loss journey. You can do this. :flowerforyou: :smile: :flowerforyou: :smile:
  • Hi and welcome to MFP. This is only my 2nd week in and I have learned alot so far. I seen your profile we are bout the same age and from the same state. I could use a buddy for more support:flowerforyou: The first week is the hardest, it gets easier believe me. Wait to you start seeing the lbs drop off!
  • Nessc
    Nessc Posts: 137 Member
    I agree with Nursevee...Take your measurements. I've been trying to lose weight since Feb 17th and just recently joined MFP. This morning I weighed myself and I had lost only one pound, but when I took my measurements, I could see where I had made some progress. Don't rely on the scales to tell you how you're doing with your weight loss journey. Keep a measuring tape handy and check those measurements...I was shocked when I saw mine this morning!! :noway: Good luck to you!!
  • ladyofivy
    ladyofivy Posts: 648
    Thanks you guys. I guess I will take my measurements after all... but if I'm only losing weight in my neck I'll be angry. :explode: Haha! I can't wait to make more friends here. :love: Thanks to all who are posting, it makes me feel so welcome!! :blushing:
  • LonelyPilgrim
    LonelyPilgrim Posts: 255 Member
    corny maybe, but it made me laugh out loud!

    I'm new (or new again, was on here a year ago)

    and I've found that making sure I drink plenty of water and eliminating alcohol from my diet (except for once a week.. i cant' give up red wine completely) has REALLY helped.

    also, I've been eating minimal amts of starchy foods. Not doing low-carb.. I still eat whatever fruits and veggies that I want, but not having pasta and bread and rice like crazy anymore and I've eliminated refined sugar almost completely.. and I dont' even miss it!

    I still have one bowl of grape nuts a day with a tiny bit of honey... but no more sugar in my coffee and no more dessert-foods.

    I lost almost 8 lbs in 2 weeks! Sure, some of it is probably just the initial loss that can never be kept up, but my clothes do fit differently, some of my old jeans keep falling down!

    So... good for you for starting anew! Find what works for you and stick to it!

    LP
  • LonelyPilgrim
    LonelyPilgrim Posts: 255 Member
    whoops.. double post!

    here I'll change it to :


    rah rah rah! You can do it! you WILL do it! :flowerforyou:
  • dwelsh
    dwelsh Posts: 7
    Welcome to the group. I have had an on again off again relationship with my weight since forever. When I started this time it was with the idea this is the rest of my life, so how do I want to live it. I'm still fighting to follow through. Its easier to eat everything instead of what I need to eat. So for the next 30 days I'm focusing on portion control. Measuring everything helps make me aware of just how much I'm actually eating.

    Snacks: did you know kids will eat raw vegetables. I serve a tablespoon of sour cream ranch dip with my vegetables and my kids always ate them. Celery stuffed with peanutbutter mixed with a little honey gives a little protein with a pick me up. Presentation makes a difference.
  • ladyofivy
    ladyofivy Posts: 648
    Thanks so much again to everyone! :flowerforyou: I can really feel it that I'm going to do this FOR GOOD this time! :) You guys are all so inspirational. I know I'll get down to that skinny size and not ever end up here crying when I step on the scale again. I'll be meeting each of you at the finish line!!!
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