I've never been on a diet

HittingHerStride

I am 34yo, I weigh 210lb, 5’1 you would think I have been on a diet before but I haven’t. My weight gain started 9 years ago when my son was diagnosed with a rare auto immune disease, prior to that I had always been thin or underweight.

After 11/02/02 nothing mattered but making my son better, after years of treatment and realizing he wouldn’t get better it became about having a positive quality of life, whatever that meant for him. At the start of 2012 I started paying attention to how I felt, what I looked like, what my own life had become. I was a 25yo single mom when my son was diagnosed, I didn’t even know who I was then.

I knew over these years I had been gaining weight but I didn’t care, I figured there was time for that later, time for me later. Once I had my son’s health ‘under control’ I would then worry about my own. Mothers/woman we tend to do that. Put everyone else before ourselves.

I knew last year I was overweight, overextended, sleep deprived and worn down but I was too busy trying to stabilize our lives before I could even begin to think about what I looked like or how I felt. I had lost my job during my journey with my son, my life became so consumed by his health problems I couldn’t maintain my responsibilities at work, we had to move around, 5X in 3 years because I struggled so much financially being out of work. I finally got a job 8 mths ago and have been living in one spot for almost a year now, that’s a record for these last few years.

The next step was to look at MY life, really truly look at myself. The good, the bad and the ugly.

I am focused on losing weight, getting healthier, being physically active and not just exercising to lose weight but so I can be a healthy, physically active adult, like bending over to tie my shoes without having to catch my breathe, climb a flight of stairs without sounding like I am going to pass out. Walk a mile without it being a big deal, etc, etc, etc

I’ve started running if you want to call it that, I hate it, I feel like my body was not made for running, I hate the way I feel so big and awkward when I run. It gets better, right? The next step when I feel more comfortable with cardio is to add weights.

Reading everyone else’s stories is what keeps me focused and holding on when all I really want to do is let go. It’s hard now but it won’t always be hard, right?

angimac

If you feel you weren't made for running, start by walking. I don't run, and very likely will never be able to. I shattered my left tibial plateau December 2004. With the metal holding the knee together and only having about 70% use of my leg, running isn't a feasible option. So I walk. Walking will help.

Most of the time "diets" fail. It's a change you're making in your life. It has to be everything about you... you're changing what you eat, how you think, everything... and you're worth it!

If I can do this, you can do this... together... We GOT this!

lmalaschak

Yes, it WILL get easier. When you get discouraged, just tell yourself "I'll just do it for one more day" or one more meal, or one more sidewalk square if you're running/walking. Just make it through the next thing, and don't worry about things farther into the future than that!

HittingHerStride

I'll do it just one more day should work it is the same way I managed to get through all the years of my son's journey. You don't realize how strong you are until you've given everything you have and you realize you have to do it all over again tomorrow. It's 'funny' how I need someone else to remind me of this when it comes to taking care of myself but when it comes to taking care of others it is an auto-pilot reaction.

ninyaw

Try to find some kind of exercise that you LOVE. For me it is killing my husband in racquetball. We both lve it so much we don't even feel that we are burning calories.

Good luck to you. You can totally do this and what your son needs more than anything is for his mom to be healthy.

tashaa1992

First of all, I just want to say you are important and you deserve to be happy. I can't begin to imagine what you must've and are still going through in regards to your son's illness but as long as you are there for him, that's all he needs, it's your love and support that will get him through this.
As a mother, your child/children will always be your main priority, but use that to your advantage. He needs his mum around for years to come. Think of this as a lifestyle change and not a diet. It's a process, one that will take time but have patience and faith in yourself. You are a strong beautiful person, you've come this far so be proud of yourself.
Alot of people run but it doesn't mean you have to, each body is completely different. Do what you feel comfortable with. Make one small change every week, it's not a race. I hope maybe I helped somehow. I wish you all the best, you and your son:)

Tasha
xxx

HittingHerStride

Just to clarify in case my title is misleading, I have never been on a diet, I don't believe in DIETS

lmelangley

Well, this shouldn't be a "diet" in that you're changing your eating drastically for a short amount of time - that only works for a short amount of time. Think of this as a diet modification, as in you're changing the way you eat long term to be healthy long term. Start small - introduce more vegetables. Really think about your meals and your snacks. Make every bite a decision - do you really want it? Try to do away with as many processed foods as possible. The main thing is, make your changes in a way you can live with long term. For some, that means a drastic change. For me, it meant smaller portions of most things, but much larger portions of vegetables. Every change you do will be one more step to becoming healthier, which is your ultimate goal. Log everything you eat- even if it puts you over - so you can learn more about your natural eating habits and figure out ways to work with them. And, read the community posts a lot just to learn about what other people are doing and how it works for them. If you look at this as a long time process/goal, you'll succeed. It just may take a while. But, then again, you didn't get unhealthy overnight, right?

ivansmomma

Just to clarify in case my title is misleading, I have never been on a diet, I don't believe in DIETS

Good for you! On a diet, off a diet. Yes, this is a journey, not a sprint, and you are starting with a great attitude. All of the above posters have given you the support needed as you start your journey. Having a rare auto-immune disease myself, (permanent remission) I can empathize with all you've been through with your son. Take care and God bless!