Rambles from a newbie

dlveck

I don't think I ever properly introduced myself to "MFPland." 2 months in and I figure it's about time. Here goes…

Hi everyone! My name is Dawn and I am 37 years old. I’ve been up and down with my weight as far back as I can remember. In high school there were a few girls who nicknamed me “Olive Oyl” although I’m not sure why as I don’t think I was that skinny. After high school I don’t remember what my weight was like. I do know that when I was 19 I began working at a retail store lifting heavy plastic totes of clothes all over the place. Bend, lift, twist, etc… That’s a hell of a workout. As a result, I slimmed to my lowest weight ever and a size 7. I felt and looked awesome!

A few years later, I met my 1st fiancé and, as with any relationship, I got comfortable and gained quite a bit of weight. The relationship broke off a few years later and, as the cycle goes, lost some of the weight gained but never dipped below a size 16. For several years following, I slowly gained the weight back, I met my now Hubby and, as of 52 days ago, was at my highest weight ever of 270 and largest size ever at 22/24.

I had told myself for the last several years that I was fat and needed to do something about it but never really got the motivation. I joined a gym a few times, went for a little while only to quit a few months later. Laziness took over my life. Then 52 days ago, my work had a health fair and something inside me clicked. I didn’t want to be fat anymore. I didn’t want to wear plus sized clothes anymore. I didn’t want to get winded just going up the one flight of stairs at home. I was done!

Enter MFP. I logged a few days of food and couldn’t believe the amount of calories that I was taking in. My Hubby saw that I was finally serious and he also joined MFP. We changed the way we eat. We now measure and weigh our food; we eat more fruits and veggies and watch the portion sizes that we take in. I now keep my daily calories below 1900 a day but usually average about 1500-1600. We purchased an elliptical and now do some kind of cardio every day. We bought fitbits to track our steps and daily activities and I walk for 30 minutes in the afternoon during work and am now up to 30 minutes at resistance level 2 on the elliptical. I have also started doing light ab work and short sets of squats every other day. Ok, I’ve done squats once…3 sets of 10. I couldn’t walk, sit or stand for 2 days. Squats are a once or twice a week thing until my thigh muscles get used to them.

52 days since I first logged onto MFP I am down 22 lbs to 248. I don’t notice it yet in my clothes but the weight must have come from somewhere. Some people at work have commented which really makes me feel like I’m succeeding. Hubby is down almost 30 lbs already. He’s down a pant size and shirts that were tight now fit him comfortably. In fact, T-shirts that he gave me because they were too small for him have disappeared from my drawer only to reappear in his.

If you took the time to read this novel, I really appreciate it. I do tend to ramble on and on. Getting motivation from others has really helped me keep moving. I have a blog going here on MFP if you want to read more rambles…

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/dlveck

Thanks for listening!

mabug01

It sounds like you are doing all the right things and seeing some great results. How wonderful to have a supportive husband! Thanks for the inspiration!

kerriotto

Hi Dawn,
Looks like your hard work so far has paid off! Thanks for sharing your story. It takes a lot of courage to put it out there.
Keep up the good work!

babeinthemoon

You are doing an excellent job! Keep up the great work!

just4nessa

You should be very proud of yourself, and for your husband for being both supportive and motivated by your dedication. Your commitment is inspiring! Keep up the good work. :flowerforyou: