struggling

mnqi

Hello, I am looking for encouraging words, words of wisdom. I am struggling with losing weight again. I just started on MFP and am so upset that I am up again. I am over 200 lbs and can't stand that I struggle with weight loss and maintaining weight loss --it feels like an endless battle. I am pretty down about this and just want to "normal"....while I would love to weigh what I should for my age, height etc....I just want to not be obese. I am a 40 yr old female. Encouragement and wisdom needed.

Ready2Rock206

Slow and steady wins the race. You've taken the first step by coming here. Don't expect to lose it all overnight. Don't think you'll be perfect the first day. You can do this! Just keep at it!

concordancia

I know exactly what you mean. I started eating like a teenage boy when my older brothers started eating like teenage boys and was overweight as a teenager. Since then, I have been everything from 120 to 230, mostly hovering around 180-190.

I have had to accept that I need to learn what it is to eat normal if I want to look normal. I have also accepted that I need to be on the high side of normal for activity if I want to look normal.

But mostly, I am still trying to accept that being stronger, with better lung capacity and filling my body with healthy foods are all very good things, even if I never manage to look normal.

If you usually go overboard, then get frustrated, try changing one or two things at a time. Set concrete goals and work at them until you achieve them. For example, set a goal to drink X amount of water every day (there is nothing magic about 64, or 100, or any other number you will hear. However, it is good to pick a number, like three water bottles, just to have a concrete goal).

Also, it helps me to focus on what I am adding to my diet. One of my first nutrition goals was to make sure I was getting six servings of fruits and veggies a day. Eating that many veggies, there just isn't room for the french fries I used to eat all the time!

For exercise, find some kind of physical activity that you enjoy. I take dance classes, go on long walks with my partner, hula hoop, play with my Wii...basically, only my strength training looks like "exercise."

Most important: be consistent!

Good luck! Feel free to add me if you need support.

kmcosgrove115

Have you been tracking your food? Do you have a diary we can see to help?