Joined as support for another, staying for me

LizzyB88

I started out on here as support for my sister....as I started adding my food - and well, lack of exercise - I realized I needed to keep a good track of what I eat, when I eat, and how much I eat. Watching how much I eat is the hardest part for me. Its so easy to put scoop after scoop and go for seconds - especially when it comes to dessert!

I have always supported my sister in her weight loss. I have gone out of my way to make sure what I was cooking was healthy and was good for the whole family. Although I was eating food that was good for me, I wasn't watching my calorie intake or controlling my late night sweets cravings.

My heaviest weight was 177. Through exercise and cutting out fast food I got down to 150. Well, then I started to get a little lazy. I started eating fast food, having soda, eating ice cream, and stuffing my face just before bedtime.

When I started MFP a few weeks ago I was back up to 160. I knew it was time for a change, and oh my goodness I didn't realize how easy it would be by just being mindful of what I was eating!

I've lost a few pounds so far, but the main part is I now feel good about what I am putting into my body. I am watching my portion sizes and my sweets intake. Every night I look to see what my calorie/carbs/sugar levels are and that determines if I have dessert. That has been a very big step for me, considering just a few months ago it was 1am and I decided to make a batch of brownies, sat with the pan in my lap and ate half of a batch with a spoon while watching a movie. After every bite I kept saying to myself 'I really need to stop, this is really bad, if someone walks in you're going to be embarrassed!' That didn't stop me. The only reason I stopped was because I felt like I was going to throw up.

That is just terrible. I am dancing on the line of 'normal' and 'overweight' for my height, but with my old eating habits, I know I would have eaten myself into obesity.

The motivation that this site and mobile app give me is absolutely amazing. Nothing else changed except I decided to actually be accountable for what I ate, and the way I look and feel.

What a difference.

There is no visual difference, but my spirits are lifted higher than ever before.

I can do this, I can stay healthy, and I know I wont be miserable in the process!

Has MFP changed anyone's outlook on their life? Not just in the sense of their weight, but also in who they are?

KBreeding74

I'm also shopping as best as I can to the outer walls at the grocery store, even at fresh and easy. The less I buy in the aisles the more fit I can try to be. I also find myself deciding on a meal by entering it into the meal before preparing it. Prior to joining MFP, I bought some ramikens. I use them to minimize portions. Like gelato. I prefer ice cream. But try to add some fruit to my mini sweet snack. I have only had gelato once in the last week. I try to mix up different snacks that I enjoyed before, keeping tabs on the increments is crucial for me. Even 1 0z of salted roasted sunflower seeds will get entered. On Friday, I actually had a reaction to spicy chili. I'm more of a mild spice eater. With my thyroid problem & medication, I'm sampling foods rather than just eating & waiting for the consequences. B^)

1KiwiChick

I started in the same way ! in support of a friend. She quit i kept going. And yes my entire outlook on life has altered somewhat and i never wish to ever go back. I believe in myself and back myself to achieve anything i set my mind on . Good luck on your journey , if youd like to add me flick me a message.