Tam's Story!! :)

I think a lot of people know my story, but here goes!

I was a fit and healthy and active child. I never had a weight problem until I got closer to puberty. Since then, it has been a battle of epic proportions! (Or is that portions! LOL!)

I was one of those girls that developed fast and had no idea what to do with the new body given to me. My metabolism and body changed but I didn't have the knowledge as a 7th grader to change my habits along with it. So, therein began my struggles with my body.

Anyway, that began a series of yo-yo dieting. I would treat myself badly....by starving myself or taking diet pills that had my heart racing. I did all of those *quick fix* things that just don't work. The reason they don't work is because you don't learn anything about your body to keep it up. And, I have been known to be a person to eat out of sadness or boredom too, which had to change as well!

I have gotten down pretty small and gotten back up pretty big. Just because I was constantly doing things that would work short-term. I'm not sure what changed but this past September, I just remember thinking "Enough is enough!!! I CAN do this. I CAN be healthy. I CAN do this forever! Because I am worth it and because I deserve it!". So I got to work. Not only on my eating habits but also on how I viewed a lot of things around me.

This is the first time I just lowered my calories enough (not too much) and exercised regularly at the same time. I also started drinking mostly water and eating foods that were good for me and would fuel my body. I stopped being afraid of fat and instead focused on the good fats. I basically started to view food as a friend rather than an enemy. As something to contribute to my overall health rather than take away from it.

We have so many tools that God has given us to keep us healthy and I didn't want to waste them anymore. I also wanted to do whatever was in my power to make myself as healthy as I possibly could. If God has another plan for me, so be it...but if there is anything I can do for myself, I will do it.

My grandmother (my moms mom) died at age 49 and my own mother died at 50 (in 2000). They had some issues that I don't have but I see those numbers in my head and I am DETERMINED to beat them and live a long long life. I don't want to die because I didn't take care of the body that God granted me. I know they are watching over me and giving me the strength and will to beat this! Having them in my corner is a huge incentive!

So anyway, I am down 83 lbs since September and I am confident that this is truly a change for good. I am just done being overweight and tired. There is too much life to live and I want to enjoy every minute, especially for my little boy and his future family. I want to be one of those hot 70 year olds that you are convinced is only 50!! HAHA! I feel like I have discovered the secret to living a healthy, fit and active life.

I still have some weight to lose but I am looking and feeling better than I have in a long time (both physically and emotionally). And I am looking to possibly give back. I want to go back to school to get my B.A. in Health Sciences and become a nutritionist. I want my story and the knowledge I have gained to help others and help the battle of obesity be conquered once and for all!

Thanks for listening!
Tami

Would you be able to give an example day of what you eat? And did you ever have weeks where the scale did not move?
Thanks!
:flowerforyou:

Well today is a lower cal day because I don't work out. I eat around 1450ish cals on Mon, Wed and Fri. On days I work out, I eat around 1800 cals because I burn a lot.

This morning I had a light breakfast:
Coffee with sweetener
1 Thomas Whole Grain English Muffin
1/2 tbsp peanut butter

Lunch:
1 cup Amy's Organic Chunky Tomato Bisque (light in sodium)
(w/ 1 serving oyster crackers)
1 Morningstar Farms Chick Patty on 1 Fiber One Hambuger Bun
(I put some Franks Bufffalo style sauce on for a Buffalo Chick Sandwich)

Afternoon Snack:
Fiber One Oats N Chocolate Chewy Bar

Dinner:
Not for sure yet, but maybe chicken, coated in honey crunch wheat germ, Near East Brown Rice Pilaf and Vegetable. It all depends.

Snack: I usually have some light ice cream or 100 cal pack

Days I work out, there is more food at each meal to get to 1800 cals. Like a whole tbsp of peanut butter or something. I usually have more fruit too. I have strawberries and blackberries a lot these days as a snack. I try and get at least 35 g of fiber in each day too.

Thanks for the menu! It's always nice to see what others are eating!

Banks (who I believe to be VERY knowledgable) has suggested that I up my cals from 1200 to my BMR cals, which is closer to 1500 to get these last 7lbs off - any thoughts, oh smart fitness one?


Btw... I did increase me cals and had a lose of 2lbs two weeks ago, but now after losing nothing last week, and being up a couple of pounds, I have dropped back down to 1200... :ohwell:

Hmm, well it could be anything. I tend to have weird weeks where I don't lose or lose a little and then will suddenly lose like 3-4 lbs. You might just want to constantly switch it up. That does work for some people. I just try not to stick to 1200 so much because that gives you nowhere to go should you hit a plateau while eating that. Like instead of 1500, maybe just drop to 1400..it might not take as drastic a change as you think.

Also, to answer your earlier question, I have had some ups and downs lately as I have gotten closer to a healthier weight. It does happen and sometimes your body plays games with you. But if you are doing everything right, the numbers will eventually catch up, I think.

But, honestly, with so little to lose, it might just take you a little longer because your body isn't letting it go as easily.