I feel really alone

stick to your guns (well your spinach salad) when you hit your goals they will all be asking you for advice!!!

maybe you can try to change up the burgers and have one? try using 1/2 96% lean ground beef and 1/2 ground turkey or chicken, grill it outside, use lots of veggies as toppings, and eat the burger like everyone else... so you dont feel left out..

making swaps to make food more healthy but still tasty so that you can enjoy it like everyone else helps... because if you are serious about making this a lifestyle change you cant always forgo stuff... you will fall off the wagon.. the key is making things as healthy as possible while not feeling deprived, and moderation. A healthier burger once in awhile will make you feel satisfied, have less cravings, and therefore less desire to stop, and also help you feel like you fit in so to speak...

good luck to you.
Dana

Dont forget that people that arent dieting dont realise how hard it is - it may not be that they are not wanting you to succeed they just dont know any better ... encourage them to encourage you. and when they do do something that helps or motivates then tell them how much you appreaciate it

I know how you feel, darlin. I'm just starting on trying to lose about 50 pounds and feel like I'm never going to get there. But eventually, if there is consistent effort, it will happen, right? Plus, you should be proud of yourself for not indulging in that fattening food and eating healthy...you are doing something good for you. I agree with the other post...sometime soon, they will be asking you for advice on their health. Hang in there, don't give up and you will see the results you want. Do it for you and don't let anyone get in your way!

Food is just food....you weren't ALONE, you were eating with your family! Easier said than done I know, but sometimes you just have to train your brain to look at things differently. Think about all the people eating *whatever* really alone, like all by themselves. They have no family to talk to, laugh with and make them just smile.

Keep your head up girl! You're doing a great thing for YOURSELF! Try looking at your family, look into their eyes and not down at their plates

And when you need someone who can relate, you've got your family here at MFP. Best of luck to you on your journey!

LongMom,

I just wanted to say that I liked your response to Court's posting! Your words made me feel better!

Hey
I am still having hamburgers, just much leaner brands, I am on an awesome guide to losing weight - its a 5,4,3,2,1 plan.
you eat 300 calories for breakfast, 400 for lunch, 500 for dinner, you then have 2 snacks, 100 and a 200 calories snack to fit in during the day as well. I had a lean hamburger and mccain super fries the other night and it was under the calories for dinner. You can do it -

What is this plan? It sounds interesting.

It's especially hard being on your own, I am actually in a similar situation with my family... although I don't live with them. If you find healthier alternatives and make more realistic life style changes you will be able to stay strong through this. I think you should invite them all to be on this site... I asked all of my family members and some friends that I know need and want to make a change! Everyone is different and in turn will approach their goals in varying ways, but you should not feel alone and hopefully this site will help! The biggest reality check for me was realizing how many calories I waste with drinking hahahah maybe I should be in a different support group hahah!

re: 54321 plan... that could need to be scaled up/down a bit depending on the persons BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) for avg size woman it is 1400-1500? I guess this could work at 1500 as long as you burn 3-400 at the gym other wise you are just treading water..

I am kinda in the same boat as you. My husband is extremly thin and doesn't want to eat healthier with me. My son will normally eat healthy stuff with me but he still wants some of the stuff that daddy has. My husband is always trying to tell me that only eating 1200 calories a day and working out isn't going to help me and that I need to do this or that in order to lose weight and tone up. It is very frustrating because he is not supporting me. I just keep reminding myself that in the end he will see who is right and who is wrong. Keep up the good work. You can do it. We are all here to support each other.