Im 299 and I need HELP!
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You are an inspirational person for me! You are a Nurse and a Mom with a sick child, and doing evrything on your own, what a beautiful soul you have!
Now here is a small thing you need to do.... be selfish! Focus on you and your health, so your boys have the happiest and healthiest mama they can. They need you and you need to do this for yourself and for your quality of life.
And welcome to MFP, it's a fantastic site with great tools and great people, I'm a working mom too, my girls are 2 and 4. Feel free to add me if you like!0 -
I was 327 at the beginning of the year and am now 88 lbs lighter. It has taken a bit of will power and eating smaller portions and more often. I eat every 2 hours or so. I still eat what I want though and keep track of my calories religiously. Add me if you would like.
Good luck!
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I'm sending you a friend request. I don't think you are lazy at all. I think sometimes being a nurse (I'm one as well) we tend to give all we have to everyone else that we forget to give to ourselves and it just becomes habit. This is going to be part of the lifestyle change you make; making sure you include time to eat healthy and exercise to be healthy. Don't dwell on the past with guild and look at today as the beginning of a new journey.
You are already taking the right steps. Realizing that you need to make a change is the first step, coming here and reaching out for support is the next. I'll be happy to help provide the support and motivation with all the other steps!
Jenn 0 -
I've lost 36 pounds so far since june and I don't feel like i'm really on a diet. I still eat what I want, I just make sure it fits into my calories/sodium/sugars. I try not to eat out too much because I know how much sodium fast food has. I try not to keep the junk foods I like in the house because then I will just eat them. I still have junk food in the house just not things I crave. I have just been walking at nighttime. if you are 299 right now, Look at it this way... a year from now do you want to be 100 pounds up or down. 200 lbs vs 400 lbs :indifferent:0
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I too have not done well on dieting but once I started MFP, it was like a light switch clicked on. Until logging it, I was not aware of how much crap that I was putting into my body. I now try to log before I eat so I know if I can fit it in and not starve the rest of the day! It's not easy with the kids. My husband works 2nd shift so he is not home in the evening and gets home too late to get up with the kids to get them ready so that makes exercise difficult. I go on the weekends before anyone is awake (hubby's home but sleeping). During the week I try to do active stuff with the kids like bike riding or a game of kickball. Most importantly though, log your food accurately and stick with it. If you have a smart phone, get the MFP app. I also do not take the time most nights to cook myself something different than the kids, just portion control. Skinnytaste.com has tons of easy recipes. The kids seem to like most of them that I have made. Another thing thats helped me is buying a couple of those cups with straws. I have one on me at all times filled with water. Drink boatloads of water! I started out at 263 and am down to 223 now. With us being bigger, we can lose by just changing our food. If I can do this, so can you!
Also if you have a smart phone, check out the couch to 5K running app. I sometimes can squeeze this in right after work. 1/2 hr and you're done.0 -
My heaviest was 329+ (but I wouldn't step on the scale to check). And I totally agree that you have to stop calling it a 'diet'! It's not a thing you do for a bit. You need to focus on 'living a healthy life' and being a positive role model for your children so they don't grow to have the same issues as you. You do need to see a nutritionist and you do need to incorporate more exercise into your daily routine but with your job and children, it may be easier for you to take stairs at work, a walking lunch or coffee break and then at home, do something with the kids rather than trying to carve out gym time. I would also suggest that you seek counselling to address your feelings of self-worth. You've already negatively described yourself and your comments lead me to think that while in your head, you know you need to do something, your heart doesn't believe your head and until the two agree, you will struggle with figuring out where to start. (Been there, done that.) I'm down 55 pounds and I still struggle with nutrition and eating but I got a 40 minute 5k, I can go on 10k hikes not give it a second thought and I'm am fitter and healthier than I have been my whole adult life. I still got pounds to lose and I've just began training to do a sprint triathalon and am working on my running, I want that hour 10k. You have to believe you can do it first Training is easy after that. The more I do, the better I feel and the more energy I have - it's a viscious circle, lol! 0
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Well with a stressful job and kids your plate is definitely full (no pun intended) BUT this is not impossible and many many other people with challenges do this. Today is the day you need to stop the excuses and start with your new life! You have a lot to lose so I would keep it very basic at first. Find your calorie goal and stick to it. Try to make healthy choices but don't beat yourself up over a grabbing a 'meal out'. Just make sure that meal stays within your calorie goal. As you lose (and you will if you stay in your calorie goal) you can then fine tune your eating habits more. Exercise is wonderful way to help you stay within your calorie deficit. Try to work it in your schedule. If you can't afford the gym or haven't the time invest in some workout DVD's for at home. Leslie Sansone's walk at home DVD's are excellent if you are just getting into a fitness regime.
Top priority for the first month - STAY WITHIN YOUR CALORIE GOAL
And lastly, my tough love statement - as a mother I know how important your children are to you. How many old obese people do you see?? Obese people in their 50's, 60's 70's.....not many. Because obese people don't have longevity on their side. You know this your a nurse. Even if they make it to 70 their quality of life is diminished due to health issues related to obesity. For you kids DO THIS!0 -
Im truly overwhelmed with all the postive feedback! Thank you each and everyone for the words of encouragement and the tips. I take each one to heart and will incorporate as much as possible into my "lifestyle change"0
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1. I don't think you are lazy. I think you are a single mom who works and just has nothing left to give herself. Women have a tendency to place all others before themselves. You are not alone in this.
2. You already made the first step by admitting your faults and knowing that you want/need to change.
3. I have done this whole weight loss thing more times than I care to admit. I have found the MFP community more supportive than anything else I have tried. The "program" itself is straightforward. You eat, you track, you exercise, you track, etc. The database is vast and you can add your own foods and recipes. I liken it to Weight Watchers but better and FREE!!!
4. I started my most recent journey at 280 lbs - the heaviest I have ever been (even with two pregnancies). I'm only 5'2" (I like to say I'm 5'3" on a good day) so you can imagine what my size is/was. I started slowly. For the first couple of weeks I focused on changes in my food only. I slowly added in exercise and nearing a 30lb loss. I still have very far to go but I'm not in a rush. I will get there in a safe and healthy way.
5. Exercise - I think you need to find something that you'll like, that you'll continue, and that can fit into your life/schedule. I HIGHLY recommend the Leslie Sansone Walk Away the Pounds DVD's. They start at 1 mile (approx 15-18 mins). I think they are PERFECT for beginners and even those more advanced. You can do them in the comfort of your own home and at your convience. As you progress you can add hand weights, more miles, higher intensity, etc. I do all of my exercise in my home or around my neighborhood. A gym membership isn't really in the budget for me and frankly I don't see the need at this point in my journey. I have hand weights and resistance bands that I add to my walking DVD's.
Like I said, I find the MFP community very supportive. Stick with us and you'll get to where you need to be!! :-)0 -
Feel free to add me......I will help any way i can. You are worth this and you CAN do it!0
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You definitely need to change your mindset and stop thinking in terms of diet. You need to find something that you can sustain for the rest of your life. We all lead busy lives and as women and mothers, tend to put everyone before ourselves. But if you don't take care of yourself, no one else is going to do it for you and then where will your kids be? Walking is great for exercise and you can do that with your kids. There are plenty of healthy crockpot recipes out there. Or you could cook a bunch of meals in advance and freeze them. Eating out isn't all bad, but not something that should be done on a regular basis. This site has been a great help to me. I started at 332 pounds and am currently 217. I eat over 2000 calories per day on average and still lose 1-2 pounds per week. I exercise a lot now, but when I first started, I walked and did Wii fitness games, and workout dvds. Feel free to send me a friend request. I try to be as helpful as I can. Good luck to you.0
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Im truly overwhelmed with all the postive feedback! Thank you each and everyone for the words of encouragement and the tips. I take each one to heart and will incorporate as much as possible into my "lifestyle change"
Also if you are ever feeling overwhelmed just browse the success story forum on here! It's so inspiring and motivating!0 -
I'm 5'7 and my starting weight was 298. I'm 6 weeks in and more than 20lbs down. I'd love to be friends!0
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Jennifer, I think struggling with the necessary weight is a problem for everyone. I have lost 4 lbs on the fitnesspal and I believe it helps a lot. I just started 2 weeks ago. There is hope and if you stay within the calories that fitness pal is suggesting for you and exercise you will lose weight. I'm routing for you!!!!!! Linda0
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I know how you feel I am 259 and I am a single mother with two jobs. It is hard to keep to a diet. Here is a good idea for you. I started a few months ago then of course stopped exercising to the wii. I lost a total of 35lbs and guess what when I quit here I am at my highest weight and wanting to lose it. If you have a wii you should try it. There are many different exercising things that you can do. Many of which are dancing. The best (yet hardest) is to do the active 2. I am here if you want/need support feel free to add me.0
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At my heaviest, I was 303. I had tried every diet you can imagine. LA Weightloss even gave me money back because I couldn't lose more than 20 lbs. I have fibromyalgia, and work part-time mainly so I can nap on my half days. I have 3 kids; 2 in college and 1 in high school. I started out with great success on the Atkins diet, but my family couldn't tolerate the "weird" veggies I was eating for variety, and I was tired of cooking two separate meals. The pounds piled on. I started using My Fitness Pal in July, and am now at 262.5 pounds.
I am cooking and eating normal foods. I actually avoid "sugar-free" products and artificial ingredients because I can't believe they are good for you. I eat real butter, because it tastes better than margarine and margarine is like 1 molecule away from plastic. I've learned to drink water because I don't want to waste my calories on beverages, especially pop, although I will have one once in awhile. I'd much rather have the occasional dessert!
The only number I've paid real attention to is the calories. I try to come in just under calorie goal each day, and the weight is coming off. And the motivator is seeing that number on the scale go down each week and not wanting to see it go back up. I exercise when I can, usually using the Wii Fit exercises which your kids would love to do with you, or Gold's Gym Dance Workout (both of these are great for obese people; I tried Zumba and couldn't fit the belt on and couldn't keep up). This past week I haven't been able to exercise at all due to a back injury that has impacted my entire right side, and yet the weight continues to come off by just watching the calories.
You can do this!! You NEED to do this -- for you and for your kids! I would love to encourage you on this journey. Please feel free to add me as your friend.0 -
First, if you're lazy and hate to prepare meals, then accept that to start. Develop some meal plans that don't require you to do anything special.
Buy pre-cut veggies for salads, and healthy things to go on top to make it enjoyable. Eat cold veggies with low calorie dips. Get some microwave oatmeal. You can put together a pretty healthy diet while still being lazy in that regard. I speak as someone who knows. I rarely cook, and when I do I batch things (a big crockpot of healthy bean soup, some of it frozen, the rest portioned out into individual bowls for example).
Second, don't try to change everything at once. As someone else said, this is a lifestyle change. It's something you're going to learn to live with the rest of your life. Start by switching some of your foods for healthier choices and gradually substitute MOST of your foods with healthy choices. Start with simply a half hour walk at a comfortable pace every day and try to improve your pace, then your length of time. Once you've lost some weight you'll feel much better about trying something a little more challenging.
Good luck!0 -
Jennifer,
If you really are lazy (and I doubt you are: no one who can raise three children while working a full-time job is "lazy" in my book) you can try to make that work for you. Try creating measured-out meals ahead-of-time for the week, ahead. Surround yourself with low-calorie snack options (I am partial to baby carrots).
In short, if you have meals and snacks pre-made, the "lazy" part of you can revel in a "quick re-heat" or "just grab that, there" mentality. I make large meals on Sunday for the coming week's lunches and put them in reheatable Tupperware.
If you have things measured out and keep things that you like (but are still low-cal) on-hand, it will greatly increase your chances of success.
Yours,
Sylvan0 -
You can do this. As other's have said - you did the hard part and realized that now is the time.
In January of this year I stepped on the scale and saw 245. That was what I weighed when I was 9 months pregnant with my 8 year old. I told myself that enough is enough. I have dieted. I have been to a nutrisionist. I am a WW dropout (3 times). This website is amazingly simple to use - and become addicted to!
I know what you mean when you say exercise hurts...when you are too big it does hurt. There is only so much you can do. I started out doing WII Fit. I could only do 10 minutes when I started. On my son's birthday 6 weeks later we were going out to a buffet so I pushed myself on the WII Fit -- I did 80 minutes. That was an eye opener that I was capable of more than I ever thought. A month later I started a couch to 5K program. I was able to finish -- I don't like running still but now I don't tell myself that I can't.
I have been logging for 275 days. A lot of those days I am over on my calories -- but I still log. Come here everyday (I love the Android app). Log EVERYTHING. It is amazing how you feel when you close a day and see what you can "weigh in 5 weeks if you ate everyday like today". It puts your day in perspective.
Use your friends. I have been not exercising as much as I should; when I look at my list and see all my buddies moving more it guilts me into walking the dog, hitting the treadmill, or riding my bike with my boys anything to burn some calories.
You will feel SO much better after you lose a little weight. Stick with it. If you blow a day -- so what! Tomorrow is a new day. Stop telling yourself you are a failure. Today is the day to change you.
Feel free to friend me - I would love to cheer you on!0 -
The wii is great. I have both those I also have many of the other dancing ones. They are all great for a variety of exercising for many different things. Strength, mind, body and many more.At my heaviest, I was 303. I had tried every diet you can imagine. LA Weightloss even gave me money back because I couldn't lose more than 20 lbs. I have fibromyalgia, and work part-time mainly so I can nap on my half days. I have 3 kids; 2 in college and 1 in high school. I started out with great success on the Atkins diet, but my family couldn't tolerate the "weird" veggies I was eating for variety, and I was tired of cooking two separate meals. The pounds piled on. I started using My Fitness Pal in July, and am now at 262.5 pounds.
I am cooking and eating normal foods. I actually avoid "sugar-free" products and artificial ingredients because I can't believe they are good for you. I eat real butter, because it tastes better than margarine and margarine is like 1 molecule away from plastic. I've learned to drink water because I don't want to waste my calories on beverages, especially pop, although I will have one once in awhile. I'd much rather have the occasional dessert!
The only number I've paid real attention to is the calories. I try to come in just under calorie goal each day, and the weight is coming off. And the motivator is seeing that number on the scale go down each week and not wanting to see it go back up. I exercise when I can, usually using the Wii Fit exercises which your kids would love to do with you, or Gold's Gym Dance Workout (both of these are great for obese people; I tried Zumba and couldn't fit the belt on and couldn't keep up). This past week I haven't been able to exercise at all due to a back injury that has impacted my entire right side, and yet the weight continues to come off by just watching the calories.
You can do this!! You NEED to do this -- for you and for your kids! I would love to encourage you on this journey. Please feel free to add me as your friend.0 -
feel free to add me! i would start just trying to be active with your kids more instead of trying to do "official" workouts if it hurts. take walks, ride bikes, whatever you can all do together. get them involved in helping you make quick, healthier dinners. that'll speed up the time it takes and make it easier to do. small changes in the beginning will help you make it a lifestyle instead of a diet, and easier to stick to. i find when i try to be perfect and have no treats or pop or unhealthy food and then i slip, i go totally off track and my slip turns into a slide. takes me another week to get out of the funk that i failed and start over. i know you can do it!!0
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Start out logging everything...once you realize what you put in your mouth it starts to change...
My mom and myself got my grandma on here. She is 5'3 and was 250 pounds. She's always had issues with weight. She's had 2 knee replacements, back surgeries and foot surgeries. We got her to start adding everything in. It quickly got her looking is that worth it? She texted me last week and said "went to Subway got a spicy italian and cannot eat for the rest of the day" so I wrote her back saying if you chose a turkey instead you would have still had quite a bit of calories left.
Now she has issues exercising so we told her...just walk the dogs for 5 minutes a day...So far she has lost a pant size, 8 pounds and 1/2 a shoe size(yes that is what I said)
It can be done.
Good luck and feel free to add me0 -
I don't diet either. Diets have never ever worked for me and I think simple healthy eating and eating less processed food is actually clicking in my mind. You can eat and be full and still lose weight. Like everyone says- portion control. I also would say find a workout you enjoy! Zumba is where I finally realized that I can workout and enjoy myself at the same time. With that being said, I am now working on the Couch to 5K program on my days off from Zumba.
I am new to all of this too and as a beginner those are the things that work for me Seriously try Zumba- it's addicitng! 0 -
I think Im lazy. I have no nice way to put it. Its easier to eat out or eat junk then take the time to eat something better. Exercising is hard it hurts so I always find an excuse to no do it. I truely can only blame myself.
I have the same problems sometimes. Especially with the food part. I actually HATE junk food. I hate how it makes me feel and it never tastes good to me. I'm really bad about eating it for the sake of convenience. I do better when I MAKE myself go to the grocery store regardless of whether I "feel" like it or not. Then I take about two hours, one day per week (I'm off on weekends, so usually it's a Saturday or Sunday afternoon) and pre-prepare all my dinner meals and put them in BPA free plastic food storage containers. I take each day's dinner out of the freezer to thaw while I am at work during the day, then all I have to do is pop it in the microwave for a few minutes when I get home. As for lunches/snacks, I pack them the night before (only takes about five minutes) so all I have to do is grab my lunch bag on my way out the door in the morning, which leaves me no excuse to go through the drive thru at lunch time. I understand that exercise is painful at that weight (I started at 297lbs and I stand at 5'4"), but you have to make yourself do it anyway. Even moving just a little bit for 20-30 minutes a day is a start. All I did for the first week or two was walk 1.5-2.0 miles/day at a very slow pace. I had knee pain, foot pain, back pain, and chest pain (mild), but I made myself keep at it because I knew that the more I did it, the less it would hurt. Now I'm able to do the boot camp class at my gym, which was something I NEVER imagined I'd be able to do a couple of years ago. I still have a long way to go to reach my goal, and I'm not gonna lie, some days I question why I even bother....until I remember where I started and how badly I felt. That's usually all the motivation I need to drag my lazy behind to the gym and workout. I NEVER EVER EVER EVER want to find myself back there again.0 -
I used to be a CNA, it tough working in the hospitals and keeping healthy (ironically) While I was working as a CNA I gained the most weight that I've ever had before. I weighed 224. I actually decided to quit nursing and go into a completely different feild, that, also ironically, has made me lose so much weight. I am a cook. I really pay attention to what I eat now and make sure I get in some good exercise. I've educated myself on Nutrition and health and many other things. I decided to go Paleo 100%, not just a diet, I'm changing my life. Also, I read "Wheat Belly" which made me start to look at wheat differently, it disgusts me. I now only eat lean meats and all kinds of veggies as well as nuts and fruits. I am so happy, healthy, and energetic. My skin looks amazing and I do not feel lethargic during the day. I have one bad knee due to a car accident and it hardly ever hurts anymore. I think that if you want to change your life, then you should change your life. Little changes here and there will only help a little and most likely only be temperarily. So go for a complete change and devote much time to it, it is also great to involve your kids too. Make good decisions and good luck to you.0
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I think Im lazy. I have no nice way to put it. Its easier to eat out or eat junk then take the time to eat something better. Exercising is hard it hurts so I always find an excuse to no do it. I truely can only blame myself.
^^My problem exactly^^ I had no troubles staying thin and fit when I had just me to think about and a no stress job etc. Now it's so much easier to eat out than juggle making supper/working all day/and all that goes with having responsibility. I only seem to have time in the early morning, and it's a struggle to force myself to work out at 5:30 am.0 -
I think Im lazy. I have no nice way to put it. Its easier to eat out or eat junk then take the time to eat something better. Exercising is hard it hurts so I always find an excuse to no do it. I truely can only blame myself.
1) you are in there right place. This is one of the most supportive sites I've ever encountered.
2) I love how you are not sugar coating it, but I think you may be being hard on yourself. With taking care of kids, it's not easy to find time to take care of yourself.
Exercise is hard, but it can also be fun. when I started my path on getting back into shape, It was because I realized I was getting out of breath walking up and down my own stairs.. pretty sad. I'm now fairly active. The best advice I can give is not to push yourself to the point that you won't want to or can't exercise the next day. I'm sure I can give you good beginner advice on how to get started being active!
Feel free to add me if you'd like. I love working out, I'm a huge believer in clean eating. Not saying people can't have some cheat days here and there, but like others here have said, it's not a diet. It's a change in lifestyle for you and your health.
BTW, I'm not likely to call you out unless I see you completely flaking, but I will support and comment on your exercises and triumphs along the way! LOL and would love your support as well. :happy:0 -
I'm just starting out with a similar amount to lose...I'd be happy to be your friend along the way.0
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WOW - after reading these replies... it helps me to stay on track..... I like so many have the same problems...but I feel with the support from this site - it is the way to get healither! And I know you can do it too...
You are a hard worker -...and you can do this too...
I am glad for your question/introduction ... cause all the replies have helped me too!:happy:0
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