Disappointed and disheartened

I started going to a gym and working out with a trainer 3 times a week, but I wasn't seeing any weightloss. I did loose inches, but the weight was going no where. About two weeks ago I really started to watch what I eat and journaling, it has made a world of difference. I have lost 5 lbs since then. So, eating right is a major part of it, it took me 3 months to figure that out. Now I feel like I'm on a roll.

I'm glad you decided to start the journey, you can do it and if you like you can add me as a friend.

GOOD LUCK, YOU CAN DO THIS!

Keep trying don't give up I felt the same way. My heart drop too when I got on the scale at 194 the heaviest I ever been.
But I had to do something. and little by little 1 pound at a time the weight keep coming off. It's been slow but steady but you will feel so much better. I was so excited to see 192. I'm 181 now and have 6 more pounds to go. Do a little each day and it will all add up in the end.

I am very much in a smilar situation. I met my now husband(weighted approx 190), got pregnant, had twins and then enjoyed life and food for awhile. I got back on the scale at about 212! Yikes. The best thing you can do is just do something! Even though i'm not proud of my weight. I'm becoming more proud of myself because i'm trying to fix the problem, and not adding to it. Good Luck!!

Being here is the first step...time to focus hard on the eating habits. You can do this! :flowerforyou:

The hardest step for me was getting on that damn scale. It was also the best step since it started the motivation to change and keep changing. The scale keeps me honest. There are weeks the number goes up and it sucks, but those are also the weeks I know I slipped and its time to step up. When that number goes down after a week of honest work at it, it really shows me that
I'AM the one in control.
No matter what stage you are at love yourself. Know you are beautiful.
Good luck! You can do this!

Been there and done that. After 5 years in a travelling job and having twins, my 120 lb frame bulked up to 186. I have lost almost 43lbs. It took 7 months and lots of work but its worth it.

First thing I did was calculate my BMR. I recalculate after every 10pound mark. I workout 5-6 days a week: a combination of cardio and strength training. The way I have changed my lifestyle, there is only one way the scale could go- Down..

Don't be disheartened. Think of how you will feel when you reach goal weight.

Hi Giovanna and very good luck to you. I think you've taken a BIG step forward in really identifying the situation you are in, and identified why. Don't blame yourself entirely. That one line "I am broke" tells me some of why you may have gained: Fast food, cheaper foods are WAY, WAY more fattening than the healthier stuff. And more emotionally satisfying too. Even eating at home, lots of the things that are least expensive at the stores are the most fattening. So, find a copy of EAT THIS NOT THAT (seriously, I keep a copy in my car), and make the wiser choices in selecting food. No matter whether you are cooking at home or at fast food, there are some healthy options. Also, be sure to log EVERYTHING you eat into your myfitnesspal log. People who log all their food are less likely to eat too much.

I'm not even sure you need a gym. I used to be a gym rat and it didn't really do much but make me hungrier. I have a recumbant bicycle at home and I do that, log that. Also, you can just make sure you take a 30 to 60 minute walk daily that gets you up to a nice "sweat level." I find this is better to do alone, or with an mp3, than with a friend. When I do it with friends, I go slower and we slow down to talk.

As for clothes. When trying to lose, GoodWill and other thrift stores can be your best friend on a budget. You'll see lots of shoppers there driving new Mercedes and Jags, it is said "the best dressed people buy at GW" and I believe that. You can get like-new jeans for $5 or even less on 1/2 priced days. As you drop weight, you can buy the "in between" sizes there and then just donate them back when you move to lower sizes. No need to spend $35 to $225 for a pair of jeans. You'll find the same brands and sizes at GW. Lots of tops and other stuff there too. I was in line to a special event and had to ask one young lady where she'd gotten this gorgeous grey business look dress ... she told me Goodwill, $5. Hope you have a good one near you.

Lots of WATER ... that is free. Drink 20 oz when you get up in the morning, and have an apple right after that. Then drink 20 oz before every meal, another 20 oz before you shower or tub it, and 20 oz before going to bed. You'll be surprised at how much difference that will make.

Good luck. You've made a GREAT start by outlining where you are and why!

I understand how you feel. I got up to the highest I had ever been, as well. 306. I lost 42 pounds almost immediately (a year and a half ago).... but, then gained 17 pounds back. I have now lost that 17 pounds ago... and am working on continuing my journey. I could always use more supportive friends as well. I'll send you a request.

Hello everyone,

My name is Giovanna, I'm 25 years old and I have reached a new low (or high in terms of weight) in my life. I knew I had gained weight since dating my boyfriend and I haven't stepped on a scale in over a year, fearing whatever the result would be. Eating out more, getting a full time desk job and just not watching my health has taken its toll.
Last night at a friends, he was boasting how he bikes everywhere and has lost weight. He had a scale after prodding & prodding I said I would look, only if I could do so alone. My heart sank. And of course the digital display was huge and even thought my BF was standing feet behind me, I knew he saw. My heart sank again.

The heaviest I had ever been before yesterday was 190. I am now a little over 205lbs. That number scares me.

I started going to the gym two weeks ago about 45-60 min 3x a week. But I know that I have not changed my eating habits one bit. That will all be changing now. My family has a history of obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, etc etc.

I am ashamed. I am angry. I was in denial. I am huge. I am broke so I can't buy clothes to fit my body so I look ridiculous. I feel that stress over money has only perpetuated my situation. THERE I GO MAKING EXCUSES. I alone am at fault for where I have landed with a thump. I should have taken my health more seriously. Now I will be.

I need help though. Please add me. I need a circle of friends to keep me going. To keep me motivated. And just some good old fashioned advise. If you have the time or want I will gladly accept anything I can get.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. It means the world to me. Thank you! --Gio

My advice is to love yourself no matter what because even though the scale says you need to be in shape, it does not say anything about who you are as a person. No need to be ashamed of yourself, just to know you need to start looking out for your health and happiness a lot more than you were. I live in Chicago too and I would love to add you! :] My name is Jolene. I think the best way to approach this is to not be disheartened, but to see it as a path to a better life and health (confidence & body !) than you ever knew. You should be excited because here you can meet new people, take new chances and get to know yourself better than you ever have known yourself.

P.S. I started here originally around 185lbs and actually after my second baby around 191, but I am down to 168lbs now. MFP can really help you, so please stick to it.

We all have to face our biggest fears one day... And you did!!! Now that you know where you are, and where you don't want to be, it's time to start making small, meaningful changes, everyday of your life. If you feel comfortable in a gym, then you should really start using it 5-6 days a week and logging it everyday. Start with light cardio sessions, followed by light strength training... But you have to keep in mind that it didn't take you one week, one month, to gain the weight, and it's not going to be a fast process of getting it off. As long as you can face that battle, and win the WAR, you WILL achieve your goals!! MFP is a great way to keep yourself motivated too. People on here, who use this as a tool to get themselves in to shape with proper diet and exercise, are always willing to lend a helping hand. We are all here to achieve the same goals, whether it's 15 pounds or 115 pounds. I've received so much invaluable information on here, and it's helping change my life. Use it too!!

I just have to tell you this.... Eating out should be a luxury, and not something you do everyday. Although it's quick and easy, many restaurants just can't offer you wholesome foods with good ingredients, and portion control like you will need when wanting to lose weight. Don't starve yourself, but embrace the need for change, and try to cook most meals at home. Get your boyfriend involved (if he's willing) and ask that he help prepare foods and set the table, so you can both enjoy each other's company over a good, nutritious meal. I tell ya girl, it will significantly help in your weight loss goals.

Keep in mind though that you will need to encourage yourself when others around you can't, won't, or are jealous of your success... Use MFP every day if you can!!! People are cruel by nature when they are jealous of someone's success... Although it's a terrible thing to say, it's true, so just be prepared and know when to turn to a positive source for encouragement!!! You are a strong woman with a clear vision of what you want and don't want. Take the bull by the horns!!! You've got this!!

WOW!!!...this should be saved and kept for the future...great words that anybody can use...very impressive

You can do it! You have taken the first step...we will help you! I'm adding you as well.

Just use the tools. Try posting everthing you eat. It makes such a huge difference to see where the wasted calories are. Don't be disheartened. Just keep on going forward. Change 1 thing a day. You can't do it all at once. Keep your chin up.

same thing happened to me! That's how I've gotten where I am to me. Let the anger feed your workouts and start with something that isn't to hard and work your way up. Don't set impossible goals that will discourage you and find something you enjoy to reward yourself with!