New Here and struggling to lose weight

My name is Dyan and I am 24 years old. I never been 181 lbs like I am always between 132 or 134 in high school. Losing my dad nov 9th, 2012 and then my grandma was not easy and leaving my abusive ex-boyfriend in June 2012 made me stressed and I am emotional eater. I been on other diets and tried cutting the junk food out cold turkey, but that didn't work and been in weight watchers that didn't work and couldn't afford it monthly.

I can really use some help if anyone would like to give me some advice Thank you so much!

Replies

  • Buff2022
    Buff2022 Posts: 373 Member
    Sorry to hear about your dad and grandma. I lost my Dad in Nov. 18, 2006. My Grandma died the following May. I was also married to a very abusive man. I left him in 1993... with a baby and no money and no diapers. I made though and so can you.

    Feel free to friend me. If you need to talk you can PM me too.
  • rhodesmel
    rhodesmel Posts: 2
    Hi Dyan, I have just begun my fitness journey in the past few months. I would say my best advice is to get active. I started walking every day, then found a couple of workout videos to try. I have lost 10lbs in 8 weeks by using myfitnesspal to track food, and staying active. I walk everyday, rain or shine, and it makes me feel so much better. I lost my grandma in 2008 and I was devastated. It caused me a lot of anxiety. Walking and staying acitve have helped me feel better both mentally and physically. It is also good to surround yourself with people who support you and keep you accountable. I wish you the best! You can do it, just keep trying and don't give up! It takes time!
  • codagene
    codagene Posts: 19 Member
    If you login everyday with your exercise and food intake, you will loose weight. The people on here support and care about your success. We are here because of the same reason, we want to loose weight! Don't be a slave to the scale, you will have weeks you loose weight and weeks you loose inches. YOU CAN DO IT!
  • mahanaibu
    mahanaibu Posts: 505 Member
    I am so sorry about the terrible losses and hard times you've had recently. Exercise, as someone mentioned, is a wonderful idea. It reduces stress, helps give you energy, helps your outlook--and of course burns calories. Do whatever exercise you like...nature walks, dancing, anything. Maybe join an exercise or dance class, where you'll meet others on the same road. and I find yoga classes very calming as well as atrengthening.

    If you log everything you eat, every day, you'll almost certainly find the weight comes off without much struggle. It's the not facing how much we're eating, which is so easy when we're not keeping the food diary, that things get out of control really fast. I wish you all the best luck and I know you'll be able to do this.
  • Thank you! You are so sweet and I am sorry about your lost too. yea, but we are stronger women because of our painful past.
  • jgquintero
    jgquintero Posts: 1
    Hello, my name is Jose, sorry about your loss.

    My story is: it seems I been stuck around 215-230 pounds for the past 6 years. I started 40 days ago, 217lbs. now 207lbs. The key for me, is that I have not missed a day in logging all my foods and exercise. even if you go over your calorie goal, don't cheat, just log it in. eventually you will think twice about eating those cookies!!! My calorie goals is 1450! I did buy a food scale, I weigh and measure everything, don't have to be exact, but do your best. Example, when I ate rice, had no idea how much i was eating, but it was a lot, now i limit myself to 1 cup of rice. With meats, I eat around 5-8oz. Don't skip meals, before I never really ate breakfast or sometimes I skipped lunch.

    I exercise around 3-4 days a weeks, nothing hard. There are days that I don't want to do anything, but what I do to motivate myself is "all it takes is 20 minutes" stick that in your mind, only 20 minutes out of your day is really nothing, but 20 minutes of cardio you can loose around 300 calories or so!!!! Set reasonable goals and don't start to hard. I started running 1.5 mile, 3 times a week for 2 weeks, the following weeks was running 2.0 miles, so every 2 weeks I will add .5 miles. Now i am running 3.0 miles, no need to go to the gym, just run around your neighborhood, using the RUNKEEPER app, helps me track distance, speed and calories burned. On a rainy day or when it gets dark to run around the block, I join my wife's exercise routine, Jillian Michaels ripped in 30. It's 30 minutes, 5 warm up, 20 non stop cardio, and 5 cool down.

    I am not an expert on none of this, so this is just what I have done, and it is working for me. Good luck, "Only 20 minutes" Start now, don't wait to the first of the month, Monday, or next year, now is the time.
  • Thank you! I am one lazy person, but starting tomorrow I am going to start eating better and getting active thank you. I am sorry for you lost too. Thank you
  • Thanks! I know I can and I know, but weight watchers I had no one talking to me like here so, thank you!
  • rhodesmel
    rhodesmel Posts: 2
    I forgot to mention, if you have an iPhone or other smart phone, you can get the free myfitnesspal app. I use that to log my food, right when I eat, so I don't forget anything, it is really helpful. You can also use it to look up foods before you order if you eat out so you know what to choose to eat healthy :-)
  • Amen thanks Jose! I will keep that in mind thank you! that's good for you :) Glad you are doing great!
    I will get out there and move. I would love to run but I have 2 bum knees so that's out of question!
  • Thanks! My niece told me that as well and I will do that thank you!
  • dhuno
    dhuno Posts: 17 Member
    All good advice :-) I would also emphasize that logging into your food diary seems to work- I think because it makes you aware. So, yes, even if you "go over" your calories, keep recording!
  • lyn_2013
    lyn_2013 Posts: 108 Member
    Sorry for your loss! Feel free to add me for motivation and support. You can do it!
  • MorgueBabe
    MorgueBabe Posts: 1,188 Member
    So sorry. I lost my dad in 2009, and it was painful and I definitely spiraled down. Leaving my abusive ex husband was empowering though. I'm glad you found the strength to leave.

    You can do this!
  • donald149
    donald149 Posts: 211 Member
    I said this to someone else earlier... It's like parrarel parking on a busy street. It may take you several times, you may have people blowing their mouths off, you may need to practice but in the end - all that matters is that you get the spot. (And getting yourself upset and frustrated won't help any bit)
  • cna11290
    cna11290 Posts: 1
    I'm new here also and am stuck at 173 after having my second child. I used to weigh 135 back when I graduated in 2009. Having children and constantly tired helped me get to this weight. I'm only 22 and can't stand wearing shirts that show my upper arms, or have a muffin top :blushing: Also toning would be a huge help after having my children as well. I'm only 5'3.5 so it shows pretty well. thing is the majority of weight is in my chest, butt and thighs n the rest in my stomach. :/ I am so sorry for your loss i lost a man who was better to me than my own father and I gained weight due to that as well, my condolences to you and I hope you get the results and support that will help. You can always friend me or pm me also =]

    --Courtney
  • larovers
    larovers Posts: 100
    I am not new here but I feel your pain. I have been struggling with my weight for about 7 years now since I started on fertility treatments and had several miscarriages and this past year my husband was diagnosed with colon cancer. He is now in remission (thank god!) but I am now a whopping 213 (down from 224) but on my way down. I used to be 130 lbs until the past 7 years! I am also an emotional eater so I understand. Feel free (anyone here on this thread) to add me as a friend, I need support and I will give support!
  • KES71GEM
    KES71GEM Posts: 9 Member
    Hey, girl. I lost my father and grandmother in 2011, so I can totally relate. I swelled to my biggest weight ever because just like you, I'm an emotional eater. When all that grieving process gets better, you need to realize that Dad and Grandma want your health more than anything. They love you, and you deserve to be around and treat yourself better.
  • Katla49
    Katla49 Posts: 10,385 Member
    Jose gave you great advice and I second his opinion. Get a food scale and measured scoops called dishers in the restaurant business so that it is easy to measure what you eat. Use the calorie information that is freely available here. Log every bite, even if you go over. I also have bad knees and recommend walking, riding a bike, and yoga. All are great ways to burn calories while being easy on your knees. Dancing with a lot of hopping around is fun, but hard on knees; same with jogging. Whatever you choose for exercise, pick things that you like. This isn't a punishment for bad behavior, it is a new healthy lifestyle. Maybe you can dedicate your efforts to the memory of your dad and grandma, as was suggested. I, too, think they're aware and rooting for your happiness and good health.
  • Thanks and I am sorry for you 2 about the lost :( Hey when you know its right to leave you will find the strength and power and god was my way out!
  • thanks :) That means a lot we are in similar boats
  • thank you! I am sorry for your lost 2 :(
    I know my dad use 2 joke oh you can lose weight when u put that cookie down or its time for the gym don't you think,
    I miss him very much but I know he doesn't want me to be mourn anymore and 2 be healthy!
  • thank you for you sweet words!