Let's try it again...

I was on MFP in July 2011. I just searched my phone for calorie tracker apps and there it was! I did really well for 3 months and lost 29 lb but I started a new job in October 2011 and it all went down hill. The job was actually less stressful, but it was field based. It was harder to pack healthy breakfasts and lunches every day and I got tempted by my boss who liked going out to eat at lunch. I also fell off the wagon with exercise because I worked later, inconsistent hours.

But now I took a promotion and I'm back in one place everyday and on a regular schedule. It makes it so much easier! I've been packing my week-long lunches again. I've also taken advantage of my schedule and started water aerobics, which I really really like. My back isn't killing me like when I go walking, but I get an even better work out than walking because I'm not shackled by gravity, the work out is 60 minutes, plus we even do resistance training with water paddles.

I think what I need the most is some positive support. I learned that my family, who I live with, are absolutely warped in their thinking, and I've let their negativity become a self-fulfilling prophecy in the past. I had this epiphany when my mom and dad kept saying "You're getting fatter and fatter" even after I had lost 29 lbs. I think they're so used to giving me the same negative message all my life that they do it even when there is evidence to the contrary. But I'm learning to tune them out!! Unfortunately, my two bff's are just a little too self-absorbed to really be there for me. That was a hard lesson I've learned in these past few years, but at least I'm aware of it now.

All in all, I'm hoping that I can find some kindness in strangers here. I could use some smiles and a pat on the back once in a while to supplement what I try to give to myself!! I know that will really help me stay on track this time because support and positive reinforcement have been my missing pieces! Hopefully I can share some love with the community, too.