Need a little extra motivation!

kimmylois81
kimmylois81 Posts: 5
in Motivation and Support
So I joined myfitnesspal for the ease of tracking food, but hoping I get to make some friends who I can be honest with and get some motivation.

I'm 32 and got a divorce last year (it was a good thing, trust me). But going through this past year was very hard emotional which is where food and alcohol became my crutch. I also went on a high dose anti-depressant. My ex-husband was big into fitness and nutrition. So after going through the divorce I abandoned a lot of my good healthy habits because I associated it with him. I used yo eat healthy, exercise regularly, and even run a couple 5k' each year. I had never been ashamed of my body. So in the past year I went from a healthy 145 lbs to almost 180 lbs. Needless to say it was a hard year. I also switched jobs because I needed to supplement my income to survive. My new job is 40 mins away and very long hours, which was another contributing factor in gaining weight. Living alone for the first time, it has been hard trying to cook and not eat out.

So it's been a year, I am off the anti-depressant and want to lose the 40 lbs I gained and get back to being healthy and happy. I joined a nutrition class called walk a weigh where she goes goes over nutrition and we weigh in each week for the next 8 weeks. I just need some motivation because I'm experiencing a lot of things from being physically overweight which are discouraging. Such things as joints hurting, my legs rubbing together and my boobs touching. I've had to buy all new scrubs for work because my legs rubbed a hole. I realized the other day it couldn't even stretch properly because I've gained so much weight and my muscles are so stiff. It's so embarrassing and just need some friends to help. My family and friends are being great but it's embarrassing.

Need some motivation :). This cold wintery weather is not helping me get off my butt either.

Replies

  • ndj1979
    ndj1979 Posts: 29,136 Member
    If you do not start today, then you are going to keep having the same problems. Pushing it off until later is only going to make your problems, and your weight gain, worse.

    I would suggest creating a 500 calorie per day deficit and getting your rear in the gym. Starting strength and new rules of lifting are great resources. once you have read these, you can develop a lifting program around compound movements - deadlifts, squats, overhead press, bench press, chin ups/pull ups - once you have these down develop a program where you are progressively lifting heavier and working in the 6-10 rep range. Setting your macro percentages, in MFP custom settings, to 40% protein/30% carbs/30% protein..

    good luck ...
  • David_AUS
    David_AUS Posts: 298 Member
    Food (lets not call it a Diet): MFP is a great place to track your intake and start to make some conscious choices. Eating the right foods is the best place to start. What ndj1979 says here is a great start

    Exercise: OK I get the impression that you are not necessarily into weights now or just yet. Lets just get moving first! It may be cold outside but have you considered going to a heated pool - swimming or just plain old walking to get you started in the water. This will get you out of the house and into a more social setting.

    I am not going to write a circuit for you here - I would suggest you just introduce in stages but aim to do one new thing every week or fortnight? eg.

    Week 1: Eat more healthy - review what you are eating. What you should substitute / add etc....
    Week 2 & 3 : Lets get moving - How are you going to get 30mins active exercise a day - pool, treadmill, skipping rope? Hell even take up dancing classes Zumba, Cha Cha whatever you like?
    Week 3: Review how I am progressing. I think I am ready for some group activities hmm maybe Pilates, Yoga or Tai Chi?
    Week 4 - 6: Gee I am feeling more flexible now and I have lost a bit of weight I think I might... eg. build some strength with exercise resistance training (I think you get the idea)

    You have made the first step - looking for inspiration. We can show you the door buy you must walk through!

    Oh and don't be embarrassed - this is about what you want out of life what others think / judge is their opinion. Most people are quite happy to sit on the sidelines and complain or criticize. Be one of the minority who just get in and do something for yourself! Remind yourself how amazing and strong you really are because you have the strength inside to achieve once you set your heart on it.
  • kimmylois81
    kimmylois81 Posts: 5
    Thank you for the advice! :)
  • train_01
    train_01 Posts: 135 Member
    I felt the same way when I started too (muscles very tight, joints hurting, etc). I started in the pool and that was a tremendous help. The water creates resistance which is very good, but it is so much easier on the knees! I would suggest that if you are going to do water aerobics or walking in the pool, that you get some swimming shoes (the pool bottom is really hard on the feet). Hope it helps!
  • seawolf86
    seawolf86 Posts: 55
    Feel free to add me for motivation & support!
  • kimmylois81
    kimmylois81 Posts: 5
    That's a great idea.... Now to find a pool, my gum doesn't have one. MISSION
  • angelabethb
    angelabethb Posts: 33 Member
    You can do this! Add me and I can perhaps help!
  • kingscrown
    kingscrown Posts: 615 Member
    I get it. I didn't listen to country music for years after a major break up. He made me listen to it only as he wouldn't listen to anything else. There comes a time to live your life for you. Make new memories. Make new goals. Put you first. Healthy eating and exercise will brighten up your future immensely. Talk to a trainer. Do it YOUR way.
  • mulecanter
    mulecanter Posts: 1,792 Member
    In addition to what others have said already I'd say that using MFP is a step in the right direction. The social aspect of MFP has been very helpful for me, it makes it fun and maybe even a little competitive. I recommend joining a challenge group as they pop up, it's a great way to make new friends on this forum and take some of the focus off you and put it on others. Set an ultimate weight goal but then set some intermediate "inchstones" or milestones that you can reach like getting down to 175 or whatever. Also, combine diet/weight goals with fitness goals--you will need both to be successful in my opinion. I hope this is the beginning of a great year for you, it can be if you start a virtuous circle of small victories that build toward larger ones. Last thought, many don't see success on MFP because they are not honest with themselves. You must measure and log what you eat accurately, likewise exercise. The MFP software will give you a great calorie level that will put you on a nice glide path to your goal--but you have to really do it and not underestimate your calorie intake. You can not escape the physics of weight loss (calories in = calories out). Good luck, friend me at will!

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