I choose to stay fat!

I have been the same way for many years-I think part is A.D.D. and another part is bad habit. A few weeks ago I started a program with Peertrainer called Point of No Return (PoNR). They send you modules every week that help re-train your thinking and habits and walk you through everything from cleaning out you cabinets to helping you choose better decisions. It has been very helpful so far as to getting on the right track- hence how I found MFP. Between the two programs I have changed my outlook on things and am more positive in this whole weight loss journey. I have more inspiration to do what I need from everyone here on MFP. I have about 60 lbs. to lose and it is going to take time but it just feels right this time. Don't lose hope and don't give up, and you are right we are the ones who have to do it. I am one step closer today then I was yesterday, and if you fall dust yourself off and go back at it!:bigsmile: Good Luck and feel free to bfriend me!

I think you are exactly correct. I realized the same thing about myself a while back. I "thought about" losing weight many times and could just not seem to take action. I have been overweight for most of my 20 year marriage. When I began this attempt in February, I realized very clearly that the past attempts were just window dressing for myself. I didn't really realize it at the time, though. This time, though, I could tell from the start that the dedication was real, the desire a true desire, not just wishful thinking. And the results have proven me correct.

The reason I tell you this is that I believe that you have taken an important first step. The self inventory is so important. Now you might need to have a conversation with yourself about where on your priority list you are placing improving your health. If the time is right for you to make this effort your top priority, you will succeed with flying colors. I believe that by writing the post that you just did, you are getting ready.

As another poster said, don't beat yourself up over the bad. Just make some decisions and when the time is right for you, do it with everything you have. Celebrate every success you have along the way and use them to build momentum. You can do it. I like to realize that it's not an either/or, hit the goal or lose situation. Every pound, every good choice, every small improvement you make is something really good. Make today a healthier day than yesterday. Then do another day. Pretty soon you've made serious improvements and are better off than when you started.

Sometimes making all the changes we need to make at once is overwhelming.

Last summer, I decided I couldn't change all my bad habits at once but I also couldn't continue the way I was going. So... I told myself I would give up potato chips and french fries. I could eat chocolate, drink soda/pop, eat fried foods, etc, but no more potato chips and french fries. A month later I couldn't have cared less whether I ever had another potato chip or french fry. I actually discovered that on wing night, I loved having a good house salad with my wings.

Then I gave up soda/pop. I could have water, 100% juice cut with water, chocolate milk, etc, but no pop. Another month later and I no longer had any interest in soda/pop.

The next thing to go was added salt. And I cut down fried foods to once a week. Gave up my smart food popcorn. Now I'm working on chocolate.

By taking things in baby steps and focusing on one thing at a time, I've been able to have a much easier time of changing my habits.

You may not need to give up things completely. I find I'm addicted to various foods, etc, and that cutting them out completely (while finding healthy substitutes) is best for me. Anyway. I actually spent 6 months focusing just on changing my food habits without tracking calories or working out or giving myself grief about the habits I had yet to change and it was really liberating. I found I actually lost weight (just a little but better than gaining) by relaxing about everything except each individual goal.

Just an idea... you might find the same sort of approach appeals/works for you.

Oh, and it also works for exercise. I went from doing nothing to 3 days a week of Wii yoga with a bit of strength training to months later doing Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred and working out 5 or 6 times a week. Now I actually get antsy if I take more than one rest day. Who would have ever thought? :P

It is totally amazing how you sound just like me! I would lay awake totally disgusted with myself for being overweight but then I wouldn't do anything about it. I finally decided that I needed to stop waiting for the next project or day or week or season and start living for today. I give you so much credit to talk to us so freely about your feelings. You are not alone and I wish you luck on your journey.

i do know, that for me, not having in the house saves me........No kids here, so I dont have to worry about having snacks for kids, etc, moms who do have kids.............I respect you

The biggest reason why I chose to change, was my health...........in a few years, your blood pressure will increase, putting you at risk for heart disease, and strokes

you could face renal damage, resulting in death or kidney dialysis

liver damage due to belly fat that will damage your liver

gall stones because of a fatty diet, you could be forced to undergo surgery for gall bladder removal

I could go on and on, but by now you get my points............Obesity kills, it kills over 75, 000 kids a year and 110 , 000 adults a year.........thats all I needed to know to make my change. Obesity kills....

best wishes, I hope you do it and soon, if not for you, for your loved ones...........Llloyd

Perhaps you are trying to do too much at once. Maybe what can work for you is setting smaller goals for yourself. Instead of thinking, "OMG, I need to lose 80 lbs.!" Think, "I'm going to lose 15 lbs over the next 3-4 months." Smaller goals are easier to manage and tend to be less overwhelming. And when you reach them, they can motivate you to get more done. Then, to accomplish that goal, start changing your lifestyle one step at a time. If you drink a lot of soda, reduce the weekly or daily amount until you manage to faze it out. If you usually tend to have large portions, try cutting back. (Stop yourself from helping yourself to that second plate.) Increase your water intake by one or two cups a day. Add a few fruits and veggies to your regular meals. If you never exercise, go for a 15 minute walk first thing in the morning 3-4 times a week and slowly increase the time.

After you get started with those little things, it becomes easier to incorporate a healthier living style. I find that a lot of people I've talked to just get overwhelmed because they think they suddenly have to go from a couch potato to an hour of cardio every day, or that they have to deprive themselves of everything they like to eat. It doesn't necessarily work like that, but you HAVE to be willing to start taking those first few steps. After that, it becomes easier.

Good luck!

Try changing just ONE thing this week. I'll give you the first one if you like...switch to Dr Pepper Zero...that'll do for this week.

Now what do YOU want to change next week?

Baby steps will get you there quicker than giant leaps if giant leaps mean you keep stumbling backwards

I think this is the right solution. start small....and work your way up...people dont change over night, but little things DO motivate. mini goals may be the best thing to work from.! GOOD LUCK!

I think maybe smaller goals wil lhelp you. 10lbs, then another 10lbs etc.


Kudos to you for owning up to your decisions. i've heard too many people blame a million different things for being over weight when it all comes down to personal responsibility.

First of all stop beating yourself up because that never solved anything. It is good that you realize that you have an issue because that is half the battle. I know for me I have to take things in baby steps. The first thing I did was replace the soda (pop) with water. That was the hardest thing for me. I was drinking at least 4 ltrs of pepsi a day and NEVER drank water. Now I drink water daily; not always the 8 cups that it says you should but I try to do atleast 6 and only allow myself a soda every once in a while. Since I am not one that likes water I use those crystal lite packets or something like them (there are different brands) to make it drinkable. There is no sugar in them and they taste good.

Another thing I started doing is forget about the gym. While it is a nice idea and sounds good for me just getting out and taking a walk around the block was a big accomplishment. I found out that I love to walk and if you can find someone to walk with you it is even better.

You can do this just take it one day at a time. If you mess up just start over the next day and don't beat yourself up.

Don't beat yourself up,, I too felt like a yo-yo- up and down, but in deciding to change just 1 thing that you do during the day, is a beginning. I decided to join the gym- and I have been going for over 2 months now. If I miss a day, I feel lost,, I am sleeping better and losing weight, slowly,,,- it is now part of my daily routine. You can make it fun... buy some new sneakers, and take a 45 min. walk,- around a park,, in the mall, a school track, anywhere you can find a place to walk safley. You can do it!