Looking to lose 100+ pounds... the healthy way!

Hello everyone! I'm new here, and look forward to learning from your weight loss journeys. I can use all of the inspiration and motivation I can get! I'm 43, and I have 178 lbs to lose. That's a whole obese woman. The number is overwhelming, but I know that it's all about one decision at a time, building up to one day at a time. I figure I have a couple of years of effortful weight loss ahead of me, and I'm giving myself every tool that I can.

Six years ago, I jumped into Weight Watchers and a gym program that was sort of like the Biggest Loser. I was working out 6-7 days a week for at least an hour a day (usually 2 hrs or more). I felt great, and I was losing pretty steadily, but then I was injured doing football drills (yep, fat girls doing football drills). I tore my ACL and meniscus, and after surgery, just couldn't get myself going again. I was afraid that I would have another injury. Then my Mom got very sick, and we had over a year of high stress before she passed away. Tomorrow is the 4th anniversary of her death.

I know that she died because of diseases directly associated with obesity, (she was diabetic, and died of congestive heart failure and kidney failure) and I don't want to experience the same fate. I just had a full physical, and with the exception of my weight, I'm PERFECTLY healthy. I want to make the most of this to make losing weight easier.

The doctor suggested that I try Contrave to help with overeating and to, hopefully, eliminate the cravings that have always been a serious problem for me. It took a lot of consideration for me to decide to take it, and I just took my first dose. I would be grateful to hear from anyone who has used Contrave to help with weight loss.

I plan to bike and do yoga, alternating every other day, to give myself some gentle, low-impact movement until I lose some weight.

We're on a tight budget right now (I'm building my own business, and it's early days), so I would also love to hear about any kind of great recipe sources that are budget friendly and include lots of veggies!

This is the one area of my life that I feel out of control of. I'm a certified life coach, and I can coach myself, and anyone else, through any other challenge or circumstance. This is a deep-seated thing for me. Showing up here, and being vulnerable, is a huge step. I really appreciate having this forum!

trailgirl777 wrote: »

I set a small January goal - just log & nothing else. Did not have to lose or stay in calories just learn what I ate & make a habit. They (the magic they) say it takes 2-3 weeks to make a new habit. I learned it takes me 6 weeks. This week I reached the point where I can't not log even if it's just my best guess. It feels better to log - goal met! I lost 11 pounds too as a side benefit. When the scale went up two pounds I was ok because I'm taking care of me & that gain is not going to stop me.

I love this post trailgirl. Sometimes I forget the smaller goals, setting them, working them, remembering why they're important... And your timing couldn't be better. I weighed in today and I'm continuing my journey but 12 pounds heavier than when I started it last year. I was all set to be super upset and just down in the dumps, but your post reminded my there are important things to be learned along this path. Thanks for that, and I'm in the same boat, it takes me 6-8 weeks to make a habit...

Well I evaluated my feb goal of activity & only went twice. This was not quite the showing I was going for. I made excuses in my mind ( work 12+ hour days etc). Decided excuses were not going to fly & looked at what I did in my off time. Lo & behold if I reduce my online gaming time I will have workout time. So this week I'm working on my gaming addiction & it's a doozy for emotional numbing. Been offline almost a week & scrambling for healthier stress coping strategies. Please send suggestions. I ordered some easy workout dvd that should arrive next week cause it is late & dark when I get home. hopefully March goes better for my exercise goals.

I posted inspirational backgrounds on my computer (I work on it also) to remind me of who I really am & what I'm working for on this journey so I can shed the things that are in the way.

Where is everyone??? I have missed y'all!!! I know I am working a lot, but I am trying my best to check in with the best group on here!!!!

ninthnarnian wrote: »

I'm still here- Glad to be a part of such a great group. Been difficult to get to the gym lately- but still trying most days. And just got something neat to help me workout at home.

Good to see you still here!!! My husband is wanting to get some kind of Bowflex machine!!! Men!!! lol

My name is Maryann from Illinois. I'm new to this group. I have recommitting to MFP and to the support of others on the same journey. I have a lot of weight to loss and need to stop isolating and eating to fill the hole in my soul. Looking forward to getting to know you all.

Hi I'm 44 , T2 diabetic an in need of loosing 100lbs. Would love to be added for some help staying positive an advice.

Thanks

The very first thing I did was cut out soda!! It's been 20 days! Went buy quickly. 2nd thing was limited amouts of chocolate . I know if I cut it out completely I will end up binging . so I limit myself to a mini candy 2 times a week. I am trying to add moving more and have got myself to two quarts of water a day working on 3. Replacing a bad habit with a good one and working on mastering it before I change something else . staying in my calories .. It's hard but I am worth it .

ninthnarnian wrote: »

This thing I got was cheap- lol $19 on clearance- don't think you will get off that easy lol

Yeah I think the machine he is wanting is like $1000-$1500!!!!! MEN!!!!!!

Welcome new folks!