How to change

jeanniek985
jeanniek985 Posts: 1 Member
edited December 2024 in Getting Started
I have been on and off with eating healthy/exercising.
In total, I have gained 70 pounds in the past 10 years. This is increasing as I continue to get older, and I don’t even really eat too many sweets like soda, cookies, chips, etc. I’d have to say, my biggest weakness is carbs, and I’m taking medication that slows down my metabolism and decreases my energy level. I am worried I’m going to get diabetes; yet, I continue to eat whatever is given to me by my parents, such as rice and pasta, and I get fast food a couple of times a week. Without a doubt, there are definitely things I should change in my habits of eating, but I think It could be a lot worse.
I used to set large goals for myself, such as try to workout one hour/day at the gym, doing weights, and also doing keto/vegan, but every time, it only lasts a month or two then I get back to my old ways. I’m hoping in the year 2020, I will set practical goals for myself such as just making slight changes or cut backs on certain foods, and Walk at least 30min a day, but everyday.

Thanks for reading.

Replies

  • springlering62
    springlering62 Posts: 9,637 Member
    Try setting smaller goals. I like the "walk 30 min a day". I found that once I had smaller goals, it was easier to build up to larger ones.

    While I didn't live with my folks, I worked with them for 30+ years. Sometimes people (parents included), whether motivated by love and kindness, or jealousy, will keep putting food in front of you that they know is bad for you, even when they also know you are trying to change. My mother was very obese, and was very hostile to any effort I made to lose weight. She would bring in tons of candies, cookies, baked goods, and leave them out without saying a word. My own fault for losing resolve, but I totally get where you are coming from. It's hard to make changes when people you love and can't really get away from aren't on board.

    Maybe you could be more proactive with your mom, offering to cook some nights, do the grocery shopping etc. Unfortunately, you probably won't be able to change their habits, but maybe you could subtly change the way they present food to you?
  • 1BlueAurora
    1BlueAurora Posts: 439 Member
    My doctor gave me a list of low carb foods to eat and which ones to avoid. Maybe you could make a list for yourself, which will help guide you and keep you motivated. At the dinner table, you're just going to have to say, "No thank you, no rice for me tonight". Make a bigger salad and fill up on that. Learn to steam vegetables. Make enough to share and offer some broccoli to your parents. If they say they don't want any - hurray! More for you! Your parents might be more supportive if you can honestly say that your health is threatened or compromised by carbs (your doctor must have told you that when putting you on medication). If you're not liking vegetables all that much, try adding a little Spike seasoning to amp up the taste. Keep track of how the fast food makes you feel afterwards; a pile of French fries usually makes me feel less energetic. Keep on logging your foods on MFP. And I agree: set smaller goals, with rewards upon achieving them. I found it helpful to give myself some kind of non-food treat for every 5 pounds I lost. It could just be a new lipstick or a new, better-fitting shirt. It's important to celebrate milestones to keep this whole weight loss thing fun.
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