Help.

springlering62 · August 2023

Welcome to MFP @sarahhartnett22

I was you, only presumably about 35 years older. I felt awful, I looked awful, I berated and hated myself.

You’re going to have to decide : is this my future life, and am I going to continue to piss and moan and feel sorry for myself, or am I going to take control and responsibility and actually do something for myself.

I had my “moment” when the flip switched. Instead of “oh I’ll eat what’s left” (and secretly restock because “well it’s on sale”…..umm, it’s always on sale) I put it all in bags and asked my neighbor if she wanted it for her kids.

I got rid of everything I perceived (rightly or wrongly) as foods that were bad for me. I stocked the kitchen with “healthy foods”. I kept (and still do!!!) temptation out of the cupboards.

I realize now I knew nothing about nutrition. But, it was a start.

That was probably the biggest thing I did for myself- realizing I had a problem and keeping those foods at arms length.

I consulted a dietician (cheap- discount visits provided through my gym!!! And later for free phone visits through my health plan, just by asking. 👍🏻)

My dietician referred me here to MFP. I treated MFP like school. I read every thread that seemed worthwhile. I asked my “professors” here questions. I learned. I evaluated good versus poor advice. I absorbed and actually listened (for a change).

I had no *kitten* idea of how to start, so I did it the best way I could. That’s nearly five years ago. I lost a hundred in the first two and have been in maintenance ever since. Like many here, I actually made the choice to later gain a little, to accommodate muscle gain.

I dropped from a 24W to a comfy size 4. My health has improved a thousandfold- as has my outlook on life.

Best of all, I no longer hate on myself. Weight loss didn’t make me beautiful or a social giant. But it made me happy, satisfied, and ready to devour life. Instead of M&Ms.

I wish all this for you, but you have to decide…. Am I ready to stop whining to my digital notepad, or am I ready to put that first foot forward to actually do something about it?

*please forgive the use of the word “whine”, but it comes from the mouth of the biggest whiner you’ve never met.

kimberlymcclain11 · August 2023

*a little hypocrisy on its way here* Your message sounds like I could have written it...and it also breaks my heart. Neither of us is likely to get anywhere, though, if we hate ourselves. Why would we work hard for someone we hate? My sister has been my weight loss hero for the past couple years, and she's done it out of love for herself and because she wants to be healthy enough to enjoy her older years when they come. Maybe we can both try talking to ourselves like we'd talk to someone we love?

tulips_and_tea · August 2023

I hope you take the time to read these two great responses so far! They are both very true and very helpful.

Do NOT waste your time and energy hating yourself. Be grateful for what your body can do for you right now and start taking care of it. Go for a short walk outside. Be grateful that your body is able to do that. Drink a refreshing glass of water. Get restful sleep.

As already stated, just start somewhere. Make small steps and acknowledge your progress and make note of what doesn't work for you. I truly wish you the best!

ddsb1111 · August 2023

What part are you having the most trouble with and maybe we can start there? Is it being confused how CICO works? Is it eating too low calories that you binge, disrupting your deficit? Is it emotional eating? Do you have belief systems that don’t serve you (thinking eating anything outside of a “clean diet” is cheating and blow it for the day)? We want to help. I’m so sorry this is where you are but I promise you that it doesn’t have to stay this way.

Help.

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