Am I emotionally ready to begin a diet?

Hi Mommy Wilson! I have been there done that...but believe me when I say counting on your husband to keep you from cheating is not a good idea. You have to develop your own habbits. And for me, I didn't start with NOT eating this bad thing or that bad thing...but I started with eating something that was good for me. If you get enough of the good stuff in, eventually there will not be room for the bad stuff.

Maybe you can start with increasing your water intake and adding some fresh fruit to your diet in the mornings. And add some lemon to your water. Good Luck and let me know if you need anything...

Jessica

I medicate with exercise...much better option than food...music and exercise!

There are a lot of things going on right now and I feel like I won't be able to make a real commitment to eating right until Sunday. Sunday my husband can be home with me to monitor that I am not cheating secretly, like I have been in the past. I'm very hopeful, but this is so tough. Doctor's don't realize how much effort it takes to break a life time habit. Every day is a struggle and today I already failed..... what can I do instead of medicating myself with food? Any suggestions?

First congratulations on deciding to start! That's the first step! Second... this is not a diet... it's a lifestyle change. Diet's have a beginning and an ending... if you choose to eat right and live a healthier life - it's forever. And because it's a lifestyle - YOU are in charge. There is no "cheating" - there are "decisions" - some will be good, others will be bad. If you need a few days to gear up, that's ok - wait a few days.

BUT - you be responsible for YOU. Asking your husband to monitor you (even if it's just in your mind) is not a good idea. The first time he asks you why you're eating this or that, or if you exercised today or says anything remotely stupid that can be slightly interpreted as judgemental you're going to be upset and go find the nearest piece of chocolate cake. Ummm... yeah, been there a time or two!

INSTEAD, maybe start with adding one or two healthy things to your routine. I cannot tell you how important drinking water is. Maybe for today and tomorrow you can focus on drinking 8 cups of water each day. Maybe you can take a 10 minute walk. 10 minutes... not 20.. not 30... just 10. If 10 is too much - take a 5 minute walk. Congratulate yourself for each and every "good" decision you make. Life is about choices.... and if you're like me - for years, you've been making the wrong ones.

I celebrate every time I have a piece of fruit instead of chips. I celebrate everytime I finish a bottle of water. I celebrate every time I get on the treadmill. Each good "decision" gets me a step closer to my long term goals.

Set small goals and work towards them. You can do this!