Hi I am about to be up front and honest...

mom2jjl · February 2012

Time for me to get REAL...I am a 41 year old Mama of 3 and I am sooooo very unhappy on the inside..here it goes...DEEEPPP BREATH
It's past time...okay I am about to be brutally honest and please FP friends of mine be brutally honest back...I have flip flopped about what plan I need to follow to get this 50 + lbs I have gained that is litterally RUINING MY LIFE!!! Honestly 1 day I will say I am going to eat low carb and that will last until lunch and then i will convince myself that NAH that's not doable nor convient just count calories...then the next day I will fail at that by dinner and convince myself i need to low carb and I will just wait until Monday to start since I have already screwed up 3 days this week

I AM SICK OF THIS!!!! I am getting nowhere and still living in pure misery...on the outside I am happy and outgoing but on the inside I am dying inside and sooo very unhappy sometimes crying in my car..surely I can beat this!! Counting calories seems right for me because honestly I don't want to cut out things I love! I LOVE pizza and sweets..mmmm chocolate anything...I am DONE DONE DONE and SICK SICK SICK of living this way..I have gotten to now where I don't even want to go to church because I am sick of wearing the same thing every Sunday

..time to do this once and for all

EmCarroll1990 · February 2012

I feel your pain. I loooooove carbs, so cutting them out wasn't an option. This site it helpful for the reason that you don't necessarily have to cut things out, but have smaller portions. Good luck! You're welcome to add me in case you need any food ideas.

lizard053 · February 2012

You can do it! Stop saying I'll do better tomorrow. Stop saying I'll start again Monday. You're never going to be happy with yourself!

A few things that helped me get going in the past include drinking more water. Whenever you're hungry, drink a glass. If you're still hungry then try to eat something nutritious!
Just do it. Don't feel like exercising? Just do it! Blown a meal, and calories are shot? Don't wait for tomorrow, do it now!
Eat more lean protein early in the day. It does an amazing job at curbing carb and sweet cravings. It has really worked for me!

Now that you've claimed your place in this world. Time to do it! No more excuses, no more waiting for tomorrow. Start here and now, and never give up!

Sarahmeridith · February 2012

I feel your pain 100% I finally lost some weight a few months ago, convinced myself I didnt need to count calories anymore and gained it all back + 20lbs.... I do the same thing as you, talk myself out of helping myself... I think staying on this site everyday and keep in the colorie goals everyday will be the only way I can do this... I am also to the point that I am ruining my own weight loss. This is going to be extrememly difficult but I think this site is the best way to do it!

My immediate goal is to drop 39lbs (to get under 200lbs.., my overall goal is to get down to at LEAST 180lb) Feel free to add me as a friend!

littleworm23 · February 2012

Counting calories is what has worked for me. I yoyo dieted for years and what I learned was that if I cut something I really like out completely is that at some point I will go nuts on it. My hubby is an amazing cook and he makes a lot of homemade breads, there is no way that I could go with out that so I just have to make sure that I watch my portions....... and exercise. I know that is hard to fit in some times with work, kids, life in general. But I feel so much better physically and mentally when I do. Good luck in finding what works for you and sticking with it. Feel free to add me as a friend if you would like to.

SteveHunt113 · February 2012

I love to eat. Love high sugar candies! Pizza ... I'd eat it every day if I could!

The secret to weight loss really isn't a secret at all. You need to burn more calories than you take in. Simple, huh? IF only!

To decide you are going to cut out all the crap, and never touch it again is unrealistic for most of us. There are options though. Below are some of the things I do to keep myself sane:

1) Exercise - this gives more calories to eat! The health benefits aren't bad either.

2) Allow yourself a "cheat" ever now and then. If you are working on a 500 calorie deficit, try to stick to it but if you slip, it's not the end of the world ... or your diet. You get right back on the next day (not next week).
3) Plan for 1 day a month (some do it weekly) where you allow yourself whatever you want. I suggest for a single meal, not for all day. If you go over by 500 or 700 or 1000 calories for the day, you are still down for the week (assuming a 1 pound be week goal at 3500 calorie deficit).

A few weeks back I broke down and ate a candy bar. I felt guilty but was right back on the plan the next day. At the end of the week, I'd lost a hair over 1 pound. Making a mistake now and again isn't going to end your diet. Doing it every day likely will.

PinkEarthMama · February 2012

We obviously need to be friends

I started and stopped and started and stopped until I found MFP. It's only been a month, but it helps. A LOT.

I am also a mom of 3 with 50 pounds go lose. I guess it is 43 ( ish ) now?

30yearssincebikini · February 2012

You asked for brutal honesty, so I will give it to you with no sugar coating. You will HAVE to give up many of the things you love to lose the weight You will HAVE to exercise on a regular basis. You may allow a cheat day once a week or every other week, but you can't eat junk every day and expect to lose. Won't happen, dear. You'll being wearing that same outfit forever. UNLESS you get disciplined Decide what plan you want to follow and just DO IT. Crying and whining won't do it for you. MFP friends won't do it for you. Only YOU can do it. And I know you can. .

SteveHunt113 · February 2012

You asked for brutal honesty, so I will give it to you with no sugar coating. You will HAVE to give up many of the things you love to lose the weight You will HAVE to exercise on a regular basis. You may allow a cheat day once a week or every other week, but you can't eat junk every day and expect to lose. Won't happen, dear. You'll being wearing that same outfit forever. UNLESS you get disciplined Decide what plan you want to follow and just DO IT. Crying and whining won't do it for you. MFP friends won't do it for you. Only YOU can do it. And I know you can. .

Well said! Honest and encouraging!

ff1diver · February 2012

Let me just say....losing weight has to be a priority for YOU and NO one else!!!!!!!!!!!!! Exercising has to be for YOU and NO one else!!!!! Cutting calories has to be for YOU and NO one else!!!!!!!!! Once YOU make YOU a PRIORITY and start seeing results..the drive to lose weight becomes easier!!!! Trust me!!!! For years I did exactly what you have done...start...stop....start....stop....I have stopped so many times it was pathetic....I got on the scale at the beginning of January and topped out at 246 pounds!!!! I finally put ME FIRST!!! When I lost the first 6 pounds...this was counting calories alone. During week 4 I incorporated excercise...I joined MFP...I don't worry too much about the scale because starting my 7th week...those around me are starting to notice...a great motivator to keep me going. YOU have to find what works for YOU. And just to give one more piece of advice....don't look at it as having to lose 50 pounds...look at it has "This week I will lose1 pound for ME!!!!" I have this statement posted on the mirror in my bedroom.....Sorry for the rambling....I hope this helps...

30yearssincebikini · February 2012

Let me just say....losing weight has to be a priority for YOU and NO one else!!!!!!!!!!!!! Exercising has to be for YOU and NO one else!!!!! Cutting calories has to be for YOU and NO one else!!!!!!!!! Once YOU make YOU a PRIORITY and start seeing results..the drive to lose weight becomes easier!!!! Trust me!!!! For years I did exactly what you have done...start...stop....start....stop....I have stopped so many times it was pathetic....I got on the scale at the beginning of January and topped out at 246 pounds!!!! I finally put ME FIRST!!! When I lost the first 6 pounds...this was counting calories alone. During week 4 I incorporated excercise...I joined MFP...I don't worry too much about the scale because starting my 7th week...those around me are starting to notice...a great motivator to keep me going. YOU have to find what works for YOU. And just to give one more piece of advice....don't look at it as having to lose 50 pounds...look at it has "This week I will lose1 pound for ME!!!!" I have this statement posted on the mirror in my bedroom.....Sorry for the rambling....I hope this helps...

OMG I love your kitty! What do you have on it? Anyway, very well said.

dhencel · February 2012

You need to find a motivation--like wearing a certain size, or weighing a certain weight for an event. My motivation when I was a teen was wearing a bikini...I put it on every day and if I didn't like how it looked, then I really watched my diet. It took me 6 months but I lost 25 lbs. Now that I am older, I am using the 2 piece bathing suit--too old for the little bikini!!!---as my motivation....I hate how I look in the bathing suit, and I am determined to look much better in it by summer.......

So find something to motivate you....And you don't have to tell anyone what it is....Do it for you!!!!

Jesea · February 2012

You can do this! I'm a mom of 2 and have 26 lbs to go....feel free to add me as a friend.

addisondisease2 · February 2012

I eat McDonallds and still lose weight. It doesn't matter what you eat, just how much. Sure you will be better of eating healthy, but make baby steps not huge changes. Start with just cutting sodas, then eating out, then sweets.

ericabrothers · February 2012

check out skinnykitchen.com I am a super picky eater and don't really care for veg but I have found a few things on here that sound pretty good. The skinny chicken parmigiana is actually really good

ShalisaClam · February 2012

If you are not ready to make the committment to eating healthy and exercising, it's going to be terribly easy to come up with the excuses that get you out of a promise to yourself. So, what this all comes down to is : are you ready or not? Because if you are not ready - you will not succeed. Every s i n g l e time. I did the same thing to myself for years now, and when I finally decided that I couldn't make any more excuses, it was like a switch got flipped in my brain. I finally understood after 40 years that healthy eating + exercise = weight loss. It seems so simple, but until you're brain is truly ready to 'understand', it just won't click.
Good Luck!!!! :flowerforyou:

_Bob_ · February 2012

The lifestyle thing as far as diet is a huge help, getting in some type of workout is good too. bla bla bla... you've got this. it's not worth it being on a miserable diet. calorie counting helps you see what good foods are good to eat and lets you plan pizza and chocolate days :happy:

mleoni092708 · February 2012

I found that everything I hated about my life revolved around my weight gain. So I decided that getting it off was going to be my #1 priority. Everything else is secondary. You can't go on like this. I love carbs. The first week was the hardest. I began eating healthier, and 6 small meals a day. I felt terrible the first week. I had headaches, I was exhausted, I felt sick. I think it was my body's way of adjusting to the change. So don't allow yourself to quit the first week. It is hard, but it gets much easier. Planning has been my saviour. I plan all my meals for the week and have healthy items on hand so I don't turn to other less desirable options. Don't bring junk food into your house-it just makes it harder on you knowing they're in there. And when I started working out, I could barely do 10 minutes of zumba. Now I'm to the point where I can't use zumba as a workout because I can't get my heart rate up high enough with it. It's amazing. You will be so suprised what you can do

You can eat what you want but try to make calorie cuts where you can. I eat takeout pizza maybe twice a month (none of that trying to make diet pizza crap

). You CAN do this.

rodneysmom98 · February 2012

I love to eat. Love high sugar candies! Pizza ... I'd eat it every day if I could!

The secret to weight loss really isn't a secret at all. You need to burn more calories than you take in. Simple, huh? IF only!

To decide you are going to cut out all the crap, and never touch it again is unrealistic for most of us. There are options though. Below are some of the things I do to keep myself sane:

1) Exercise - this gives more calories to eat! The health benefits aren't bad either.
2) Allow yourself a "cheat" ever now and then. If you are working on a 500 calorie deficit, try to stick to it but if you slip, it's not the end of the world ... or your diet. You get right back on the next day (not next week).
3) Plan for 1 day a month (some do it weekly) where you allow yourself whatever you want. I suggest for a single meal, not for all day. If you go over by 500 or 700 or 1000 calories for the day, you are still down for the week (assuming a 1 pound be week goal at 3500 calorie deficit).

A few weeks back I broke down and ate a candy bar. I felt guilty but was right back on the plan the next day. At the end of the week, I'd lost a hair over 1 pound. Making a mistake now and again isn't going to end your diet. Doing it every day likely will.

Great advice! - Actually, all are giving great advice, but the above is working for me. Some people believe in %100 clean eating - more power to 'em, but I couldn't do without some "less than optimal" food in my life

apretz1 · February 2012

Buy an outfit you would love to wear to church once you have lost some weight, hang it somewhere you can see it everyday!
Clip positive photos of the body you'd like to purse and some inspirational quotes and put them on your fridge and cupboard. That way every time you find yourself reaching for a snack or sweet you'll think twice and be reminded that you are making a small sacrifice on the road to being happy. You will gain more comfort and satisfaction from sticking to a healthy diet and loosing weight then pizza and bread could ever give you.
Always stay positive!!

ceecee04073 · February 2012

I've counted calories AND cut down on carbs. I found that cutting down on the carbs gave me way more energy during the day, and fewer carb cravings resulting in fewer diet fails. I have about 50 lbs to lose myself, don't care how slow it goes as long as it is consistent

. I loved doing my low carb plan, but it proved to be too much buying groceries for myself, and other stuff for the rest of the family who don't need to lose weight. What I did learn though is how to look for lower carb options (like having a Mission brand low carb wrap which is JUST as good as the high carb ones- instead of a bread sandwich). During the week, I get my breakfast and lunch ready the night before, so if i am in a hurry the next morning, I'm not grabbing quick high calorie convenience items. I plan it all out with FP's calorie counter and stay within my limits. I still have my snack at night, with what i have leftover. And I try not to drink my calories. I hate that! Nothing more annoying than filling up on high calorie juices and soda realizing then you can't eat anything!!

zeeeb · February 2012

It's up to you! Sorry to say it, but you need to give yourself some hard truths and stop making excuses. My partner kept telling me the truth, and often had me in tears hearing the truth i didn't want to hear. but my life was raught with excuses. And once I stopped lying to myself and stopped making excuses, admitted to what i was doing wrong, and putting it out there in the public sphere (including telling people my actual weight, and admitting to others my secret binging ways) there was nothing left to do, than to stop eating so much rubbish and exercise hard. There was nobody to blame except myself and my lack of will power.

I committed myself to 3 years.... so far i'm one year in. two years to go. i refuse to do the quick fix again because i can't do it again (lose a heap and then gain it all back). i need to get it done, and keep it done. and 3 years should give me a good base of new habits to work with.

best of luck, and STOP MAKING EXCUSES, nobody sees through them, and they are just destructive for you.

SaketoKim · February 2012

It's hard at first but you have to give all the bad things up at first and go throught the withdrawls... I am finally to the point where I don't have to deprive my self of all the yummy desires but I do have to work out every day, whether it is 20 min quick work out or 1 hour of solid work out. It's a lifestyle change not a fad, treat it as that. Nothing tastes as good as thin feels. Good luck!!!!!

janetb21 · February 2012

You don't have to cut anything out, you just have to figure out how to work it in to your eating plan. This site can help you figure that out. Read the labels, and add the calories into your day. Do some exercise to balance things out. You can do it!

landorki · February 2012

do descending carbs.... carbs for breakfast. aka cereal, oatmeal, etc. GOOD carbs... multi grain stuff!

slight carbs for lunch. Half a sandwich on whole wheat bread and a salad, or fresh fruit

NO CARBS for dinner! Lean protein such as fish, turkey or chicken. and some steamed veggies!

Carbs are great for burning NOW... so unless you plan on working out after dinner... I would not have any carbs with Dinner.

This was recommended by my doctor... I DID NOT make this up.

KLDunford · February 2012

You can do it! Stop saying I'll do better tomorrow. Stop saying I'll start again Monday. You're never going to be happy with yourself!

A few things that helped me get going in the past include drinking more water. Whenever you're hungry, drink a glass. If you're still hungry then try to eat something nutritious!
Just do it. Don't feel like exercising? Just do it! Blown a meal, and calories are shot? Don't wait for tomorrow, do it now!
Eat more lean protein early in the day. It does an amazing job at curbing carb and sweet cravings. It has really worked for me!

Now that you've claimed your place in this world. Time to do it! No more excuses, no more waiting for tomorrow. Start here and now, and never give up!

What's the best source to get lean protein?

Rae6503 · February 2012

I disagree that you have to give up anything. SUSTAINABLE is key. You have to be able to stick to things long term. Set a small deficit (0.5-1lb a week), exercise and eat your exercise calories. Make it easier on yourself so you don't find yourself giving up. When you have a bad day, don't start over on Monday, start over the next day. Maybe track your weekly calories instead of daily so you can have room for extras now and then. Good luck.

Survivor1997 · February 2012

I'm a closet snack junkie. I could sit and eat a whole bag of chips, along with some sour cream. Or pass me some loaded nachos, and I can show you how it's done. Anything that crunches...bring it on.

BUT...as I've been watching my calories, and especially my carbs the last six weeks, I discovered something. They don't taste all that great to me these days. The fat and salt content is so obvious now, I just don't crave them anymore. Having said that, I also realize just how easy it would be for me to fall back into old habits.

I like pizza too. Now, I add a huge salad with lowfat dressing on the side. I eat slowly, and actually enjoy the flavor more than before. And I end up eating about 1/3 of the pizza I used to. Same goes for any pasta.

I'm not losing a lot of weight. But, I feel so much better these days. Much more energy, I sleep fewer hours and more soundly.

And, my general mood has improved...a lot!

Give yourself a week of healthy eating and exercising. I'm betting that the way you feel on day 7 will be enough to spur you on into week 2.

tlp148 · February 2012

You asked for brutal honesty, so I will give it to you with no sugar coating. You will HAVE to give up many of the things you love to lose the weight You will HAVE to exercise on a regular basis. You may allow a cheat day once a week or every other week, but you can't eat junk every day and expect to lose. Won't happen, dear. You'll being wearing that same outfit forever. UNLESS you get disciplined Decide what plan you want to follow and just DO IT. Crying and whining won't do it for you. MFP friends won't do it for you. Only YOU can do it. And I know you can. .

This is where I started. Brutally Honest with myself. Where did 50 pounds come from? But after 1 1/2 months in to this and down at least 15 pounds(I weigh in on Tuesdays) The things that I thought I was 'giving up" weren't that important after all. My entire first month was exclusively learning food. I have always loved restaurants and cooking real food. Now the food I cook can be Low Fat/ Low Carb/Low Cholesterol etc but it has to be full of flavor. I am experimenting with herbs/spices and seasonings and am loving the GOOD food I am putting in my body and in my kids bodies. January was food control, February I have started to add in the exercise factor. You have to find new comforts when you need comforting and new rewards when you deserve a reward. At 10 pounds down I bought a sparkly new top and jacket. At 15 pounds I had a massage. At 20-25 pounds down I HAVE to get a new pair of jeans and a new belt! Also I have great new friends on MFP and friends at home that are supportive and have even joined in with me in one way or another, some on MFP, some with Weight Watchers, etc.
You are welcome to add me if you like.
Good Luck on your journey.

mgleason01 · February 2012

Let me just say....losing weight has to be a priority for YOU and NO one else!!!!!!!!!!!!! Exercising has to be for YOU and NO one else!!!!! Cutting calories has to be for YOU and NO one else!!!!!!!!! Once YOU make YOU a PRIORITY and start seeing results..the drive to lose weight becomes easier!!!! Trust me!!!! For years I did exactly what you have done...start...stop....start....stop....I have stopped so many times it was pathetic....I got on the scale at the beginning of January and topped out at 246 pounds!!!! I finally put ME FIRST!!! When I lost the first 6 pounds...this was counting calories alone. During week 4 I incorporated excercise...I joined MFP...I don't worry too much about the scale because starting my 7th week...those around me are starting to notice...a great motivator to keep me going. YOU have to find what works for YOU. And just to give one more piece of advice....don't look at it as having to lose 50 pounds...look at it has "This week I will lose1 pound for ME!!!!" I have this statement posted on the mirror in my bedroom.....Sorry for the rambling....I hope this helps...

Well said. Prior to the start of the year, I would allow a "cheat day" or "cheat meal" turn into a cheat week or month!! Now, I get right back on the ball the next day. I REFUSE TO go beyond a size 20 and when my size 20s started to get tight, I knew it was time to get serious. On top of that, I HATED the way i looked for the first time. Those last 20 pounds went straight to my mid-section and it showed. Bottom line, when YOU are READY there will be not stopping YOU!!! Good luck!!! And remember this is a journey, slowly make changes and incorporate exercise in your life. Don't try and do it all at once or you will overhwhelm yourself!

amycdsteinberg · February 2012

Your post sounded like it came from my profile...this was me 6 weeks ago! I have been on an emotional rollercoaster for over 17 years, battling my weight, trying to lose, and giving up. I get back on and the longest I ever went was 3 weeks. I have 5 children, I am going to be 35 this year, and I had a gallbladder attack 6 weeks ago. It sucked that it took something as painful as that to wake me up, but it worked, and I am back on here again-for the 5th or 6th time, and this time, no matter how many times I fall off the wagon, I will pick myself up and try again! This is our lives we are talking about!!! LOL! You can add me if you'd like, encouraging friends help so much! You CAN do it!

Hi I am about to be up front and honest...

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