I really need some motivational help and supporters!

aerinayden · May 2012

Hi, I'm new to this. This is my first time using MFP, and so far I am loving it. I've used other programs in the past, but not allowing me to plan out the day ahead made things a bit tough and I gave up. I'm a single mom of a 10-year-old. Not only does my full time job keep me busy, so does my child and family. I seem to be tugged in every single direction but the way I want to go. I had gotten motivated a year ago to lose some weight, managed to lose half of my goal (20 pounds lost), but I have since gained it almost all back, which has left me feeling frustrated. Before I had will power, but now I can't seem to find it, and I seriously need the encouragement to keep going.

I have barely any support system in this journey. At work, I am surrounded by cabinets full of junk food and soda. At home, my child is so incredibly picky. All he wants to eat is spaghetti or fast food. That makes eating a constant battle, which tires me out after an already long day. My friends all eat what they want because they are healthy, or they aren't ready to take a similar journey. My family isn't supportive because they believe food is the cure-all for anything and everything. I know I am capable of losing weight and getting healthier. My previous 20 pound weight loss has proven that. I just need to find the will power to say no when I find myself reaching for that candy bar or eating that extra meal or pulling into the fast food restaurant parking lot. I need someone to push me when I don't feel like working out because I am so exhausted from either lack of sleep or a busy day. Obesity runs in my family, along with diabetes, heart conditions, and so many other health issues associated with weight. As I slowly watch my weight creep up the scale, I get scared to death that I will have those same health issues and won't be here for my son as long as I would like. I am trying to stop it before it gets out of hand. Please, I need some motivational supporters to help me get moving again and help me stay in the right direction this time.

avega12 · May 2012

Hello and welcome, I've been on MFP for 2.5 months and I'd love to be an encouragement to you!! I'll send you a friend request!

jstaads · May 2012

I am a mom of two, with lots of baby weight to still lose!! Lets do it!! Add me!!

RichardCMolloy · May 2012

I'm a Dad of 2 & I'm like you. My family has never been light lol Feel free to add me if you'd like.

Bobbiehenderson · May 2012

Hi feel free to add me, Iam a mom of 3 kids 12, 10, and 3. Iam working on getting healthy also.

jennb78 · May 2012

I was just thinking about posting something similar. I work full time and have 2 children, my husband is not overweight and when he puts on a few pounds he cuts out the beer and it is gone. Then he tries to tell me just eat salad for every meal its easy. All the girls in the office are young and thin so they do not understand my struggles. I have tried many different things to lose weight, but I don't get result in the first 3 month and I stop. I am very upset with where I am and I too am looking for support and people who understand how difficult this is.

jnoring · May 2012

Welcome and good luck! I will be adding you

robynb7d · May 2012

Just joined two days ago....loving it so far. Busy mom of two, and dieting is hard! Looking for some motivation/encouragement, and would love to give in return

jennifermartinez1112 · May 2012

hi i am also a mom, i have five children and i am the same way and i have lost in the past and would be back and forth with my will power. but i just told myself it is time for me to get better and healthy for my children and myself. i am super amped right now about it and i am here for you as support if you need it. you can add me.

gottaloseita3 · May 2012

Welcome! I just started a couple weeks ago and this is the best! Just make sure to get the App on your phone to always update and always always log everything you eat. Good Luck! Dont give up!

Hard_Rock_Mom · May 2012

Your son sounds just like my fiance, picky and a big fan of the bad stuff! I too am surrounded by junk and it's hard to practice self control when my hubs and brother eat chips, pop, candy and lord knows what else and keep it all over the place. I'll add you

katejkelley · May 2012

You've come to the right place - lots of support here! I've raised three kids and know about picky eaters. Here's the thing - you can encourage him to stay picky or you can teach him how to eat right. Stop letting him decide what he'll eat. You're the mom, therefore you're the boss! Fix him the same healthy meals you want to eat. His choice: eat them or be hungry. He may pout and be hungry for a few days, but trust me, he'll come around. You teach most effectively by example. So if you're eating right and living an active, healthy lifestyle, chances are pretty good he'll start to do the same.

GoTanieGo · May 2012

I thought my son would starve to death the first few days of my new life style! I refuse to buy junk food, high sugar snacks, and fast food. It has to be that way, for me anyway, because I lack will power if those things are around me. I gave him healthy choices, or nothing. He chose nothing for a day or so, and it was very difficult listening to him cry for junk. It was the hardest few days of my life, but I had to remember I was the one who bought that junk and fed it to him, and I was committed, not only to my health, but to his as well. He came around. I was never so proud as the day he asked for green pepper strips and humus for a snack!!
Let me tell you, the support in here is fantastic!! We all know how hard it is, and celebrate each others good choices, are proud of every pound lost by everyone, and are here when the bad days with poor choices make us feel lousy. Together we are stronger. I have faith in you. You CAN do this. Feel free to add me. :happy:

BYana · May 2012

Hey!! I am very new to this website as well!! And also looking for support and motivation!! Add me up if you want

BYana · May 2012

I have the same situation!!! My boyfriend is a big junk food lover, it is so hard for me to stay motivated

brittnyboop · May 2012

Hey everyone, so today i had krft dinner:( but then my friend called me about this site. I have been on weight watchers twice. lost some gained some. I am the kind who needs motivation . i was 125 at the begining of my pregnancy. now.. well. let's not go their.lol But for supper i will have a nice salade and i'll workout when my son's asleep. feel free to add me and motivate me:)

Goodluck everyone ,Brittny

brittnyboop · May 2012

OMG my boyfriends a big jjunkfood lover , and at night!! the worst for me lol

BYana · May 2012

I know that you mean!!!! my man REALLY loves macdonals fries before going to bed lol

escobar80103 · May 2012

I am new to this too (again). Please add me as your friend. I have a fincky eater too. When I first met my husband one of my stepsons (triplets) only ate hot dogs, plain hamburgers, and french fries. Over the last 6 years I have worked with him and today he LOVES fish and healthy foods over junk. Be patient, be loving but BE STRONG! Tell him about the health conditions in your family and be honest....that you love him and want him to never suffer these diseases. He's old enough to hear these things. Like someone else said: You're mom, you're the boss, you're the example. Trust me he won't starve to death.

FayeCT · May 2012

Hey there!!! Please add me too. Have been taking this seriously for about a month. Lost about 10 lbs so far. I am a widow with 2 small kids. Me focusing on exercising almost everyday actually helps me commit to meals, fun and discipline with my kids and I am committed to setting an example for my 9 yr old daughter. Let's do this.

leaso75581 · May 2012

fEEL FREE TO ADD ME!!The fact that you care enough to change is what makes you already a winner!

abigailmariecs · May 2012

Request sent. I am a mother to two young children ages 21 months and 9 months. While I my partner and I are still together I feel like most days I am a single mother. Jason (partner) and my father (who is also living with us at this time) have started a business and most days they are up at 5am and gone till 9 or even 11pm. When they are home for dinner it is a high carb/massive food spread that they are looking for. I joke that they eat more then six people combined. While Jason could use to lose 5-10 lbs both of them really do not have any significant weight problems. Due to their active work environment (cabinet installation/home renovation) they can eat whatever, whenever and gain little to nothing. My daughter who is 21 months is rarly picky though she does have favorite foods that she would only eat if given a choice. We have a rule in the house, nothing I make is inedible, if you refuse to eat the food on your plate (please note I do not require her to clean her plate just eat/try everything) the plate wrapped in plastic and is served as your next meal (over and over) until you will try everything.

kimmers1027 · May 2012

Welcome and anyone can add me. I am on everyday and try to be supportive. This site is awesome. Good luck !!

Back2Basic · May 2012

Welcome to all of you, feel free to add me!

sparkles64 · May 2012

Hi, I'm in the same boat, also just recently divorced. Need support with weight loss goals as well. Add me if you like . . .

fenwaysgirl · May 2012

oh my goodness..you have motivational support here with us!..you have to retrain your mind...forget about what everyone else is eating although its VERY hard....its ok to cheat a little as a reward, when i cheat what i do is instead of eating all of it, i will eat half....ive also found that the key to not always feeling like im starving myself is you need to get out and do some kind of exercise everyday so you can burn calories and earn more calories so you can eat more... i find sometimes that i have so many calories banked up to use that there is not enough hours in my day to keep eating to use em...so i usually finish under my calorie goal for the day...

I KNOW what your saying about finding time to exercise..you NEED to schedule yourself time, like you would an appointment...you have to have SOME time for you alone..or even take your child out with you...not only are you spending time with him but you are also setting a good example and teaching him good habits too.. you are right, you need to make sure you are around for him in the future...

When i get a craving or get hungry, alot of the time I can just drink some ICE cold water and see if that helps, it will usually get me til my next meal, snack etc...make sure ice cold because your body has to work harder to warm up your core..i read this in an article once and so far, has worked for me...and i just keep telling myself that "excuses do NOT get results"

I also try to look at something that i want to eat like :"IF i eat that, its gonna take me X amount of exercise to work it off"...and most of the time i will say, screw that, im tired...lol

add me if you like..and i will try to help in any way I can...good luck

lmataloni · May 2012

We're here for you! I have what I would describe as a "negative" support system, but am just focusing on being my own support, not expecting anything from my family...I have allowed myself to let my circumstances sabotage me for too long. One day at a time, eh?! It's all on my shoulders and my responsibility. I have two kids and started seeing my bad habits and weight gain in my 11 eleven year old and I just have to set the right example for his sake...and for me! I'll friend ya!

MrsFierce · May 2012

I have a new found mindset and I really want to reach my goals too! Like you I don't have much support so I would love to make friends on here...hint hint. I will send you a friend request. In fact I welcome all friend requests!!! Lets do this!!!