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Speaking from personal experience, depression may be the main problem, or at least the first thing to address. Any number of physical problems may be causing you to be fatigued/depressed, in which case trying to lose weight is just an added punishment. Depression, whatever the etiology, is treatable. Don't give up!

Not a dumb question at all! I often hear people criticize yoga for being "just" about stretching or inner peace. A good teacher will help you get lean and strong; you will pant and sweat AND become more flexible. I really recommend trying it; there are many good teachers around who are often inexpensive. Check out middle…

I work 2nd shift, too. I don't have a magic answer, but have learned a few things through experience. 1. ALWAYS bring LOTS of food. Don't leave any chance for feeling deprived or anxious about having enough food! (I get called The Bag Lady, but I don't mind because I see good results). Stay away from vending machines,…

Try a Crossfit gym. It is so intense you can easily feel like a "sack of poo," but there is NO ridicule and while you will see people doing one legged squats, you will see other people (me) struggling to do "air" squats. I would be crushed if someone laughed at my workout capabilities.

I will miss this challenge group when it's over! Leah, I just reread your blog entry on writing/wt loss, about being what you want to be, just doing it. I want to lift weights, and so I am! I want to be a runner, so I'm starting to run!

There is a woman in my community that will alter clothes pretty cheaply. A few tucks can make a difference in a blouse or pants. Coat is harder. Check Goodwill or ARC--they might have a decent coat to tide you over.

The hardest lesson I've had to learn as far as working long shifts: bring food! I know--it's a horrible chore, but it pays off. Bring something you can eat with minimum fuss/mess. When I've worked really hectic units where you might not get a break, I bring ensure or something, just to keep my stomach and blood sugar ok.…

OK, I'll be honest, and if I come off as superficial and vain--so be it. I am motivated by how fun it is to look good in pretty clothes. I am 58 yrs old, so it's not like I'm rocking the very latest styles or showing a lot of skin, but feeling comfortable and attractive in jeans or whatever is just so great. I love trying…

Still here! I didn't have a set amount of wt to lose, just wanted to continue to lose vs gain. I've been eating healthfully, exercising regularly--and most important, silencing the negative self-talk. Really tired of bad body image, ready to put energy into the good things in life, stop beating that same old dead horse!

1. Exercise Mon., Wed., Thurs, Sat. 2. Sort out October's budget (want to get honest and healthy about my weight AND my finances). 3. Check out crossfit class.

I'm in awe!

Plan for a snack at 8pm--I do, because if I say I'm not gonna eat before bed I'm totally lying!

Leah, read on your blog that you are struggling. Good work confronting your "crazy " thoughts--they are so seductive, aren't they? But you are smart and determined--plus you've already seen so much success and know how good it feels.

Didn't gain wt through the last week of wedding celebration for my daughter. Hectic but wonderful. My goal this week is to get back to yoga and pilates.

My daughter is getting married this weekend, and all this week I have been in a situation where I can't entirely control what food is available. So far I've eaten mindfully, enjoying the company and the celebration--but man, is it harder than being at home with all my "safe" food. Also, not in my regular exercise classes,…

It's GREAT that you are not drinking so much soda! The "starvation mode" kicks in when you eat way too little to nourish yourself. Don't know how many calories is for you.

During September I want to work on finding a better body image, a better attitude towards my self. I have been focused on my weight since Jr. High and now I'm close to 60--enough already! I wonder what creative, life-affirming things I could find to think about if I didn't have to focus on weight. Have been reading about…

This subject reminds me never to discourage anyone, only offer kind words. I had never heard the saying about being as fit as your five closest friends. I think I've gotten good at recognizing those who lift others up vs those who need to drag others down.

That's an interesting thought!

Good work!

My life circumstances different from yours, but have tons of encouragement to offer! Am middle aged, a nurse, spend way too much time sitting. I was an overwt teenager/young adult, developed a system of staying reasonably healthy that worked for me. Menopause screwed up my old system so I've had to become more adventurous…

I am 58 and agree that being post menopausal makes it harder to maintain a healthy weight. Whatever worked in the past doesn't necessarily work now. I find it helps to try new things, new activities you may not have considered before. Processed food is unhelpful--too much salt and sugar.

I tend to eat the same things over and over, so my numbers are predictable, but I track as I go or at the end of the day. At first I only entered protein, fat, sweeteners, but now I enter fruits and veggies. My initial thought was that no one gets fat from eating produce, but then it became reinforcing to see how many veg…

Thanks! Couldn't figure it out.

I don't have an answer to your question, but would like to ask you about crossfit. I am planning start at a crossfit gym next month. If you've been doing it for a year you must like it? (I have also tried to enter kettle bell exercises into exercise section--no luck).

Ask for "Butt Paste" at the pharmacy--for diaper rash. Or A&D ointment.

Exercising during times of stress and pressure. This is why some key activities are SCHEDULED so I don't have to make a decision: If it's Monday noon, it's yoga time, etc. I've also learned not to sign up for exercise that I hate or dread because then it feels like punishment--not what you need during stressful times. I…

Excellent!

Greek yogurt has a nice creamy texture but I wouldn't eat it plain. A little honey or agave or whatever plus some banana or berries.

The important hing is to be honest with yourself (not trying to preach--I speak from experience with my own devious mind!). So you will be approximating quantities/ingredients, but try to be realistic. And no deprivation!