Hi Everyone:
I just found this wonderful & supportive community the other day when I was googling "OA food plan". Many years ago when I was at OA for a couple of months, I remember that they were using the "grey sheet".
I have participated/been a member in most all of the "diet programs" out there. I was an obese child (age 8) - and, at approx age 12, I started on Diet Workshop, then Weight Watchers (<-- on & off here several times over the years). I was in a "fasting" program, (like Optifast), back in the mid - to late 80's. I was in nutri-system when I was 17-18. I can't remember the others.
I have been a yo-yo dieter for a long time. I weighed approximately 280 pounds in early 2001. Right now, I weigh 210 pounds. I am wearing a size 18 pant, and I'm comfortable in a 2X shirt. (I like my tops looser). I really know what I need to do --- decrease my food intake, make wiser choices in my food plan, and I also need to EXERCISE.
A couple of years ago I was MUCH more active than I am now (even though my weight was just about the same).
My husband and I enjoyed going out cycling, as well as walking/hiking. Unfortunately right now, my husband is unable to do exercise of any kind because of two bouts of pericarditis (in Oct & Dec). We hope and pray in two-three months that he will get back to enjoying the beautiful outdoors.
I desperately want to lose weight so that I can feel healthier. And, there is NO question that I feel sooooo much better when I am active, and when I'm eating good, wholesome food.
There is one food (ice cream/frozen yogurt) that I feel I'm addicted to. I have it every evening, and the amount I ingest is embarrassing. As I write this, I'm thinking to myself, "well, you really don't need to have it, just don't go down that aisle at the grocery store". It really should be that easy, shouldn't it?
I honestly would like to lose weight so that I can feel better. I am
very fat at just 1/4" over 5 feet, and I am extremely uncomfortable. I've been going through peri-menopause over the years and experience hot flashes, though I know that when I'm sweating a lot, it's because I'm too fat.
It really would be nice to go into this summer, weighing less, and being a fitter person. I'd love to walk/cycle down the street and not
feel like people are staring at me & laughing. Whether 'they' really are or not, I'm not sure -- it's probably a feeling that's coming back to me from my teenage years, when I was teased and really was laughed at.
I can tell that 3FC is a wonderful, warm & supportive place, and I feel VERY LUCKY that I found it
. Maybe some of you have some ideas as to which forum would be the best for me? Or, should I just come here daily and check out the various threads over the next few weeks and see what's available?
When I posted my introduction the other day, the 100 lb club & the 40 something club were suggested to me. There are so many wonderful forums/threads, and I'm sure I will learn something helpful from every single one that I read.
Thanks to all of you who have read my post!
Much peace & love to you and those you love,
Denise