[loseit1977]

Hi !!
My name is Chris I am 33 yrs old, sahm to 4 boys..
I am wanting to lose 25 pounds..
Today is my first day and well here I am
No clue what is filling to eat...
I am in charge of cooking so it is very hard with a family of 6 that is picky eaters!!
I have no support and I feel so lost...

I am an emotional eater and I eat all day..which I need to stop that...
I am also very stressed and I know that stops weight loss...

Hoping to find support and advice and new friends!!

[leeway]

Hi Chris!
There are many here who understand all too well your feelings, having been ( or are ) where you are now -you've taken a huge first step by coming here, other small changes, taken a day at a time, can lead to big results - the support you need is here - you're not alone, we'll all be here to see you through.

Glad to have you join us! There are lots & lots of different groups and forums - I'm sure you'll find some that will keep you motivated and inspired. Try the 30 somethings and the weight loss support forums, they're active and very helpful - also the Success stories are a definite must for motivation. Maybe check out Chicks in Control to meet others battling emotional eating - for different eating plans, browse the Diet Central section to find what is right for you.

There are bunches of people here with more to lose and some with less - the bottom line is that we all have to do it a day at a time. The good thing is that we'll have lots of company along the way.

I've only been here since last fall, having NEVER been part of an online forum. What has been so eye-opening is how much it has helped me. Whenever I feel overwhelmed or defeated, I just log on and read some of the success stories, complete with their before & after photos - or read about others still dealing day to day with their challenges - and before I know it, the time has flown by and so have all the thoughts of going off track or giving up. It has made all the difference in my success so far.

So welcome - you've found the right place - join in by inspiring us and being inspired!

All the best - good luck with your goals,
Lee

[randomcards]

As one of the few guys that hangs out around here, I suck at the whole support thing, but fortunately others are fantastic at it.

I sort of got this feeling from your OP, it seemed to be Barrier, Barrier, Barrier, Barrier.

When I started this process I found the following step to be much more helpful than any specific plan.

List all the things in my favor for weight loss
As an example for me one was the fact that my job is flexible and I can schedule gym time during the day.

For you it might be that you do the grocery shopping!

Then list how you can use that enabler to support your weight loss.

For me it was always trying to clear my schedule in the 10am-noon range when I seem to be the most energized for a hard workout.

For you it might be something like never buying something at the grocery store that is not on your pre-set list straight from a meal plan.

List all the key barriers you have to weight loss
For me a huge barrier was eating out 3 meals on the road when I travel.

For you it might be snacking on all the junk food you feel you have to have lying around the house for your 5 guys.

I came up with a whole series of workable behavior changes just for that one issue (like going to the grocery store on the road, not ordering room service or delivery to my hotel room etc.)

For you it might be calorie counting everything online so you visibly see just how much those snacks add up. Or committ to deal with the kiddo whining and get rid of the worst junk food offenders in your cupboard.


My point in all of that is, I strongly believe that if you just start "trying harder" you will end up flailing and ultimately failing. Better to acknowledge the things that are helpers/hurters to you personally and work out specific liveable behaviors to address those, and hold yourself accountable to it.