[hobbygardener]

I have always enjoyed reading about others and their struggles and successes and thought I would add my own story and hope for some encouragement along the way, even if I am the only one that reads this

A little background. I was a very thin child until I reached 11 or 12. I wasn't obese or anything, but definitly bigger than my classmates. One of the worst things for a kid is to feel out of place or different than other kids. I do remember a short time in 9th grade when I would exercise everyday and started eating less and lost about 20 pounds but I was still bigger than most other kids throughout the rest of my school life. I think I weighed 180 when I graduated. I am 5'5" and was pretty solid, but still uncomfortable.

I didn't go to college, but started working the summer I graduated from high school. That is basically how my life went for the next 9 or 10 years. I married at 21 and divorced at 24. I remarried at 27 and am still married to and supports everything I try and do.

When I was 19 I was told I couldn't have kids and had resolved to that fact and actually was fine with that. I wasn't one who became upset or wished I could have children. Low and behold though at 27 I had a son (you can add two and two together with the age I got married the 2nd time and figure it out, haha). I quit my job and am still a stay at home today. I love being a mom and even though he is now 7, we are still best friends

I weighed 270 when I went into the hospital to give birth. I joined weight watchers 2 months after having my son and lost about 12 pounds before quitting. I have joined a handful of times and everytime I lose 10-12 pounds before quitting again. So for the past 5-6 years I have yoyo'd between 218-230. The last time I weighed 218 was in 2007 and I have basically stayed in the 220's since then.

I really am hoping that with the advice and cheering from the rest of you that I can break the cycle. I LOVE food. I can't stress that enough. I joke that it's always there for me, but it really is true. Although after eating too much I hate it. I guess this what we will call a love/hate relationship!

So, here we go. It's the 4th of July and I want to change. I want to be healthier and not keep fooling myself that my weighing 227 is different than everyone else's and that I weigh too much, but am really healthy.

I try to eat organic/local when I can. I love to garden and love vegetables. So, I am going to start calorie counting and focus on trying to eat "mostly" whole foods.

Thanks for reading and hopefully I can do it this time!!

[GettinFit]

Hobbygardner. I wish you much success in your weight loss efforts and I look forward to reading about your success. I sure can relate to the love/hate relationship with food.

[Emme]

Welcome, Hobby! I love food, too...you are not alone!! It has been an emotional crutch, but one that calorie counting has taught me to let go of. Good luck on your journey!

[ScottieMama]

Welcome Gardener. I'm a gardener too--it's amazing how many veggies you can eat from the garden and still have room for a nice piece of chicken. Makes eating a little more satisfying.

What I've found? I'm eating great nutritious food w/a few sweet snacks thrown in everyday. Find YOUR balance. You'd be surprised what you can eat.

[tdiprincess]

You are very right, we really enjoy hearing different stories and struggles. We look forward to hearing and seeing you progress!
I am also on Calorie count with the same user name. The name suggests, that is where I count my calories!

[hobbygardener]

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone!!

Emme: I read some of your journal and that is when I decided to try it as well as it hopefully will act as accountibility. Good luck as you reach your goal

ScottieMama: You are right. You can eat lots of veggies for a small ammount of calories. I love gardening and say it is a form of therapy for me!

I had friends over for the 4th last night and we had decided to keep the menu simple. Chicken on the grill with watermelon, capresse salad and a snack tray with shrimp, olives and cucumbers. The cucumbers were out of the garden. My son has picked 2 so far this season!

So, today is my official day. I watched what I ate yesterday more carefully than I have been, but didn't measure/weigh.

I will post what I eat and please feel free to suggest something I should do differently or substitutions for something that might be better than what I am having.

Something I didn't mention yesterday is that I have PCOS. I do not take meds for it and I have done low carb before, but then when the whole organic/know where your food comes from things kicked in for me, then the want for meat changed. I still eat meat, but less of it and mostly local.

Thanks again for the encouragement and welcome!