Hi Lynnie, Liz, Cin and everyone,
Thanks for the welcome.
I have lost and gained a lot of weight 4 times and am almost back to my heaviest weight. All 4 times I went to Weight Watchers which helped but I didn't ever get to the point where I became a Lifetime Member. I thought about going back now, for the 5th time, but it seems like a matter of learning to make the right choices and in the right amounts. So I thought I would rather work on it through a supportive board like this one. My first husband, Rich, told me about this board and how much the chats & stuff helped him. He died in 2001. I know I am at risk for all kinds of health problems and already have high BP and borderline diabetes. I want to be here for my 3 kids and my new husband and I want to feel good again.
Anyway, I have been counting points since last March. The last time I was in WW, we had a points range. For my weight, it would be 29-33. I know that they are using "flex points" now but I sorta think that it's about the same, just repackaged? Anyway, that's when I lost 30 lbs and was doing pretty good.
I went off the track though because it was summer and I had a craving for ice cream. So we'd get a gallon for the five of us. That was okay for just once a week, on Fridays. Then we were getting ice cream on Saturday, too, and I still lost weight but more slowly. Then we were not only getting ice cream Fri, Sat & Sun but my husband and I moved to eating a pint of ice cream each and the kids would split the gallon.
I think that's what did me in this summer.
So now I put the brakes on it and am dealing with feelings of anger (that old whiny it's not fair, why can't I have a treat like "normal" people!) and ice cream addiction and a hungry, demanding tummy.
This weekend, I have kept to my daily points again and have been able to resist the urges to run to WaWa for ice cream.
I guess I am hard on myself because of the binging. There is a lot of stress, yes, because my new husband has diabetes and got hurt at work and has not worked since January of this year. And my daughter is depressed and explodes with rage. She is in counseling and it's helped a lot but when she blows up the whole house turns upside down. And me, I used to be an interpreter for the deaf but have so many injuries I can't sign anymore. I'm not working either.
I am trying to write but I lack a lot of the focus and discipline needed.
My goal this week is to walk on the dreadmill at least 3 days and to have an apple when I feel empty. I read that eating an apple helps people lose because of the fiber. It makes you feel full. I like MacIntosh apples and have eaten 3 Friday, 2 yesterday and 2 today.
Whew.
I'm glad to be here, though.
Cassie