I've introduced myself before, a few months ago, but I think it's time again, since I fell off the bandwagon.

My name is Star and I'm a 22 year old mother of one. I've recently hit over 300lbs, and I've realized it's time to really buckle down. I need to be healthier not only for myself, but for my daughter.

I fell off the bandwagon last time because of a few reasons. (1) I tore the meniscus on my knee in the first week of my new diet and exercise regimen. (2) I lost my job due to injuring my knee (long story short, I had to quit) (3) During the first month of the knee injury I felt useless to my family and (4) The result of feeling useless was a long-standing depression. I recently found my will power again after seeing myself in some pictures. Amazing what the power of photo can do.

My support in real life lacks a lot. My mother, being only slightly overweight, likes to try to "encourage" me, but is overbearing and pushy about it. She has been like this since I became slightly overweight during puberty. My husband refuses to give up soda, hot dogs, hot pockets, and whatever other things he eats that are loaded with calories and sugars. (doesn't help that he works at George Weston Bakeries and can bring home cakes all the time >.<)

I'm hoping to stay motivated this time. I even created a livejournal account just for dieting purposes.

Hi Star!


Congratulations on making the decision to start this journey.

It’s tough trying to make a change when your family doesn’t understand and don’t seem to be behind you. Just know that there are lots of people here who know what you are going through and will be your support when you need it. There are tons of inspiring stories and motivating people on the forums, so pop in and keep us posted on how you’re doing. Most importantly, there are no failures. If you stumble, put it behind you and keep going, you’ll get there.

Miz M

I'm pretty new to this site and to my new healthy lifestyle...but I've found tons of support and encouragement here. I definitely know what it's like to feel alone in your journey. Even if the people in your life aren't doing all they can to support you, we will! Posting once a day really helps for me- plus, there are so many who have gone through it and are still goign through it and have great advice to offer.

And if you fall off again, forgive yourself and start over. Good luck! I look forward to getting to know you!

welcome! You will find this is a great board to find support.

The only suggestions I have are... if your husband won't give up his vices totally would he at least make a switch maybe to healthier options? Ballpark makes fat free all beef hotdogs, what about lean pockets instead of hot pockets and diet soda?

Thank you guys so much. <3

And he won't touch diet soda. My husband is a very picky person about what he eats and won't eat. Our compromise on the soda is he keeps it out of the house and only drinks it at work! Soda is my BIGGEST vice, I think, and it will be the temptation I worry about the most. ^^

star you can do this. what plan are you choosing? remember this isnt a temporary fix... your life habits need to change for you to lose the weight and keep it off but the great thing is YOU CAN DO IT! Having health alternatives to hubby's food would be great. I couldnt handle seeing that stuff everyday (can he keep it in a certain shelf or something?)

As a mother you know how committed you are to caring for your daughter -- use that as an example for the changes you want to make for yourself. Dont give up (and def dont overdo it with that knee!) Check back and tell us more about your plan k?

I'm not following a named diet plan. I've done fad diets before where certain parts worked and others didn't. So instead of following a fad diet, I've put together a plan of my own. Firstly, anything not whole grain, is becoming whole grain. Mainly my pastas and breads. Soda? Nope. I won't even drink diet, I want it gone completely. Caffeine is going to be limited to one serving per day. Sweets will be essentially kept out of the house, as they are a big weakness of mine. Lean meats (boneless skinless chicken, 97/3 ground beef, chicken/turkey sausage, turkey bacon, etc) will replace the current meat situation in the house. And most sides and lunches will be replaced with a salad (I love salad, this won't be too much of a problem!) that has a low fat/low cal dressing. I'm going to buy the water filter with the flavoring to help me drink more water, but keep the cost of buying the water down. Kool-aid sweetened with splenda will be my "sweet drink" along with tea I brew myself (I brew green, black, and english). Fresh vegetables will replaced canned to reduce salt intake and increase vitamin intake. I'm also going to get rid of most of the "processed" foods like hot dogs and pressed deli turkey. Also, I will be getting a pre-natal vitamin from my OB/GYN since I do plan to TTC within a year or so (gotta shed some weight first. The first baby made me gain the 50lbs that made me 300lbs and I never worked it off ;- I'm going to find myself some "belly dancing" videos as I was told it's low impact for my knee (I talked to my step-father's cousin who is a Chiropractor and he treats torn meniscus if it's non-surgical) and I'm going to do Wii Boxing. The last part sounds funny, but you really sweat doing it! And gives your arms a nice workout.

I will also make a point to at least go to the mall and walk around for a few hours twice a week. I won't walk in my neighborhood for various reasons, and sometimes the park is wet and yucky. D: So I figure the mall is better than nothing! ^^

If you ladies have any suggestions, feel free to add them or PM me! I have a livejournal that is open to the public to read for when I start (I'm beginning to phase out the caffeine and soda, but I have to grocery shop on pay day to get the healthy foods goin!)