[silentarctic]

You can do it and the people here are all wonderful (and that means you are wonderful too!)

[Demosthenes]

You don't need a lot of money to lose weight! In fact, eating healthy fresh fruit, vegetables, beans, and low fat milk is a lot cheaper than eating out and getting processed food or meat at the grocery store (in most cases).

I am a grad student, so I can't afford a gym membership, weight watchers, or the like. There are free support groups in many communities (overeaters anonymous is one) and also websites like this with free support. For exercise a quick walk around the block (give yourself time to build up strength) can be a start. The internet is full of websites and videos of at home do-it-yourself ways to work out. Jumping jacks, sit-ups, push-ups, and others don't require fancy machines or a gym- they all burn the same calories!

Finally, be good to yourself. Weight loss shouldn't be a punishment, it should be a loving, caring plan that you deserve because you are an awesome person! Everyone is given obstacles and burdens in their lives, and we here have been given excess weight! You aren't weak or broken- you are loved, and we are all here for you and you are here for us. Together we can all help each other with this burden.

[piper10]

Read the book "Eat to Live." You can make huge changes in your health faster than you can imagine.

You can do this.

[Jen Jen]

I wish that I could reach out and hug all of you!

I have had a bad day of bingeing today. But I am still trying to get my head wrapped around the fact that I CAN do this. At this point in my life, my head does NOT believe this. I've been fighting this battle for so long, and have failed SO many times... it is hard to believe that I really just might still have a chance.

You've all given me hope.

Today the sun is shining.

I think I am going to start a blog here on the website (I think I can do that somewhere?) and start telling myself - even when I Don't believe it, or feel it - that I do still have a fighting chance.

I know I have to start somewhere. I'm not sure WHERE yet. My head says "go take a short walk"... "go eat an apple, instead of that mac and cheese"... but my heart just isn't there. And I feel myself just getting more and more unhealthy.

I will keep trying. I will keep going.

I hope you all will too.

[Jonjaxmom]

Jen jen, None of us are going to walk away from you...

We all hope you choose that apple. And if you don't guess what? we will still be here tomorrow for you. Promise! Small steps, not big ones. Just do one thing different between now and tomorrow.

Chris

[lovemydoggiesx2]

I agree. Small steps, every single one of them count! You can do this Jen!! Binging only feels good in the moment, but then you feel physically and mentally horrible for hours agfter. Itīs not worth it (I wonīt lie, I havenīt conquered it, and might not ever I still binge about once a week). But, you have to try. No one besides you can save your life. You are worth this!

Walk up your stairs, go down....take a break and do it again and again. Baby steps girl!!

[Micki k]

You've been on my mind alot since I first read your post. I hope you are doing well, and feeling better.
One thing that helps me when I'm feeling down, like it's all so impossible...is to go to the goal section and read posts from people who've done it. It is so inspiring to read their stories.
Make a few small changes and eventually something will click for you.

[DiabeticDiva]

I know that I have walked in your shoes for many years and found out that not only do I have diabetes Type 2 and high blood pressure and high cholest. but I also had depression. I was given meds for all of the above and then started looking at myself. I don't want to die young. I joined weight watchers and lose 10 lbs the first month. Next time you go to the store pick up a big container of oatmeal. It's 2 lbs. You'll be amazed at how heavy 2 lbs is. Pick up 5 of them and you'll be astounded! Not only did I realize that losing the first 2 lbs was within the first few days but I also realized that I have never associated the numbers (weight) with how that weight feels. Two pounds is nothing to sneeze at! That's two pounds your body doesn't have to carry. Ten pounds off and I realized that I can make it down a long hallway I've always struggled with before. I'm 53 yrs old and going through the change. Losing weight is very hard for me, also taking meds that make me gain. I used to feel horrible and my hubby told me this " It is what it is. You are the only one that can change it. Be selfish ! Make yourself a priority! There is no shame in that" He said this because I've always made everyone else a priority over myself. Hugs to you sweety please don't give up. Get a check up and if you can't afford Weight Watchers then join a group like Spark People it's a great diet plan and I have friends who've had great success on it, and it's FREE http://www.sparkpeople.com/

[Lainey2]

Jen Jen, just wanted to hop on and say I'm rooting for you. Let us know the name of your blog when you start it, so we can follow you. Just the fact that you've come here shows you have not given up on yourself. Deep down inside you know you are worth fighting for! Good job coming on here and posting even though you had a binge day. Its just one day. Tomorrow will be better. Keep on fighting!

[MsBrightside]

Jen Jen! So glad to hear from you. Was wondering about you. Please feel free to start a blog! I'd love to read it. We are all here. We all are struggling just like you. Whenever you need someone, come on here. Or write, write, write on that blog that you want to start! Wish you the best!

And remember tomorrow is ALWAYS a new day.

[Dthornby]

Jen, I can understand. I am using weight watchers but I also use sites that do calorie counting. First of all, don't starve yourself - the sites can help you figure out how many calories you can eat and still lose 1-2 pounds a week. I was surprised mine was 1900 calories so it was very doable. I also banned anything that I didn't have good control over - focused on what I could eat.

Main thing - is by the time I lost 30 lbs I felt better. Now at 50 I am not near so winded. I still need to excercise which would really help but one change at a time.
I also visit this board and read every success story - helps me realize it is possible.

One step at a time ....