[WormwoodDoll]

I have never really been too active on this site, though the numerous times I have stopped by for support, I should of been! I probably wouldn't of fallen off track.

I am back now with a new perspective and dedication to making way for a healthy life style.

In April of '07, I weighed at my highest of 256. June of '07, after taking caution, dieting, and exercising, I weighed in at 231. I lost 25lbs in two months with the addition of new muscle mass. Then...things happened and I fell off the wagon. I was never too good with dealing with stress. I kept the weight off for awhile, but, I eventually gained it back from many many times eating out and eating fast food crap.

I'm back again because I really need to do this for myself. Within the last week I have done serious thinking, and I can see how my habits are slowly changing. I went food shopping and pick out tons of fruit, veggies, and healthier meal choices for myself. I didn't cheap out and slum done to pre-packaged meals like I have before. Yes, they are good, cheap, and easy, but they are the only things I use to live off of. Now, I can eat them on occasion, but actually enjoy fresh meals. I saved recipes on the computer, and will be making a week's menu worth of food so when I go food shopping, I will know exactly what to purchase, and to avoid temptations.

I have been going to my favorite places nutritional menus and selecting the more obvious and healthier choices. I like to keep them typed up on the computer so when I go, I can decide in advance without overlooking the menu. I'll admit, I am loving Starbucks' new healthy foods, sugar-free syrups, and soy milk. :P

And I realized when I eat, I do with caution. I will determine if the food is really that good for me, if the calories will effect my goal for the day, or if I really need that food (especially if I have a better option). This is what dieting is about. Changing your lifestyle, not a quick fix. I can eat most of the foods I enjoy, obviously avoiding the bad ones, just in smaller, healthier portions. Portions is key and so is calorie counting. When you count the calories you feel in control of what you are eating and you know if you feel it's over board, you can limit the intake.

I also noticed that I eat much slower and don't feel the urge to devour my food and think of when I can eat next. This has always been a problem for me. It upsets me to no end. I am not sure why, but when I would eat, I'd feel like I'd have to keep going, or I'd get upset that I was done, for no reason what so ever. It is more common at certain times, than others, though. Especially when I would diet, I'd realize how tiny those pre-packaged meals were, and I'd be anxious for the end. This is my biggest obstacle I will need to over come.

I feel good. I feel like this is the time I am going to give my 110%.

(Sorry for the long entry. It felt good letting it out).

[Shannon1983]

WAY TO GO!! you sound like you are totally ready to do this.. Keep you mind frame that way and you can do it all and then some.

I hope you kick butt in your journey of your weight loss..

Good Luck!!

[Lovely]

Back.

You're right. You've gotta do this for you. You have some great insights. You can do this, and you know it.

Please stick around, and keep us updated with your progress.

All the best to you!