Ok, I have taken that dreaded first step MANY times. I am so uncomfortable in my own skin. I thought I was doing "good" this last month. I have walked 30 plus miles. However, I haven't changed my diet much because I told myself "I'll just up my exercise quite a bit." I don't like to be hungry. Anyway, I lost 5 pounds, that's it! Then, last week I hurt my foot exercising and haven't exercised for about 4 or 5 days. Guess what? The weight is back. I walked all those miles just for the weight to come back in a few days. Not to mention, it is not like I stuff myself either. I do admit I eat the wrong things, such as pizza or hotdogs and want to be able to eat those things. I am on the verge of just saying "accept me as a fat person" but I don't want to accept myself this way!! I cannot stand it. Somehow, I am going to have to find the strength to do what I know I have to. Some tips would be nice but, honestly, I know what I need to do...I could be an instructor on physical fitness but I just can't seem to get it going. Mid-life crisis maybe? I turned 40 a few days ago...

[ringmaster]

I'm right there with you! 5 pounds in a month sounds good to me..that is little over a pound a week, and walking 30 miles is a good accomplishment. It sounds like you were doing things right.

The weight you regained could just be water weight if you are eating junk food, so don't worry about it too much.

I'm trying to find healthy low calorie substitutions for the foods I like right now. Try and stay on track with your diet even if you can't exercise (I'm guilty of the all or nothing, if I don't exercise one day Ill be the heck with it all and I will just eat the bad foods).

Try journaling.. your food, exercise, feelings, remind yourself you are strong enough to do this and why you are doing it. This helps me sometimes when I'm stressed.

Thanks. I am going to start keeping a journal tomorrow. I think part of the problem is I don't actually realize how many calories I am taking in.

[Violet]

Definitely write down what you eat and how much of it. I had good results with just eating less of whatever it was I felt like eating. I don't believe in drastic diet changes for myself because I know myself - I'll never hold to them. It's possible to eat what you like and still be a healthy weight!

[LittleMoonRabbit]

angelmom- welcome to 3FC. I am sorry you feel like you have been having lots of trouble, but we are all here to help! I agree with what violet and ringmaster have said. The first logical step would be to try to figure out how much, on average, you are taking in a day. Start a food journal, and eat like you normally would for a couple days, and see what the calories average out to. After that, take stock of what you have been putting in your mouth, and try to figure out where you can make small to moderate changes. I am a firm believer that you can still eat the food that you love... you just have to change the way you look at it. I still eat pizza... only I have just one slice, and it's with a salad on the side. I still go to McDonald's sometimes, but I get their grilled chicken sandwich with no fries, rather than the Big Mac and Fries I used to order. And, every once and a while, I will plan ahead so I can have a cheat meal... and eat whatever I want! Of course, this might not work for everyone... the real key is just learning how your body works, and how to read it. I believe we all have very natural instincts when it comes to listening to our bodies... it's just that over the years of abusing ourselves with bad choices, we learn to turn that little voice in our head off. I have found that the more healthy foods I eat... the less I want the other foods. I don't crave stuff like I used to... because I am listening to my body and giving it what I need.

You can certainly find healthier versions of all your favorite foods... and a lot of times you will find that those taste better! Instead of getting deep dish pizza... try a flatbread margharita pizza with a whole grain crust. Total yumminess

Sorry, i am rambling. All I want to say is good luck, enjoy the journey, and have fun falling in love with your body again!

[midwife]

Food is vital. I hate being hungry too, so I plan my days and eat 5-6 times. Lots of fruit, veggies, lean protein, healthy fats, complex carbs....Junk food only tastes good in the moment but it doesn't really satisfy. You could eat 2 slices of greasy pizza (and get indigestion!) or you could make a healthy pizza on a pita bread and have a huge salad for less calories that will fill you up longer.

Good luck!