Hi, I am new here.
I know how to lose weight. I have lost maybe 300 pounds in 5, 10, and 15 pound increments and put them back on with more. I have narrowed it down to 3 main obstacles.
1. Stress and crisis - The power goes off in a storm. The air conditioner breaks. (I live in Florida.) Someone's car breaks down and they need a ride right now. My back hurts. I have dental problems. I get put on an antibiotic that bothers my stomach and I need to eat before I take it. A friend is seriously ill and needs to talk, etc. It happens a lot. I think "I can't think about what I am eating. I am too stressed out."
2. I am low on money - I live with my daughter, her fiance, and my grand-daughter. That is 3 people eating normal food and me eating special low calorie foods that cost more. To stay on track I need to have all the low calorie alternatives around. When they are gone, I am in trouble. I also eat out several times a week. I know where to go and what to order to keep on track. I run low on funds and the low calorie choice costs twice as much as the high fat giant special. I tell myself "Eat healthy not cheap." But it doesn't work sometimes.
3. Holidays, special occassions, and family affairs - someone has gone to a lot of trouble to make a special dish and how can I say no? There always seems to be a birthday. And if it isn't that, my daughter brings home left over birthday cake from someone else's birthday at work. I say to myself "Just eat a little." It doesn't work. I say "So you fell off the wagon. Get back on it now." It doesn't work. I wait till I have gained back all the weight I lost.
I've read hints like drink a glass of water. That has never worked. Or take a walk. In the humid, rainy Florida summer weather it isn't something I want to do. Even put a rubber band on your wrist and snap it. Right. No.
I need a brain transplant.

Hi Cinderlinda



Glad you are here. No, you don't need a brain transplant, but you do need to learn how to think differently. We've all been there, and this is a great place to come for encouragement and sharing with people who understand where you are coming from. It is good that you have recognized your obstacles. I will respond by following your points.

1. Oh do I understand this one! But, as you know, this is not a cause; it is an excuse and a choice we make. NOT an easy one to break but your awareness of it is key. Try to find something else you enjoy... whether it is something with your hands such as knitting, or play on the computer or whatever. Or just relax and consciously *think* about it. One thing that helped me break this habit was to keep a bowl of fresh veggies, chopped up, sitting on my kitchen counter. When I was just wanting food I would grab some of those and eat it. They are really not going to hurt you. I would realize that if those were "not good enough" and I wanted junk or something unhealthful, then I was really NOT hungry. Caused me to stop and think instead of just grabbing.

2.Been there, done that. But you honestly do not need "special low calorie foods." Fruit and veggies are relatively cheap. Supplemented by lean meats such as baked chicken, etc. you can eat very healthfully... and it TASTES wonderful once you get the junk craving out of your system. And if you are eating out several times a week, you could eat far cheaper by eating at home or (if it is work or somewhere you can't be home) find some healthul alternatives you can take with you. I have in my desk at work such things as foil tuna packets, cans of spicy beans, microwave brown rice, etc. On the occasions that you really do have to eat out, I have found that most restaurants will serve you a grilled chicken breast and steamed veggies even if it is not on the menu.. ASK!! And it is less expensive than an entree.

3. You CAN say no!! Just do it graciously. If someone tries to coerce you to eat it, just very politely say "no thank you." Or if necessary, be more direct... just do it graciously or even try to make a joke out of it.. but stick to your "NO." For a long time "just eat a little" didn't work for me either... so I had to go off of this stuff "cold turkey" for a long time. Now I can... IF I choose to and decide it is worth it, which is seldom... eat just a small amount.


These things DO work but they are not magic. You have to make a *decision* and get a plan and then go do it. You won't be perfect at it... none of us are. Please check out the forum and find threads or support groups where you feel you fit in and join right in. There are a LOT of people here who understand and who will be happy to help you find the plan that is right for you and help you learn to get with it.

You don't need a brain transplant... but you DO need to get rid of the negative thinking and focus on the positives. Please read the NSV threads (non-scale victories) and you will see there is JOY and excitement in achieving these things!!

Thank you for your response and support, Misti. I do have a problem with negative thinking.
I read here in the forums about painting your nails. Maybe I will try that.
I also like the way you have split up your goals to smaller ones. I think I may try that too.

I just wanted to tell you welcome!! I joined this group years ago, but never did anything with it, but am determined to let this group really help me this time. I just joined again yesterday. I know what you mean about healthier food costing more. I have got to try to cook healthier and make things that my whole family will eat. Eating out is a huge problem for me. Well, good luck in your weight loss goals!!!

Welcome!!!! You CAN do this. You need to turn your thinking around, though.

1. Stress and crisis - It happens. Nobody is immune. You have to learn to channel uncomfortable feelings into something else. It's going to suck, I won't lie. You have to learn to own your feelings and not stuff food on top of them. Feeling emotion is uncomfortable. But you have to learn to cope in some other way. Food does not solve your problems, it usually makes them worse.

2. I am low on money - Why do your foods cost more? Don't eat 'diet' food. Eat FOOD. I spend MUCH less on food now, than I did when I was overweight. My kids and I eat whole foods. We buy produce at the farmer's market, and I have a local farmer deliver eggs and meat. We're not wasting money on special snacks and chemical garbage. Everything we eat adds health to our bodies. It's worth the extra effort. Stop eating out. Plan your meals ahead. You'll save a TON of money that way.

3. Holidays, special occassions, and family affairs - Have a small serving and walk away. Also, you're an adult. It's OK to say 'No'. I do it all the time. If people are offended that I want to take care of my health, that's their problem. Just say 'NO'. Repeat after me. Your stomach is not a garbage can. Treat yourself kindly.

Stop making excuses. So much easier said than done, I know!! But, we all have a hundred million things holding us back from health. You can make excuses and stay unhealthy... or you can find solutions and make amazing progress. You are in control of your own life. Don't let negative self-talk take over. You're worth more than that!!! Don't start tomorrow, or next week, or after the next big event. Start NOW.

Thanks for your responses, Shell and ValRock. Shell, Keep up the good work and don't give up. It sounds like we have some things in common.
ValRock, you sound so disciplined. I like your idea that your stomach isn't a garbage can. Now if I can just think like you, that I am eating chemicals...

I don't log on much. Sorry about the slow response.