Day 1
 

Hi everyone, I'm Sandra. I'm just starting out and rededicating my mind to making some changes.

One of my biggest challenges is that I lost 45 lbs. 10 years ago and got down to a size FOUR. It sounds strange, that knowing I can do it is the problem. But now the sense of challenge isn't there, and I mentally allow myself a lot of "cheats" because I think I now the how to work the system and still lose. Of course, that doesn't work, since I've gained every pound of it back. I need to reset my mind on the whole thing and start fresh somehow.

I can get on board with working out regularly. I generally like that and can force myself to do it on days I don't want to. I feel better afterwards, have a sweaty sense of accomplishment, and it really does help my mental health.

It's the eating part that's REALLY difficult for me. Working from home, you'd think I'd be able to cook decent, healthy meals for myself and my son. No. Not the case. I have almost no self-discipline when it comes to food. I have a high-stress life and need to do something that doesn't require me to think or prepare much. Because there's a really good chance I won't, and then I'll resort to something packaged or run out for some fast food.

When I lost before, did WW and just alternated between WATP (3 mi) and a Pilates video, and then walked the dog for about 3 miles each day. It was relatively easy, and the weight fell off - 8-10 lbs a month! I was even smoking then!

I'd appreciate any encouragement, suggestions, etc. I'm tired of looking this way, and being disgusted when I see pictures of myself.

Hi Sandra :)

I've had a lot of luck with the Ketogenic or Low Carb High Fat (LCHF) diet since May. I've lost 35lbs and gone from borderline obese to only 3lbs overweight (or size 16 to size 10).

It's pretty easy to stick with, my parents have both gone on it, after seeing how much weight I've lost, and have both done really well. There's a lot of support for the diet, especially on reddit (google "reddit xxketo", the women's ketogenic diet community). And lost of tips for how to do it cheaply and as painlessly as possible.

Before then, I'd been a vegetarian and briefly a vegan, for 10 years, and had steadily gained weight since stopping being a x-country runner in high school.

Hi Sandra.
You did it once you can do it again! Have you tried setting up rewards for acomplishments. Instead of thinking about the end, focus on the now. I know thats what keeps me from getting overwhelmed and happy for the progress although small.
Nat