Hi all. I'm a 28 yo, mother of 3 who has about 83 pounds to lose. I am 5'2 and weigh 203. I was thin in high school, a cheerleader during footall season, and a forward on the basketball team during basketball season. I gained about 75 pounds with my first child and marriage. When I left my 1st husband I weighed 186 lbs. I lost that weight in about a year (not in a healthy way) while my mother took care of my child because I wasn't in a stable living situation. I got involved in drugs a couple of months after moving away from my mom and child to try and find work. I ended up losing even more weight with the drugs. Then I met my current husband, who gave me a choice, the drugs or him. I chose him and got clean. We got married about a year and a half later, he adopted my daughter, and we went on to have 2 more kids together. During this time the weight just kept creeping on. It wasn't pregnancy because my weight basically stayed the same through both pregancies. My thyroid has been checked and there's no problem there, so I guess it's just all those burgers, pizza, and fries etc.. . I want to make a change in my life. I want to be able to play with my kids without having to stop every 2 min. because I'm out of breath and my body aches. I want to feel pretty again. I've stopped wearing makeup, doing my hair, buying clothes, because there's no point. I still feel gross. Hubby is super supportive. He went out and got me an exercycle and some resistance bands (even tho we couldn't afford it), and says he'll help any way he can. His parents even sent us 2/3 of the money to buy a 14'x3 1/2' swimming pool so that I can use that for a little exercise. I just don't know what to do to get things going. I would like to drop at least 30 pounds by Christmas (if that's not asking too much) because I want to go visit dh's family in Oklahoma and show them that I am really making progress. Anyone out there got any advice that will help get things going (diet wise, exercise wise I'm lost). Thanks all.

I am going to be 31 this month and I decided to make a life change for the same reasons....my children!(three girls) I started the atkins 3 weeks ago and have lost 12 lbs. I try to walk atleast everyother day and things have been going great.You have to really want this though because it is NOT easy. Joellyn

It's so great that you're so honest. I also think that it's awesome that you made the choice to get clean. Trust me, I know that battle.
Well, your hubby buying you the exercise stuff is a good start. Now, you just have to work on your eating. Do you have a plan in mind? Or are you doing your own thing?


Love,
Deanne

I don't have a plan yet. I'm looking for suggestions though. I have bad knees so anything high impact is out of the question. I am also home alone with 3 kids ( 2 very small) 6 days a week all day and night (hubby works 2 jobs) and live on a very busy road so walking with them is out of the question. I don't even know where to start as far as a diet plan or exercise routine. Any suggestions are appreciated.

an important part of a diet is counting calories. it really sucks, but i dont think you can do without it. (unless you want to cut out just about everything in sight...)

I've been dieting since the 1st of the year, just watching carbs and cals and exercizing. Just keep with it and make short term goals, keep a journal, and stay focused by using magazines, this website and other books!!!

girl, your story sounds so much like mine! I started doing coke and meth a lot..and went from 180-125 in a few months...I finally quit and the weight came back, plus some. I know what you're going through! I see food as being a replacement addiction to the drugs...it was a good thing at first, but as any addiction will, it got out of hand. You can definitely drop 30 lbs by Christmas! I am hoping to drop 30 by October. I just started the Atkin's diet, you should read up on it, it's really good for us food addicts because there is no portion control, you can eat all the meats, eggs, cheeses and veggies you want. Just cut out the breads and pastas! Check out the Atkins website or the forum here on 3FC. I find it to be a great diet for someone who has been down the path that we have.