So I figured this was the best place to post since I am part of the black team and we are supposed to support each other, right? Or maybe what I need is some of this: Where's Jillian when you need her?!

Anyway, have been fighting with myself the past few days over getting it together and sticking to some sort of plan. I was on WW and decided to stop due to mental games that I play with myself while counting points. I generally tend towards the healthier way of eating, so I tried core, but have some trouble agreeing with some of the rules. So I have been sort of in limbo the last few days, giving myself permission to eat stuff I shoouldn't. I have the You on a Diet book, which I really like, and have been contemplating that.

The biggest thing, though, is that this is totally my M.O. Start a program, lose a few pounds, gain a few pounds, look for something new, start that, lose a few, gain a few, etc. etc. etc. I am so sick and tired of playing with the same 5-10 pounds and never being able to get past that point. I don't know what to do. I know so freakin' much about exercise and nutrition, it's not even funny. I could write my own book about it. But I just can't seem to get past the starting point. It's like I have this mental block or something.

I think what I am missing is hope. Hope and belief in myself that I can lose weight, since I never have before (been overweight/obese my whole life). Can anyone help me by sharing their experience or wisdom as to how to get through this?

Tara, I wish that I had magic words that would make this easier for you (for all of us really). I don't know of any great words of wisdom. The only reason I have stuck to this healthy eating thing is because of my dad's health problems. I saw that if I didn't change I was going to be in the same place as him by the time I turned 45. He is 47 and had a stint put in his heart a few months ago. I don't want that for myself. I want more for myself and I now expect more from myself. We all have a long way to go but I know that we can do it. We just have to expect it of ourselves. I have my fingers crossed for you and hope that you find something that works for you soon. Mostly just don't give up. Keep trucking along even if you aren't sure what you want to do eating wise. As long as you don't give up you don't fail.

Oh Tara! I think you can turn this into an advantage - (the fact that you have always been overweight.) That's because when you haven't felt that sweet success of significant weight loss before, and then you do, it is so exciting! You say you've been losing and gaining the same 5 - 10 pounds. Just take it a little farther, and see how inspired you are going to feel when it is 20 pounds. And then another 20 - you will feel so empowered and then you'll be on a roll. I predict this. Did I mention that I'm psychic?
:-)

Tara...what a struggle you have had.
I have never tried most of the diets out there....they seem like an awful lot of work, and I am a very picky eater, so following specific diets doesn't really work for me. I know what is good to eat, and what is not. Eat more of the good, less of the bad(easier said than done sometimes) Counting calories, carbs, exchanges, points...like I said, too much work, and then I lose interest, not pounds!
I read a diet book(a certain Dr. friend of Oprah's, with his own show), and the practical information, along with some soul searching is what seems to help me the best. I often open it up and go back to read certain sections.
Plus, I have gotten rid of clothes that are now too big....and refuse to buy big clothes again!
Find out why you want to lose the weight....and hold onto that!
If you are looking for some good advice, that makes sense to you....you could ask your question to the other teams as well.

That is an amazing point!
I find it discouraging too when I am stuck at the same 5 lb range. I remember feeling so proud of myself when I broke thru 200 lbs, and when I look at my counter..I have lost 40 lbs!! It could be 45 or 50 by now, but it will be soon!

okay...TBL is on, gotta go!!

Tara,

I read sadness and frustration in your post. I felt the same way during the Holidays when I wasn't sticking to my program. I'd done well for a while and then slipped into my old habits. I was twitchy, gritchy, & bit*hy!! I wasn't eating well, I stopped exercising and I was in a really bad mood all the time.

I was mad and disappointed in myself. When I finally picked myself up, started keeping track of my food, and started moving my big behind, I FELT BETTER.

I think it helps to remind yourself WHY you are doing this. Have you read that 100 reasons to lose weight?

Don't be afraid to fail.

Don't look at the whole goal. Just do one day at a time. Small baby steps. That's all you need. Small baby steps.

First off, for all of the Jillian fans out there - did you know that she has a radio show every week that you can listen to online? Go to www.kfi640.com and then click on “On Demand”. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and you will see a link for her last show. You can show more and get months worth of shows. I find them really informative and motivating. One caveat though is that if you like suspense watching the show, she actually gives a fairly major spoiler on this week’s show.

Tara - I think maybe you need to figure out what your strengths are and form your own plan based on that. You know about nutrition, you know your body, you know your moods - can you figure out something that will work for you? I know what you mean about hope though. The moment I realized I could do this was when I was sitting in the library at school. I was an adult student, working full time, heading to class right after work, and then I would often need to head to the library afterwards. My days would often be from 8am to midnight. Even at 350 pounds I somehow managed to find the energy to do that. So I started thinking, if I am not in class every night (I was a few weeks away from finishing), can't I use that time to go to the gym? If I can spend hours studying here, can't I spend some time educating myself on what I need to do? The other factor was that it actually took me 10 years to finish my degree by going nights and weekends, but even though it took that long I still did it. In that moment I realized I did have the strength to lose weight. How different could it be? It doesn't matter how long it takes, only that I get there in the end. Is there anything like that you can find in your life where you have persevered to accomplish something? I think most of us can find something.

Hello everyone!!! I am so happy to have something to get me going! My name is candace and I have trying to get back down to what I was before I had my babies. I started counting cals and running/walking everyday and working with a bowflex two to three times a week, but I have not seen any results. I guess it might be to early to see any. course I am haveing a hard time with the sweets!!!! I cant stay away. Help!! Dose anyone have aqny ideas? I cant wait to kick butt!! We are going to ROCK!

1. What do you prefer we call you? Amy or AmyLou if there are other Amys!

2. What weightloss plan are you using? LA Weight loss which switches to Pure Weight loss which switched to we're out of business weight loss...

3. What is your favorite exercise? None! But since I know I have to I like the treadmill or exercise DVDs (TBL, Yoga booty ballet)

4. What is one area that you struggle? exercise and sabotage eating....

5. What is one area of your weightloss journey that you excel at? I drink lots of water and can get very focused and positive when I'm really into it

6. What is your short term goal? My DBFs bday is in mid april when this challenge ends and I'd like to be 20lbs lighter and a comfy size 14/16!!

7. What will you reward yourself with when you reach that goal? CLOTHES and maybe a spa day...

8. Best weight loss tip? make sure you get your fiber and your fats

9. Bob or Jillian? hmm, I like them both for diff reasons. I'm gonna go with Jillian

10. Tell us about yourself! I'm 24, in law school, live with DBF and our Bulldog, love to shop, and travel! I've been overweight since age 8 and have never really worked seriously at losing weight. LAWL has taught me how to eat like a healthy person and I'm never going back!

Good morning! I'm just getting ready to go work out with Bob. Today I've got a busy day at work. I've got lots of billing to do, but on the brightside, a couple of the guys and I are going out for drinks afterwards.

Amy-I'm always looking for new exercise options, is Yoga Booty Ballet any good?

Candace-when did you start your new diet and exercise?

Tara- I agree with Nancy try making your own plan. Take the knowledge from all the diets that you've tried and make it your own. Your lifestyle change has to be something that you can stick with the rest of your life, otherwise the results won't last.


You hear that??? Bob's calling my name! I best go watch em...I mean...work up a sweat

1. What do you prefer we call you? Misty

2. What weightloss plan are you using? I am just watching my calories and trying to exercise.

3. What is your favorite exercise? Well I have not found an excercise that I like but I seem to lean toward the treadmill.

4. What is one area that you struggle? Making myself exercise on a regular basis


5. What is one area of your weightloss journey that you excel at?
WOW sasly I am not sure that I excel in any area when it comes to weight loss

6. What is your short term goal? I would like to lose 30 pounds by the time were done with the biigest loser.

7. What will you reward yourself with when you reach that goal? UMMMM extra energy hopefully lol

8. Best weight loss tip? Lots of water and fiber

9. Bob or Jillian? I don't have a favorite

10. Tell us about yourself!
I am a single parent of 3 wonderful kids and I am going to Bible college and I will be graduateing this spring wooohoo.
I have been over weight since I was 3 years old I have never been able to lose more then 20 pounds but I am now to the point that I have to lose this weight because it is hinduring my daily life. I am tired of being tired and this is the year I get healthy

Good morning everyone.

I am going to join the YMCA today. I am excited about it. I think I need something like that to get me to exercise more often.

Nancy, thank you for the link to the Jillian Micheals podcasts. I have several of them on my Ipod now. She is so motivational to me.

All of you in college make me really want to go back. Congrats to you on the progress you are making to better yourself physically here and mentally in school. I think I have finally figured out what I want to be when I "grow up" and I am planning on starting college in the Fall.

I hope that everyone has a great OP day!

1. What do you prefer we call you? Laurie

2. What weightloss plan are you using? Like AmyLou I am doing LA Weight Loss/Pure Weight Loss/On my own weight loss.

3. What is your favorite exercise? Pilates, yoga, eliptical.

4. What is one area that you struggle? Weekend eating.

5. What is one area of your weightloss journey that you excel at? I'm supposed to excel at something? Guess it would be chastising myself whenI eat something I shouldn't.

6. What is your short term goal? I would love to get out of the 170's.

7. What will you reward yourself with when you reach that goal? DBF bought me a spa day for Christmas so will use that.

8. Best weight loss tip? Drink your water.

9. Bob or Jillian? I don't have a favorite - but if I had to choose I'd pick Jillian because she would push me harder.

10. Tell us about yourself! I'm 51, single, 2 children, 5 grandchildren. I work full time at a Labor Union Office and am hoping to get into shape so that when I retire in 7 years I'll be healthy and live to enjoy my retirement years.

I'm gonna go back and read the entire thread and do some personals, I swear!

For now, I'm just checking in to say that my body is so sore from yoga and cardio workout yesterday! I'm going back tot he gym today for Pilates and weights!!!

How's everyone doing this morning?