Hi everyone -

Despite my name of "misosmart" -- I am not terribly smart or I wouldn't be the weight I am today.

I am here because this is pretty much my last resort. I learned from a friend she has lost 190 pounds here since she's been a member.

I want what she has -- I just don't know really how to do it. Well, I know how to do it logically, less calories, more exercise. So I know how to do it in my head -- but man the emotional part of this is just so hard. I am sure I am singing to the choir

I am embarrassed, humilated, and overwhelmed at being over 300 pounds.

Any help is welcome.

Thanks.

Hi Miso...I'm new here too. I don't have any magic words for you on how to get through the emotional part of weight loss/gain. If I did, I wouldn't be here myself. I can say I was thrilled to see this 300+lbs section because it gives me hope that I'm not the only one struggling to lose such a mass amount and that if others can do it...so can I!

And you shouldn't be embarrassed or humiliated at being over 300lbs...you're doing something to change that and that's all that matters now.

Good luck to you,
Simone

You're right about one thing--the emotional/mental aspect of losing weight is the most difficult to overcome! But you're here, and this is a GREAT group for advice, inspiration, and support whenever you need it.

I was like you for as long as I could remember. I KNEW what I had to do, but knowing it and doing it are two very different things You might want to start small--add more fruits and veggies each day, use a lower-fat milk than you currently use, buy light cheese instead of full-fat, limit sodas or juices (if you drink them)...little changes will add up quickly, and by making small changes, you're more likely to stick with them because you won't feel so overwhelmed.

That said, I can tell you that I didn't do it that way I recently decided to just suck it up and do it, basically. I hate exercise--hate feeling sore, hate sweating, hate everything about it--but I do it for an average of 30 minutes just about every day now...because I know I have to. I LOVE fast food and fried foods and fatty snacks (I've got the worst kind of cravings--I enjoy things that are sweet AND fatty, not just one or the other ), but I avoid them now 95% of the time becauseI know I have to. I am a compulsive eater, so for me, eating treats in "moderation" just isn't feasible--it's all or nothing, and now I choose nothing, because choosing nothing when it comes to food really means choosing my long-term health over the brief moments of flavor.

Miso - Welcome to 3FC! Yes, we totally understand here in the 300+ section what you mean. The emotional part is definitely the hardest. Once you can get that somewhat manageable, things are much easier. One thing I have learned is that it makes no sense to fight myself. Instead I try to work with my characteristics. For example, in many ways I am a creature of habit. I can try to continually fight habit (which will be hard and painful), or I can try to subtly insert new habits into my life that are good for me. For example, taking my lunch everyday is now a habit. Of course I hate to think of what I am going to eat, so I don't worry about it. I eat the same thing pretty much every day. That works for me. You need to spend some time and figure out what works for you. You can definitely do this.

Thank you all for your support. I am not sure what to say. I am at a loss for words. This is all so overwhelming.

Take care

WELCOME MISO!!!

I understand where you're coming from. But I don't think it has anything to do with how smart we are -- I personally AM smart (but not modest?? ) and still let myself get to just about 300 pounds. And, like you, I knew what do to but not how. I am still learning it and probably will be forever. But I sure feel a lot better than I did before!

There's a lot of support here and we're happy to have you join us. You'll see a bunch of numbered threads "300+ and ready to try...again" This is where most of the chatter around here takes place. It can be a little intimidating at first, as we keep about 400 conversations in the air at once, but really feel free to jump in. We don't bite, and we support each other through everything!

There are a few threads stickied to the top you might want to look at, including the "newbies" info, some great links for getting started, and a place for introducing yourself if you're interested. Check them out!!!!

Also, if you're interested in starting exercise, there's an exercise thread stickied at the top of the page. We try to set goals of MINUTES of exercise per month (the exercise is up to you). Then we post our exercise and also track the group minutes. Last year we got close to 200,000 minutes of exercise and I hope we go over this year!!!

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Misosmart I'm so glad you're here. I just love this site. Some of my best friends are here. I know being 300+ can be overwhelming. I have to make myself go one day at a time and sometimes one hour at a time. BUT, I MUST do this. I'm 47, have grand kids and an 8 year old daughter. She has lots and lots of basketball and softball games for me to watch and holler my head off. In Septermber, I spent Labor Day weekend in the hospital with a blood clot in my leg. Another daughter was married in October, (pics on the pic page) and I missed her bachalorette party, my best friends bachalorette party, was in lots of pain at my daughter's wedding...all cuz of the blood clot. I have to lose weight so I'm not as prone to blood clots. I have to be here for my 8 year old and grand kids and future grand kids. Find what you want the very most and use that for motivation. Remember, like Jilly said, make little changes at a time. Drink more water, do stretches daily....takes 10 minutes. You can do this. We all can. And most importantly, you have all of us!
and glad to meet you. :-)

Miso! I am so glad you joined! This is a great group for support! The great thing about everyone here is they really do know how you feel. And that has really helped me. You can do it!