Hi,

I am new to the forum. I've been reading some posts and am really inspired. I desperately need some motivation because I'm at a really difficult time in my life right now. To some people, it might not seem like my situation is that bad since I may not be as heavy, but I believe everyone who struggles with their weight and all the issues surrounding it is going through the same thing, regardless of numbers.

My highest weight was 202, my lowest in the past 5 years has been 148. I'm 5'0". I got really sick last year with a bowel condition and lost 50 lbs in about 2 months. I quickly put it all back on over the past year and a half, so I am now back up to 200 lbs. I have a fast food addiction. I eat fast food at least once a day, sometimes twice, and if I stay at home, I feel like I have to eat something every hour or so, and it's rarely anything healthy. I used to have a taste for healthy foods, but I've gotten into such a bad habit of eating all junk.

I think once I actually start the process, I'll be okay. I just have such a hard time with beginning the transition. So could anyone give me some tips on how to start eating healthy? What are some healthy foods that you actually enjoy? How do you keep the faith?


Thanks for any advice and good luck to all of you

Hi, welcome! I'm new too.

I just had to reply to your post; I have SUCH a fast food addiction too. When I'm feeling really emotional, I just find myself running out for something to eat. Sometimes I just find myself eating so much, even when I don't feel hungry. It's like I'm needing something, but it's definitely not food. Argh, when I stop to think of how much money I've probably spent on fast food... ugh! To top it off, I can never be remotely sensible when it comes to fast food. I always get the largest sizes and the worst things I could get. It's the worst when I go out alone... when I'm with other people, I tend to curb it a little, out of self consciousness.

I just wanted you to know you're not alone on that. I recently lost a good 45lbs too and put it all back on. Sometimes I've just felt SO awful about it. I'm so sorry to hear that you got sick; that must have been so stressful to both your body and mind.

I wish I could offer you some tips, but I'm at a similar point right now in my journey. But hey, at least this seems like a great place to start.

Welcome again!!

Hi, thanks so much

I know how you feel. It's always when I get emotional or sometimes just plain bored that I get the urge to go out and get food. I work at home and my home environment right now isn't the greatest, so that might be another reason why I'm always wanting to get out of the house. I think the main problem is that I'm afraid of change or success or whatever. And so many things under that umbrella of fear... all kinds of different emotions going on, and probably just being lazy a lot of the time and preferring to go out and get something easily rather than cook or prepare something healthy. I actually added everything up last month of what I'd spent on fast food over the last 3 months and it was over $500. So ridiculous.

Last year when I lost the weight, even though it wasn't in the healthiest of ways, I remember how I felt when I realized my legs were thinner than they've been in years and my stomach was flatter and I could actually feel my hip bones. And now my stomach is huge and I have disgusting love handles and all that lol... but I try to be positive and know that I'll make it through this **** and get back to where I was before, and then some.

If you ever want to chat feel free to pm me if you'd like. All the best to you, and thanks so much for your reply

Haha, get out of town; I've been working/schooling from home for the past several years too! It definitely has its ups and downs, doesnt it? I like working in my pajamas, but being stuck in the house all day (especially if your situation sucks - so sorry to hear that it's challenging for you!) can be a real drag. Personally, I have an anxiety disorder myself, so I hear you on the fear of change too. I struggle with a lot of emotional things, when it comes to eating.

OMG I know!! I looked at my bank account and tallied all the fast food up and I was just SHOCKED. Ugh, it sucks when you're on a tight budget and you just start giving into late night cravings like that. I swear, around 10pm, I just turn into some kind of fast food zombie.

Yeah, when I was down 185lbs? What a difference. I'd never been that small. My chest looked HUGE! LOL! I got my love handles back now... I hate those darn things... and while I love my husband to death, and I know he loves me no matter what size I am, I have to say, my love life was definitely effected, particularly on my end. I don't have the same confidence at all. I think my stomach is my LEAST favorite part of my body.

I'd love to PM you, but I don't think newbies can PM? I have AOL Instant Messenger up at the moment though, if you'd like to chat!