I do not post much, I just read for encouragment. I really wanted to share some of my frustrations to see if anyone else is where I am or if the has been in the past and how to overcome this.

I have such a dread of spring approching. I walked into a store the other day and they had some cute spring clothes displayed and it hit me that I am going to be fat for ANOTHER season. Every season I think it will be my last being fat and here I am!

I am tired of fat clothes!
I am tired of thinking about being fat!
I am tired of talking about being fat!
I am tired of being fat!
I want to take focused action!

I have tried some eating plans, most recently SB and WW. I go along fine for a few weeks and then I take a nose dive. I try to exercise, I have a very busy lifestyle-mostly driving my kids (15 &12) around to their activitites. I am sick of being the spectator I want to DO something. I really do not care for excerise. My family (10 of us) are doing a weight loss challenge each quarter and I am not doing so well but I want to take the second quarter!

Does anyone have any input, comments? Thanks!

It's just March, you still have some time before summer gets here to get things going.

Set some small goals. Something realistic. Reward yourself for small successes, they add up to big success!

Small changes can go a long way towards weight loss goals. What are you doing while your kids are at their activities? If you are just waiting for them, how about taking a walk instead. Maybe simply getting up 30 minutes earlier each day to walk or do an exercise video at home. It's a great way to start your day. I find I eat better when I exercise early since I have put in the time and want to get good results. When I save my exercise for later in the evening, it is easier to skip it or I eat things I shouldn't thinking I will exercise later.

Remember that you need to do some things for you! I know it's hard with the demands of our families but you deserve it. We are here for you!

I wish I had some words of wisdom but I feel I am in the same exact place you are in. I just wanted you to know you are not alone.

I can relate. I feel like I've missed too many Spring/Summer opportunities for too many years because of my weight. Cute clothes, fun activities, etc. If I dwell on it I start to get bummed out. I'm trying to take one day at a time. We only have to get through this day, do well for this day. And if it's a bad one, I go to bed early and hope for the best tommorrow!

I think all of us that have struggled with weight have been exactly where you are now.

The only thing I can share is MY experience. For me I had to stop dieting and change my lifestyle; eat less and move more. I would like to believe that THIS time IS different but truth be told I have been here before. I have lost the same 30 lbs. more times than I can count. Only time will tell if my daily changes become a lifestyle change.

I can tell you that logging EVERYTHING I eat and checking in with the folks here is a HUGE help. There are many tools for us to use. It's finding those that will help you stay accountable and focused on what is important. I also do weekly pictures and monthly measurements.

Flaglady-

We can all agree that we are all tired of being fat. Spring and summer are always the worst because we are wearing fewer layers and feel more exposed.

The best piece of advice that I can offer is that you need to find something that you enjoy doing. If you are doing a diet that you can't stick to for the rest of your life... then it's not for you. If you are doing exercise that you dread doing every day... then it is not for you. I think when it comes to making life changes, they have to be practical, and they have to feel like they are worth it... otherwise, we will all fall off the wagon.

I would suggest for you that you try calorie counting. Nothing is off limits as long as you fall within your calorie allotment for the day. planning ahead to have treats is something that will make you feel less deprived, which should help you stay on track easier. Also, I suggest you find a type of exercise that you would enjoy... maybe taking up yoga or a dance class or swimming... anything that you can get excited about doing.

Good luck, and try to post more often... we would love to hear from you on a regular basis!

I have to second LittleMoon and CAT. For me, a calorie is not always a calorie - I have successfully eaten 3000 calories per day for over a month without gaining weight, but the type of food wasn't what I could maintain for a lifetime. I've set a bar of 1700, I write down everything, nothing is "forbidden", and when I eat very little junk, that 1700 is very satisfying. And I am losing what I think is a respectable 1 - 1 1/2 pounds a week.

One of the 3FC members has a quote on the signature that says something along the lines of "the year is going to go by whether you do anything or not". I just decided that spring of 2009, I might not be at goal, but by gawd, I was going to be working toward it. There's a heck of a boost that comes from DOING it instead of just hoping it will go away - cuz it won't.

Onmyway-thanks for reminding me that it is only March, there is time before summers end to see some changes in my life-small as they may be
Lessofmaur & Losermom-it is nice to know I am not alone-thanks!
CAT-I enjoy your wisdom-this post and others, you are so encouraging!
LittleMoon-Sometimes the obvious is not so obvious to the person that needs to hear it. Your simple message of maybe what I have been doing is not what is right for me hit home. I am taking some time to evaluate what eating plan (whether it is counting calories or something different) and exercise I am going to commit to and it is going to be something new, different and exciting.
ICU-The reminder that the year is moving by is great, I appreciate the quote!

Your comments really have inspired me, thank you!

Flaglady-

I am glad that I could give you some advice that hit home. I have been overweight since 2nd grade, and I have been a yo-yo dieter since I was in my teens. I have made a lot of mistakes, and I have learned a lot through trial and error. This is the only time, in my experience, that i feel like I have finally gathered the tools I need to make my weight loss permanent. I realized that all my past failures had to do with me thinking of this journey as a short term issue... I would work out like a fiend and diet very strict and I would be all gung-ho for a couple months... and then it would fizzle out. When it comes to losing weight, the truth is that motivation waxes and wanes. Sometimes we are all pumped up and excited about it... but a lot of the time, it's more of a chore. But, if we can all find something that we can commit to... something that can become habit, something that over many years won't feel like torture (because this is something we will be doing for the rest of our lives if we are to be successful), then we have found something we can commit to for life.

Spring Dread...you nailed it.

Winter, you can add layers, big coats, and everyone looks large. I dread when the layers start to come off.

I too have teenagers (19, 18, 15, 12) and a 2 year old, so I know the time demands of driving them around. I sit in my car almost half the day! The older two can drive themselves, which is a big help. If there was a portable gym IN my car, that would be great!

I'm trying to set little goals for myself, ones that are easy to achieve. I'm not a patient person, but a few little successes I'm hoping will motivate me for larger ones.

I'm ALMOST at the gym...haven't quite made it there to work out, but I do have the membership! I keep telling myself - tomorrow, I'll go to the gym. So pathetic...I'm disgusted with myself and ashamed to even admit that. Guess I need to write it down, reread it, and motivate myself to actually GO.

I had to go try on clothes yesterday, for a formal we're going to next Friday. Not pleasant. But GREAT motivation to keep going. Seeing yourself, in the dressing room mirror, looking larger than you even imagined...the gal, trying to be helpful, handing you tops with spaghetti straps and flowers and ruffles...it was terrible.

I will NOT be this large next year. I will go to this event, and FIT into the beautiful dresses that are on display in the stores, and not have to settle for the "mother of the bride" dresses in the back.