one finger at a time. I have been off for so long, I need to begin all over again. Tomorrow, I will climb back on the scale - NOT the one that tossed me off - and create my new weight-tracker.

Having celebrated my first anniversary last month, I subsequently had a realization - I'm not used to being on a diet when I must prepare meals for someone else who is not on a diet. (I'm a little slow.) For the 30 years before I got married, I lived alone. Dieting was relatively easy bc I bought food and cooked for only myself. Now, I need to make meals for my DH. It's not exactly that he demands high-calorie foods - it's more like now I have an excuse to get high-calorie foods into my house.

Lynn

Climbing back on the wagon is never easy! When I first started visiting these boards I was doing well with my weight loss. Then I decided to go off "for just a couple days" because I was visiting friends and it was hard to control my food when I wasn't in control of the kitchen. Then when I got back home I continued to make poor choices. "Oh, I won't start back today ... I want to eat XYZ first."

At the same time I started driving again (after doing without and walking/public transportation for two years) so my food intake went UP while my activity went DOWN. What's wrong with that picture?

Next thing I knew I had gained 80 lbs. (and felt relieved when I finally got back on the scale and saw that was "all" it was! I've lost 10 of it so far and am definitely feeling better but I can really tell the difference now when I go out for a walk -- I can only cover half the distance I could when I was below 200 lbs. and I'm more fatigued. Makes me very angry at myself. But I tell myself that every journey begins with that first step and unless I took that first step I'd stay where I was forever.

Start making good choices today, Lynn. If we do the things today that we need to do today, tomorrow will take care of itself.

Now Lynn, there is no reason you can't get Donald eating OP too since nothing is off limits, you can manage your meals together and get right back OP!

I will be joining you tomorrow too on getting back OP!!!

Well ladies welcome back and happy we haven't lost you both. I just recommitted to the JC lifestyle (i'm not calling it a diet....lol) last week so weclome aboard.

Very nice insightful post Donna, sometimes it's very hard to take that first step isn't it.
I have taken many and fallen flat on my face but this time I too know I will succeed...one baby step at a time.

Phyllis

Okay - I'm with you all. Time to climb back on for me too. Actually I started today. I will skip weigh-in tomorrow as I don't want to sabotoge myself with a bad scale results that I know will defeat my efforts. I need this to be about eating healthy and not some number on the scale. I know how my mind works. I want to get healthy - to be able to do things with my future grandkids - to lead an active life - to look good in pretty clothes.

Time to climb back on that wagon!!!!!

Glad to see we haven't lost you all! Welcome back!

Take my hand! I'll help pull ya up! You have all been there for me now it's my turn. You are not a mile down the trail, just hanging on with your finger tips so I think I'm strong enough with your determination. Laurie-get that whip out NOW!
Here is your new pledge-I have promised I will get back on the wagon, I will keep my promise to myself, knowing that being accountable will make me stronger, confident that I CAN lose up to 2 lbs. a week. I will do cardio at least 3 times a week because it burns fat and gives me energy. I will eat healthy every 3 hours because it keeps my body fed and my metabolism steady. I will drink my water because it flushes out toxins and brings oxygen to my body and blood and keeps me hydrated. I will do my 8mm because it will build muscle to burn fat more efficiently and gives me a tone body. I will take every day 3 hrs at a time, if I slip a foot off the wagon I know I just have to regain my balance.
This is my short term goal-
This is my goal weight-

This is a pledge to myself on September 10, 2005. By signing it I am commiting to a healthier and happier life.

Not only have I fallen off the wagon, but have been run over by it I will pick myself up, dust myself off, run like and get back on - again

I will weight in tomorrow : and report in. It probably won't be pretty but it's time.

One thing I discovered--NOTHING will change about my weight unless I face the truth about it. It may not be pretty, but it is what it is.....

SO very true Jeanette!