You have lost an amazing amount of weight. Is your story online somewhere? I wish more of you had blogs so that I could get to know you better. I've find it very motivating to read other people's weight loss stories when I have a few minutes and lately I've had a lot of time because of insomnia (the change I think).

HEY MISSY ~ No, I don't have a blog, but I did think about it recently; just to journal down my thoughts and progress. I was just telling someone in another forum a bit about my life and dieting history the other day, in the SONOMA THREAD.

My plan is similar to the MEDITERRANEAN style of eating; MOSTLY WHOLE FOODS, IN MODERATION (I use portions as my base); like in the SONOMA plan, you use plates and bowls to limit your portion sizes. I did clean out my house of all foods that cause me a problem, and I am fortunate that my DH supports me in that. I can keep muffins, vanilla ice cream, and skim milk puddings in my home and not binge on them. We use cones or fruit nappies (very small bowls) to keep portion sizes down.

The plan is very simple ~ a healthy breakfast, a sensible lunch, and a light dinner. ie cereal of choice and fruit for breakfast; sandwich, soup and fruit for lunch; and lean meat with 2-3 veggies and 1/4 plate carb like whole potatoes or brown rice (salad is a freebie always). On occasion, we have eggs and toast with fruit for breakfast just cuz I like to. Snacks are a bran muffin, cheese, or fruits & nuts, mostly. Once a week, (usually Sunday) we have a light dessert.

I walk mostly, but do some hand weights, toning exercises, rowing, ski-walking, and swimming when I can for exercise. Some days are better than others; I do have physical challenges (so I post over there too), but try not to let them get in my way. I'm doing much better now that I've lost some weight; I am so grateful for that cuz I feel so much better now than before.

I was put on a diet when I was 15 years old to lose 25 lbs, which I did; but I promptly put it all back on, with interest. I have spent most of my adult life dieting becuz that's what the doctors and specialists told us to do; but, I honestly believe that I've dieted myself right into obesity.

I got very jaded for awhile becuz of that; so I stopped dieting about ten years ago; and I quit smoking just over five years ago. After falling ill a couple of years ago; I just knew that I had to do something for myself to get this weight off; it was so confining and made me feel so uncomfortable and insecure about myself.

After losing over 70 lbs, I gained a bit back last winter (8 lbs) and then plateaued for awhile; that's why I came to this site. I still have a long way to go, MISSY; so, now I am setting smaller goals of 10 lbs at a time; this isn't so daunting for me. I am heading downwards again as I lost 2 lbs in July ...

By the way, check the Weigh Down thread in this forum; EZMONEY lists a link to the Sorrels, a couple that have lost a huge amount of weight on that program, which is similar to the one I'm on too. I know that you will find them as encouraging as I have (I have even put a copy of their pics and stories onto my PC to read and keep me enthused).

Thank you for your interest; you have come to a great place for support. Just look around for right place for you; I post in the Christian Encouragers and the Dieting with Obstacles forums; both are very positive groups!!! We all have the ability to help each other ... ROSEBUD

Thanks for sharing your story. Very interesting and I look forward to following it over the next few months. I'll check out those other sites too. Thanks.

HI MISSY ~ I read a few paragraphs of your blog tonight; loved the pics of your kids cooking. I think it's a good idea to teach our children how to cook and how to eat more healthy at the same time; this will well prepare them for their adult years, which are coming up so fast.

I have just one concern though; I noticed that you berate yourself quite a bit in your blog. I'm sorry that you feel so bad about yourself in regards to your weight; or did I misunderstand you? That's just how it came across to me ...

It's funny ~ some of your statements remind of some negative comments I heard about a few years back, from some entertainment shows that I believe were vaguely disquised as "self-help" programs. If someone doesn't like me becuz of my weight ~ THAT'S TUFF ~ in my view, they have a character flaw; and that's their problem, not mine ...

I am worth a lot more than the sum of my weight! I am a wonderful person; I am pretty and accomplished; I am smart, talented, and educated; I have a lovely, positive attitude; and a great outlook on life. That is why my DH loves me, and the same goes for my family as well. I'm sure you are a lovely mother and partner to your spouse and family, just as I am.

MY MAIN GOAL IS TO GET MY GOOD HEALTH BACK! I am not interested in any vain attempts to look like a teenager again; esp since I'm almost fifty years old now. I am so grateful to be alive, and to enjoy the beauty of this life that GOD has created and shared with us all. I want to live each day enjoying myself, my life, my family, my friends, my pets, and my world ...

I'm sure you want to do the same; and you will! Just give yourself a break, sweetie; and you'll be amazed what you can accomplish in a very short period of time. GOD BLESS ~ ROSEBUD