Hi folks,
This is my first time posting on this board, but after reading some of your post, I just had to reply, you all seem so positive. I started on my weight loss journey in March and I am SO happy to report that I have lost 30 lbs to date.
I had resigned myself to being heavy for the rest of my life, but I kept telling myself if I didn't go over 200 lbs, I wasn't really terribly obese. I had tried many times to lose with little success, I really thought I couldn't lose, but when I went to the doctor and the scales read 208, I had put on more weight and I had gone beyond my limit. I was on two bloodpressure meds and medication for high cholestral, etc. I have arthritis in my feet and was having trouble with walking and being heavy wasn't helping. I also have had back surgery and have two stainless steal rods in my back, and because I was so heavy my back was beginning to bother me again. That is when I made up my mind that something had to be done.
I came home from the doctors office with a new attitude, I was going to lose this extra weight and start on a healthy lifestyle. I started by doing a little exercise. First on my exercise bike then on a new treadmill. For a diet plan, I just cut back on portions but didn't really eliminate anything from my diet, except for bread or rolls and dessert. I follow a modified low fat diet, not to many fried foods, and for beverages I only drink decafe coffee and water. I eliminated all other beverages. Except for breakfast when I have coffee, I have only water the rest of the day. I eat three meals a day, and am very careful not to let myself get too hungry. I find if I do get too hungry, that is when I set myself up for failure.
As a snack when I need it, I nibble on 1/2 cup of honey nut cheerios. I eat them one at a time slowly and it seems to satisfy my need to munch.
Yes Ladybugsmom, the best thing that has come out of this program is that I have so much more energy. I feel so much better. My back pain has stopped. I can walk further and I have been able to get off one of my blood pressure medications. I am hoping when I lose another 10 lbs, I will be able to cut back on the Cholestral Medication.
The exercising is so important. I still don't do as much as I should, but I am working on it. I am sure too that just eating more vegtables and fruits has helped my overall health. I can't express enough how much better you will feel when you start to lose weight, and it doesn't take much of a loss to start feeling the benefits. So any one who is struggling - KEEP AT IT - don't give up. If you mess up, forget it and try again. Your whole outlook and attitude will improve! As you begin to lose, and you find you are in control.
Keep it simple, you don't have to eat any different then the rest of your family. What is good for you is good for them. Just eat smaller portions, no rolls, no dessert or a light dessert if you need it, drink water. It's easier that I ever believed it could be!!! I am doing it and you can too!!!