[busysinglemom]

Hi. Ok, I have about 100lbs. to lose and I'm looking for some help getting started. I've tried carb addicts, south beach, and weight watchers. I'm tired of trying and failing, but the "I don't care" mentality isn't working for me either. So here I am. I hear it's the place to come to for support and ideas.

Does anybody out there have some pointers on getting started with something that doesn't make me want to gnaw on the arm of the couch?

Thanks!!

[shelby897]

Welcome to the site -- I love it here!!

This worked for me -- I'm not much of a WW, Atkins, kind of person. I've just been making little changes along the way -- adding more exercise as a I go along, cutting out some snacking and cutting back on the amounts of foods I eat. I've worked up to logging calories and cutting out junk food (a few slips here and there). I think you need to find your comfort level -- if you feel the need to gnaw off your arm (been there!!), then you need to add a little more food into your plan. As the days/weeks go by, I find it easier to follow through because it's a plan I made for myself.

Good luck.

[Justwant2Bhealthy]

BSM ... you will find lots of ideas and support here. We're all in the same boat. Shelby's advice is great; try to find something balanced that you can stick with for the long haul; starting with small changes, one day at a time. You can design your own plan; start with some exercise that's right for you, and you're off to a great start.

There's a group here for those who have 100 lbs to lose that you might want to check out; look around and have fun. Glad you joined us ~ a fellow encourager ... Rosebud.

[srmb60]

Hi and welcome!
You can probably lose weight without changing what you are eating now. Fitday.com is a free site where you can enter all your intake. Learn to measure as you scoop out your helping of whatever your family is eating. You'll soon learn more about the nutrient content of your food and then we'll help you make slimmer choices!

[busysinglemom]

Thanks! I don't think we realize that we can create our own plans. That feeeling of being a failure kind of overwhelms you. I.E. if I knew what I was doing I wouldn't be fat... I'll try and put something together and see what happens. I can leave sugar alone (feel free to growl at me), it's the rice and pasta and potatoes I have trouble with. Lately it's been fast food as well. I'm in the car for about 12 hours a week, I'm a full time student, single mom, I also work. So I do the drive through bit and pay for it with my thighs.

Any suggestions for lunch in the car?

[kotapaint]

Originally Posted by busysinglemom

Thanks! I don't think we realize that we can create our own plans. That feeeling of being a failure kind of overwhelms you. I.E. if I knew what I was doing I wouldn't be fat... I'll try and put something together and see what happens. I can leave sugar alone (feel free to growl at me), it's the rice and pasta and potatoes I have trouble with. Lately it's been fast food as well. I'm in the car for about 12 hours a week, I'm a full time student, single mom, I also work. So I do the drive through bit and pay for it with my thighs.

Any suggestions for lunch in the car?

Hi busy!

I like starch too; it's hard to cut way back on it!

Portion control if you don't want to weigh and measure everything: one serving is about the diameter of your palm, unless you have large hands and can palm a basketball.

I had the same problem you are experiencing; too much time in the car and stopping by too many fast food windows. I have to plan on Sunday for the week's schedule. I am keeping a small cooler (six pack size) in my truck with apples and walnuts or almonds for snacks. Portion size for nuts is about a handful--a 4 year old's handful. With track and baseball season for my kids coming up, I have to stay commited to planning ahead on Sunday or I will wind up eating fast food or worse, the concession stand.

I liked the You: On a Diet book recently published. It's doable for me. Perhaps it's on tape and you could listen to it when you travel.

Pack your lunch--perhaps a thermos of soup and some fruit? I am assuming you aren't driving when you have lunch! A can of Progresso soup and a small Granny Smith apple really fills me up and it's only about 260 to 350 calories depending upon the soup and the size of the apple. The sodium is high. If you can stop at a park, school yard, etc., you can stretch your legs after you eat even if it's 15 minutes. If the kids are with you, they can run around on the playground--assuming they are 6 - 12!

I have had some success with my starch cravings by having a slice of whole grain toast for a snack--with a smear of all fruit jam (no extra sugar) about the size of a half dollar. Of course that is when I am near a toaster!

good luck busy; I sympathsize. Check my bio--I'm busy like you--probably like most folks! You have to make a little time to take care of yourself.