Ok, so my title is pretty point-blank. I know, not the most inviting of titles, but the truth. I am about 90 lbs. overweight and know that I WANT and NEED to do something, but so overwhelmed I don't know where to start. I work full-time, have a 10 yr old daughter and a 15 month old son. I go from work to home to cooking dinner for 8 (as my husband's cousin lost their home, so now their family is staying with us) to cleaning it all up to bed. This is my life. I feel if I was to try and lose the weight, I wouldn't have the time or the support. So, instead...I do nothing. Feeling worse everyday, getting fatter in my sleep. I've researched diet pills, diet plans...nothing seems to click. My BOSS actually said I should inject myself with pregnancy hormones and eat 500 calories a day. "ITS ALL THE RAGE!" Are you kidding me?
If there is anyone...who has ever felt like I have..please tell me your secret to actually doing something about it. Where do I start? I see these great weight trackers and I feel even more depressed. I wish I could be like you. ALL of you. The crazy thing? I am not a binger. I don't eat gallons of ice cream. I don't sneak burgers in at the drive thru. I'm just fat. Because of it, I'm angry and sad at everyone. I'm killing myself and losing everyone else around me in the process. I'm not trying to write a book, its just my thoughts coming out.
If you have read this far, thank you. I know I want to change, I just can't seem to actually do anything about it.
First of all...you need to take some time for yourself. If you cook the meals, then you cook healthy meals. You say you are cooking for 8, well some of those 8 are adults who can fend for themselves if they don't like what you cook.
It also sounds like you are just overwhelmed with the amount of weight you have to lose. Don't think about it in those terms. Just do something manageable for a bit and then move on to something else. You can start out just cutting back on the soda and drinking more water. Take a short walk on your lunch break. The weather is getting nicer outside, and it will help to clear your mind a little. You will be suprised at the results just doing those two things will do for you.
Then you can focus on other things...like making sure you get a healthy breakfast in before work. Packing your own lunch, it doesn't have to be something elaborate, maybe some deli meat between whole grain bread and some fruit and veggies.
Think of losing weight like housework. You don't spring clean every day, some days all you can manage to do is the dishes, but every little bit helps. Same with weightloss...not everyone can do it all at once, but you start out with what you can manage and then move on...
Missy, I understand where you are. I am a single mom of a 14 year old that plays on two different baseball teams and I work 12 hour shifts. I go from work to home to baseball everyday. I understand. I was felt so lonely and fat and sad and hateful and mean and just fed up. So one day I was on the net looking for a quick solution and came across this site. I looked around and found pictures of a mom and daughter who had lost half of their weight. The first feeling I got was jealousy then it hit me. I am no different, I can do this too. So, I started slow by changing my diet and eating no more than 1500 calories per day. This weekend I added working out to the mix. I think I am doing well, plus I get all the advice and support from this site. The people on here are smart, thoughtful, and helpful to say the least. If you ask them for advice, they will give it. After that its up to you. Here is the last thing I will say; Look, like Iheartsushi said, some of those 8 family members are adults. Either they need to help out or you don't cook for them, its that simple, you're not a maid, you're a mother, a working mother.
Hey hey, I know where you're coming from in terms of finding it difficult to start something-- but the key is just that. You have to just start. Start by eating a smaller portion of food, eat healthier, move around a bit more. I'm sure you can spare fifteen minutes of your day somewhere to do a bit of extra walking or something.
Just push yourself with all your willpower and might to start, and you'll soon kick yourself for not starting sooner. It gets easier as time goes by to maintain and add on once you just kick start a plan.
Take care of yourself, because if you don't, who's going to take care of your children when you're gone?
First I have to say I am stunned that you are cooking and cleaning for everyone. If I were living with family due to hard times, I would be pulling more than my weight around the house. Shame on them. You might consider putting up a calendar in the kitchen and have people obligated for dinner/cleaning through the week. This should NOT all be on you.
Eeeks.
Anyway, surf around and settle in! We have subforums based on age, eating plan, exercise and more. I find it helpful to plan out what I'm going to eat in the morning. That way I am not having to make 100 decisions through the day.
You can do this!
My dear missy...go take a good look at ur self in the mirror...take a deeeep breath and wrap ur arms around urself - thats a BIG hug from all of here. Ok now u need to knw ur beautiful. I had the MOST AMAZING b/f when my face was full of pimples and I was so oddly fat and.....etc etc...anyways just instill it in you that the song by Prince - most beautiful girl in the world is for u!!
Then!
Start anew.
Feel responsible for yourself. Know that since we are all connected you need to keep us posted about your regime.
Also know that we ALL carry our own cross. But we all get by with a lil help from our friends
I sincerely wish you luck and look f/w to inputs.
cuddles!
Just wanted to thank those that posted for your support without even knowing me. I know I can do this. I have got to do this. I haven't bought a scale in three years. I am buying one tomorrow. I'm ready.
Welcome to 3FC! Try not to feel too overwhelmed by the amount that you want to lose. I want to lose 65 pounds but that sounds like such a big number that I break it into smaller chunks with mini-goals along the way. For me, 65 pounds sounds impossible but 5 pounds sounds do-able. So I shoot for 5. When I get there, I shoot for the next 5. Don't look at the long term; the time will pass whether or not you change your way of eating so try not to freak yourself out over that.
Hang in there. You've got a lot on your metaphorical plate right now; no wonder you're overwhelmed! We are here to help!
Welcome to the board. I try to take things one day at a time. If I look at the big number, I get discouraged. I try take it day by day and weigh once a week, the same day and time. You can do it!
I hope that you are feeling better.
Changing your lifestyle, especially eating, is not an easy task.
The only advice that I can offer is the same that I gave to myself..start off slow, make better choices. Instead of snacking on chips; opt for baby carrots. Don't order fried food, get the grilled. Every little thing you do does help in the long run. I really liked the advice that iheartsushi gave you. She said it best.
You WILL get through this. Just remember that you ARE worth the effort. You are incredibly strong and a beautiful person. You can do it!
Where do I start? Feeling fat and alone.
