[Skinnywannabe]

I have done this so many times before. Right now I am sobbing as I type this. I feel so out of control and know I need help but don't know how. I just polished off a bowl of icecream. Did that make it better? Ummmm no... and I don't think I even really tasted it. I just happened to be sitting at the computer and typed in weight loss discussion boards and I found this site. How do I turn off this unhealthy addiction to food? I think I have finally hit my rock bottom.....

[LotusMama]

Hi, Skinny, and welcome. I am glad you found 3FC!

You are not alone; many of us have struggled with food and have asked the same questions you are asking.

There is no silver bullet for weight loss, unfortunately (at least I have yet to find it). I am sure you will get a lot of very good advice here from some people who have had a lot of experience and success with losing weight. You should listen to them; they know what they are talking about.

Here is my advice: find a program/plan that you can stick to. Any plan that is too rigid (or too extreme) is going to be very hard to stick with. You need a plan that fits your lifestyle and that you can live with for the long haul. Then, just start doing it. At first it might be hard because you are hungry or you have cravings, etc. However, once you have a couple successful days it gets easier. And, one successful day leads to another and another and you start to get into the rhythm of it and build momentum.

I encourage you to not only to get a sensible food plan, but start exercising if you aren't already doing it. If you aren't someone who is used to exercise like I was, this can be hard. But, for me exercise plus eating right has made all the difference in the world. It doesn't have to be strenuous. Again, pick something you can do consistently. Mostly, I walk and it has been key to my weight loss. And, I will tell you a secret: after you start doing it awhile, your body begins to crave the movement like it used to crave food. You can easily become addicted to exercise even if you think that you won't!

Consistency is key. You may slip up now and then, but it won't matter one bit if you get right back on track. The only way a slip up will really hurt you is if you let it derail your efforts and abandon your food and exercise plan. If you commit to it, you will succeed. It is that simple. Persistence and commitment are what it takes.

Finally, come to 3FC often to get advice and to share your ups and downs. I consider 3FC one of the cornerstones of my weight loss journey.

I wish you all the best in your weight loss journey. Even though there is no silver bullet, the good news is YOU CAN DO THIS.



Cheers,

J

[Onederchic]

I have nothing more to add to the great advice J gave but I did want to welcome you to the site and lots of good luck with your goals.

Hugs
Michelle

[duqserb]

I am right there with you girl. I think I have consumed 10,000 calories and that is not a joke. Started out with a good breakfast and then I lost control at lunch. And then it just continued on throughout the afternoon and into the night when my coworkers ordered pizza. Cheesepuffs, candy bars, cookies, pizza....it has been a BAD night. I feel like crap. Sad thing is I don't care enough to even cry about it. I was going to order a halloween costume Friday but now I'm not sure I want to with how incredibly FAT I feel. I hate this....I wish I had a therapist to talk to :-(

~D~

[leeway]

Glad to have you join us! There are lots & lots of different groups and forums - I'm sure you'll find some that will keep you motivated, inspired and entertained!

There are lots of people here with more to lose and lots with less - the bottom line is that we all have to do it a day at a time. The good thing is that we'll have lots of company along the way.

I've only been here a few weeks myself, having NEVER been part of an online forum. What has been so eye-opening is how much it has helped me. Whenever I feel overwhelmed or defeated, I just log on and read some of the success stories, complete with their before & after photos - or read about others still dealing day to day with their challenges - and before I know it, the time has flown by and so have all the thoughts of cheating or giving up.


So welcome aboard - join in by inspiring us and being inspired!

HANG IN THERE - WE"VE ALL BEEN WHERE YOU ARE & KNOW HOW YOU FEEL - YOU CAN DO IT!

[TIARA]

IVE BEEN THERE... my rock bottom was seeing the scale at 294 it hit me hard because i was 6 pounds shy of 300.. find a plan that works for you. this site has helped me by knowing others face the same problems as me and if i need help they are here to offer support.. welcome..

[AshLovell]

First of all, welcome. Second of all, you're so not alone, thats what this community is for. I was a little skeptical when I first came across it, but seeing the pictures, reading the stories, it's more than just another place to talk. While I'm a new member here, I've been checking into this wonderful place for a couple of weeks now, then I joined.

The best advice I can give at this point, having just started my journey, is to find the best path. Remember that every person is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. Then again, it may not be safe for that other person as well. If you're unsure where to start, talking to your doctor about it is a pretty good place. I had my breakdown a few days ago and went to my doctor this morning. We talked and she helped me plan out what was best for me with my medical concerns and risks.

Lose the weight but be safe above everything else. This stuff won't happen overnight, but every pound lost is a step toward a healthier and happier you. Check back here often for motivation, it isn't hard to find, I've found plenty of motivation for me

[Hamoco350]

First of all, hello and welcome! I'm glad that you've made the choice to come here- it's a wonderful place. I think you'll find a lot of support here that will inspire you in your quest to become a happier, healthier individual.

In my experience, the best way to end an unhealthy addiction is to find a healthy addiction - yes, they do exist! I say this to smokers, drinkers, the depressed, etc.. and just recently I have said it to myself. I have become addicted to success. Movement, eating well, making better choices = my new addiction. I feel so much better and it's only been a month.

I encourage you to find a local gym, like a Curves or something small and personable. Maybe pick up some fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins. Learn what snacks and sweet treats are okay - have a Skinny Cow ice-cream bar instead of a bowl of B&J!

It's all about making small decisions, taking those little baby steps, and finding the perfect path for you.

[TamiL]

Welcome! You will find so much support and encouragement here in your journey to a healthier self! You will find that you are not alone in this. Good luck to you, you can do this!