[nowtnewunderthesun]

I'm fed up. I don't feel physically comfortable in my own body. I don't feel socially confident given my size. I've recently come to terms with the fact that I can't just keep waiting for something to get better and if I continue waiting this will be all there is for me for the rest of my life.

I think a big block for me is that whilst I was a relatively slender size until my early 20s (I am now in my early 30s), I just can't get my head round the possibility that my body could ever be any smaller. I see other people doing it, but it just doesn't seem like the laws of physics could allow it in my case.

I did lose 50 lbs in 2007 taking me from 230 to 180 which stayed off for a while but ultimately was not done in a healthy and sustainable way. Over the recent year I've not only felt really uncomfortably large moving around my environment, but I now think about things like "Will I fit in that chair?" or "Am I too large for the harness at the outward bounds activity?" It's so soul destroying and humiliating.

So I have to do something. But I'm not looking for a diet as such, since that won't work for me. I think I need to make frequent small changes on a path of least resistance to a healthier lifestyle that will maintain itself. I'm not desperate to lose the weight quickly so this seems like my best bet to a successful recovery from whatever this decade's lapse was.

Can anyone point me in the direction of blogs or threads where people used the method of constant little changes rather than traditional dieting?

I'm thinking my goal for this week is:

• Food: Take one serving of fruit or vegetable for my mid morning snack and then eat only that between 9 - 1.
• Exercise: Do 30 mins on Wii Fit once this week.
• Habit: Remove all coins from my purse so I can't make use of the vending machine at work.

[Liliann]

Welcome!! Great goals you planned...Wishing you good luck with your efforts!!

[kisskiss]

Welcome! I totally understand how you feel, wondering if I was going to fit into certain things (ie roller coasters, airplane seats).

You seem to have some goals that will help you start your weight loss journey. I would suggest upping your exercise as you go along. Also, may be tracking your food intake? Not necessarily counting calories (although that is what I did), but writing down what you're eating might keep you more accountable and you'll be able to see how many veggies and fruit servings you're getting since that is one of your weekly goals Good Luck!

[ayrenay]

Incremental changes has definitely been a winning method for me. If it helps you as much as it did me, you're definitely on the right track

Another thing that has been helping me is to celebrate early and often - aka, when you hit one or two or all of your goals this week, then two weeks in a row, congratulate yourself and think about how it makes you feel and why you value feeling that way.

I, too, have lost and regained, but since I was losing without paying attention to why or why it was important, when things shifted back to my regular habits, the weight loss didn't stick around either.

If you ever want more support or need a cheerleader, I'm (and all of 3FC, truly) here! Baby steps will lead you to long-term success!

Welcome!

[psalti]

I think your goals sound great!! Your coin thing made me laugh -- our office used to be in a building that had vending machines and I spent so much money. We moved to a new building and that helped a TON. Good luck!

[leb61793]

I know the feeling all too well. I've recently developed a really bad relationship with food and i've gained 20 lbs very quickly (i about a month). It feels like ill never get back to even a reasonable weight. None of my clothes fit and its embarassing. Thats why i've joined this sight. I hope it helps! good luck!

[nowtnewunderthesun]

Thanks so much for the warm welcome and for your tips.

Don't worry, I will definitely be doing more than just 30 mins of exercise a week on the Wii. Today alone I spent over 3 hours walking around my work site touring the facility. I just wanted a manageable goal that fell into a routine. Then I'll up it, and add in other things too. I'll also be watching what I eat but again little steps.

I've actually had a really successful couple of days. Rather than being fixated on food (which I was that one time I dieted) I've actually found it very manageable to make these switches so I've already added a few more in like not eating anything after 8pm and weighing out my breakfast (porridge made with milk) so I know I'm eating a suitable serving size.

I feel really great so far. Let's see how I go.