[fedmae]

This really looks like a good place to start here. I'm looking for some support or at least someone to report my progress to. Im soooo sick of being fat and skinny and fat and skinny and then fat once more. I feel like its taking a toll on my health, both physical and mental. Im also tired of trying diets. I think this time Im just going to keep a log of what I do everyday and see what kind of advice I can get from all of you. I have really no choice in what I have to eat cause I dont make the meals. But I can eat less. I think I'll start by getting up early, strapping on my pedometer and walking to the grocery store. I'm going to get some water and cereal or yogurt drink. I guess I better get to sleep then.

Thanks
Fedmae

[mauvaisroux]

Welcome fedmae!

Lucky you- I have been to Seattle and found it a great place to be.

Who makes the meals in your home? Can you maybe sit down and address your health concerns with them? Maybe make up a list of healthy snacks you would like included on the grocery list would help and if you volunteer to help with the meal planning and cooking?

If you don't want to be on a "diet" you can try lifestyle changes by slowly incorporating more fruit and vegetables into your life, eating less fatty and fried foods and limiting the amount of junk food and fast food you eat. To me this is just adopting healthy eating habits rather than a restrictive diet. This is sometimes a better way of doing things for some people.

You are off to a good start by going walking - great form of exercise!

Checking with your doctor is a good idea - you can get an idea of what your general health is and they can advise you on what kind of eating habits are suitable and what type of exercise you are able to do.

Check out the rest of the forum- there is all kinds of support and ideas available here.

Good luck

[SheriaVa]

Here are some suggestions as a starting point. I don't know your present eating and drinking habits, so some of these may not apply to you, but hopefully some will be of help. The BIGGEST tip is to baby step your way. Don't try to do everything on this list at once. Pick one thing you think you can handle and start doing it a little every day. For example, if you're used to drinking 5 sodas a day, then tomorrow drink 4 and replace the 5th with a bottle of water. The next day, drink 3 and replace the other 2 with water, etc...until you are drinking all or predominantly water.

1. Drink less soda (or any sweetened beverage) and more water (I've known people to lose ten pounds just from doing this alone).

2. Eat a smaller portion of meat and starch and more veggies (fruit, too).

3. Switch from white bread/rice/pasta to wholegrain products like whole wheat or multigrain bread, brown rice and whole wheat pasta.

4. Switch from fried food to grilled, steamed or baked food. You need some fat in your menu, but it needs to be GOOD fat, not saturated/transfat.

5. Move more -- find a way to work activity into your day. Do your exercise in the morning if you can...you will benefit from the increased metabolism during the day while you're eating!

Good luck!

[tommysgirl18]

welcome fedmae!

I just joined here recently, and I have found it to be a tremendous help! So I am extended the welcome to you!

My hubby has always been the chef in the family, so a couple of days ago, I asked him if I could help in preparing dinner. We have made it a thing to do now. I will help in preparing the dinner, as well as when we go grocery shopping, I put on the list what types of foods I am looking at eating, and we buy that.

[praytherosary822]

Hello fedmae and welcome. I am tired of being fat and fat and fat, forgot what skinny is like. Anyway the girls here seem to have some great suggestions, so we all look forward to sharing with you. GOd Bless.

[KidzRN]

Hi I work a lot in Seattle ...There tired....it is hard when it is raining and the air is thick not to want a coffee and a book instead of a lot of movement ..but movement keeps us going and it is nice even when it rains here!!!!...my motivation is starting to revive itself and there is a lot of good reading on this board...good luck!

[fedmae]

Thank you all for your replys to my plea. I will try using your suggestions. I wont be able to have much influence in what is cooked but I can eat less of that and buy some fruit and veggys and yogurt to add to my meals. Thanks so much!

I agree with the sitting down and having a cup of coffee. Its so hard not to stop in the morning on the way to school or late at night while I'm doing my homework or with a friend and pick up a coffee.

[sarahjene]

Hello Fedmae,

I too live in wonderful Seattle and find it can be difficult to keep the momentum to get to a healthy weight. If you need someone to help motivate you exercise, I can do that! Despite the grey winters and rainy days exercise and the motivation to eat well flows throughout this beautiful northwest town.

[SwimGirl]

I live out this way too, except on the otherside of the border! I just find it hard to exercise, because if you go down, you must go up, and I have to tell you, up hurts! Darn this Mountains, so beautiful, yet so painful! One good thing for me is that I'm addicted to coffee, but have to walk to get it! Heh.