Hi, How are you doing? I was on vacation, for two weeks and it was difficult in more ways than one. I'm just now checking my email, and I've been back a week! I went off my plan, but I'm back on it -- even though doing so is difficult after being slack. I'm just relieved to be watching it again. I gained 6.5 pounds in 2 weeks. I attribute it to eating sugar and white flour products. They seem to tell my body to STORE FAT! protein and high fiber, has the opposite effect. I hope that you are still trying, or at least ready to try again. It really helps to not do it ALONE! HANG IN THERE WITH US, okay? Carlee
DAKRAEMERT 6/29/05 10:23 P
Thanks for the input. I was thinking about quiting already. Your words convinced me otherwise.
I guess it is always tough getting started. When I see my first success, I will probably feel better.
I cannot tell you how much your response has helped me already.
Thank you.
SP_COACH_DEAN 6/29/05 9:15 P
Hi, DAKRAEMERT
Welcome to SP! You'll find lots of good info and support here to help you reach your goals. One thing we emphasize is the importance of setting small, concrete goals that you can focus on and track, rather than thinking about how far you have to go to reach your ultimate goal. It sounds like you are already off to a good start with your exercise plan. Can you think of a couple of initial changes you want to make in your diet to make it healthier--maybe replacing sugary carbs with whole grains, or replacing saturated fat with healthy fats? I think it helps a lot to focus on making positive healthy changes, instead of just on reducing calories.
There are a lot of people here who are trying to lose a lot of weight, so you aren't alone. I used to weigh 370 myself, and I'm down to about 220. There are some groups on these message boards for people trying to lose 110 pounds or more--you might want to check them out, as well as the REsouce Center, where there are lots of good articles on nutrition, exercise, and motivation.
Let me know if I can do anything to help out.
Dean
OKANOG 6/29/05 8:34 P
DAKRAEMERT
You can do it with all the great support in here! Soundslike you are well on your weigh to a trimmer you!
DAKRAEMERT 6/28/05 11:39 P
Hi. I am new to SPARK. I was surfing and I came upon the site.
My summer goal is to lose weight and get fit. I joined a gym and commited to working with a trainer. However, when I think about it. I am scared. I need to lose over 100 pounds. I want to make it this time. I am hoping that this is an answer.
SP_COACH_DEAN 6/13/05 9:22 A
Hi, MOPPER
Just stopped by to see if there was any news on the job front.
How are you doing?
Dean
AUNT_BEE_1945 6/11/05 9:41 P
Just stoped in to say hello.
Aunt Bee
CARLEEBLISS 6/11/05 3:21 P
What's new and how's it going? It's been a busy week but I've been thinking about my SP friends. I've been struggling with a plateau mentality.I hit them about every ten pounds, and it has been taking me a while to adjust downward. This one is taking TOO LONG! Part of my difficulty is knowing when to cut further back on my intake of food, and increasing my exercise. IT IS TIME!!!! I know that this is my resistance to that old FEAR of being hungry. So I guess I'm saying this "out loud" in print to tell on myself. When I "tell on myself" it takes the old neurotic secrecy out of it. Punctures my balloon of DENIAL so to speak. There is something in me that is still afraid of hunger, and I think that is because hunger may bring up FEELINGS (ugh!) -- It's actually the feelings that I am afraid of SO I've been trying to practice what I call INTENTIONAL EATING. I make a nice meal for me to eat alone, without distraction. Then I focus on the food, the look, the taste, the feel of it, the chewing, the swallowing, everything about it. I give thanks for it, I relish it. It frequently brings up memories, some of them happy, some sad, some painful. Sometimes I have to put down my fork and cry. But it works. It helps me identify the feelings that I have locked up around my eating. If I start to try to drift into other thoughts, I just notice, and gently bring them back. Because if I think about other things, I am not attending to my eating, and the food just empties down into a dark cavity somewhere like a cement mixer emptying its contents onto a work-site! NO AWARENESS. No awareness, no satisfaction. When I eat with awareness I am more satisfied. I eat less, I feel more, but I eat less! God bless -- Hugs, Carlee
MOPPER 6/8/05 1:06 A
Carlee, I want to thank you for those words of wisdom. In my heart I know it's true, but the brain sometimes rules and it isn't always right. I read this post shortly before I left and I felt so good. I had to fill out an application in the lobby and while doing so, then waiting for my interview, I saw a number of fluffy folk going in and out, so that helped to relieve my anxiety. The interview went well, I don't know yet if I will get a job offer, but one of my references let me know she was contacted, so that is a positive sign. Thank you, thank you!
Di
JOANN135 6/6/05 10:55 P
How did interview today go? I am 54 and have about 40 pounds to lose and it is very stubborn. I've been a diabetic since I was 11 and the insulin in my insulin pump has a side effect of WEIGHT GAIN!! Ugh!
Welcome to SP - there are many encouragers here. Jo Ann
MISSPAM 6/6/05 9:50 A
Carlee,
That is some powerful and great advice. Di, see, that is why Spark people is a great idea! You go get them!
Pam
CARLEEBLISS 6/6/05 7:48 A
Welcome Di,
I know those interviews can be daunting, and it's true we are our own worst critics. I have come to believe that a good work ethic, a well written resume, dressing in a becoming fashion, and professionalism "out-weigh" the weight. So much is in the way we present ourselves. Do we slink into the office with "our tail between our legs" ashamed; or do we come into the office confident that if this is the right job for us, the weight is the last thing people will think about. If an HR person (and I used to be one) is literally weighing you when you walk in, then you wouldn't be happy there anyway. If the job requirement is to be "eye-candy" for the boss or the customers -- then it's not a very healthy environment. As of today, I have 96.5 pounds left to lose. I started at 308.0 which was around the last time I went job hunting. Neat, clean, subtle and professional are the interview rules. Good manners. Friendly, but not over-bearing. Talk about your skills. Talk about the things you love about your work. Enthusiasm, good attendance and ability (and a positive mental attitude) is what an employer wants. Also, it helps to know that God loves you and has a plan for your life, that no interviewer can interfere with anyway! Keep writing, and remember -- YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL. CARLEE
MOPPER 6/4/05 6:35 P
Thank you for the nice welcome! The interview yesterday went swimmingly, it was with a recruiter who will help in my job search. She was a fairly fluffy girl, too, and we hit it off. Monday's is for a health plan, so that should be interesting. Again, thank you and wishing one and all a wunnerful weekend.
Di
SP_COACH_DEAN 6/4/05 9:57 A
Hi, Di
Welcome to SP. I know what you mean about dreading those interviews. I used to weigh 370 and could barely stand going out in public at all. Things are a lot different now--all I worry about is being too old to get a job, lol. This is the place to be if you want to meet some good people, get good info and support, lose some weight and have a little fun, all at the same time. Be sure to post any questions you might have, and someone will point you in the right direction. Good luck!
Dean
AUNT_BEE_1945 6/3/05 9:50 P
Welcome to the 50 forum, Di
Aunt Bee
MISSPAM 6/3/05 4:29 P
Hello Di!
Welcome. There is a lot of good info on this site and lots of great support! I am 52 and need to lose 20 more pounds. I have lost 10 but am stuck there. I need to add exercise and CONTROL! Glad you found the site! Keep coming back.
Pam
HARROWJET 6/3/05 2:25 P
Good afternoon Di, Spark People IS a great group. There is lots of encouragement, motivation and help with food and exercise. Keep coming back.
Good luck with your job interviews.
hugs, Judy
MOPPER 6/3/05 2:13 P
Good morning... well, almost afternoon. Sitting here still in my pj's, found SparkPeople on Yahoo earlier, toured the demo and signed up. I'm 53 with over 100 lbs to lose. Currently unemployed due to a move from CA to OR for hub's job. Have an interview this afternoon and three next week, good response to my resume so far, but hate going to interviews and having people make a judgement because of my weight. Ah, well... looking forward to getting to know you all, this looks like a great group!
