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    NORTHWOODSMOM8   50,363
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GAINING after LOSING

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Oh, my dear, dear Sparkfriends! What do I even say??? My heart is aching and I'm THOROUGHLY disgusted with myself! I gained 5#'s this week, and now I've gained 13#'s since hitting my goal weight in April 2011. NONE of my clothes are going to fit soon! And the WORST part is that I can't seem to get motivated!

Can you PLEASE help me! I feel like a lost puppy! I feel like a MUSH head--like I can't even think of what to do! I know it's silly and ridiculous, but it's the truth!

I did read something encouraging that gave me hope from an article entited, "Backsliding or Thin for Life?"

"The fact that many were in their 50s and 60s invalidates the myth that losing weight becomes impossibly difficult as one ages. Many reached lengthy plateaus before they broke through to their ideal weight. At some point, most regained a few pounds before correcting course and returning to the desired range."

Here is the link to the article:
blog.aarp.org/2012/05/17
/backsliding-or-thin-for-l
ife/

I'm sure a few pounds WAS NOT 13#'s, but it still encouraged me and gave me hope that I'm not going to regain all my weight back. HOWEVER, I must act NOW, and I have no desire and no direction! I'm turning to Jesus, and now to my SparkFriends who the LORD may use to say 'just the right thing' to spur me to action.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Susan
P.S. I CERTAINLY don't want to go back to this!!!!

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  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

GOURMETLOSER 6/6/2012 4:48AM

    DOn't have the answers either. When you find them let me know. I've put 5-6kgs back i.e. much the same as you and just can't seem to find the motivation - well not for more than a morning anyway - to get back on the wagon. I'm pretty sure I'm using food to fill a place that should belong to God but even knowing that is not helping.
The flip side is that I DO know that you can do this. You REALLY DO have what it takes. I KNOW it. Hang in there!

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KATHYKIM 6/5/2012 10:07AM

    Susan - I've been a little behind on reading blogs since I've been on vacation, but I wanted to say "Don't give up". I wish I had the answers, but since I have gained all of my weight back and am STILL having a hard time finding my motivation again, I clearly am not the one to ask. What I can say is that you need to act NOW, motivated or not. I wish I had done something at 13 pounds gained instead of letting it all come back. I will be praying for your motivation and mine as well.

Kathy
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JUSFOLK 6/5/2012 12:22AM

    I'm glad I clicked on your link, as itwas written by my e-friend, Carole Carson. I was just getting ready to encourage you to grab a couple of books that might jump-start your motivation, and one is Carole's "From Fat to Fit: Turn Yourself into a Weapon of Mass Reduction" - although written from a totally secular viewpoint, it is a delightful, well-written stroy of her chronicling her weight loss story for a weekly newspaper, and how she eventually led her community to lose 8 tons! (Hope I haven't mentioned this before).

Another I've recently found that is more from a spiritual perspective is "Never Say Diet" by Chantel Hobbs. She lost 200 pounds through faith in God and focusing on five life-changing decisions. Both are so full of helpful pointers, and are real page-turners. I've been struggling (after gaining back 7 pounds through carelessness) to get this off and a few more, and I find keeping a book about successful weight-loss by my night-stand helps keep me motivated when I've got a case of the "can't hep-its"! Praying for you:)

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SAISHA100CJ 6/2/2012 7:20AM

    Susan, thanks for the great article link. To begin with, you are going to be fine. Just go back to the basics and take it one day at a time --ie, make sure you drink your water, eat more fruits & veggies and walk. Walking worked wonders for you -- it will again. I just know it. emoticon

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WILDFLOWERR_ 6/1/2012 9:36PM

    Grab yourself by the seat of your pants and kick yourself back into gear! You've got this down to an art form now!
But, most of all, you need to say this out loud and proud, every time you are feeling weak!
"I CAN do ALL things through Christ who strengthens ME!"
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MAMASUDS 5/31/2012 6:40AM

    If I were there with you right now, I would say, "Grab your water jug and lets get diggin.!" It is summer and you have all that wonderful garden space just begging for you to exercise in it. Like others have said, you know the way, but maybe you need a new companion. Is there a gardening group in your area or another lady in your church that would like to keep a garden date with you once a week, trading off one time here and the next time there? Or maybe a walking buddy to meet with a couple times a week. I know when I lose motivation to exericise, it is often my gym-buddy that gets me going again. What hobbies do your kids have? Any active summer projects that you can really dig into and get excited about this year? I know I lose more weight when I stay out of the house as much as possible - just me and my water jug out to take on the world!
I look forward to reading about how God guides you and what He uses in your life during June.

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BESTSUSIEYET 5/30/2012 11:24PM

    Long time, no see (I haven't been as checking Friend Feed...) I, too, am struggling ... Only (???) have 5# to get back off, but I sure don't like the way my pants are fitting! I had stayed at the same weight for over 2 years (almost no fluctuation) that I got lax. For me, key things are 1. no snacks while fixing dinner! (I can always serve dinner early, if I am really hungry. Thankfully hubby goes along with my time shifts, if needed) 2. no sitting with an open bag of anything!! 3. Stay out of the pantry wheni'm not actually working on a meal! I am 60 now ... and based on 2+ years of success, I know I can do it. Won't let age be an excuse for over-doing. I started this journey saying, "what habits can I stick with for life?" and now I need to stay with those habits and not go back to whatever feels good!

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KADULAC 5/30/2012 10:15PM

    You know what it takes, you've done it already. You've blogged about it, read about your successes. Track your food, take your walks; don't let Satan win. You've inspired many of us, now you need to inspire yourself. If I can climb a mountain at 215 pounds, you can conquer those 13 pounds. emoticon

Comment edited on: 5/30/2012 10:16:19 PM

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DUXGRL1 5/30/2012 8:21PM

    I know I go through low motivation periods sometimes, and sometimes the motivation can come from momentum of really tightening things up and getting back on track (but you also have to be careful NOT to beat yourself up, because that will just put more pressure on you) So set several things that you want to try to do every day, and see if you can get momentum from doing them, and really congratulate yourself when you do. (And tell US so WE can congratulate you) Or try something new! And remember how far you have come. You CAN do this!

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TINAKATRINA1 5/30/2012 10:01AM

    You've gotten lots of good replies! For me the key to getting started getting back with the program is getting moving again. Somehow walking 4 days a week with my friend is my key. Tho I'm just starting that again after a YEAR off. emoticon I haven't been able to think about moving in the right direction at all this last year. Praying He shows you what you need. Hugs.

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BERRY4 5/30/2012 12:58AM

    Sometimes the Lord allows our valleys for growth. Sometimes He takes us through them for what we can glean to share with others.
"Praise be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of all compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in ALL our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God..." (II Cor. 1:2-11)

Thinking of you! Praying that you will sense the presence of your heavenly Father in this time of struggle.
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LINDAF49 5/29/2012 11:38PM

    emoticon Oh Susan, big hugs of encouragement ... I am right there with you...have had real divided attentions and lots of excuses - some real and some not acceptable but i set aside three days to "Practice" hit it hard and exact on June 1 ...I am:
1.Scripture and praying for my health before I pray for others...and I have a long list that i pray for daily so that will get done!!! Just have never put me at the top before.
2.Measuring and weighing every morsel first two weeks
3.Weighing and measuring body every saturday for public record and weigh daily
4.Got a new pedometer and wearing it 6 our of 7 days
5.Choosing foods carefully and accounting for every bite for the first two weeks then will cut down to 5 days a week
6. I cannot do much exercise but the steps on pedometer will encourage me to move up to fibro limits.

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JUDI_CUTIE 5/29/2012 11:07PM

    I need to read what everyone has answered to you because I lost 40 pounds and gained back 13! I am not happy about it, but I keep starting again and falling off track again. I have not figured out the answer to this one!!!

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SAL1512 5/29/2012 9:39PM

    Start with those baby steps again. Little changes lead to a gradual weight loss. Soon you will be loosing instead of gaining. You did it before, you can do it again. You have a track record of being a winner!
Sally emoticon

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1COUNTRY_GAL 5/29/2012 7:48PM

    First off Susan I am still struggling just to lose weight and I am just trying to maintain and not gain more,ugh! Give your concerns to our Awesome Father,he works the miracles that only He knows How? THis mindset is so strong,we have to try what has worked the best for us personally and go with that.I think of my beautiful damaged heart(CHF and Valve Leaks) and how much I love me and my heart emoticon and how much strain and stress this excess weight puts on it.It gives me a reality check and I seem to never give up,I think God is guiding me and He knows what's best.I look at food with a different set of eyes and am still a huge construction project of a Journey to a Healthy Lifestyle for life and it looks as if it's going to take that long at this rate,grr.Here I go on a long Journey to a Healthy Me and my heart emoticon I believe in you Susan,You Can,Yes YOu Believe in You! emoticon Diana

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MARTHAWILL 5/29/2012 7:37PM

    You are sooooo not alone Susan. I'm still battling and have been above my range most of the time in the last few months. Right now I'm winning the battle again but am looking for that confidence. I stiIl consider it to be a victory (so could you) that I haven't gained back more. By now I would have been up 20-30 lbs in the past and given up. I'm very thankful for SparkPeople and SparkFriends like you who keep helping me to re-focus on the goal. I am confident that you and I will get and keep that Spark again.

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BAMAJAM 5/29/2012 4:40PM

  Hi Susan... you have many friends here to give you some great tips! Didn't someone call you a "trooper"... Well, I bet you are! I bet that knocks don't get you down for long.

Each morning, start tomorrow, know that you have a new slate, and a new beginning to get back to the "healthy program" that is BEST for you. An idea that helped me, a daily "report card" that I mark on the calendar. Just a simple mark at the end of the day, a STAR for good report, (maybe a sad face for the opposite)... However, keeping the daily "report card" is an incentive to earn that star! Others have mentioned a daily log of everything you eat, a food journal, to stay on track. This is something I have aversion to, (too much a regimen)----- but it is proven to work. God will help in your goals---- HE has known struggles, and will give you His grace!

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CRYSTLE4HIMTX12 5/29/2012 4:33PM

    ((Susan)) The only thing I can tell you is what works for me every time I get off track, and that is happening a lot these days. Do what you know to do regardless of how you feel. Walk every day no matter what. Except for bad weather of course. Do not let it be optional. If you can't because of your back start when you can. ((hugs)) And know in your heart that you deserve this and that you can. emoticon emoticon

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ABETTERSOUL 5/29/2012 3:36PM

    I've been in funk lately also...eating whatever and not exercising. No motivation. I do not know what to say to you to "spark" you...I can't seem to "spark" myself...LOL! But I will send you lots of hugs and to encourage you to stay focused on Jesus...which is the most important!
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VISUALLYRICS 5/29/2012 2:09PM

    (((Susan))) emoticon
It feels crazy sometimes doesn't it? Yes, I can relate. Just make it your aim to find that "Happy Balance" in Enjoying the Lifestyle you have come to treasure, and Maintaining it when temptations are near....eventually it will come naturally whether you are feeling great or low.
I so understand. I desire to enjoy it all, be relaxed, yet not completely relaxed because then I am not mindful...and if I am not mindful then I am caught being careless with what I put in my mouth and with not being focused in fitness.
Don't be anxious about it all though. You will do WELL - I have NO doubt. I know you. You are a trooper....and daughter of the King, and knowing how you cling to Him, I can see the future spelled - S-U-C-C-E-S-S!! Your Advocate, Jesus has a Plan ...unique this time...and I cannot wait to hear about it in a future blog of yours.

Faith may not take you over the mountain this time...but I am sure Faith will Blast your way THROUGH the mountain this time. I have some Dynomite on hand...just ask. LOL!!
I always carry some...comes in handy in a pinch. emoticon emoticon

Keep speaking Life and believing in the strength God has planted in you.

HUGE ((((HUGS)))) surrounding you today, Laura emoticon

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3016DEBRA 5/29/2012 1:15PM

  I agree with nelljones...if I don't weigh EVERYDAY, I can't know how to plan my meals.
I know it may not be your favorite thing to do, but it works for me! emoticon emoticon

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GRACEISENUF 5/29/2012 12:51PM

    emoticon emoticon

I will pray for you Susan...I completely understand as I am struggling right now too.

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EJOY-EVELYN 5/29/2012 12:13PM

    When I need to make a change, it gives me pause to perhaps be more mindful in the choices I make, the foods I have on hand, and the activities I plan. I do not expect to ever lose the love I have for those comfort foods I have relied on in the past, but work on techniques to incorporate them in moderation or perhaps make a little healthier version during those special-needs times. The SparkPeople Tracker is my best friend and I’m encouraged to see that I am taking in the nutrition I know the body wants to help me reach the goals I have set.

Because your temple (body) is integral in the way you worship (from kneeling, loving others, gardening, work, etc) may the personal relationship you have be both your role model and partner who wants to continue to encourage you throughout your life. You’re already blessed with great faith to know God loves you as you are (regardless of your weight). I pray that you continue to invite God -- and your best sources for life-long learning -- into this great journey through life you’re on. You have already become one of our greatest role models, luv!

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AVANELL 5/29/2012 11:38AM

    Don't allow the past gain to set the tone for your future. You can lose those extra pounds if you will make the right choices, one at a time, to give you the desired results. You did it once and you can do it again. The weight will not come back on if you make the changes now. You're in a good place right now because you recognize that you need to make the necessary changes. Don't allow fear to paralyze you. Just pick up and start over. You may have fallen down, but you can get back up again. Turn to the Lord and trust Him to give you the strength to do it again. He will not fail you!

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CLASSYLADYMAY 5/29/2012 9:50AM

    This is a journey and sometimes we gain and lose and the thing is to learn from it all. Its harder as we get older thats true.. i am 61 and i have been having a hard time.. i used to have a treadmill which really helped and now i dont have one.. so i exercise each day and plan ahead on exercise and food.. and that helps.. i do work out videos and walking.. now going to walk with a back pack with weights in it so i work out harder on walk.. It can be done.. so dont give up!!! Think positive and it will happen..

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NDTEACHER1 5/29/2012 9:44AM

    Hey, Hey, Hey! You're beautiful in both photos! I have been struggling lately too. I have lost 40 pounds and hoped to have lost nearly double that by this time, and gained 3 pounds the past week when I finally got myself under control again. I think the key for me is to log what I eat, stop binges in their track, pray, and just keep moving. I saw one person asks the question, "Will this food add to my vitality?" I think that is something that could give one pause before consuming empty calories. Hang in there. There is a lot of us in this battle together!

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ACTIVEGRANDMAP 5/29/2012 9:26AM

    I don't think there is one answer that fits everyone. For me, I also weigh every day and lately I have found the pounds will creep up if I don't get in the exercise. I've gotten a bit lazy about that and have been surprized with the number on the scale ( not a happy surprize). I'm sure you will find the right answer for you. Pam

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OOLALA53 5/29/2012 9:21AM

    You have not committed a crime. You have to give up the intense self-criticism as I think it's getting in the way. It's much easier to plan and follow through in a sense of calm determination. I don't suggest going to your lowest calorie allotment to start. Plan some great meals and snacks, if you eat them, for today and tomorrow that are in the middle or high end of your range. Sit down and enjoy them. Get back to experiencing how wonderful good food can be. Even if you don't determine exactly what you will eat, choose times to eat and don't make random. spontaneous decisions to eat for the next few weeks. Decrease the amount of food by just a bit as you realize you are getting full with your meals. And try to have other good activities to occupy you in between meals You are more than food and your body! And consider a goal weight a few pounds higher for now. If you have to watch every mouthful forever foe a certain weight, is it worth it?

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NELLJONES 5/29/2012 9:03AM

    I have been at goal (or about at goal) for a long time because I weigh every single day and make adjustments immediately. There is no mental angst in cutting back for a few days, and I never ever allow myself to way overeat intending to handle it "tomorrow". Weight creeps back on an ounce at a time. I don't care if the scale shows "water weight" or whatever. I immediately re-plan my day around what that scale says. It's worked for decades now. If I ever allow myself the "Weellll this looks so good and I can handle it another day" I'll find myself back where I started or worse.

You can get back to Par, and you can stay there with careful planning. It's a LOT easier to adjust for a pound or two for a couple of days than 13 pounds a month later.

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DLDROST 5/29/2012 8:44AM

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