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Posts: 353
11/21/09 11:08 A

I too struggle with sticking with the program... but what I finally realized is that I have to treat my health, in some ways, the way I would my schoolwork or my job - if I'm at work or school, and I have an assignment, I start it right away. With my health, I've decided to take the same attitude - as soon as I start thinking "well, I guess I'll start tomorrow," I just replace that thought with "I'm starting right now." Even if I had a chocolate croissant for breakfast. Even if it's dinner time and I've already completely blown it for the day regardless of what I do. I find that embracing a healthy choice - even if it's one in a day when I've made twenty bad choices - makes me more likely to want to keep going.

Tracking my food BEFORE I eat it has also made a huge difference. The cookies and ice cream become much less appealing to me when I see the fat content and calories staring me in the face!

current weight: 133.6

150 143.75 137.5 131.25

125

Posts: 357
11/20/09 10:40 P

My motivation was feeling tired and arriving at the dr office complaining about not feeling like myself only to get the answer I needed before I saw the doc. What it was happened to be the scale at 190 lbs. That was more than I ever wanted to be. Here I am 4.5 months later, met my goal and lost 40 lbs that I never want to find again. It was me being ready to change my lifestyle and live a better way for myslf, my kids and husband.

Add me as a friend if you would like. Take care and let me know if I can do anything to help you!

Suzanne

current weight: 146.0

190 179 168 157

146

Posts: 1,411
11/19/09 6:24 P

Having the nerve to reach out and connect - to blog, to write, to track, to find information, to help others. Allllllllllll that has been an amazing help.

I make a good buddy too - feel free to "friend" me.

current weight: 319.0

324 289.75 255.5 221.25

187

Posts: 805
11/19/09 5:07 P

Please feel free to add me as a friend. I log in everday and will be glad to encourage you if that's what you truly want. No one can make the choice for you.

I wish you luck!

current weight: 192.0

217 207.75 198.5 189.25

180

Posts: 1,027
11/18/09 12:22 P

I had health concerns and that coupled with my age got me started. I was also extremely angry at the medical community and their naysaying about lifestyle changes and their efficacy.

Posts: 52
11/18/09 11:16 A

I am new to spark also but have been over weight for a long time and it continues to get worse and worse. This time I told myself I would not dive into some crazy diet and some crazy workout routine only to quit a few days later. I am setting smaller goals and making better decisions. This has really taken the stress off of losing weight. I know I will make mistakes and that's okay. I have a long journey and will take it a day at a time and will not expect to lose 5lbs/week.

Pounds lost: 7.5

0 21.25 42.5 63.75

85

Posts: 1,358
11/18/09 3:40 A

Do have children...they are good to get you going...go outside and have them jog around the yard, hop, skip, play follow the leader and doing different things...this will help you as it will make the children very happy...ok if no children if you have a dog walk it around the block a time or two...you need to get out door for you sound like how I was I wouldn't go out believe fresh air feel good.....Have a good Day...

Posts: 17
11/17/09 11:47 P

Sounds great!! Thanks. I will do that! Looking forward to it.

Pounds lost: 0.0

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40

Posts: 72
11/17/09 11:44 P

I will be your coach. Track your food, make it shared on your page, and do some exercise tomorrow. I will check in with your page and see how it went.
Just for good measure, I hurt my shoulder and have put off going back to the gym this week and finishing my challenge workout. I will track my exercise tomorrow. Keep me honest, will you?

current weight: 133.0

150 142.5 135 127.5

120

SparkPoints: (87,280)
Fitness Minutes: (51,975)
Posts: 25,147
11/17/09 10:01 P

Soma,

Every one of us came to this journey for our own reasons...mine was being diagnosed with high blood pressure at the age of 42, even though I did not take the action to begin my own journey until a year later.

For me giving up was and is never an option. When I gave up the need to be PERFECT every step of the journey, I freed myself from the guilt that many times accompanied my imperfection. Every day I strive to find something positive I have done and in doing so I am finally able to embrace the journey of healthy living.

Be well!

Nancy

current weight: 125.0

205 184.75 164.5 144.25

124

Posts: 796
11/17/09 8:30 P

For me, it was simply a decision to start. i was fed up with my clothes feeling tight and I cannot afford to replace anything right now. When your panties get snug its time to do something. I started slow. I had done Weight Watchers in the past with moderate success. Lost the weight, but each time I would gain back a bit more, like 10 more than the last time so my highest weight kept climbing each time I gave up my healthy habits. 130 became 140, 140 became 150, 150 became 160 and so on. I heard about Sparkpeople from a friend and actually signed on in January, but it took until the end of October to actually start. I tracked my regular diet for a week to see what I was doing before I thought about using the SP plan. I am just three weeks in right now and so far it is working for me. I use the resources here, track faithfully and get a lot of support from fellow members. I guess for me it was just time and I knew I could devote the energy to make it happen.
You said one day you just quit smoking - maybe your journey to healthy habits will be the same. You already took the step of coming here and asking for feedback that's a good sign.
Wishing you all the best.
Eileen

Pounds lost: 10.0

0 8 16 24

32

Posts: 17
11/17/09 8:14 P

I was doing great last January, I lost some weight. Then I got stressed, went off my diet, and now I am 10lbs heavier than I was when I started last year. Feeling sad, disheartened. Feeling like an alien in my own skin. Like I can't escape. Like I won't listen to even myself. I know I can do this, but how do I start. That is always the hardest part. There is always tomorrow and everyday, I will start tomorrow. Even when I start that day....something comes up and I say "That's okay I will do it tomorrow." Someone give me that magic trigger. What worked for you? How did you make that decision that enough was enough? I need some advice. I know the feeling of finding that trigger. I quit smoking about 8 years ago, and it just happened one day. I was done. Help!! Maybe I need a personal coach!?

Pounds lost: 0.0

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40