Help! I want to give up

Posts: 6,226
12/15/12 7:18 P

Hi
I really like what everyone had to say, what I want to say is that there are options out there and when you find what works for you.. then yo will start to feel like it is working..

When I started I knew I could not buy all the suff that the menu on the traker sugested
so I decided to stick to a meals that I knew would be easy and no so expensive to buy

I think the tracker is a more of a suggestion..

One thing for sure take it one day at a time with both the quiting smoking and the meal planning.. and congrats on both choices...

current weight: 243.0

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SparkPoints: (10,469)
Fitness Minutes: (8,513)
Posts: 75
12/15/12 4:12 P

I to am big in fact I am morbidly obese and like you at the start started doing everything at once then the penny dropped, it is a case of doing everything SLOWLY take one action at a time. It is like learning to drive, start with the basics when that is conquered then move to the next thing. don't try to rush it. Track your food then look at it over the week and then alter small things the following week. Go for a small walk then slowly increase your distance and time. 3 years ago I was being fitted for a wheelchair. Now I can walk 2hours at a time but that was slowly I have lost 150lbsin 3years but I take it at a 1lb per week and if I don't lose I don't stress anymore I feel that losing 3 dress sizes is reward enough Keep up the good work you will get there I promise

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SparkPoints: (112,614)
Fitness Minutes: (179,140)
Posts: 17,373
12/15/12 3:14 P

MYEMMANUEL,

Perhaps the reason you're feeling so overwhelmed is that you're trying to do too much too soon. Quitting smoking all by itself is a project, now add in trying to lose weight, dealing with pain, etc... it's just too much for one person to handle. That's not what Spark People is about. Spark People is all about making small changes first. Don't try to do everything at once or you will end up frustrated. No one ever became a healthier eat overnight.

Start with some simple changes first. Example, if you're not used to eating 6-9 servings of fresh fruit and veggies, set a goal to eat 2-3 servings each day for one week. If you're not used to drinking 8 glasses of water, set a goal to drink 2-4 glasses each day for one week. if you're not used to regular exercise, set a goal to take a 30 minute walk each day for one week. Once you've achieved these goals, then you set new ones.

The Spark Meal plan is not written in stone. These are possible suggestions of meals you could eat. If you find the meal plan confusing, then why not start with things that you are used to cooking. Let's say you like enchiladas. Think enchiladas aren't healthy ? Check out the Spark Recipes section. You'll find a bunch of recipes posted by Chef Meg as well as the members for healthier versions of enchiladas. Whatever meal you like from mac and cheese to cup cakes. There are ways to make the foods you eat more nourishing.

As far as eating low carb, that's not for everyone. When I lost the weight eating high carbohydrates. Carbs are not the enemy. The problem isn't that Americans are eating too many carbs. The problem is that Americans are eating too much of the wrong food and not enough of the right foods ! Fresh fruit and veggies are LOADED with carbs. So, if you're eating more fresh veggies, that would cause your carbs to be high. And that's okay.

Don't you think eating more fresh veggies will help you lose weight ? I sure think that if people at more veggies, they'd be fewer weight related issues in the world. Eat your veggies. Eat fresh fruit. Do your best to eat whole grain breads and cereals. Unless you're gluten intolerant or have Celiac Disease, you can eat carbs and lose weight.

Spark People isn't about deprivation. It's all about moderation and portion control. And learning portion control will take time. Remember, you're trying to change habits learned over a life time, that's not going to happen overnight, a week, a month or even a year. Change takes time. Thus the need to be patient with yourself and your body. Don't try to do everything at once.

Start with those small changes first. Because every little bit does add up and you'll feel a lot less overwhelmed.

That's why people give up. It's because they're just trying to do too much too soon. I know we'd all love for the weight to be gone overnight, but it's not that simple. Take baby steps literally and figuratively. Check out the Spark Recipe section and look for recipes you already cook for healthier ways to cook those meals.

SparkPoints: (574)
Fitness Minutes: (549)
Posts: 12
12/15/12 2:51 P

Hi! I have a problem in going what is good for me for any lenght of time. I lose weight then eat bad knowing I should not eat the food and I do not enjoy the food that I have eaten. We need to remind ourselves that the one person who really matters and will not give up on us is GOD. Other people are trying to get throught their own problems. We are loved !! Remember anythin g is possible you just have to ask. I am in your corner!

current weight: 431.0

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SparkPoints: (4,847)
Fitness Minutes: (717)
Posts: 121
12/15/12 2:43 P

I have been big for some time now. I just find the whole sparking thing discouraging. I can not get the meal plans correct and getting exercise is such and issue. I have chronic pain and bi polar disorder. I also just quit smoking. I am trying to be healthy but it all seems so overwhelming. All the meals I plan just dont add up on the daily reccomendations. I am always high on carbs, Low on protein and low on fats. I am trying to eat low carb but that just aint happening. I cant do the planned meals because I am on a tight budget, Dont know what I am going to do and I just want to quit.

current weight: 231.0

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