gained a lot of weight

Posts: 487
3/4/13 10:35 A

Thank you all for writing to me, it does really mean a lot that you took the time to write such long thoughtful responses.

SparkPoints: (18,570)
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Posts: 1,481
3/1/13 10:20 P

Hi SUNGIRL822.

I remember an old Dear Abby column where the writer (presumably a passed-school-aged adult) would lament about going back to school to get her MD, complete her residency, etc., even though becoming a Dr. was her passion and that's what she always wanted in life.

Lamenting that she'll be "X" age upon graduating in 7 years, Abby's response was, "And how old will you be in 7 years if you DON'T go to school?"

STARDUST2K4 is right. The time is going to pass anyway! Do you want to be fatter, the same as you are now, or thinner? Thinking of it like that helped push me, and I was where you were at. Look at how fast time goes...I can't believe today is March 1st (wasn't it just New Years??). Time will fly, and you'll be all the better and happier and prouder of yourself. To say nothing of healthier! And let me tell you: being healthier and fit does color everything in your life. From being able to get dressed and out the door easier in the morning, to just feeling more comfortable in your own skin.

A great quote I read on this site went something like this: "Being fat is hard. Losing weight is hard. Maintaining is hard. Pick your hard!"

So pick already! You really CAN do this. Go to the Woo-Hoo section of the message boards for some great inspiration. Cheer on some of those folks and visualize your post announcing your Woo-Hoo, because it WILL happen.

Soak up what Archi and Nancy & the experts have to say....I know I put off addressing my weight for 10 yrs as I just did not want to face another awful "diet" only to probably gain it all back (which I did twice - ugh). Diet = punishment and dread. Making it a lifestyle, where you can enjoy everything in moderation, is the key. If it's torture, you're doing it wrong.
Eat smart. You don't have to exist on carrot sticks and celery - but if you do find fruits & veggies you love, that will help you beyond measure. Move your body and know that getting your health back starts in the mind FIRST.

You can do it!!!! It's so worth it and so are you.

SparkPoints: (86,151)
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3/1/13 9:00 P

Sometimes we can be our own worst enemy and put a lot of that stress upon ourselves. Having an unrealistic expectation with anything, including weight-loss, is a heck of a lot of stress!

This isn't about who can get there the fastest. It isn't about if I don't do this quickly then there is no point. Actually IF you do it quickly there is no point because odds are it will all go back on again.

You are best off to take your time with this - learn how to do it properly. LEARN the pitfalls, too, and how to deal with them, and stress is a major pitfall! Have you spoken with your Dr about your stressors? If not, and if they are debilitating in any way, then it would be helpful to do so,and ask for a referral to a Therapist who can help you to deal with them. They can give you the tools to help you through - to teach you good relaxation techniques. They can help you on THIS journey, too!

Given that you are tired all the time, it would be very helpful to look at WHAT you eat! A lot of people don't eat a balanced diet - they don't eat enough fruit/veges or quality protein. This will exacerbate tiredness, and if you have medical health issues, you have even more reason for better quality food. Food that has a lot of processed carbs - sodas, cakes, confectionery, etc. - often get very tired - they are starving their body of the good nutrition.

Remember to start off with baby steps - big changes all at once doesn't usually pay. People tend to get bored, or feel deprived - they also tend to burn out!

Take care,
Kris

current weight: 151.0

211 196 181 166

151

Posts: 1,264
3/1/13 5:08 P

I definitely understand that one! In 2011, I too lost the majority of my weight. I then freaked out because I wasn't used to the changes that were happening in my body, and actually self-sabotaged, and gained back about 30 pounds. I managed to maintain that 30 pound gain, and only last November started losing weight again and am finally back to where I was at that time in 2011.
I can relate because I know that helpless feeling. Knowing that weight was gained, and while you may not have to start ALL over, it can certainly feel like it. This is the one thing that made me realize the time had come to finally start losing again: Time is going to pass anyway. The longer you wait, the harder it's going to be to pick yourself back up. I think the worst part is that "suck it up" moment. That moment when you really have to "face the music" and resign yourself to the fact that what's done is done, and no amount wishing or regretting will reverse time.

You can do this!

current weight: 242.6

257 237.75 218.5 199.25

180

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Posts: 17,381
3/1/13 1:14 P

SUNGIRL822,

I give all new members and those coming back one piece of advice and it's this,"Don't look at good health or weight loss with an all or nothing mentality". If the only healthy thing you did for yourself today was drink 8 glasses of water, that's still a step in the right direction.

I know you're upset that you've gained weight, but you can't beat yourself up over it. this is something that has happened to every single member at one time or another. We're all experts at gaining, losing and regaining the weight. You can't change the past, but you CAN influence and change the future.

Set some simple goals first. Don't try to do everything at once or you will end up frustrated. Example, if you're not 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 drinking 8 glasses of water, set a goal to drink 2-4 glasses each day for one week. If you're not exercising, don't start with an hour a day, 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. And that's how good health starts. It's not "all or nothing". It starts with ONE small change. because one small change really can change your life.

So, don't waste those kick boxing classes, keep going to those. Have you set up your Spark nutrition page yet ? If not, set up your nutrition goals and then do your best to start logging your food choices. Be honest. studies have shown that people who log their food lose more weight than those who don't.

Mostly, be patient with yourself and your body. Change takes time. You didn't gain the weight overnight. it's not coming overnight.

You're going to do fine, but start with some simple changes first.

Posts: 487
3/1/13 1:05 P

Back in early 2011 I lost a lot of weight. I met my boyfriend started slacking and just couldn't find my way back.

I was very sick from December 2011 - June 2012. I started putting weight on and it just wouldn't stop.

I bought a groupon for boot camp, didn't go. I bought a groupon for 10 kick boxing classes. I did my first one last night.

I don' t know where or how to start over with this. I'm the biggest I've ever been over 210 lbs. I don't feel good ever, I'm tired all the time. I have no support with friends or family and I don't have any motiviation. I know it will take some time to get the weight back off, but I just don't know how to be patient and wait that long, all while avoiding temptation.

I want so much to be healthy and focus of me. But when all I am dealt is stressful situations and negativity I don't know how to move past it.