SparkPoints: (25,037)
Fitness Minutes: (2,395)
Posts: 467
7/10/12 6:22 P

My suggestion would be to simply start by tracking what you eat. Don't try to "diet", just keep track of what and how much you are eating. Do that for a week or so and then see where you can make changes. Start small, don't try to change everything at once. The biggest thing that has help me is to see it as a lifestyle change not a diet. Good luck, I know you can do it. And don't give up on the trip to PA, just push it out a while and you'll get there.

Mary

Posts: 1,286
7/7/12 12:36 P

Welcome!

current weight: 310.8

315 269.75 224.5 179.25

134

Posts: 3,482
7/7/12 1:04 A

Read the book that goes with this site, The Spark. It gives a pretty good plan of attack.

74 Days until:  Rock ''''n'''' Roll Dublin Half Marathon

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Posts: 10,050
7/6/12 6:21 P

to the team

174 Days until:  Wales

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SparkPoints: (13,958)
Fitness Minutes: (5,860)
Posts: 999
7/6/12 2:37 P

Hi, Julie and I am also a breast cancer survivor and that is another reason I'm trying to lose weight, stay active, and eat healthier. You picked a great place when you joined SparkPeople. I have done all the diets and have been a member of WW more times then I care to mention since the 1970's! SP gives me something that no other diet or weight loss plan ever gave me - ACCOUNTABILITY for my actions and the tools I need to make the changes, permanently. Even after I reach my goal, I plan to stay with SP and my teams because it has to be a way of life and my observations is that once we get too comfortable we backslide and back comes the weight. For me, once a week isn't enough - I need my Spark Friends every single day because they are my cheerleaders! My lifeline is the Nutrition Tracker because it keeps me honest. By faithfully using it, I have also been able to see the areas where I was sabotaging my weight loss. I was eating too many carbs and getting way too much sodium because I was eating a lot of Lean Cuisine, Smart Ones, etc. Those little dinners are very convenient but they are loaded with sodium and usually pretty high in carbs. I stopped that and started cutting back on pasta, bread and potatoes, and I'm doing much better. I don't believe in cutting anything completely out of our diets but I've learned I don't need a starchy carb at every single meal. Use the Spark Recipes, take advantage of your Spark Teams for the encouragement and support they give, and Track what you eat, adding some activity to your weekly routine, and you will succeed. Good luck

Carol

current weight: 142.5

154 146.75 139.5 132.25

125

SparkPoints: (35,023)
Fitness Minutes: (25,650)
Posts: 1,464
7/6/12 2:14 P

I eat several small meals (or large snacks) during the day. I am a vegan so there isn't any cheese, milk, eggs or meat products in my meals. I only have healthy snacks in my house and they are mainly fruits and veggies. I tropical green smoothie, it's a SparkPeople recipe and can be found under the Healthy lifestyle tab, is great for breakfast.
We are here for each other for encouragement alone the way. No question is too small and no hurdle too big if we rely on each other.

current weight: 173.8

185 178.75 172.5 166.25

160

SparkPoints: (93)
Fitness Minutes: (0)
Posts: 14
7/6/12 2:00 P

Thanks for the encouragement and tips. I will just take it one day at a time and become more familiar with the Spark People web site so that I can utilize it to help me with this weight loss journey. Best of luck to you also.

Posts: 286
7/6/12 11:17 A

SparkPeople is a great online resource! Besides the super supportive teams, there are always professionals available to answer your questions via forums, and a wealth of articles to help keep the motivation strong. All the best!


Edited by: PEGGIE0203 at: 7/6/2012 (12:38)

Posts: 848
7/6/12 9:21 A

You came to the right place. There are many people here that are in the same place you are. Just use the tools on spark people-food and exercise trackers, plus all the articles with information. Don't hesitate to ask any questions you have. We've all had them. Don't give up. It's not impossible. I know you can do it!

SparkPoints: (93)
Fitness Minutes: (0)
Posts: 14
7/6/12 8:31 A

Hi, my name is Julie and I live in Southern California. I just joined Spark People and am learing my way around I never had a weight problem until my late 30s early 40s when I gained 30 lbs. I was able to lose it using an early plan of Weight Watchers. In my late 40s I had a series of lifte events happen to me and the way I coped was to eat. The problem was that I did not stop when I gained 30 lbs. this time. I kept going and going until I weigh 280 lbs. at 56 years old. I just completed chemotherapy and radiation for breast cancer and thought I would treat myself to a trip to PA to see my cousins. Booked my trip and checked on seat size and found out that I am most likely to big to fit in the seat. I am horrified and humilated and will have to cancel trip. I want and need to lose the weight for me and my health. I have been comfortable in my little limted life of 280 lbs. for around 4 years now but this incident with the plane seat makes me aware that their is much more life out there. I don't want to be stuck here any longer but it is comfortable and familiar. Just confused on which eating plan to use.