Posts: 41,627
8/25/09 8:29 P

They have all given you good advice so I won't. What I will do though is have you get a Spark buddy where you are. There are well over 15,000 Oregonian Sparkers.

There are even 3 of us in my little Rural Town. We haven't met yet, but we are here.

On your page, there is a spot for getting a Buddie. More improtantly, I would like you to go to the Wanted: Walking/Exercise partners thread. There are now several pages of ones telling where they are and that they would like to have others to work out or walk with.

Some want to include their little ones in the walks. Many have a lot in common. Some of the larger Towns even have their own Teams and get together for association as well as support.

current weight: 213.0

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Posts: 7
8/25/09 3:21 P

Hello and thanks for the advice everyone. I feel so icky when I eat now days. Makes me feel like I'm doing something wrong, but I think I will start with drinking the water first. I have cut out salt in my food. I stopped that about 3 years ago. I live in Wilsonville. Thank you guys again, it makes me feel good to know that there are people out there that know what I'm going through. :)

Posts: 197
8/25/09 2:08 P

Hey Moogy! Since you're new to Oregon, can you join a local gym or something like Curves? That's a great place to meet people who, like you, are working toward better health. My daughter and I just joined the local LA Fitness about a month ago, and have already met some friendly folks in some of the classes.

Posts: 17,533
8/25/09 1:35 P

Spark People is the best place for getting help with all our needs. Please listen to Jana and Debbie. They have given you good advice. Post for a few minutes on Spark People everyday. It will help with the emotional aspects of overeating. Good luck on your health and wellness journey.

Pounds lost: 8.0

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Posts: 8,627
8/25/09 12:43 P

Welcome to you Moogy. I can relate to the other posts here... out of control eating is what got most of us where we are today. And as they've said, one thing at a time... You're not going to be a whole complete makeover in one day, you have to do the baby steps and make new habits as you go along (something I still need to work on). Good luck to you and glad you're here with us. What part of Oregon do you live in?? Bettyor

current weight: 185.4

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SparkPoints: (85,649)
Fitness Minutes: (30,324)
Posts: 22,299
8/25/09 12:33 P

Hi there Moogy
I could have written your opening words a year ago April. I was diagnosed with type 2 Diabetes in 2000 and ignored the warning from my Dr. I was one of those who have an attitutde "well, I'm on the pills they will do the job for me and make me healthy." I was wrong and should ahve taken better care of myself. Bottom line... Last year after binging on Maple bars and chocolate milk for days on ent. Yeppers, I'm an overeater, compulsive eater and binge eater all of the above. While petting my cats on the top of the stair case I ahd a diabetic blackout. I fell backwards down the flight of stairs. Hard wooden stairs to a cold concrete basement floor. I think My fat protected me from major breaks but this is a dumb excuse. I ahd spread ribs and torn ligaments in left knee and bad bruises but was okay. I was darn lucky and My Lord was watching over me. this was my wake up call. My first year with SP I lost 50 lbs. But I ahd a tooth pulled and lost 10 lbs in a week then gained more back. Bottom line Is my blood sugar read out is normal. right now this is my main concern. At ER my reading was almost 500. Normal readout is 80-120.

Message I'm trying to get across is... Don't wait for that heart attack or stroke to happen. Take control now while you can and eat better and exercise. It is hard to do but after the first month or two it jsut sinks in "I'm eating healthy and doing the best I can" Today I am excited about the healthy foods I eat. I plan carefully.

If you need any help or advice don't hesitate to write someone that's what we're here for.
Best of luck to you.

current weight: 170.0

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Posts: 12,410
8/25/09 11:48 A

I agree with Jana. Just do one thing. I actually started out drinking my 8 glasses of water a day. I also recently added a pedometer. I started at 5,000 steps and am up to 6,000. My goal is 10,000 but I'm just adding little by little. It is hard to lose and keep weight off but don't get stressed about it. That just makes you want to eat more. Hugs

Pounds lost: 16.4

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Posts: 3,468
8/25/09 10:34 A

Baby steps were my key. Pick one thing you think you CAN do. Maybe drink 8 glasses of water in a day. I kept a little bowl on the counter with 8 pennies in it, and every time I emptied my 8-oz glass of water, I took a penny out of the bowl. The water helped keep me full and I naturally wanted to eat less. As I added little things SLOWLY (exercise for half an hour once a week, write down all of my food, get enough fiber every day) I started to feel more in control of my life and started to feel less depressed. And when I say slowly, I mean maybe one new thing a week or two. I waited until I felt like I had mastered the previous new thing. Just remember, you don't have to hurry into your new, healthy lifestyle, or it will be too easy to give up. Take your time and chances are the changes you make will be more permanent and help you to live a longer life!!!

Take care of yourself!
Jana

Pounds lost: 5.2

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Posts: 7
8/25/09 3:54 A

I feel like I can't stop eating unhealthy or over eating. I want to lose weight and be healthy for my kids, my husband, and myself. It seems that everywhere I look there is food staring at me. I feel like I just can't do it. I can't exercise because I make up excuses for not being able to. I'm new to Oregon and have absolutely no friends here. I almost feel unworthy. What can I do to get out of this funk? I'm terrified of my health and having a heart attack or stroke. I just don't know what to do anymore.