Hello Diet Talkers,

I have been reading and enjoying your journals for a while and decided I wanted to start one. I have always had to watch my weight, but I have let it get out of control. I weigh more than I ever have and I am miserable!!!! I can't seem to stay motivated. I know I can loose if I want to. I LOVE to eat and so does my boyfriend!!! He likes me this size, so that doesn't help either.
I could sure use some encouragement from some of you who understand what its like to need to loose weight.
I look forward to any replies....Thanks, Amy

Amy I wish I could give you motivation, but that is something you really need to find within yourself. I too love to eat, and I think the trick is getting on a plan that will allow you to eat what you want. I love all sorts of stuff and I am not going to go the rest of my life without cheesecake or pizza. So I eat all that stuff, just not as often and in moderation. My boyfriend --of 10 years-- and I got together when I was thin and he still loved me when I was big, so it is easy to get comfortable in that weight. But I didnt love myself that size. Besides the obvious vain reasons that I am so happy with my weight loss there has been other positive side effects, like I am healthier now than I ever have been (low blood pressure, amazing resting heart rate, good iron count), and I feel like if I could do this I can do anything. All of that and I can still have pizza and cheesecake.

Welcome to DT, and I look forward to hearing about your weight loss. I see you are planning on counting calories, and I would suggest that you set your goal. Please also feel free to post your daily calories in our thread.

elsie,

I agree....motivation is something you have to find within yourself!! Thanks for your reply. You have done great. I agree with your thoughts.... I might post my calories in your thread. Amy

I LOVE to eat .......... I could sure use some encouragement from some of you who understand what its like to need to loose weight.
Amy,

Welcome to the Journal forum.

It may sound 'too good to be true', but, if you were able to change what you ate so that you could eat all you wanted, as often as you wanted, would that interest you? The condition is that it needs to be a fairly strict vegetarian diet where you cut way back on fats and oils (and sugars). No other conditions.

Now, if you've always been a meat and potatoes and rich snacks kind of gal, changing to different foods may indeed be slow going and even challenging at first (you'll find it easiest to sneak a few vegetables in at a time to substitute for your regular fare).

But, look down the road and see what's ahead: no restrictions on portions or frequency once you've become used to a different cuisine. Eat all you want, whenever you want. (This is a simple version of Dr. Dean Ornish's (http://my.webmd.com/content/pages/9/3068_9408.htm) "reversal program" designed for heart patients, but works just fine for losing weight, too.)

rD

Amy,

Welcome to Diettalk!!!

One thing that I have learned over the years is not to wait for the 'motivation'!!! That will have you up and down all the time. Motivation is great when you have it mind you but it doesn't always hang around.

I have found it is more of a decision, that you know you need to lose it(no matter what bf says), it is more than just looking good, it is for your whole body, your mind and your future.

So find a 'plan' that works best for you. For example, I have a friend who loves veggies and she is on a 'diet' that is very high in veggies. Well I could not survive on something like that, although I know I need to eat more veggies I can't make them a mainstay in my 'diet'. So find something that works for you. If you like structure maybe something like ww, atkins or so will be good. If you don't like structure, like me, then chose something like calorie counting.

Or you can be 'really radical' and just focus on healthy choices, proper portions and get some exercise going, lol. I just met a newbie here who is following this plan and has lost 100 pounds so far. I was amazed, and 'motivated'. LOL

Anyways, find what works, then JUST DO IT!!!

Thanks rD and Crazy2,

My eating habits have changed for the worse in recent years. I stayed around 130 pounds for years and years, If I gained weight, I would count calories until I was back down. I know I can do it again. I have to be very structured. I like to keep a food journal where I write down every thing I eat or drink.
I am on vacation this week, so its been tough. My routine has been different. Example...Me and my BF went to IHOP at midnight last night. I had pancakes!!! Of all the better choices, thats what I had. Normally I am asleep at midnight, not eating 1000 calories...LOL
We will be going out tonight, so I will have to watch what I eat all day to allow for a little extra tonight.
I guess what I am looking for is support rather than motivation. Everybody here is basically after the same thing. I can't really afford a program such as WW, so I think Diettalk will help me a lot. It helps to have other peoples opinions and advice and encouragment.
Thanks......Amy

Hi Amy,

One thing you mentioned that I like to do is write down everything I eat. Then you can see exactly what is going in your mouth. Sometimes it's not pretty. lol

But, you can look back on what you ate and see the places that you could improve your choices.

Good luck on your weight loss,

Kitty

I agree. Writing things down give you serious accountabiity. I just bought a new note pad today. And I dont want to write down, chocolate, so I dont eat it. It has rally helped me.

Thanks for stopping by Kitty and Elsie,

If I don't write down what I eat, I eat a lot more than I realize.
I didn't do good tonight. We went to a restuarant that has the best catfish....my favorite. That is all I ate today, but I am sure I went over my calories with the french fries, hushpuppies and the tartar sauce!!! Tomorrow is a new day. I will be eating at home and that is a lot easier for me.
Wish me luck......Amy

good luck... but all you had was one meal??? That is something that you need to work on. I can totally atest to if you eat 5-6 meals a day --smaller ones-- it BOOSTS your metabolism. I know that is the reason for my weight loss. My metabolism used to be horrible and now its good. I used to only eat once or twice a day, now I have to eat every couple of hours because I am hungry.

Hello,

I only had the one meal yesterday. I usually eat 3 small meals plus 2 or 3 snacks while dieting. I knew I was eating a heavy meal last night. That is the only reason I did that. Plus I am on vacation this week, I am sleeping later and not doing too much. On a normal day, (I clean houses) I would not make it all day without food.
I am having chicken breasts, baked potato and either salad w/reduced dressing or steamed brocolli for dinner tonight. That is a good low cal meal, so I can eat a good amount and not feel hungry. I don't have any junk food in my house. That helps me out a lot. It also keeps my kids from getting junk. They have to eat better also.
I need to get a new food scale, mine old one broke. It is hard to judge ounces without one.
I need to start an exercise program. I like to walk, but its been in the upper 90's and thats a little hot. I guess I could go at night. I need a good exercise video I can do at home. That way I wont have the excuse of the weather.
I am going to work hard to stay on track this weekend. I go back to work Monday, its easier for me to stay dieting when I am busy. Amy

I need to start an exercise program. I like to walk, but its been in the upper 90's and thats a little hot. I guess I could go at night. .......... I go back to work Monday, its easier for me to stay dieting when I am busy. AmyAmy,

Rather than exercising at night, consider first thing in the morning which is usually the coolest part of the day during the hot summer.

However, unless you're incredibly fit, it can be dangerous to exercise while it's hot (way too easy to get sun stroke, even without the sun), so drink lots of water and please do it in moderation (go for duration rather than intensity, which is better for calorie burning anyway).

rD

ps. Had you considered doing weekend volunteer work to help keep you busy over the weekends?

rD.....I am on vacation this week, that's why I have not been busy enough. When I am working all week, I have the weekend for my house, family and boyfriend. I stay pretty busy and on a routine so its easier to eat right.
I did OK today,not great,and I will be having a few drinks tonight. We are getting ready to go out.
Monday morning I am going to get very dedicated and loose this 30 pounds I have gained over the last 2 years!!!!! I am miserable.
I hope everyone has a good weekend!!!! Amy

My vacation is over...its back to work tomorrow. I am kind of glad, I like routine. I haven't done too bad eating this weekend although I haven't kept track of my calories. Starting in the morning I am going to write down eveything I eat and get serious with this!!! I have my notebook ready. I am making a grocery list also of healthy meals for each night next week. I am going to weigh in every Monday morning. I drink a lot of water already, so I do have that going for me.
I am actually looking forward to the challenge now. I have seen how so many people at diettalk have lost so much weight. It is encouraging to me. I was thin more years than not, so I know what I am missing, and can't wait to get it back!! Amy

Well that sounds like motivation to me! You have itm, just stick with it and you too will have a story that will motivate others.

Vacation is over...back to real life. I had a full day. After work I had to go to the grocery store, then pick up my granddaughter from daycare. She stayed with me for a couple of hours. She is 21 months old and full of energy!! After supper my BF took me to play "frisbee golf ". It was so much fun and very good exercise. I ate good today and only had 1484 calories, plus 3 liters of water. I feel good!
I am going to try very hard to stick with this. Amy

You are not goig to try, you are going to stick with it. You are oing great, and imagine how good you felt today... it gets even better!

Well.... I had another good day yesterday! I made good food choices and stayed under my allotted calories and drank ALOT of water. I didn't get any "real" exercise. I do work up a good sweat cleaning 3 houses a day though. I don't count that as exercise though because that is my job and I have been doing it every day for almost 5 years. It is physical though. If I worked behind a desk I would be a lot bigger, I believe.
Its a new day and I feel very positive!!! My first goal is to get back into the clothes in my closet. I have 2 pair of jeans I can wear, the rest are too small. I hate that!!!!
I can do this!!!! Amy

Cleaning house is absolutely excercise. Thats why I dont do it, I already get enough excercise :) Glad to hear of all your good days, keep up the good work.

Well.....I am staving. My BF does Karoake 3 or 4 nights a week at different places, resturants, bars, etc....Tonight we did a birthday party and the only food choices were hamburgers and french fries or chicken strips and french fries. I had the HB&FF. I ate very little all day to compensate for the high calories tonight. Now I am hungry!!!
Thank God we have healthier choices tomorrow night. I didn't go over, so I am happy!!!!
No exercise, except cleaning 3 houses. Lots of water!!!!!!

I did good yesterday. We went to a restaurant for Karaoke, but I ate the grilled chicken breast, baked potato and salad. Somebody had a birthday party so we were all given chocolate cupcakes. I wanted it so bad, but didn't want to go over my calories. I took a bite, but didn't eat it. It just wasn't worth it. I was impressed with my willpower. I have lost 3 pounds this week, so I am very happy!!! Today I will treat myself with a meal of my choice and a few drinks tonight. Back to strick counting again tomorrow. Its finally Friday!!! Amy

Congrats on the 3 pound loss. I sgree, most food just isnt worth it.

woohoo, that's awesome.. you lost 3 pounds!!! I too am trying to fit into the clothes in my closet. It's good to know that if you were once that small you can be that small again.

Thanks elsie and tmtg1229,

I am very happy with the 3 pound weight loss. Now I plan to loose 1 or 2 pounds a week until I reach my goal.
Yesterday was my "off" day. I enjoyed it, but I am back to serious business today!
It seems with every activitiy in my life, it centers around food. We are invited to a BBQ today.....that will be tough. Tomorrow my BF is hosting a Karoake Birthday Party, so more food!!!! I just have to be strong and eat small portions.
Monday is my official weigh in day, so I will change my stats then. I need to weigh only once a week, but I get anxious.
I hope everyone is having a great weekend!!! Amy

I bought me new measuring cups and spoons and a food scale today so I can measure accurately.
I had a grilled chicken sandwhich from Wendy's with a baked potato tonight. Very good and filling!!! We passed on the BBQ today so I am doing good on my calories and I am not hungry.

Het there, I hope you have loads of fun at the karoake party.. I did karoake at a party last night... so fun and silly.
I get really anxious when I weigh myself too... I'd rather just measure myself... But I guess it's just one of those things I need to get used to... cause if I don't weight myself for a long time I, more often then not, wind up gaining.
That's great that you got all the measuring devices... I know I have a food scale somewhere... collecting dust.

My BF runs Karoake, that is why we go so much, 3-5 times a week. It is fun, I don't sing, but I do enjoy watching everone else do it. There is always food, liquor or both so I have to watch out. I had a few drinks last night and we had some food. I didn't do terrible, but I could have done better. I have done really good today though. Tomorrow is back to work, I do better when I am working. Hope everyone had a good weekend. Amy

I didn't get a chance to write yesterday. I was very busy all day. That TOM came around after 3 months so it is hitting me hard!!!!! I did very good on my calories yesterday. Monday was my weigh in day, however, I was so swollen and bloated I decided to wait until next week. I don't want to be discouraged.
We have a Karoake Party tonight at a Country Club, so I have to watch my food intake all day to allow for tonight. Hopefully, they will have some healthy choices.
My friend and cleaning partner is dieting with me, we are about the same size, so that is helping me. Amy

It's good to have a diet partner... I'm dieting with my friend I work with though she is several sizes smaller than me. I'm trying to get my mom to diet too but she's just not ready to make the commitment.
Anyway, good luck tonight.

P.S. You lost 3 pounds.. You should change your stats in the right hand corner. :)

Its been a few days since I have written, I have been so busy!!! I started cleaning 2 new houses this week. That is good!! I have been staying on my diet real good. I weighed yesterday and I have lost another pound. I am going to change my stats now. I think my body is getting used to less food. I am not starving like I was and when we do go out to eat I can eat half of my food and be satisified. Of course I could eat every bite of it, but thats why I gained so much weight in the first place. Now I box up what I don't eat and my boyfriend eats it later. That "tom" nearly did me in, but I survived it. I am always hungry then. I didn't even eat any chocolate!!! We have Karoake at a club tonight, but I think I will pass on the alcohol, I don't like drinking my calories....I would rather eat them. It's kind of fun to drink coffee at a bar and watch every one else getting drunk.....LOL
Thats all for now. Amy

I changed my stats....I am in the 160's now. That is encouraging!!!!!! Amy

I did TERRIBLE this weekend!!!! Saturday night I had a few drinks then we went to eat late, it was an all you can eat breakfast bar. Not good. Then Sunday we had a couple of friends over for a game of Spades and we had all kind of junk food and finger food. BAD!!!! Now I have got to get serious again now that it is Monday. I hate that I can not stay motivated. I know I can do this if I just will try harder. Amy

Hey Amy,
Don't worry too much about your slip up. It happens.. we are not robots. Remember the cliche, Rome wasn't built in a day. And from going from eating not-so-healthy to going on a diet... there's going to be some bumps in the road. You don't have to be perfect in order to lose weight... your body's aren't THAT unforgiving. I had a gorge-fest myself a few nights ago (like a 2000 cal feast in about 60 minutes) and I weighed myself today and I still lost some weight. You have to look at the bigger picture. I mean you lost some weight already, so you must be doing something right. Just don't give up now... It's way too early for that.
Chin up! :)
-T.

Hey tmtg1229....I have been mad at myself all week, but I am still hanging in there.

It seems everything I do and everywhere I go, everything is centered around FOOD!! I have some really good friends, but they all like to eat as much as I do. I have been out to eat the last 2 nights. Me and my BF went Tuesday night and a friend took me and my BF out last night. Last night I only ate half of my food and I was full. That was encouraging. Tonight we have Karaoke at a restaurant, so I will be eating again. They do have grilled chicken, so I can eat better there. I do great during the day while I am working. Its the evenings when I mess up.
I am not going to give up!!! I will loose this weight!!! Amy

Well....I haven't been doing great, but I did loose another pound. I am encouraged by that. I have a tough week coming up, so I should do good. Maybe I can loose 2 pounds next week. I am going to eat with a friend for lunch, so I am going to have to be careful.
I have noticed it is taking less to fill me up, thats a good sign. I have a bad habit of eating until I am too full. That is the first bad habit to break. I am going to stick with it!!!!! Amy

Hey Amy,
Yay, you lost another pound!
It is great when less food fills you up. I eat out a lot myself so I know how hard it can be. Your attitude in the last post is awesome... goal setting is sooo important... as is making it clear that you are going to stick to it!
Good luck!

Losing a pound is stilla loss, so you can't say you havent done well. I know what you mean about eating too much. After measuing my portions and only allowing myself 1 portion of food I never had that full feeling. Now when I get it, I would rather puke, which I dont. But I dont like that uncomfortable feeling. I would rather not be full than to feel sick like that.

tmtg1229 and elsie....A pound is a pound, so I am happy. I hate that too full feeling also. I went to lunch with my friend. It was a buffet, I surprised myself by not going crazy. I took small portions and ate slower than normal and was satisfied, but not stuffed. I eat so fast I think I am over full before I realize it. It is hard when you eat out a lot, but it's still an excuse. Just because you have all that food in front of you doesn't mean you have to eat it all. I have gotten good at getting to go boxes for half of my food. My BF or one of my sons are always happy to eat my leftovers, I don't like wasting it.
It's Monday and we have no plans to go out until Thursday, so I should do good, cooking at home!! I also have 13 houses to clean this week, not including my own. I am also going to try and not weigh until Friday. I have noticed my weight goes up and down a few pounds through the week. I also swell sometimes and I think that I am retaining fluid although I drink a lot of water. When my hands are swollen, I weigh more. Do any of you have this problem?
Well..I am off to work. Amy

I have that problem with retaining fluid too... usually if I am getting too much sodium or not eating enough water-soluble foods (fruits and veggies).

Keep focussed and motivated. YOu can do it! It's smart that you look for grilled items on the menu when you're out. I think that's very helpful. Woo hoo!

Melinda :D

Hey Amy,
Hope all is well :) ... you haven't posted for a while