encouragement & support needed

Hi sisters
I weigh 210 lbs. and desperately want to lose weight. I have been embarrased to post because I am so ashamed of my weight and the way I eat. I eat for comfort and just the love of eating. My Dh bought me a tread mill after my surgery and I do use it but I need to be accountable to someone for what I eat and why. I have thought about going to Curves, I have a coupon for a one week trial but haven't gone because I feel embarrased to be seen there. My best friend goes and she looks so wonderful! My 3 DS are pretty much grown and don't need me physically anymore, they are working and taking care of themselves, the oldest one has moved out. My DH is very busy all of the time and I don't work. So when I get bored and lonely I eat instead of doing something constructive. Boy, that is a truth that I needed to face. Anyway, I came here to see how this works and to maybe get some insight to help me achieve my goal. Thanks for listening.

Hi Marden
We are all in the same boat here, I am a comfort eater, and I have started to take my life by the throat at the age of 40 and sort myself out!
We are all staying on one programme of our own, to help eat healthily, lose a little weight, get a bit of exercise and generally support each other with a healthier lifestyle.
We are all from different walks of life, different ages and culture, just exchanging ideas and tips.
My goal for July was to lose 7lbs, to get down to 11 stone. It has taken me 26 days to lose 2lbs. Simple, realistic goals are what we are aiming for.
Admitting my eating habits have got out of hand is my first realisation, then doing something about it was my next goal.
You do whatever you feel comfy with, we are all here to help and support you and cheer you on to achieve each of your goals, as they arrive!
big to you!

Hi Margo!

You're taking the first big step toward a new you by posting here! I hope you'll consider posting on the daily BEST thread. Someone starts one each morning. Just look for the new one and jump right in! It doesn't matter what diet you're on or even if you're following a planned diet. The focus is on healthier eating, exercise, support and accountability. We'll be here to cheer for you when you're doing well and to give a boost if you need it.

Curves is very popular with the BEST ladies! They can tell you about their experiences at Curves but I don't recall reading anything bad about it. Some were hesitant to start but got over it. I bet you would, too!

I really hope you'll join in here!

s

Curves and Weight Watchers both helped me to lose close to 100 pounds! It took me about 11 months and I am very happy. I was afraid to go also, but it was so worth it. At Curves you see all ages and sizes of women. They are very friendly and accepting of everyone. I encourage anyone looking for an exercise place to check Curves out. I have never stayed with any program before I joined there and now that I had my TVH I am really missing being able to go 3x a week. Oh well--have to be patient.

__________________-
Tanya, TVH 7/20/04

Hi Marden!

Comfort eating? I once had a eating response triggered by needing to change the temperature in my shower. I guess the connection in my brain was "I'm uncomfortable so I must eat!" At least I drew the line at hopping out of the shower and running, naked and dripping, to the kitchen.

I've been working hard at identifying my discomfort (boredom, nervousness, transition, whatever) and little by little finding ways to make myself feel better that don't involve overeating. I've been more focused on changing this behavior than losing weight, but I've gone from 213 pounds in January 2003 to 173 pounds today. I found this forum in June, and it's been great for me.

You aren't the only one dealing with this stuff! You sound like you've made a great start. This is a great place to come when you're lonely or bored and know that you don't really need food.

Marden, come join us on the daily posts!

bliss

hiya Margo, and welcome! Glad you found the courage to make your post ... hopefully we'll all be able to give you strength to continue with your journey!

I want to second what a few people have said about Curves. Since you have the free trial, I'd encourage you to check it out. If the facility near you is like any of the ones I've been to, you'll find ... (a) no one is looking at you, (b) 30 minutes of exercise goes quickly (c) your out of the house for a bit (d) you're improving your health! I think curves is a great way to get into an exercise habit if you are not into one. At the first one I went to, it was quite social as well.

tackling comfort eating is a toughie I think, but knowing your weaknesses and coming up with a stretegy to thwart them is a place to start. A few years back when I was at my highest weight, I took a hard look at myself, what I was eating, what I was (or wasn't) doing for exercise, and tried to address what I felt my biggest problem was head on. For me it was portion control, so I joined a weightloss program that adderessed that.

I also changed from eating 2-3 meals a day to eating 6 smaller ones. I went kinda gung-ho and threw all the junk food in the house out. I had to otherwise I would have justified eating it all up to have a clean pantry.

You'll see that there are several different methods to lose weight on this board. Feel free to ask questions cause between us all we've probably done it all. Not every program works for everyone, and sometimes it takes trying out a couple before you find one that works for you. Also what may have worked for you a few years ago, might not now because out bodies change.

Taking that first step is the hardest, but from here on, it only gets easier.

BSQ

Thank you all so much for the encouragement! In l997 I was losing weight and taking care of my mom( who had cancer)every Wed. and every other Fri. to give my dad a break. She was my biggest support and encourager. When she died in 98 I just gradually went back to my old habits and I am really ready to break them now. Every time I walked in her door she would say You are doing so good honey, you look better all the time. My dad on the other hand who is 86 now thinks he needs to feed me everytime I see him.

{{{{{{{{{{Margo}}}}}}}}} Your post could have been mine only a few short months ago. Last summer after my Dad died, I knew I was depressed about life and I needed to lose weight. I hated to even look at myself in the mirror. So I joined Curves and started watching my calories. In March I went on the SBD and love it. I have lost 44 pounds and 24 inches thus far. But better yet is that I feel better than ever. Tonight I walked 2 miles with ease!!!! Could not have done that a year ago! Hun I weighed 240 when I started all of this and could not imagine myself going to an exercise class and feeling comfortable. PLEASE try Curves, I guarantee you will LOVE it. This is coming from a lady who hated the word exercise. And yes, please join us on the BEST board. BEST thing I did for myself. The support is great and we have fun, too. Hope to see you there!!!!

Emily s

good morning everyone, i've noticed that a few had mentioned sbd what about atkins i have heard of it but heard different things. that it isn't goog because you eat to much meat not enough vegs. so if anyone knows about this please help. thanks georgian