Quote From: ddebssI'll apologize ahead of time for my "jumbled" posting. For as big as my body seems to be getting, my brain seems to be shrinking and my train of thought is often derailed.
I'm 5'7" and weigh 252 lbs. In February, I weighed 242 lbs., so I realize I'm heading in the wrong direction!
I take a medication that has a side effect of tiredness/lack of energy (and of course, weight gain) and boy is that ever true! My question is how do I get my motivation started? I don't really eat all that much, just the wrong things and get absolutely NO exercise since I'm laid off. After being up for an hour or two in the morning, I'm ready for a nap! How do I break this vicious cycle and get off my can and do something? I get so tuckered out doing any housework, so I don't do it much. I also have a messed-up back and there are lots of things I can't do easily or without a lot of pain. My knees are shot, though I'm sure losing about a hundred pounds would help that too.
I'm going to my first Weight Watchers meeting tomorrow night. So, I guess that's a little motivation on my part, but a meeting isn't going to make me wake up at 150 lbs in the morning.
How do people feed their family when they're dieting? I don't have small children, just a 53 year old sig. other and a 22 year old daughter. Being laid off, money is tight and buying for 2 different menus is out of the question.
If anyone can give me some starter hints, I'd really appreciate it. I'm cutting out non-diet soda totally (I normally only drink diet, but sometimes, I CRAVE a real soda!) , trying to drink more water and such, but I feel that my real problem is lack of exercise. How DO you exercise when you don't have the energy to move?
Just so youll know before I go into my "spill" Ive been there done that. Have an injured back from a car accident and fibromyalgia. I was so weak I could hardly walk across the floor at over 400lbs, low income, 2kids and a husband that wasn't giving up anything he liked. Unfortunately, that seems to be real life. Bottom line... fix healthy meals and if they want something extra, tell them to buy or fix it themselves. Give yourself permission to help yourself. In turn, you will help them.
TALK to your Doctor about what you want to do. Get her advice re exercise and nutrition!!!
Ok. the first thing that will help the most in the long run is to abstain from anything with sugar in it for at least 2 weeks. That includes starches, which turn to sugar in the body ie. bread sugar pasta, rice, and anything white. If you are anything like I was, these foods put you on a rollercoaster energy-wise. Eat them=feel better then crash.. so.. Eat=feel better then crash etc. (I still only eat high fiber flat bread and no sugar...it tastes nasty now!). Protein, fresh vegetables and salad stays with you longer and will level out your energy.
Cost: Chicken is cheap-remove the skin, use lots of good seasonings
Hamburger meat can be prepared many ways..drain the fat, squeeze it in a paper towel and don't eat it every meal. Broccoli is inexpensive this time of year (1.30 a bunch in MS) Frozen green beans are wonderful. Cauliflower is a bit of a financial splurge for me, but makes great fake mashed potatoes!! Buy the meat on sale and be creative!!! There are lots of websites with great recipes- look for lo-carb, lo cal, sugar free etc.. Believe me, it can be done..Are you up to it?
Exercise?. I spent the first six months doing small amounts of resistance training with bands in a chair, just a few at a time. As often as possible, I tried to make myself take extra steps...Park a few spaces further, use a shopping cart instead of a electric rider, return the shopping cart as often as possible. As i became stronger, I began to walk to the next house... then the next.
After 6 months, I joined the Y. The first day I could only walk on the treadmill 5 minutes at 2mph without resting.
Maybe your case is not this severe. The point is...do something....just a little more...just a little more. Not what Jane next door can do. But what you can do! Just remember, YOU CAN do more than you think you can. Stretch!! often. Not only your body but your expectations of yourself. YES, you can. Yes you are able. How bad do you need or want it? Pray, watch inspirational shows about your goals, read magazine articles about others who have accomplished them. TALK to your friends!!!
Well, I know this is long. Better stop now. Im not going to wish you luck, because it has nothing to do with it. My prayers will be with you. I don't know how all this message board stuff works, but feel free to contact me--however.
Sincerely,
Robin
