Quote From: lb3667
I would just like to say, being a large woman myself, I totally relate to Paul, I also have a
problem with food.I know alot of you think "well just stop eating so much and exersize" But it is not
that easy.Half the time you don't realize your in the situation your in until you find yourself in trouble.I
also have had food for comfort since I was young, I had a bad childhood and used food to comfort
myself, there was no one to stop me from doing it, in hindsight I wish there was, but you can't
change the past, and you can't blame others for what you yourself put in your mouth.It is very hard
to reconize that you are stuffing yourself to squash the feelings that are hurting or upsetting you,
and when you do you have to constantly focus on that, so your mind is always thinking about
food.Also when you are large it is hadder to exesize,everything hurts ,your back,knees,arms even
your skin because it is so streched. So it can be a cycle you try to exersize, but then you hurt too
much,so then you get depressed so you can't do it so you eat to shove those feelings down,then
you put on more weight and so on..... I have been trying to figure it out for 40 years now and I only
get half of it right half the time.Try figureing out healthy meals on a low income budget, and not
being able to afford exersize equipment.Like so many others have said WALK A MILE IN OUR
SHOES before you go judging people. Paul, the past is the past, what is important is today, you are
doing something about it and I just know you are going to succeed, your mother is not all to
blame,she just loved you the only way she knew how, This is going to be a new learning experince
for everyone, and you are never to old to learn. Paul if you ever need some one to talk to, go ahead
and email me.God Bless You.
Your friend in Michigan
I wanted to offer you some encouragement and some suggestions. My family is certainly not made of money either, so I understand your concerns about buying healthy food. The one thing that most people don't truly understand in this country is portion control. My biggest suggestion to you is to see a Dr. and get a referral to a nutritionist. They can give you really good menu ideas that don't cost a fortune. They can also show you exactly how much a portion is supposed to be. Believe me, 4 ounces of chicken is about one half a chicken breast (maybe). Sometimes smaller. Also, go shopping more often and buy less at one time. If you don't have it in the house, you can't eat it.
As for exercise, trust me....you don't need gym equipment. It would be nice, but it isn't necessary. If you are terribly sore after exercising, then you're doing more than you should. Start out by just walking if that's what you're comfortabe with. My mom was very heavy and lost over 100 pounds by walking alone. She increased her distance by just a little bit every week. I wish you the best of luck. If you take what Dr. Phil says and make your environment immpossible to cheat in, then it will work, guarenteed. Keep on trying. You can do it!
Steph
