Got alot to lose...

I'm not really new to CC.  I actually joined back in June and then did nothing until now.  I have a very hard time with commitment and follow through, but at least I'm trying again. :)

I've struggled with weight my whole life.  As a child, I started gaining around the age of 8 and stayed heavy until I hit high school.  I grew so tall that all my weight evened out for a few years, but then I gained 30 lbs when I started college.  Right after college I met my husband, and within the course of just a few years, I ended up gaining another 50 lbs.  Then I had my first child.  After I had him, I was another 30 lbs heavier.  I got determined after seeing a horrible picture of myself from Christmas (this was back in 2005), and I ate better and exercised like crazy and lost the 30 lbs of baby weight plus another 15.  Then I fell off the wagon and gained the 15 back.  I was at this weight when I got pregnant for the second time.  This time I was determined not to go crazy and gain a whole bunch of weight.  I watched my calories, took all my supplements and drank tons of water.  I was healthier during that pregnancy than I had ever been.  I had the baby and was looking at only 15 lbs to lose to reach my pre pregnancy weight.  Then I completely lost all focus.  I started eating crap all the time, became completely sedentary, stopped taking the supplements and gained steadily.  I now weigh the same as when I was 9 months pregnant!  I have close to 100 lbs to lose overall, and it seems insurmountable.

I came back to CC because they kept sending me stories about people's experiences with losing weight.  I kept seeing all these people taking healthy steps to change their lives, and I didn't want to be on the sidelines anymore.  I've decided to take a different approach to lifestyle change than I have in the past.  I'm going to focus on adding one healthy habit each month.  This month (Nov) I'm focusing on taking those supplements and drinkning water each day.  Next month, I'll focus on ridding my diet of fast food.  AFter that I'll focus on incorporating more activity.  Then hopefully as I give myself enough time, these things will just be a part of my life.

Oh--a couple things about me.  I'm a married mom of two young children (age 4 and 1).  I'm a sign language interpreter, but I mainly stay home and do freelance jobs on the side. I have a small dog and a very large cat. :)  And I am looking forward to consistently using the support here on CC to learn, grow and change and finally become the person I've dreamed of being.

I'd appreciate any advice on how to best use CC.  Thank you!!

Isign17,

How nice to meet you.  I'll post for you my usual advice for losing weight on calorie counter.  I wish you every good luck. 

1.  Go to Tools and set up a calorie target.

2.  Weigh yourself and enter it into the weight log.

3.  Log in every bite you eat faithfully into the food log.  Don't be afraid.  No one will see it but you.  And DON'T CHEAT.  You are cheating no one but yourself.

4. Start moving a little more. 

5. Do your best to meet or beat your calorie target.

6.  Start eating more healthy food and less processed (and salty) food.

7.  Drink more water.

8.  Set mini goals and celebrate when you reach them.

9.  If you have a bad meal or a splurge, as soon as you come to yourself start again right then.  Do not beat yourself up, do not feel guilty, just start again.  Everyone has small setbacks, it is part of life and reality.

10.  Plan ahead.  If you are going to a party, plan for it.  If you are going out to eat, know before you go what you are going to eat.

11.  Come back in here and talk to people.  We are all where you are and might be able to help.  If not, we can at least commiserate with you.

I hear you on the weight-gain-after-meeting-husband thing - I just ate whatever mine ate, never as much, he stayed the same and I got filled up with helium :D no wait, not helium... fat!

I have a little bit more to lose and then I will weigh what I did when I was 9 months pregnant :) And I will be happy to reach that too!

You can get a start on fast food this month. Look at their nutritional information on their websites. Order things without mayo. Pick the place that has healthier options as far as burgers go. Wendy's Jr Cheeseburger Deluxe without mayo is 270 calories. You don't have to rid your diet of fast food forever, just a little less often, and eventually a side salad instead of fries.

Do what texmom says too, her list is fantastic :)

Welcome :)

Welcome welcome.  We're all here together  working towards the same goal. The more the merrier I say :)

Thanks for all the advice and for welcoming me!

Texmom- Thank you for all that great info!  That helps me so much as I try to take steps in the right direction.

kdh1221 - Thanks for the info about fast food. You're right...I can start making better choices even now.  I'll try that Jr Cheeseburger without mayo.  Great suggestion. :)

peaceapple - You're right, we are working together.  I'm going to really try to think of it that way instead of always feeling like a loner.

Good luck to all of you as well!

Welcome

You are definitely not alone. It does seem daunting but we can do it together. I really like the idea of having a place to get ideas and share concerns with. Happy losing!