Bummed out and frustrated

Have just gotten started on this website and I love it, but ....I have kept my food log and have become much more aware of my calorie intake.  I have now set some goals and am working toward them.  However, I am just amazed at how quickly the weight piles on after 40.  Now at 44 and after 3 kids, I MUST change the way I have always thought about food and eating.  I used to eat anything and everything without even thinking about my weight.  After my long walk this a.m. I weighed myself and have gained another 3# in the last two weeks!  I'm so frustrated and really need support and encouragement from others going through the same thing.  I have several friends who struggle too, but we don't do a good job of keeping each other accountable.  I'm keeping my food and activity logs as well as te weight log.  I'm not giving up, but I could use some words of wisdom.  I need to lose about 20-25#.  I realize that isn't much to many people, but to someone with a small frame to begin with it seems like a lot!

Hang in there! 

Like you, I would like to lose about 20 pounds.  I'm also small (5'2''), and my weight has gone from 110 lbs to about 130 lbs, and I really want to get back to my previous weight!

As for your three pound weight gain, perhaps you've put on muscle.  I wouldn't rely on the scale too much; instead, gadge your progress using other indicators.  Do your clothes feel loser?  Are you able to do more activities without feeling winded?  Can you see muscle development?  While these things may take a while to see, be reassured that your efforts are not in vain!  Your making choices and changes that will help you in the long-run!

Thanks for the pep talk!  I wish I could say the additional weight was muscle, but unfortunately it is not.  However, I love knowing I can come to this site and tak to others working toward the same goals.  Thanks!!!!

keep it up.  Changes can be small, and sometimes they take awhile to manifest.  Also, depending on your body, you can gain water weight pretty quickly.  (example, if you had alcohol the night before, ate a lot of salt, or if it is ttom all affect how much you weigh each morning).

Don't be discouraged.  Keep counting, keep excersizing, etc.  Good luck!

Two weeks ago I could have written exactly what you did, however I would have had to put in that I did well on the week days and would 'treat myself' on the weekends.  I only have about 20 lbs to go so when I would weigh in Monday morning I would be right back where i started which is really discouraging.  Also, right before that time of the month, I would magically put on 3-4 pounds without changing a thing, so sometimes the scale really isn't a great measurement of total weight loss day to day.  This has been an ongoing cycle of mine for months now.

I'm married to a man who can eat whatever, whenever and not gain an ounce so that is tough.  My goal is to just continue to eat well, feed my body great, nutritious, quality foods and exercise.  Reading a lot on foods and the benefits of exercise and nutrition has really kept me motivated and also realizing that the older I get the slower it takes to melt the pounds off.  Slow and steady wins the race, or so I'm told! 

Talking to the kids about the importance of healthy foods and having them prepare them with me also encourages me that I'm not only doing the best thing for myself but for my kids too.  Keep up the good work!

I did the same thing.  I gained 5 lbs. when I first started changing my eating habits.  Then I lost 4 lbs in one week.  It happens.  I try to not let the actual weight matter so much as how my clothes feel.  There are always ups and downs.  I find it easier not to think of it as a diet, but work each week on finding new recipes to replace old recipes so that this is a forever change.

I am the food reviewer for my friends.  I try all the "new" recipes and send out a nightly e-mail and let them know the recipe and how it was.  Then they try it/or not.  Doesn't sound like much, but when my friends are all asking...where's the food review??--I have more reason to stick to it.  Everyone knows Friday night's are off though.  That's might dine-out night with the family.  I still keep it reasonable, but eat at a maintain rate instead of lose.  I also walk a bit more that day so I can afford more calories at the end of the day.