Posts by kcmcdowell

I think we all struggle with this stuff to some degree.  I've been in the same place before, being 118 and a 4 (I'm 5'7") and I felt like a fat cow.  Ahhh, if only I had those days back now!  Anyway, I used to obsess over calories and my body and I'm sure I would fall into the same pattern now, but I don't have time.

In MHO, the best thing you can do for yourself, is like you said, help others.  Take it a step further, and out of the cyber world.  You like art, so see if there is a community outreach center near by where you can help little kids with art projects.  Volunteer with girl scouts, or the humane society or some place that you can be passionate about.  It really isn't aobut your body, but your weight is something that you can control when you are not happy with yourself for whatever reason.  The more you take the focus off yourself, the happier you will be.  Make sure to surround yourself with positive people who do like themselves. 

And while I agree that its good to find things that you like about yourself and focus on that, also look outside the physical.  Your sense of humor, artisitic ability (I keep mentioning that because its something I totally lack, and envy in others!), good with people, hard worker..... there are so many things to take pride in about yourself besides your appearance.  Get your bf to help you too.

Look, I'm 27 and I've watched just about every friend I have struggle with this, wathced them puke up blood, end up with pelvic fractures at 19 from poor nutrition, have their hair fall out, end up in psychiatric wards after trying to kill themselves..... I know you're not there yet, but it could get out of hand and even the obsession isn't healthy.

And Shame on some crappy counselor for thinking the behavior if for attention.  What a jerk!

Definitely Pantera, Iron Maiden is my personal fave.  The best running song of all time.......

Running Free by Iron Maiden

Blue Monday by Orgy (I used to sing that in my my head during races in high school.  It has a really good beat.) 

Totally back up the Icky Thump.

Supernaut by Black Sabbath

Bootylicious by Destiny's Child

Du Riechst So Gut by Rammstein

Don't worry about the stigma.  I was a single mom from the time I was 10 wks along.  Talk about raised eyebrows!  Automatically thought it was a one-night stand.  I was with my baby's father for almost 5 years.  I left because he was abusive, and once he hit me after I was pregnant, that was it.  I couldn't bring a baby into that life.  My son saved my life.

Practical advice:  I really hope you have family close by, as they will save your BUTT!  I live with my parents and my mom watches my son while I finish school.  Believe me, a kiddo is powerful motivation.  It sounds like you are smart and responsible, and its frustrating to face judgement when you don't get to show every person you meet that you are capable and responsible. 

Enjoy your pregnancy!  And like someone said earlier, you don't need to eat for 2.  My friend in med school said that you only need an extra 300 calories per day for healthy weight gain throughout your pregnancy.  You should still be able to exercise normally for a long time, too.  Make sure to check with your Dr. about what kind of exercise you're doing.

Ooohhh!  Last bit of advice..... find mom-to-mom sales.  They are like massive huge garage sales with nothing but baby stuff.  You can find anything in there.  I seldom see anything that you can even tell that it's not brand new.  I can get 3 mos worth of clothes for my son for $45.  Can't beat that. 

Yeah!  People with the same problems as me!  I have son who will be one in 10 days (gasp!) am a full-time student, work 32+ hrs/wk, and also have an internship at my university.  With all that, time for exercise is my biggest problem.

I wonder if you aren't tired because you have a sensitivity to a food.  That was suggested by a friend of mine who is big into nutrition.  I cut way back on wheat products and sugar and feel much much better.  Big ones are wheat (gluten), sugar, dairy, and artificial sweetners.  Also make sure you drink lots of water.  I read somewhere recently that the amt of water you should drink every day is your weight in pounds divided by 2.  I never make it but it's something to shoot for. 

Also, I highly recommend avoiding artificial sweetners.  High fructose corn syrup is the evil!  I have a few ingredients that I avoid like the plague and it really helps to eliminate things that are not healthy.  For me, its high fructrose corn syrup, partially hydrogenated oils and palm kernel oil (or palm oil). 

When you eat more of the right food, you can eat a LOT more of it!  I've had four good sized meals today and am still under my calories just because it was all healthy!

Hang in there and let us know how you're doing!