Committing to Recommit
Mommycarlen3 chose to lose weight her own way, by "Committing to Recommit." Going with her logic meant simply to eat less and move more. So far she has lost 95lbs, and she continues to follow her proven new lifestyle habits to make sure she stays that way. She contacted us through our Share Your Story feature, and provided the following answers to our questionnaire.
1. What made you decide to lose weight this time?
Well, I never saw myself as big until some pictures were posted on the
Internet of me at a church musical practice. All the weight I gained jumped on me in three years with pregnancy after pregnancy. I was just shocked when I saw the pictures, I just couldn't believe that person was me. I made up my mind to change. I was also turning 30 the next year and I wasn't ringing in my 30th year of life at nearly 300 lbs.
2. What other "diets" (programs, products, plans, or services) had you tried in the past?
I didn't really try anything cause I didn't see myself as a fat person. I may have been "big" but I saw no need to lose weight, so I ate as much as I wanted when I wanted. I had three pregnancies in a row and nursed all of my kids, who are now 6, 4.5, and 3yrs. I often used nursing and pregnancy for the excuse to eat whatever whenever.
3. What changes did you make to your usual diet, activity, lifestyle, and attitude?
My biggest change was subtle - I started drinking water. I stopped drinking sodas, juices, sweet teas, milk, anything with sugar or calories that I abused. I dropped 10 pounds the first week. Then I took the advice of a good friend who had been in my shoes and successfully lost 134 pounds and has kept it off through 7 years and a pregnancy. She told me to choose one thing every month to change in my diet or in my attitude, and make the choice to stick to it until I reach my goal.
4. How did Calorie Count help you to lose weight?
The best thing was seeing the Calorie Count burn and eat meter graphics everyday, and watching the green square versus the blue one. I loved seeing the measurement of how much I was eating and my activity levels in the course of my day, side by side. The other thing was the exercise section. You gave me pictures of what to do with detailed descriptions, this was great! I felt like I could actually do this and be successful.
5. What was most challenging about losing weight?
For me it was "Commit to Recommit." I had to come to terms with failure, that I was going to fall off the wagon, that there would be days I wouldn't be able to exercise because of my kids or that I would eat the house if it were made of food. I had to make the decision that I was going to "Commit to Recommit" over and over again. I wasn't going to let a setback - no matter how big it was - make me quit. I refused to let the disappointment of failure keep me from my goal.
6. How long did it take you to see results?
The first week I lost 10 pounds but then I celebrated by eating so I stayed at a 10 pound weight loss for the month. Every month after that I lost another 10 pounds until June when it slowed. It's been a fight in perseverance ever since the beginning, but I know I will get there.
7. When did you realize that you were a success?
About 40 pounds in I looked at myself in the mirror and saw my jaw line and cheek bones. I smiled and the fat that used to be there no longer squinted my eyes shut. I knew right then and there I was on my way.
8. How do you prevent relapse?
I follow my new saying, "I Commit to Recommit." The reality for me is I will have relapses, I will not always follow my calorie requirement everyday, but I keep trying. Wallowing in self pity won't do anything but discourage you and waste your time. Pick up and keep going!
9. How has your life changed now that you've lost weight?
Well, I never realized how limited I was until I got about 60 pounds down and I got on the playground with my kids. I went down the slide and didn't stick to the sides or get stuck at the top - the ride was smooth and quick, and when I got to the bottom I cried. I also noticed that my husband no longer offered for me to get out of the car before he parked in a tight space to save me the embarrassment of trying to squeeze between the cars. I actually could get out and not worry about banging the car we parked next to with the door.
10. What five tips do you have for other dieters?
- "Commit to Recommit"
- Start really small and stick with it for at least a month before
you change something else. - Eat what you want! Just remember it's the "how much" and
"whenever" that you have to change. - Exercise does not have to be boring. If you don't feel like
running that day or even going to the gym, dance like a maniac for 30
minutes or go rollerskating. - Celebrate every little accomplishment! If I cut my running time
down by 30 seconds, I did an End Zone dance as my cool down!
If you would like us to feature your success story, you can submit it here. The most insightful stories will be featured on this blog and in the weekly "Success Stories" newsletter.
Comments
You did a great job and I like your logic--eat less, move more. I am also shocked at pictures of myself that I recently saw on Facebook. I had no clue I was that big. Then I got on the scale---wow---I'm 50 lb. overweight. I need to look at myself in the mirror more often...not just my face, but all of me.
Here I go---I'm committed to losing this weight!
Mommycarlen3, you are an inspiration. I love your mantra "Commit to Recommit". Although I'm almost 60, I found your comments to be the best I've read in awhile. Changing one thing a month will be so much easier than trying to do it all at one time. Thank You for getting me started again. I really needed to "Commit to Recommit".
Mommycarlen3, you did a good job and being a goog example to follow, I would like to know what are the food that you advice me to avoid? my weight is 270pounds and I have to loose 4o pounds.
Awesome success story, you are truly an inspiration sis! I have lost 13 lbs since the beginning of June and am "Committed" to continue until I reach my goal weight. Celebrating the small successes is a great way to stay motivated and focused. I also love the part about being creative with your exercise. Cleaning, walking the dog, dancing...it all counts!
Congratulations - I love your advice, what a great way to look at weight loss! You look great and I'm sure your kids will follow in Mommy's healthy footsteps now! You are truly a success story!
Thank you for your story of success - commit to recommit is just what I needed now. You are an inspiration!
Wonderful story. Fabulous strategy. I loved the "commit to recommit" advice. I am just now coming off another relapse and this is just what I need to do, over and over, until it sticks. Thank you so much mommycarlen3 for sharing your story. It helps!
I have done Weight Watchers a number of times and it really is all about attitude! If you let food win, it will. I love your story because you are so right--make the changes and you'll see the results. I am not about not eating something...I would rather have a small piece of something I love than a large piece of something I hate!
"Commit to Recommit" -- what a great strategy. I try to work along those lines, but I've never given my strategy a name. I just might have to borrow this one!
Keep up the great work!
Your story is a total inspiration! thanks you for sharing and congrats on your accomplishments! I have to say that weight loss sure looks good on you!
Congratulations Mommycarlen3! What a great plan! Like a lot of the others who've already commented, I would like to borrow your motto. Keep up the great work!
Your attitude is fabulous and I think it may just rub off on me.
Thank you for sharing your strategy with the rest of us who are struggling with food.
like others, i am seriously inspired by your story. thank you for sharing it so simply but eloquently. i needed it today after a relapse. thanks for reminding me that when you boil it down, it's really simple - eat less and move more. thank you so much!
way to go i hope i will get the strength to do the same , a while a go my friend send me some pictures of us in a barbecue trough email and i felt sick to see i was 40lb bigger i cried and got depressed for weeks and finnaly i realized that i got to do something about it and decided to commit to lose weigth i just started and i hope i get to look just as you looked great on your new body congrats
WOW.. Congratulations !!!
Your story is an inspiration for me...I have the biggest problem in commiting to the weight loss.. I lost some weight and then I didnt go to the gym for abt a week ...but I kept thinking that now whats the use..I probably have gained back the few pounds that I had lost...But your story does make me feel ...even if I have gained back the pounds...if I go back to the gym I probably will lose again tooo...
You look awesome...thanks for sharing your story!!
Thanks for sharing your story! I've continued to use minor injuries to cut into my exercise time, but I'm commiting to recommit. Today I added 5 more minutes to my work out and I will continue with that this week, then add 5 more minutes next week, and so on. My life depends on it and you have truly been an inspiration to me tody! Keep up the good work girl!
You have said exactly what I needed to hear! Your story is encouraging. It's especially great to read that you did it on your own and that you're taking the long view. This is what I'm working on, so today I'm following your advice and "commiting to recommit." Thanks and keep it up!
Way to go, Mommycarlen3!! As others have said, you truly ARE an inspiration. You look simply terrific!! I enjoyed reading your story, and one of your five tips, in particular, struck a familiar note. I've been able to stick pretty much to my 1200 calories a day by eating WHAT I WANT, but watching the HOW MUCH. I also found I NEED to keep track of everything I put in my mouth, which CC helps me to do. Five years ago I lost 85 pounds by using CC. Unfortunately, I got over confident and decided I didn't need it anymore, could do it on my own. Big mistake. Gained back over half of what I lost when I stopped keeping track. Now, I'm back with CC and have lost 17 pounds in just over a month and a half. I have a long way to go, but I will remember your story and stay with CC, and I know I can do it!!! Continued best wishes to you.
Thank you so much. This is helping me more than you know. Sometimes I get so frustrated that the scale is not moving. I hope you have continued success.
Your commit to recommitt really hit home for me, I took a break from jenny craig for a month and really fell apart. But I am ready to start back with Jenny in a few days and I really appreciate your motivation. You go girl!!!
Your philosophy is so basic, so simple and so right on nail. I want to commit to recommit. I have been struggling with this weight for three years but steadily have never liked my body since my childhood so I know that I have body issues regardless. However, enough making excuses. No more. thank you for inspiring me do commit to recommit. I loved your story. Your children have been blessed with an even greater mom now. That's what I want. God bless you.
Your comments regarding going down the slide remind me of the little things that losing a few pounds gives back to us. For example, when I lost 10 lbs., I noticed that the snap buttons on my shirt didn't pop of their own when I breathed in!
Small gifts for getting fit!
Thanks for the inspiration!
Thank you for the insight that long term commitment is the way to make life better. Sometimes something just clicks, mentally, and we can see the way clearly. You are a light along the way.
I commit to Recommit!! Thank you so much for your story. I have just fell off the Waggon and this will definately help me get back on.
Commit to Recommit. Elegant language. Simple concept. Basic good sense!
Well~ you have just inspired me to not only join as a new member but to Commit to Recommit. Thank you for sharing your story Stay a Success!!
God Bless
Finally seeing my heavier self in photos that someone else took is what really made me realize that I had gained too much weight as well. It's amazing that you just can't see it when you live it everyday. Even getting on the scale and knowing your weight doesn't help sometimes. But those pictures from "a bad angle" tell all!
I am right now in the process of re-committing. I have come to realize that I am not doing too well at any of this. I tried some of the fads with the hidden problems in them or the costs that being a poor working slob just couldnt be spent on myself.
I took a huge hit emotionally and am having trouble getting past that along with other things. I need to stick with the plan I have which is solid if I could stick to it and people would cut me off and jab me with a sharp stick when I headed for the kitchen.
I have added or have started to add walking to the mix. Sunday I went to our local regional park and walked the long trail which is 2.25 miles. I didnt go out and kill myself and got the warm up walk and cool down done in around 45 minutes. The heat here is horrible right now and this evening I will go with my daughter to cross country practice and walk the track (soft surface) while she goes out and runs with the team. I'm trying not to be an embarrassment to her while I do this. I'm pretty ashamed of the shape I'm in.
Congrats!!! I love your positive attitude; it's motivating! 
Thank you for sharing your story and your tips. Keep it up!
Thank you for sharing your story! I have had a couple of weeks of feeling a lack of commitment, and feeling guilty about not doing as well as I would like. Your story and mantra have inspired me!
This morning I went thru my closed and cleaned out everything that is even a little too big, "'cause I ain't never goin' down that road again".
I also love that you use the term "down" instead of "lost". It isn't lost, we don't miss it, and we certainly don't want to find it again!
Continued Success! Darla
Great Story Mommy Carlen :)
I read your story today and you inspired me to start using Calorie Counter and start exercising. I needed the push...and you gave it to me. Thank you :)
Brava! Well-done, well-said! I cannot wait to reach my own goal ~ 7 lbs down, 84 lbs to go, lol...
I, too, have seen pix of myself in Facebook & in online albums & I have to say that I do NOT like what I see, either. I remember when (as a much younger woman) I was actually rather proud to stand tall in front of the camera & smile. Now, however, I hide, duck out, decline politely...not because I was ever vain or attention-grabbing, but I just didn't think I looked too bad @ my ideal weight, and I had that self-confidence that simply comes with looking your best, y'know?!?
Now, I cannot stand to see how I look. And I cannot wait to reach that ideal again. Then, when that happens, I hope to join you in posting my own success story!
Thank you so much for your inspiring story. I remind myself daily that this is about small steps and it is also a life long committment I will make. Love that commit to recommit and plan to use that as my mantra in my weight loss journey.
Amazing! I have been so afraid of falling off the wagon this time...sometimes it keeps me up at night. Anyway, reading your story reassures me that there are second, third, etc., chances in life. Frankly, it takes a whole lot of courage to recommit than it does to get started in the first place. Way to go!
I have to tell you, I couldn't have read your story at a better moment. I had a baby almost a year ago and I had been telling myself that I looked pretty good for just having a baby, but it's been almost a year. So know lately I have been telling myself I have to "recommit" and I just haven't had the motivation, because the task seems sooooo daunting and overwhelming. Like where do I start, ugh! But after reading your story I am re-inspired that it really is soooo simple. Making healthier choices and moving more is the answer, and like you say one small change a month, I CAN DO THAT! Thanks for sharing and CONGRATULATIONS! You look amazing and what a great example to your children! Thanks again!
i am so happy for you and you speak to my situation. my children are spread out like yours..back to back pregnancies, 7. 6 and 3. i have been struggling with continuity and promised myself to recommit this week. You have encourged me today. Once again congrats! you look amazing!
hey your story was really motivating since i am in ur shoes itself. i am trying really hard to shred out those ugly fats on my body. i would like you to help me with it.
Your story inspired me. I have been giving myself goals for the last 6 months and failed every one. Instead i gain more weight as the weeks go by. I was always 9.5 stone. Last year i was ill with severe depression. I am now 14stone (and i gained that 4.5 stone in 15 months). I am now very sad about my weight. Since January this year i promised to lose the weight but everytime i exercise; i just comfort eat thinking next time i workout i will put in more effort. That really isn't the case cause i either never workout for a couple days or eat more. My thoughts are a bit of yoyo at the moment. I really need some inspiration and help. But find that so difficult to ask for. Good luck with your success, i truly admire your determination.
JB
I'm always impressed and inspired by the life stories here, but I'm so impressed at your advice. It's simple, sensible, and anyone can follow it no matter where they are in the journey. Thank you! Thank you!
And of course, congratulations!
I loved your story! I know that I too can do it..."your commit to recommit" will be my new mantra! Thanks, Continue your success you are an inspiration!
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Congrats, what a great story. You are an inspiration. I bet you feel so good about yourself, it is obvious it your beautiful photo. You can now be the best wife and mother possible.
You go girl!
SR