I'm proud of myself!!!

Today was my kids "special day with mom". They are 4 & 6 yrs old. They wanted to have donuts for breakfast, which they rarely get. So I got them donuts. They were so happy. For breakfast I had a Weight Watchers blueberry muffin, Chia tea mixed with fat free milk, yum, and a cup of grapes. No donuts. Then we went to the gym and I did an hour of water aerobics. I got a Fat Burn smoothie for lunch. The kids decided they wanted to see a movie. So I took them to the $1.50 movie and we saw Bolt. Of course, they had to have popcorn and sprite, each their own, so I got them the kids deal. My son finished his popcorn and asked for more, so I went and bought him a kids bag. Of course he took like 3 bites and said he didn't want anymore. Who do you think got stuck holding the bag? Yeh, I thought about eating it, even had my fingers touching it, the bag was so full, but I didn't. Kept telling myself it wasn't worth it and when I got home I'd eat something healthy when I got hungry. (I was still full from the smoothie, but the popcorn smelled so good!!!) Anyway, I just started this group about a week ago and have 100+ lbs to loose. So I thought I would post this and maybe give someone a little motivation who might need it. If I can do it..... you certainly can!!!!!

That's great!  You are doing well.  One of my biggest issues is social eating.  When I'm with other people, I tend to want to eat what they do, and I can rarely resist when we go to a restaurant (or movie) together.  I know I wouldn't have been able to resist eating that popcorn, and I probably would've gotten myself a few donuts, too.  You are strong. :)

 That's awesome. Keep it up! I hope your inner strength will inspire others to make the same type of choices. :) Kudos to you!

Thanks a lot for those kind words sasquash and enchanting. How long have you two been on cc? Trust me, I'm not always strong. That's the reason for the bragging. But at this point I'm really tired of being so overweight. Plus it's only been 2 weeks since I've been making a serious effort. I'm not trying to down play what I did, only trying to give myself recognition for it and to let other people know that I share in the same struggles and they can be beaten. By the way, cute gal enchanting.

Tracy

Thank you.  I've been a member since May 26, 2007 says my user profile. Lol. Otherwise, I wouldn't know the exact date. :) I joined just after losing my baby weight. I found calorie count when looking for the nutritional facts for a fast food items,Lol!. I was trying to figure out which were better choices fast food treats for Dairy Queen. :)  I <3 Dr. Oz.  Due to his lectures/books I lost all my baby weight by my baby's first birthday! I was 113lbs pre-baby, I bounced up to 186lbs just in the last couple months of pregnancy. Due to water retention. (They couldn't give me anything for it because it would've caused birth complications.) His knowledge made losing my baby weight so doable. I'm 5'2 small frame maintaining 103-105lbs since April 07'. You should checkout realage.com too.

I also rave about Billy Blanks he's my fitness hero! "Tae-Bo Changing the world one body one life, at a time." Taebo is my favorite workout routine out there. It's so upbeat that time flies by when you're working out. The moves are also quality over quanity. You don't have to be doing a million different things, just a handful of exercises correctly to execute the proper muscles.


I admire the inner strength and dedication that it takes to live a healthy lifestyle. It's wonderful that you're putting forth the effort. Everyone told me that the baby weight would just ' melt off ' but it didn't. I worked it off! Lol. It's doable though! I just walk,walk, walked. Until I could jog..jog,,jog again.Lol!  I commited to the eight minute Tae-bo workout daily until I was capable/able to commit to more physically. I made additions to each thing as I progressed.

It's wonderful when people use the site to encourage each other.

You can do it! Just stay active and continue making healthy choices. It's important to be proud of yourself too. :) It helps keep us remain focused and positive about our goals. So... Feel free to brag away! A lil bragging is good for us all. :)

I've been on here since September.  I was looking up calorie information for various things, and I kept getting referred to this site.  Eventually I ventured onto the forums and looked around the site and decided to join.  I know what you mean about being tired of being overweight.  I'm one of those who has never really been skinny.  I was a fat little kid, and it just got worse and worse.  I lost some weight in 2003-2004, but I've been hovering in the 185-195 range since then.  In the beginning of 2008, I started gaining again, and got up to around 210.  I decided that I needed to start losing again, and I've been trying ever since then.

I tried crash dieting several times - you know, eating almost nothing for several weeks, losing a bunch of weight, and then gaining it all back (and then some).  The problem I always had was that I wanted to be skinny ZOMG NOW!!!! and of course, it doesn't work like that.  Now I'm aiming for the more healthly loss of about 1 pound a week.

It's frustrating sometimes, but one of the bigs things I have learned is to forgive myself when I mess up!  If I overeat or binge, I can't beat myself up over it, because that won't help matters out any.

This site is a great resource, and I hope it helps you, too.  I think the community aspect makes it easier to stay on track, since you have other people who are struggling with the same problems.

I hate to be the big downer, but, your 4 and 6 yr old are learning some really bad habits... donuts? 2 servings of popcorn at the movies? Are you sure that this is the role model you want for them? What about going to the park or zoo and running around? Apples? I don't mean to preach (really.) but my kids never said they wanted ANOTHER serving of popcorn at the theater. I congratulate you for not eating the donuts and popcorn, but maybe re-think what you are modeling for your young children. It is OK to tell them "no" we are not eating junk. "no" you have had enough. And to say, how about some water (instead of soda--yuk) and fruit? I know it is hard for anyone to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle / eating habits. It helps when you start young....

Dolphinlvr123...you go girl!  Awesome!  Thanks for sharing!  That is what I LOVE about this site we are here to share the good, the bad and the ugly situations we get into through this journey!  I have been in this program just over 2 months and have learn soooo much and keep learning and feeling good inside....because of the chats!  My advice just keep reading!  Weight lost is a LONG hard battle, but we really do help each other out by just listening and being there for each other!  And I agree with the comment already made self control with your kids and social eating....way to go!  It would have been so easy for you but you hung in there.  This may help also for future outings ALWAYS bring your own snacks that you can eat....for me that helps a lot, one I just get hungry and two others are eating and you will want to as well.  Also don't be too hard on your self popcorn that would have had no butter would not have been all that bad for you if you just count the cal's.  For me if I deprive myself too much it will bit me in the A_ _! 

intersting post...what sticks out to me is how your son had access to more popcorn but was able to stop when he had enough...even though the bag was nearly full. as adults, the emotional baggage behind foods lead us to binge and avoid body signals. oh, to have the innocence of a child. encourage that innocence and beauty...allow your kids to enjoy all foods, and don't ever ever ever impose the good food vs. bad food mentality on them, it will ruin their minds and they will be forever changed. i'm not saying you have done this because clearly they have a healthy relationship with food but the thoughts are so pervasive and are showing up in even younger children than before. it's so wonderful that you were able to resist though and standby your resolve to not eat the popcorn, even while touching it!! :)

Carolann, I didn't mean to give the wrong impression. As I said this was a special day for me and the kids. My son has never been to a movie and with this being his first time he was excited to eat the popcorn (no added butter) and sprite. The amount he got the first time was probably just 2 cups of popcorn. they had a kids deal and it was a little box that had a small cup inside with a little popcorn and a sour straw. The box opened on the side so they can eat the popcorn and a hole in the box for the straw. Very small proportions. He is by no means overweight or even a little chubby, and he loves fruit. When he asks me if he can have a snack I'll ask him what he wants and he'll ask for an orange, grapes, apple, banana, or string cheese. He's not even a big meat eater. He'll usually ask for h2o to drink also, because I drink it a lot. We were also at the park yesterday, we fed the ducks and he met a little friend and they played for an hour and a half. We had a picnic lunch which was a pbj sandwich (on honey wheat bread), sugar free jello, cheese rice cakes, and an orange, which he ate first, plus h2o to drink. Anyway, I'm not defending myself, just my son. He's 4 and was having fun, don't you indulge a little every now and then? Besides, this wasn't about my son, it was about me and how proud I am of the decisions I made.

You can tell I don't have little kids! I only see those huge bags of popcorn at the theater! Sounds like you are doing a great job, dolphinlvr. Thanks for not screaming at me!

Wow, Enchanting, that's really encouraging that you have maintained your weight for so long! It gives me hope that I won't keep yo-yoing. I haven't heard of Dr. Oz. Thanks for the tip. I will check out realage.com.

I used to do Billy Blanks Tae-Bo about 5 yrs ago. Then I tore the ligaments in my knee and had to have surgery. It didn't heal right and was going to have a second surgery but then got pregnant with my son and never got it fixed. Plus I gained more weight because of the pregnancy. I'm taking glucosamine chondroitin right now and trying to strengthen my knee with weights, stationary bike and h20 aerobics. I plan on using them again when I loose a little more weight. I have a lot of weight for one leg/knee to hold. :) But they are fun!

Thanks for the encouraging words. I really need them. I woke up with a terrible sinus infection. I got antibiotics last night, but I really want to go back to the "comfort foods". But I'm trying to take comfort in NEW "healthy comfort foods".

Chrissy,

Hi, nice to meet you. Thank you for the compliments. I do worry about my kids perspective on food and body image. I try to make sure they have a fruit/veggie with every meal and for snacks. Don't get me wrong, they want the crackers and salty/sweet stuff also. But I try to give them healthy choices like rice cakes, pretzels, wheat gold fish, or sugar free pudding, sometimes I'll give them f.f. cool whip with their fruit, or the 100 cal. snack packs of cookies. I didn't grow up learning how to eat healthy foods or liking them, and I'm trying to change that legacy with my kids. I'm changing my habits for them also. I am an emotional eater, no doubt about that, but I'm trying to take comfort in healthier foods.

I know what you mean about good food and bad food. We call the junk food snacks and the healthy food, just that, healthy foods. When they ask me for a snack, I tell them they have to eat a healthy food first and if they're still hungry then they can have a snack (pretzels/fruit gummy, f.f. jello). Plus they get rewarded with a smiley face when they choose a healthy food on their own.

If you have anymore yips I'd be glad to hear them. Do you have kids?

Tracy

Original Post by dolphinlvr123:

Wow, Enchanting, that's really encouraging that you have maintained your weight for so long! It gives me hope that I won't keep yo-yoing. I haven't heard of Dr. Oz. Thanks for the tip. I will check out realage.com.

I used to do Billy Blanks Tae-Bo about 5 yrs ago. Then I tore the ligaments in my knee and had to have surgery. It didn't heal right and was going to have a second surgery but then got pregnant with my son and never got it fixed. Plus I gained more weight because of the pregnancy. I'm taking glucosamine chondroitin right now and trying to strengthen my knee with weights, stationary bike and h20 aerobics. I plan on using them again when I loose a little more weight. I have a lot of weight for one leg/knee to hold. :) But they are fun!

Thanks for the encouraging words. I really need them. I woke up with a terrible sinus infection. I got antibiotics last night, but I really want to go back to the "comfort foods". But I'm trying to take comfort in NEW "healthy comfort foods".

My doctor confirmed I had a slight tear in my ligament (knee) years ago...It was very mild, although it's bothered me for several months.Ouch. So I feel your pain in all honesty. I asked her about some exercises, she said yes I could do bit of walking on the treadmill if I wanted, just do what I can take and it'd be fine.

She said I needed to exercise not just rest the knees, to strengthen the injured areas.  I didn't want to go to a physical therapist because of the expense. Since my doc said it was fine to just do some exercises on my own. I thought I'd try that first than go if to one if things didn't improve, ect. She suggested exercises that can strengthen the joints for someone with mild ligament damage.  Since you had a a torn ligament/surgery, what exercises did she suggest/how often? I know it helps to keep energized and stay healthy. It's difficult to do so when you're injured without a lot of guidance.  It can send you into a downhill spiral.

 Maybe light yoga/stretching and swimming?It's easy to over-do it so be careful unless being advised by a physical therapist. I wouldn't want your injuries to become worse. It all really depends on how bad the tear is and which ligament you tore in the knee,ect. I suggest swimming because that helped me. The pushing against the current of the water will help strengthen your knees as well as provide the exercise needed. Your local recreation center should have a pool at a low price for membership...

If you don't know how to swim, just hold onto the side of the pool and hold your legs out vertically, then in a kicking motion move them up and down. This will also help your tummy!!!

Hope you heal!!! Best wishes. It can be helpful to do light leg exercises also.

I could give you the program I had to build back up the strength in my knee from when I dislocated mine,Lol. But... I don't want it to further ruin your knee like so many people do. So won't. I've been a runner since Jr High so had my fair share of issues in this regard. Lol! A couple times I'd scared myself into thinking my running days were over. That would be heart-breaking for me because jogging is my hobby. I enjoy it so much it would be like taking away a toy to put away my running shoes. Lol!

It's hard to getting it back but totally worth the effort/pain. It doesn't matter what you've done to yourself. . .Keep faith!& Stay strong! It's worth all the effort to get your legs back in shape. It's completely possible to build all the strength back and make full recovery... :) Take care of yourself when injured because you're worth it! I may sound like an overly positive person but seriously! I believe you can completely recover given the right time/resources.

There are cheaper assessment, check out your local universities/colleges. If they have a sports course there, they most likely have a rehabilitation course there with final year students looking for experience, or doing honour courses.

I managed to get into a 6 week knee rehab program an honours student was doing. They did a complete assessment of my knee and built all the strength back up in it by giving me exercises and also personal gym training 3x a week, all for free. :)

Original Post by dolphinlvr123:

 

If you have anymore yips I'd be glad to hear them. Do you have kids?

 

 I told my daughter raisins were candy because it's a healthy treat. Plus: They are sweet like candy. Kids love them! ( They have the little yogurt covered ones too. )I've always thought raisins were such a great treat. It amazes me how yummy they are plain or covered. :) I guess I associate them with candy because I was always given them at the movies ect. Just plain ones. My father always had them ready for us kids.

At 15 months I heard some noises from the kitchen. I went to investigate. :) She was trying to be sneaky about getting all the raisins out of the cupboard, Lol!  I don't know what she was going to do with every box but she wanted them all! Lol! She said:  " Please ...candy! Mommy,I want candy " and everyone laughed because she meant the raisins.( She hadn't ever had actual candy, Lol! ) She didn't have to be sneaky just ask mommy.

It was just so adorable though. I gave her every box and watched her stack them in the floor. Then she ate half a little box and moved on. Too cute.

Original Post by dolphinlvr123:

Chrissy,

Hi, nice to meet you. Thank you for the compliments. I do worry about my kids perspective on food and body image. I try to make sure they have a fruit/veggie with every meal and for snacks. Don't get me wrong, they want the crackers and salty/sweet stuff also. But I try to give them healthy choices like rice cakes, pretzels, wheat gold fish, or sugar free pudding, sometimes I'll give them f.f. cool whip with their fruit, or the 100 cal. snack packs of cookies. I didn't grow up learning how to eat healthy foods or liking them, and I'm trying to change that legacy with my kids. I'm changing my habits for them also. I am an emotional eater, no doubt about that, but I'm trying to take comfort in healthier foods.

I know what you mean about good food and bad food. We call the junk food snacks and the healthy food, just that, healthy foods. When they ask me for a snack, I tell them they have to eat a healthy food first and if they're still hungry then they can have a snack (pretzels/fruit gummy, f.f. jello). Plus they get rewarded with a smiley face when they choose a healthy food on their own.

If you have anymore yips I'd be glad to hear them. Do you have kids?

Tracy

no, i don't have kids, i'm only 20. i've just seen the effects of dieting on children...when there parents are constantly making food an issue and they grow up to have distorted relationships with food. i'd go as far to say that you shouldn't label foods as snacks and healthy foods, because implicit in that is that the snacks are unhealthy. maybe just say, well you can have goldfish but you have to have a piece of fruit as well. don't label the foods at all. i'd also recommend for you to not feed them diet versions of food, skim milk and dairy products are fine but you shouldn't give them artificial foods because it will only create a dependency on those foods, and they won't ever enjoy the real thing in moderation. I guess i'm saying there's a difference between teaching them good habits and imposing your diet on them. It seems like you're very conscious of that, but just be even more careful. with media's depictions of beauty, we don't need to bring it into our homes too. great job though on trying to instill in them good habits at such a young age!!