need A LOT of support... /=

This is probably my third calorie count account... I have trouble sticking to the plans I've made for myself. I really need a lot of motivation. For some reason, no matter how badly I want to be fit, no matter how badly I want to lose weight, I can't seem to control myself. It's as if I'm addicted to food! I put pictures of when I was thinner (160lbs) EVERYWHERE, I have my goal dress (size 12) hanging at the front of my closet so I see it every morning, and I defiantly have the support of my mother and boyfriend. Maybe it's all just to overwhelming... But there has to be something to make me get it through my head! The more success stories I hear, and the more people who know what I'm going through I surround myself with the better. So feel free to add me, and share you're stories, rants, and advice. Thank you!

<3 Erica.

Erica,

First of all, it's nice to meet you.

I have an idea that may be different from what you've tried before, but not foreign.  Since you say you are food addicted, and you've done calorie count before how about this:  as well as keeping your calorie count close to your calorie target and logging every bite you eat every day on the food log and all the other healthy things you will do (I'll add my suggestion list after this), how about starting to change your habits.

Take one bad habit and substitute a good habit for at least two weeks, then add another.  For example:  if sugary drinks are a bad habit, then start by replacing them with unsweetened or diet versions of your favorite drink.  Or perhaps start your trek by adding 8 cups of water a day to your regimin.

Maybe potato chips are your major offender.  How about replacing them with fresh fruits or veggies.  Anyway, the habit I am currently working on is eating til I am just full, not stuffed and then stopping.  I have snacks available within my calorie allowance, so if I get hungry I can have a snack later.  It is not easy.  I don't think I have this one down to a habit yet, but I'm working on it.

If you need anything, give a holler.  Some of us should see your post.  If we don't answer right away, holler again...it's a little hard to see new posts in here sometimes.  Again, welcome.

Oh, edited to add my list:

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.

The problem with weight loss is... it isn't instant! Everything else in our world is... why can't this be?

Like texmom said, start with replacing one bad with one good. The food log - is wonderful! Log everything you eat whether you want to or not. After a while you can see habits you do with food, even if your calories are ok. I just realized this week my saturated fat intake is like TWICE what it should be. I love that analysis tool!

Do you know what types of things make you want to eat for comfort? Time of day? time of week?

Anything else I can say right now will just repeat texmom  so I added you to my aim and I keep it online most of the time but i tend to be afk

I totally get what you mean about needing support. I'm in the same boat. I'm surrounded by people who do nothing to get healthy or fit and find it's easy to slack off with them. Maybe we can keep eat other in check with random messages and reminders? I'm a SAHM so most of my exercise has to happen when my son takes a nap or when my husband takes over at night. It's hard to have the motivation to work out when you're already tired.

Anyway, hang in there and you'll be a 12 in due time.

Hey Erica,
I am glad you're on here. I am doing the same thing you have done. I purchased this really cute skirt and shirt and it is hanging on my door, it acts as one part of my thinspiration.
I recently started as well, but I am also out of control when it comes to eating. It has always been an issue for me. In other parts of my life, I have it together but when it comes to NOT putting food in my mouth; I'm like a drug addict or something. I mean I know what's healthy and what's not, cause we're all adults (or almost) here and we know right from wrong. But logic somehow goes out the door.
For me, I can go very long periods without food (I mean 12-14 hours) but once I start eating....watch out. I want everything. Even when I try and eat breakfast and lunch and satiate my "appetite" with fruit and vegetables...it doesn't matter. I still want cookies and cake and fast food. But then there comes a point in which we must make the choice to do the right thing. As hard as it's going to be and believe me, it is going to be a struggle!
We don't have any alternative because being overweight/ obese (in my case) is deadly. The great thing now, is that we have a place like this to turn to. We can use this place to establish goals and rant & rave with people who won't ridicule us. Right now, as TEXMOM said, you are going to have to be honest with yourself. Keep track of EVERYTHING you eat (we won't judge you, we don't know you!!!) Keep track of your activities...if you have a bad day....GET OVER IT and start again. ****, I relapsed Saturday and I began this the end of last week. The people on here are so wonderful though by giving you motivation and great advice! I know with texmom52, I will ask something and she's there with articles and all sorts of good stuff!!! So don't be afraid to ask for help, don't be afraid to say...I SCREWED UP....and don't be afraid to be vulnerable....What have you got to lose?......except those extra pounds!

Avy,

The majority of your weight LOSS will be with food control.  Exercise is good for you and increases your BMI, tones your muscles, makes you stronger, etc., but you can lose weight well by sticking with the program..ie eating good healthy foods, fresh foods, less processed foods, hitting your calorie target, drinking your water, sleeping the hours you need to, and exercise as you can fit it in to your busy schedule.

I have one more idea for you.  Check the library for "exercise with baby" videos.  You may have to ask them to get one from interlibrary loan for you.  Or perhaps you can get one from Netflix or the local DVD rental.

This will give you some fun exercise with your baby.  You get quality baby time and quality you time.  Babies make great free weights (or so I'm told)

Just me,

Please.  You USED to be a food addict.  You really need to convince yourself that that life is behind you now.  I'm not fussing, just a reminder that you are new creature every day.  You may slip, you may fall, you may roll backwards...but you start out new every single day.  You are no longer a food addict, you are in control of what you eat.  Those are your hands and your fingers and your eyes and your mind.

OK.  Lecture over.  Have a great day.  Have some fun today.

Thank you texmom...

I am in control of what goes in my mouth! I am NO LONGER a food addict!

Whoo Hoo!!!!!

Hi Erica, 

I've made about a billion plans to lose weight that failed.  This time I'm going to succeed.  We're all in the same boat as you though just take it day by day making  better choices each day and you'll get there.  

Go Peaceapple !!!!!  Yee Haw!!!