New kid in town...any suggestions???

Hey all.  I am new here and am looking for any and all suggestions, tips, advice, and good low calorie recipes I can get.  I am officially in day two of dieting.  I am 5'4" and weigh 186 lbs.  I bought the treadmill yesterday and am getting geared up for lots more physical activity.  I am a teacher (third graders) and they keep me moving most days, but unfortuantely not enough to lose weight, just to maintain.  I am also mom to 2 beautiful, active, and hormonal girls.  They keep me moving with softball games and cherleading, but all the activity comes on their end, not mine.  I spend lots of time in the bleachers watching and chit-chatting with other moms.  I also tutor a few days a week.  With all of that going on, I really have trouble finding the time to get some physical activity in.  I know I am just making one excuse after another for that, but I really am tired at the end of the day and just need some down time to relax.  But all that relaxing is not helping my knees or my back and I know it. 

I am just really looking for some support on this journey from other folks who have been there.  I am more determined now than ever.  I am sick of seeing my fat, naked self in the mirror and having to fight my way into a pair of jeans.  So, please respond.  I enjoy making friends and would love to chat.

 

Hi byerlyie, I'm quite new here myself and still learning, I'm currently trying the eat your BMR method, because my scales have been stuck at the same weight for weeks.

 Anyway I just wanted to say welcome to CC I'm sure you'll find it as helpful as I have and you'll receive plenty of usefull advice from those more in the know than I.  

Nice to meet you anndjoe.  I am excited to be here.  My doctor told me about this site and I have spent hours here looking things over.  Hope to chat again soon.

 

burn more calories than you eat.  eat lots of fruits & veges.  drink lots of water, and use that treadmill.  it works wonders!  :D

i started on 9/4 weighing 218 and i lost 66 pounds!  this site is awesome!!!  i'm 5'8" and 152 now.  i lost just over 30% of my previous body weight & am still going strong...

don't get discouraged & always remember your goal!!!

THanks for tha advice snowfence.  I really appreciate it.  The biggest obstacle for me right now is the water.  I hate water.  I know it sounds crazy cause water is tasteless, but I cannot stand it.  I did however manage to get a 20 oz. bottle down yesterday.  Perhaps it is all in my mind and if I just drink it I will become accustomed to it.  But man,  I really love my Diet Dr. Pepper. 

I guess I need to just put my big girl panties on and get over!!!!! If I want this to happen, the I need to make it happen. 

UNtil next time,

Irene

Oh...I am so there with you on the water thing...to date I only seem to consume plenty on my days off...I'm still working on the rest of the time. I don't like it much either, but my way around it is to drink fruit tea.

Ann

I am with you on the water...I use the crystal light type packets and some people say that because it has artifical sweetener it's bad but I think it's better then not drinking water at all! I have also heard it helps if you add a small amount of fruit juice to your water....

Glad to know I am not the only one who does not like to drink water.  Thanks for making me feel less alone anndjoe and alyssandra.  I have managed one more 20 ounce bottle again today.  Maybe it will get better in time.

Having been on my new lifestyle since September, I can tell you one thing for sure, and i do mean for sure....  You HAVE TO find a way to get water into you.  Just plain old water is by far the best.  I used to not like it it all.  Now I constantly have a 16oz cup with me that I fill up with cool water and just down the whole thing.  8 of those throughout the day is a gallon.  Since I am 6'3 and 227 right now, I actually shoot for closer to 2 gallons in a day.

The water helps you to feel full, it also helps to flush nasty stuff out of your kidneys (that they have filtered out of your blood)

Hey - Keep working on the water intake. I used to hate drinking water - because it was boring - so I always had sweet tea or soda. Now, though, I drink at least 2 liters a day without even thinking about it and sometimes I even crave the water and don't want the soda or tea. Your body will just get used to it and want it. Keep at it and it will become natural. Good luck!

I am also 5'4" and almost two years ago was 239 lbs. (now 170)- and teaching full time (7th grade science) - so I know all about the time it takes to be a classroom teacher outside of the time spent in the classroom!  I also have two children, one now out on her own and a high schooler that has a very active schedule. 

It was a challenge to find time for myself, and it wasn't until I left the classroom teaching position that I actually made time to work on getting fit.  I think I just gave so much to my students, my work, and my family, that I left very little for myself.  I understand your challenges.  Choose one small goal at a time, one small change at a time - and incorporate those until they become a habit, then add another one in.  It will take time, but you will have more of a chance of being successful.  For example, you might commit to walking on the treadmill for ten minutes at least three days a week to start.  Do that for a couple of weeks, then increase to fifteen minutes.  Another thing might be to choose to eat one less fast food meal a week. 

I will say that exercising in combination with eating more nutritional foods will make a difference in the amount of energy you have each day.  It is also important to carve out some time for yourself to just do something you enjoy or to just relax and reflect. 

After losing a big chunk of my weight, I began running a year ago January.  I started out running/walking a mile and am now training for a half marathon and a marathon.  I am proof that this lifestyle change is possible for the long term.

Welcome to CC.  I have been using the site for almost a year and a half now.  It helps keep me motivated, and I have met many interesting people through the forums and journals.  I'll add you as a friend so you can stop in and read my journals.

After a break from teaching, I am back in the classroom, but now teach in adult education - GED and literacy students.  The schedule is much more manageable - no faculty meetings, bus duty, lesson plans, etc. I have the opportunity to work one on one with students - an absolute joy!!

Thanks so much for the info and support jeffreybwood and janujen.  I will continue to drink as much water as I can stomach a day and hopefully it will become second nature to consume it instead of the Diet Dr. Pepper. 

Kscout----I feel so happy to have found you---a woman who can totally relate in all aspects of life.  Congrats on your much deserved success.  I have also added you to my friends list.  Thank you.

I spend so much of my days right now obsessing over my caloric intake and trying to get a firm understanding on all of this information.  After tracking everything for the last couple of days, I am beginning to see that I am not consuming enough calories and worry about my body going into that dreaded starvation mode.  I am making every attempt to eat, but often find myself not hungry and lost in a project or activity and not eating.  I know I definitely must work on that.

I am so glad to have found CC (which was recommended by my doc).  There is so much information  to be seen here.  It is a huge plus to have the opportunity to be a part of a support network with people who are facing the same challenge as yourself.

I will take it one day at a time and try to stay motivated.  Wish me luck.

Irene