Obesity Discussion Forums

[GracefromBoston]

Hi everyone,

I'm new on this forum and just looking for some moral support. I have struggled with my weight all my life. Currently I'm about 60 lbs. overweight. My biggest problem is that I have absolutely no willpower whatsoever. I will start a diet on Monday and be off by Wednesday. I just can't stick to ANYTHING. The only thing that's come close to working is South Beach, which I can do for about 4 weeks then it's down the drain. I've tried everything, from starving myself (terrible I know but it only lasts a few hours before I cave), Weight Watchers, Atkins (HA! yeah right! I live for carbs!), Slim-Fast, you name it.

Just wondering what gives you strength and keeps you going. No matter what I do and how strong I feel at the beginning of a diet, it crumbles by day three then the whole "I guess I'm not that bad" feeling sets in. But by Monday, I'm depressed and mad at myself, and the whole process starts over.

How does everyone keep it going day after day?

[Audrey]

Originally Posted by GracefromBoston

Hi everyone,

I'm new on this forum and just looking for some moral support. I have struggled with my weight all my life. Currently I'm about 60 lbs. overweight. My biggest problem is that I have absolutely no willpower whatsoever. I will start a diet on Monday and be off by Wednesday. I just can't stick to ANYTHING. The only thing that's come close to working is South Beach, which I can do for about 4 weeks then it's down the drain. I've tried everything, from starving myself (terrible I know but it only lasts a few hours before I cave), Weight Watchers, Atkins (HA! yeah right! I live for carbs!), Slim-Fast, you name it.

Just wondering what gives you strength and keeps you going. No matter what I do and how strong I feel at the beginning of a diet, it crumbles by day three then the whole "I guess I'm not that bad" feeling sets in. But by Monday, I'm depressed and mad at myself, and the whole process starts over.

How does everyone keep it going day after day?

Welcome to the forums!

I think the biggest thing that keeps people going is not falling into the whole 'diet' way of thinking. You're not on a diet! You're making a lifestyle change. And just because you reach your goal weight, doesn't mean you get to go back to the way you were eating and not exercising.

Instead of forcing yourself to eat only one way, you need to choose healthy foods that you like, and work those into your meals. Why would you stick to a diet you hate? No wonder you don't stay with them.

Trying to exercise doing things you like. Are you interested in any sports? Interested in joining a gym? I think I would be just as miserable as I was when I was overweight if I was thin and daily eating foods and didn't like, and dragging myself to a gym a didn't like.

How would you like to loose the weight?

[Obesity Discussion]

Being around longer for my family and friends and being in better shape to play sports is some of my motivation. I've seen family members perish early because they didn't take care of themselves. That's something I never want to have happen. Besides, I wouldn't be a very good role model for everyone if I didn't take care of myself

I got started eating healthy 11 years ago, and after doing it for a while it becomes habit, your body and tastes adapt. I couldn't eat garbage food now if I wanted to. Once you get there it's easy, it's getting there that's tough, and we're here to help you with that.


By the way, dieting does not work. You need to be willing to commit to a lifestyle change, and we can help show you how to do it, and guide you along the way. It's just a matter of burning more calories than you consume, it's as simple as that........

[GracefromBoston]

Thanks for the supportive words.

Audrey, I am currently doing the South Beach diet and walking. I plan to increase the intesity of my exercise, but that is all I am ready for so far.

[Audrey]

Originally Posted by GracefromBoston

Thanks for the supportive words.

Audrey, I am currently doing the South Beach diet and walking. I plan to increase the intesity of my exercise, but that is all I am ready for so far.

Have you been on it all week? How've you been doing? Let us know your progress!

[early riser]

What started me on my qwest (quest?) to lose weight was health problems....

At 72 pounds overweight in February 2007....

I couldn't find clothes that fit well. Wearing size 20 felt just awful to me, and made me depressed.

I had experienced surgeries in both feet due to extra weight.

One of my knees was always aching when I walked up the stairs.

My blood pressure went up -- partly due to stress, but the extra pounds didn't help. My doctor put me on medication, but never mentioned losing weight or exercising.

I've been watching my MIL deteriorate in front of my eyes from lack of exercise and proper nutrition. She now has diabetes and dementia and lacks stamina. She is dizzy all the time, and hates taking walks or taking care of her hygiene.

So, I joined a Weight Watchers club at work, where we all support each other. I paid a high entrance fee, but will be reimbursed if I keep my 22 pound goal off for 6 months. I am eating a lot of the same foods, but half-size portions. I have added a few fruits and veggies and water to the mix. Cookies are only sugar-free. Candy pulls out my fillings and crowns, so I avoid it. Chips are low-fat only and I eat very few of those. I take the skin off my chicken before eating. And I exercise every day for at least 30 minutes. It is a lifestyle change, as Audrey said--not a diet.

OH, and I joined this forum, where we can all share our victories and our obstacles and get support.

I hope you stick with your goal this time, Grace. We are all here for you, so if you stumble, just stand up and start again, and share with us here.

[Merle]

My family, and knowing that what I'm doing isn't just for me, it's for them too. I know they want to have me around, and I want to be around for them as well. That's my #1 motivation.

[jacqueline]

Originally Posted by GracefromBoston

Hi everyone,

I'm new on this forum and just looking for some moral support. I have struggled with my weight all my life. Currently I'm about 60 lbs. overweight. My biggest problem is that I have absolutely no willpower whatsoever. I will start a diet on Monday and be off by Wednesday. I just can't stick to ANYTHING. The only thing that's come close to working is South Beach, which I can do for about 4 weeks then it's down the drain. I've tried everything, from starving myself (terrible I know but it only lasts a few hours before I cave), Weight Watchers, Atkins (HA! yeah right! I live for carbs!), Slim-Fast, you name it.

Just wondering what gives you strength and keeps you going. No matter what I do and how strong I feel at the beginning of a diet, it crumbles by day three then the whole "I guess I'm not that bad" feeling sets in. But by Monday, I'm depressed and mad at myself, and the whole process starts over.

How does everyone keep it going day after day?

Hi GracefromBoston,

You are experiencing the same thing we all do. What I found to be helpful is finding a diet buddy. It can be someone here at Obesity Discussion, or even better, someone who is also dieting and who lives close to you. My diet buddy and I would go for a walk together, or go for coffee, or go to a movie when either of us felt our motivation was dissolving. Maybe you can find someone to check in with daily, or at meal time etc. It is really hard if you aren't mentally ready to commit. Becoming healthy has to be more important than anything else including carbs. You can do this if you are ready. If you aren't, maybe talking to a Dr. or therapist would help you sort out your thoughts about starting and continuing on this journey to good health. Best of luck.

[MikeB]

No diets, exercise & correct intake.
There is no try, only do.

[Obesity Discussion]

Originally Posted by GracefromBoston

Thanks for the supportive words.

Audrey, I am currently doing the South Beach diet and walking. I plan to increase the intesity of my exercise, but that is all I am ready for so far.

I love their frozen pizzas and refridgerated lunches. I eat at least one of them a day.

[GracefromBoston]

Thanks so much for the support and encouragement!

[Obesity Discussion]

Our pleasure.

[Kel]

Oh yes the motivation is always a big problem. I am also trying to lose some weight. One of my friends asked me a few weeks ago -when I told her about my diet plans- why I wanted to lose weight. I told her that I couldn't stand my belly anymore and she gave me the advise to put a photo on the fridge. And that was the best thing I have ever done. It really keeps me motivated not to eat too much and to keep up doing sports!