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| Thu, 09-11-2008 - 3:20pm |
My name is Michele and I'm 34 years old (35 next month). I'm married to my DH for almost 8 years and I have a 4 yo DD, 13 yo SD and 14 yo SS.
A few year's ago I weighed 240 and was able to get down to 164 pounds using Richard Simmons and the firm. Eventually I went back to my old ways and although I don't have a scale in my house, I know I have put on about 30 pounds and I need to stop before it goes any further.
I'm sure like most of you, I have a lot of stress in my life. Plus, my job is extremely BORING. I have sat at my desk for 4 days and spent about a total of one hour working. While most people might find this job ideal, its really terrible. The more bored I get, the more I eat.
I recently joined a few message boards trying to pay down my debt and create a budget and the thing that always gets me is my junk food/lunchtime spending. I'm not going to say I'm fine at night but not nearly as bad as during the 8 hours I'm stuck behind this desk. I was going to ask them for advice on some yummy, interesting recipes but that is just silly. I really need to just lose weight and get myself back in control again. What better place than this board, I figured, and that is how I have ended up here.
My goal is to get down to about 150. I would love to be thinner but I'm being realistic. I also need to be realistic that it is going to take time to reach this goal so I'm giving myself a year to lose the 40 or so pounds.
Thanks for having me and I look forward to getting to know everyone.
Michele

Hi! Glad you feel you are ready to make a change. Here's a couple of tips that I have learned that are my best allies on my journey to better health.
1) I log everything. Everything I eat. Everything I drink. How many (8 oz) glasses of water I drank. How many minutes/miles of exercise I did. How many steps I took.
2) I wear a pedometer almost every day. The only days I don't is when my wardrobe is not one that will work well with it (like an a-line dress). I strive for a minimum of 10,000 steps per day. I don't always get it, but hey it's a goal. You can step in place, etc to increase your steps. It all counts and gets you more active. When you're bored, instead of snacking, get active.
3) Be prepared for your snack attacks with healthy alternatives. Fresh fruit/veggies, etc.
I'm sure I have more tips, but honestly right now I am absolutely exhausted! I did my workout this morning (I walked around the neighborhood for a total of 2 miles. And also have done an hour of cardio on my exercise bike...in front of the tv), and for some reason feel really drained today. So since I'm so tired, I can't think straight it seems. Lol. But for now, I hope these might help. For healthier recipes, here's another tip that I use: While I don't use Weight Watchers (I don't personally like or agree with the points system.
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Hi Michele, Welcome!
My name is Dawn, 37, in Minnesota, mommy to the two below, married 17 years.
I had my son in Dec. '06 and spent all of '07 losing the baby weight and then some. I lost 100 pounds, including baby (238 to 138) but have gained some back (see my ticker below). I am going to get back down to 140, that is where I feel the best, so I am back at it again.
Again, welcome. This board is the best place for motivation, inspiration and support!
~Dawn
Good afternoon, Michele, and WELCOME to our circle of buddies. Jump right in anywhere and make yourself at home!
Your story sounds very familiar (the losing/gaining cycle...not TRULY breaking bad habits). I am in the same boat. I was near goal weight 5 years ago, only to gain back 50+ pounds. I am now in a job I LOVE, but the food here is insanely abundant and over-the-top delicious (I work at a college that houses a culinary program/restaurant/grill/deli right below my office...yikes).
I LOVE your "realistic" attitude and approach. Are you exercising again? That is the one factor that is KEY to any success I have. I love Stott Walking Pilates, but also have an old school aerobics dvd that is a lot of fun.
Good luck in your efforts, and I hope you find what you need here and stick around! hugs,
Roni
Dieting Buddies
Hi, Michele!
Boredom is tough.
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