New to this board, suggestions plz?

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Registered: 03-27-2003
New to this board, suggestions plz?
7
Fri, 03-26-2004 - 8:42pm
I'm very overweight, 5'8", 365 lbs and I'm not doing too well with it. I'm always out of breath, just generally in bad shape. Any suggestions on diets that work and aren't hard to do with a baby and a husband who won't diet with you? I've about had it with myself. It's a serious issue with me, there is so much heart disease and diabetes in my family that I'm scared I won't make it to 50. I lost during my pregnancy and thought it would be a great start after my son was born, but slowly and surely I've ballooned. Thanks!

Jo, mom to David 7mos
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Registered: 11-04-2003
Fri, 03-26-2004 - 9:31pm

Congrats on your new baby!!!!

 
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Registered: 03-26-2003
Fri, 03-26-2004 - 10:45pm
Congrats on the new baby Jo!

  Shawna-- Proud Cl for 100 Pounds or More to Go 

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Registered: 02-17-2004
Sat, 03-27-2004 - 1:06am
Hi Jo and Welcome. Congrats on your new baby too. I understand how you feel. I just got to a point where I was tired of being out of breath and unhealthy feeling. I personally am on Atkins and it is a bit difficut having to cook for the guy I live with and myself considering he's not on the plan. I'm cooking twice as much. Don't think that would be easy for you and your family. I think Shawna is right about WW for you. You can basically eat almost anything (well not the bad stuff!) and your husband probably even won't notice. My sister is on WW and has 3 kids and a husband and has no problem at all...they eat the same thing she does. Do some research and check out the plans and see what's best for you. There are also a lot of ladies here who aren't on any specific plan but just make adjustments and cut out soda, sweets, fast food etc...and are doing quite well. Good luck to you!!!

Kerry

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Registered: 03-20-2004
Sat, 03-27-2004 - 10:27am
Hi,

Nice to meet you. It can be hard with a baby in the house, and the fact your husband "won't eat with you" can be a liberating thing, if you let it be. I mean, you can eat as you choose while gaining control again, instead of trying to accommodate his favorite foods etc.

So here's what I'd do (and have done) if I were in a similar position. Take baby steps. You may not be ready to run a marathon right now, but take a little walk (as best you can) and try to do that every day at least five days a week. Maybe at first it will only be five minutes, but try to work your way up to 30 minutes eventually. And as far as food is concerned, start with your next meal and leave a spoonful or two on your plate. That food left behind can really add up and so it might be fun to calculate the calories you left behind. And starting with you next meal, make some conscious choices to put more healthy choices on your plate.

I'm going to sound like a walking book advertisement (since I mentioned this particular writer 3-4 times already this morning). But yesterday I bought Kathleen Daeleman's book "Cooking Thin with Chef Kathleen" and I read it cover-to-cover without stopping...I was really jazzed. If I could recommend one book to you, I'd say try to go to your local public library and see if they have a copy of this book you can check out. If not, maybe read it in your local bookstore. Our Barnes and Noble has comfy couches and it's possible to read the first 70 pp or so with a glass of plain iced coffee or tea. A nice outing for you, and I think that book might be a big help to you. I loved it anyway...and now that I've recommended it so broadly here!

Good luck to you. This is ENTIRELY DOABLE. One day at a time really does add up to your success!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Sat, 03-27-2004 - 10:53am
You sound a lot like me! My top weight was 313, which, since I'm 3 inches shorter than you, is probably equivalent. I've been "heavy" since my first daughter was born 11 years ago, hanging in around 200 pounds. Then my second was born 5 years ago, and during my pregnancy my weight went up to 250. After she was born I lost 35 pounds doing a low-carb diet and walking...but then SOMEHOW my weight crept back up...and up...and up. WOW! How does that happen when you're not looking? Anyway, I decided a month ago that it was really time...in the past five years I've done several short term low-carb diets (Atkins,South Beach, Carbohydrate Addicts) and they never work long term because I can't stick with them. THIS time I decided to just eat sensibly - a real emphasis on healthier eating and eliminating junk food. This is easy to do in a house full of "normal" eaters - it was always a challenge cooking no-carb food that my kids and DH would eat, or else making 2 meals. For exercise, I have a stationary bike and a pair of five pound hand weights. I alternate every day - the bike for half an hour to an hour, and the basic strength-training workout. I have thyroid problems so my loss is incredibly slow - but you'll probably have an easier time than me!

Stasia

313/296/140
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Registered: 12-20-2003
Sat, 03-27-2004 - 9:36pm
Eating right is tough when your hubby isn't doing it with you, but I agree with the baby steps post... try just cutting out fast foods, or even sodas, if you drink them a lot. Then just go from there. Cutting out things one at a time. You might even be able to sneak this in on your husband. =)

One thing I would STRONGLY reccommend is walking. Load the baby up in the stroller, and take a walk! My mom is your height and she used to weigh about 360, 365. She first inspired me to lose weight. Anyway, when she first started walking, she could only get to the end of the block, about 3 houses down. Slowly, she started going a little further, until she started doing a mile a day! She's lost about 140 pounds since then. She doesn't have internet, though, or else you'd see her here. =)

The most important thing is determination, and it looks like you've arrived at the point where you've made up your mind. That's a GREAT place to be. Just don't ever change your mind, like I did. I lost 50 pounds, then got comfortable, and now I'm right back where I started. So, stick to it, we'll all be here cheering you on.

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-26-2003
Sat, 03-27-2004 - 9:52pm
Well, I am new to the board as well and I have just been getting suggestions from everyone and I am sure they have all told you to either count carbs or cut portions....that is what I am going to try to do.

I lost with my pregnancy as well and I was so happy that maybe I could keep it up after my son was born and within 4 months I gained 50lbs and 30 of it was gained in one month! I understand what you mean with your family having health problems. My mother just found out she became dibetic and so is my grandma, two uncles and an aunt and there is also alot of heart problems as well, so it scares me to even think that I am next in line.

I find it hard to become motivated when you feel like there is no point since the weight just keeps coming and never going! I want to be thinner and happier but I am so depressed that it kinda counter acts those feelings.

If you would like, we could always talk through email and do a buddy thing since I just about ready to start this 'new' lifestyle to be healthy and lose weight. I find for myself that I better when I have a support and when they know what it is like. Feel free to email me because I have been looking for someone who is in the same boat as me. Well, if you would like to do that via email, here it is:

BabyLiam1002@WMConnect.com