kick in the pants

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-29-2007
kick in the pants
6
Sat, 06-30-2007 - 12:31am

okay ladies, I need a hand.

I am 43 have literally let myself go over the last 3 years and need to climb back out. After a lifetime of fitness I got clobbered with debilitating migraines that left me out of work, confined to bed and on meds that made my hair fall out, gave me the shakes and had me gain 35 pounds. (oh and "dont get pregnant" while you are taking it says my doc...quite the optomist given the balding, fat, shaking model he had just explained.)

Okay, so finally got past the headaches (knock on wood), back at work - new job 6mos love it but lots of national travel. , and on "normal' medication ...the whole losing hair thing just kicked me over the edge.

Rebuilding my life here and could use a positive support group to help me on the get healthy wagon. Suddenly find myself being the "fat chick in the room". When/ how and who is that person in the mirror. My two children 9 and 6 actually like it on some level "because I now make a better pillow" cant say that my husband is in that same camp.

I need to BEGIN. Formal excercise is a challenge (business travel and children) but isnt it for everyone. Want to be healthy for my children and frankly need to get my wind back just to catch up. Would love some motivating suggestions on getting started. Especially, thoughts on good "boards" to visit...I need the rigor of a formal check in. As well as any comments on good family activities...way more fun than the gym.

thanks. Looking forward to getting to "know" you.
Darci

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-02-2005
Sat, 06-30-2007 - 8:40am
Good morning Darci and welcome to the FOF board........lets say sorry about those last 3 years you described. I am glad to read that you are feeling better and ready to get your life back together as you said. First off 35 pounds is really not that much (I need to loose about the same by the way) but it is difficult nonetheless. Having said that you need to look at the entire picture. What kind of eating do you do? Do you follow an diet program? Healthy eating to me is the starting point. I currently do WW and I find my weekly meetings helpful and encouraging. I find lots of support there from my community members and my family members (my MIL and my husbands aunt go with me). Water..........do you drink water? You should be consuming 8 to 10 glass each day, especially with this summer season upon us. The colder the water the more it helps boost your metabolism. Your work and home schedule I am sure are going to make it difficult to exercise but they are doable. How about a local gym or YMCA that you could join as a family? Bike riding is always good, do you and your children have bikes? A local school track, would the kids run/walk with you? Invest in some hand held weights and use them at night while watching the TV. While away most places now have gym facilities.........walking on the treadmill, doing the eliptical machine or swimming in the pool. If you are looking for a support group this is about as good as it gets. I am sure others will tell you the same thing but we are real. We come from all over the US and Canada..........we range from early 40's and up...........some of us are fit as a fiddle while others struggle with those unwanted pounds............some jog and some dance for exercise...........but the one thing we all have in common here is support and pretty much daily contact. I find this place is an extension of myself and the friendships I have here could never be replaced or forgotten. We have had 2 get togethers in the last several years, one in the Carolinas and the other in Washington, DC. Please stick around and get to know us better, we look forward to getting to know you.

cl-Deb

cl-Deb

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-03-2001
Sat, 06-30-2007 - 11:26am
Hi Darci and welcome to the board. I get migraines and

Miss P




 

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-08-2001
Sat, 06-30-2007 - 11:48am

Hi Darci and welcome to the board. The past 3 years must have been a tremendous struggle for you but glad to hear that you're feeling better.

Walking, bike riding would all be great family activities. If there is a Y near you I'm sure there would be all kinds of activities for the adults as well as the kids. Weights are another great place to start and doesn't involve a lot of time for the time challenged.

Water, portion control and what you're eating are all other things that can help you along. Just don't try to do everything at once as it can be frustrating and overwhelming.

This is a wonderful board of women who truly are here for each other. Whether it be fitness issues, questions or the trials and tribulations of everyday life everyone is always here to offer their support.

Hope you'll be sticking around here!

Susan

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-20-2005
Sat, 06-30-2007 - 1:31pm

Welcome, Darci!

Donna

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Sat, 06-30-2007 - 2:24pm
Welcome, Darci.
Katherine (Kat)
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-27-2001
Sun, 07-01-2007 - 8:16am
Welcome Darci.
Nancy

"Make Choices that bring you joy"  cl-Patty