Ummmmm, where is the delete button? I totally wish I hadn't posted this.

Whine, whine. I just need to pull back from the table & get off my arse!

Smiles:)

I am in the - I need to lose at least 20 lbs.- camp since the birth of my 9 year old. I do good and then stall back out. I am really good at maintaining :) but not losing. I am not an emotional eater, but like sweets and big meals. I exercise religiously for a couple years, look good, and slide backwards.

I will commiserate with you, but am not thin, so I don't have any sage wisdom in that area. I am like you, and am spending some time thinking about what needs to be done, and how I will manage to get it done this time for good.

I often joke that I will be successful on my weight loss attempt,...When the moon of Saturn rises and the planets align...!!! But really, it does seem that way, something inside me clicks, and I'm focused and able to stay regimented. It doesn't seem to work on demand sadly.

I have come a long way on isolating things that work for me, and things that don't, and I'm really afraid that sugar and baked goods may have to be eliminated from life entirely, much like an alcoholic. But hey- It's my last vice, I really hate to go that route, UGH!

I think it's helpful to talk about what works for others and tricks they use to keep them focused, in order to put a game plan together.

I will say knowing your weaknesses and having strategies to maneuver around them is a major key for me. I know without a doubt, that a set time, and place for exercise is a must for me because I procrastinate awful at home.

I also try to modify my eating with food I already eat and enjoy, I resent making weird strange food plans that do not satisfy my taste buds, and seem hard to shop for and prepare.

Weight loss almost has to be all consuming in order to be successful, and sadly I tend to get bored with it all, so charts and eating logs do help. I like Fitday.com because it allows you to input your exercise and food intake.

I also struggle with depression Scooby, I 'm sure you know those negative voices have to constantly be monitored and corrected. I wonder if that is why the law of attraction, (aka The Secret) is so powerful. It keeps your mind focused and positive at the same time? I need to re-read that book and try to apply those principles to weightloss.

I just want to be done with this way of life, and be a maintainer, I'm good at that. :)

Don't fret, I'm glad you posted. My arse is getting to be the size of Jaun Velez's pack horse on those coffee commercials, I need some company, and help myself!

I am so glad you posted this, scooby! I am another one who was always too thin, but for me the weight gain didn't come until my 50s. I, too, have terrible eating habits since I never had to worry-actually, I always wanted to gain since I never did get the curves. Now, I have them, but not quite where I wanted them-lol.

Neverending made a lot of good points. My doctor suggested anti-depressants for me, but I am waiting six months to see if I can pull myself out of this funk.

The only exercise I get is walking the dogs (and running in place every time they stop to sniff) and I HAVE to MAKE myself do that every morning before I leave for school. Needless to say, I haven't done it as faithfully during vacation.

If you can find a friend or neighbor or even the parent of one of your child's friends (who is probably in the same boat, but not talking about it) to walk with or attend a class with, that might make it easier and it is definitely more fun. I know when I got my DH to attend a class with me, we were both really good about going. Then, his knees and joints started acting up and we both quit.

Now, I am trying to get myself psyched for a yoga class, but I know if it isn't close by and it isn't convenient, I won't go. At this point, I'm thinking those pills might help me get over that hurdle of not starting or finishing anything.

Not much help, except to say you aren't alone. Find a buddy, get a dog, join a dance class with your husband, put on your favorite music and dance the blues away (or clean the house to it)! I think if we can find at least one thing every day that makes us move, smile, laugh, we are on the right track-even if those jeans are too tight. Maybe we need to just buy the next size and relax.

I'm 50, a size 8....not a bean pole. I do not rely on anyone to motivate me, no pills or organic additives. I exercise on my own most days, with DH on weekends, occasionally a girlfriend goes with me, but not often. :0) This has to be a lifestyle and something "you" want. Do it for yourself. :0) Use good sense. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables. Yogurt with oatmeal sprinkled on it or an egg with salsa. Portion control. For a quick snack eat a chocolate pudding cup, a dill pickle, a carrot, caramel rice cake or fist full of trail mix. Keep these healthy snacks on hand.

Life is good! :0) You can do it!

I can relate to how you feel. For a long time, I just didn't care, and food tasted soooo good.

But I finally reached a weight that I knew had to be my tops, and I found out my blood sugar levels were high, so I decided to change. And I changed the way I eat so that I wouldn't get full blown diabetes. It was a real wake-up call.

A year later, and I'm still not at my goal weight, and with some recent things in my life, I'm not eating well lately, but hope to get started back again soon.

What you're going through is quite commonplace, and you shouldn't feel bad about yourself, even though I know that's hard, too. When you decide you want to change, you will find a way. Until then, realize you haven't made that decision and don't feel guilty about it. I hope your posting this makes you feel better about yourself.

I lost 40 lbs over a period of two years- 19 years ago at the age of 34( from a size 16 to a 6 and kept it off for 16 years.I changed the way I ate - eating low fat foods and healthy and began exercising. Oh yeah I gave up chocolate, I was eating 1/4 lbs of M&Ms a night and more on weekends. I figured it took years to put it on and it would take time to take it off.
3 years ago I began gaining it back- minor health problems kept me from regular exercise( powerwalking) and I started menopause.I gained about 50 lbs.
I find that antidepressants help with my menopause symptoms of mood swings and hot flashes. Another benefit is that they haved been proven to somewhat help chronic pain without narcotics- which I want to avoid.
If you need to take them, then do it for yourself.I began losing weight about 6 weeks after I began taking the medicine.I know I have lost a bit too lately after my spine surgery- liquid diet and painkillers will do that for you.
BTW lexapro is often prescribed to relieve menopause symptoms,and is wonderful for that, but is not weight neutral.
Anyway, when you decide you want to feel healthy again, that will be your motivation. And if you need antidepressants to get you moving- no matter the reason- so what? It is so hard to function- much less exercise, when the brain chemicals are out of balance. Don't beat yourself up over it. Oh snd I still don't eat chocolate.

I am 43 and have been thin most of my life. The exception was in college when I gained the required freshman year poundage. :) I am the kind of person who pigs out big time - I'm not proud of this, but I can buy a bag of Hershey Kisses or candy bars or whatever and they're gone within the day. I try not to do that very often, though, although it's still probably too regular a thing.

This is what helps me:

1. When I overeat junk, I skip the next meal or two to compensate. I may have a piece of fruit or toast or a small bowl of cereal, but I don't eat a regular meal.

2. I rarely eat meat. I rarely eat heavy sauces. I try to eat cheese, which I love, in moderation. We don't usually stock chips or other temptations in the house. If we don't have them, we can't eat them.

3. If I need to lose a few pounds, I quit eating ALL junk for as long as it takes. Often, I can lose weight by not eating any junk whatsoever and simply eating regular meals. AFter several days of this, it's easier than it sounds, and I'm a regular snacker.

4. Eat high fiber food, because it fills you up.

5. My husband and I did the South Beach Diet a couple of years ago because he needed to lose several pounds and it worked great! After the first couple of weeks, it becomes less difficult - we felt we stopped thinking about food all the time.

6. Develop new hobbies. Instead of sedentary hobbies, pick up one or two that keep you moving. I have noticed that among my thin friends, almost all of them like to hike, cross country ski, ride bikes or whatever - to them these are fun activities. They don't do them for a work out, but for enjoyment.

7. If junk food is a problem, eat it last. I try to eat a full meal, complete with several servings of fruit and veggies and a decent amount of water. If I want a snack after all of that, I'll have one - but it's usually much less than if I had "saved room" for the snack.

As someone said above, eating and exercise you enjoy need to be lifestyle, not something you do for a short time to lose a few pounds.

Hope something here helps!

For me it starts at the grocery store. You can't eat it if you don't have it. And I don't bake very often. My mother baked every day, but she also has the most willpower of anyone I know. Sometimes I feel guilty that my kids aren't always greeted with a fresh cookie at the end of the day, but I'm trying to get over that mom guilt.

Exercise in cold weather. Spend more time in cold temperatures, if possible. Your body has to work harder to keep heated.

Fresh vegetables for munchies when you're hungry, cooking dinner, etc. I often substitute "appetizer" veggies for an actual veggie course, since I like raw veggies better anyway. Then I fill up (moderately) on low-cal food before dinner even starts.

Stand up more. Take the stairs. Park farther away. All those are things that don't take the time commitment of going to the gym, which can be really difficult to fit into our lives at times. (I always get into great shape before skiing, in Sept-Nov, then December hits and with the holidays and related activities, I lose it all. Grrrr. Well, not all, but a lot.)

Vary your exercise. I think studies have shown that your body adapts to what you're doing and you don't get the same benefits anymore. Plus, it's easier to not get bored.

I, so , appreciate your responses. I was feeling so down last nite ~ looking at pictures from the holidays as I was eating the rest of the chocolates.

When I lived in town, I was at the gym. Since it is a 30 min drive now, it is not convenient or keeping clothes in my car at all times for when I do get a hour break in town. Thinkin' about a piece of home cardio - I ride bikes in the summer & swim at home. But, maybe I should get out and freeze!!

I try to buy food for my DS that I won't eat - he loves salt and vinegar chips - I don't!! Definately need more fresh veggies & fruits.

It just feels like such a battle ~ so much easier just to say ~ enjoy life, don't worry about the size you are just as long as you are healthy.

I need exercise - I know it is so good for my state of mind, too. Depression sucks but antidepressants make it so much better.

All in all, life IS good. Just have to face my demons with food & weight.

Thanks for listening to me.

Smiles:)

I've got two words for you - Hula Hoop!

Here is a link that might be useful: Hula Hoop thread

Oh Scooby - I've felt the same way for about the past 9mos!

I was never bean pole skinny and a very sturdily built gal. While in the Marine Corps I was always w/in 5lbs of my maximum weight even during boot camp. It became such a burden that it was one of my deciding factors to leave the Corps when my contract was up. I knew that as I got older it would be harder.

I know it sounds dumb but I have big leg and butt muscles. I was often asked to consider female bodybuilding when I worked out at a certain gym. I even had one boyfriend point out that I would have made an awesome speed skater. I broke up w/ him.

At 5'5" I have always packed a large amount of weight onto my frame whether fully physically fit or fat.

In 2002 I lost 47 pounds at Weight Watchers when I was 32yrs old and childless. Between WW and going to the gym 2-3X's/wk doing a simple but vigorous run on the treadmill for 30min. or the Eliptical Trainer I got down to 137lbs and met my goal weight. They had to re-adjust my goal weight up because they could see all my muscle and that the scale wasn't budging.

Then I was in a car accident a few months later.

Then major abdominal surgery a few months after that.

Then a C-Section the following yr.

And another one.

And another one since 2002.

I feel so sick everytime I look at myself. I can't bear it.

I led DS1's Kindergarten class in a project right before Christmas and it was pajama day so I wore my jammies. I overheard one of the boys whisper 'His mom's fat'. I was surprised (but knew it was true) since they all know me and see me but always in regular clothes and I have so many Kindergarten boyfriends. But maybe that's because I always bake cupcakes for them - which would also explain my weight. Here I thought they wanted to marry me becuase they thought I was pretty. I guess in a Kindergarten boys eye, beauty is in the form of a woman that bakes cupcakes for you! She's a Betty Crocker centerfold instead of a Playboy centerfold!

I've vowed to go back to my Weight Watchers program since I know that works for me (even though my whole body has changed since then - I still think it's the healthiest) and I've vowed to use the gym at work during lunch breaks on Monday's and Wednesdays.

Maybe we should somehow keep this thread alive and help eachother out throughout the upcoming year.

I'm also checking out that hula hoop!

hula hooping is good; I've also read recently about a new approach to cardio training called HIIT, or high-intensity interval training. It's to work yourself up sprinting or whatever for, say, 30 secs, then take a 15 sec. rest. Then 30 secs. sprinting (or jumping jacks, arms all the way up and down), then 15 rest. Do that maybe 15 times in a row. The rev up-rev down pattern is supposed to burn more and keep you burning longer than a constant up of that same length of time.

here's more detail. I've just started, to try to get rid of a huge spare tire I accumulated in the past 6 mos, somehow (I have no ability to eat all the stuff I make for my family :(), so I'll post updates if anyone's interested.

(Last night, though, I had a full-on endless aerobic workout, as a sudden snowstorm made our family have to park our car 1.5 miles away from our house and hike back in almost white-out conditions. We were lucky--lots of folks, hundreds, evidently, had to abandon their vehicles on the *highways*. Compared to HIIT, I really didn't like the constant exertion :), still recovering today, although I guess it's good I could do it and not have a heart attack, given my history...)

Here is a link that might be useful: An end to endless aerobic dance tapes? or miles on the treadmill?

I had a gym membership but I had too many excuses for not going, so I started recording exercise shows on TV -- I think the channel we get is called Fit-TV but I'm sure there are others depending on your location and cable company. Totally free, and in the comfort of my own home! In addition, for Christmas DH "gave" me a personal trainer. I just started this week, but this guy is going to come here once a week and show me weight exercises to do and I have high hopes that the $$ and the accountability will finally get me into a regular exercise routine.

As far as the eating goes, that is a tough one. Since I turned 40 five years ago, I've gained 10 lbs. on my 5'2" frame. Every time I look in the mirror I see a dumpy middle-aged lady, and I hate it. Maybe I should put a full-length mirror on my fridge, LOL. My goal for the moment is to just avoid junk and sweets, eat 3 good meals a day, and drink a lot of water (or decaf tea, which is my preference during New England winters!). I need to focus on eating more fruits and veggies and less sugar and empty carbs.

I think it also helps to have a goal in mind, either specific or general. This spring, I have our 20th anniversary (celebrating w/ a trip to Paris!) and my son's high school graduation, and I'm determined to not be a "fat" wife/mom for either event. I also have borderline high blood pressure that I hope to control through diet and exercise.

scooby, I just realized you asked about people who are thin! Guess I just used this opportunity to blab about my own issues, but hopefully it helps to know you're not alone.

One thing I may try again is jogging. Not the way you might expect though. Bear in mind, I am 57, almost 58 years old at this point. A couple of years ago, I decided I had to lose some weight and get into better shape. I HATE exercising, though. I decided that, instead of sitting, reading the paper, watching Oprah, and eating when I got home from school, I would run in place. At first, I could last only through the commercial breaks-plenty of time to rest in between. I finally got to the point where I was running the whole hour of the Oprah show. It was great! I don't think I lost much weight, but I did lose some-I now want to lose about 15-20 pounds, but it may be more muscle tightening I need at this point since I'm not really overweight. I think I feel heavy because the scale tells me I am as heavy as I was when I was nine month pregnant! Maybe if I try the Oprah/jogging again.

I do think we should keep this thread going. You are all such positive, supportive (albeit imaginary-lol) friends.

You know, I forgot to mention something in my post above. So in the interest of full disclosure, I should say that even though I'm thin, my body fat percentage actually makes me obese. I'm about 5'4" and 115 pounds, but 40% of my body is fat, which according to the "expert" who did the skin fold testing, puts me in the obese category. So being thin isn't necessarily healthy.

I am getting on the bandwagon and pledging to work out more this year. I will make the time to be healthier, and my goal is a 9 minute/mile 5K in May. For anyone else interested in starting a running regimen, I highly recommend the Couch to 5K program: www.c25k.com. It's a super easy way - enjoyable even - to run.

Kimberly

kimberly, how can you be 40% fat at 115?! I don't even understand that. I'm wondering if the person who measured you just got it wrong.

Saw a useful comment in a health article recently: having good willpower isn't so much about being mentally tough or focused, it's being good at eliminating obstacles to make reaching your goals easier. People with good willpower are better than most at removing the little roadblocks in their way.

So I've tossed out most of the Xmas goodies friends gave us. The birds and squirrels need the calories more than I do.

flyleft, after they first got that reading, they had someone else try and that person came up with the same number. Actually, I think it was more like 36%, but I rounded up. Granted, skinfold testing isn't the most accurate way to measure body fat percentage, but I believe mine is high, no matter how I slice it. I was told I'm a thin fat person.

I simply have a lot of fat on my body and not very much muscle. If I worked out a lot, I'd gain more muscle and therefore, my fat percentage would go down. I'd tone up, but my body wouldn't look a lot different, I don't believe. Which is precisely my plan going forward.

Ah, I see. I *bet* they were surprised, as you describe. I know that when I exercise and build muscle, I sometimes *gain* weight, rather than lose it, even though my clothes fit better. Maybe that will happen with you--I've trained myself not to freak out when it happens but to remember the big picture. Weight is definitely only one factor of the whole equation.

Here's a fascinating NPR podcast on interval training and why exercise doesn't necessarily lead to weight loss (long story short: you need interval training). The podcast might need a few seconds to completely connect/buffer.

Here is a link that might be useful: interval training & why exercise doesn't always lead to weight loss

Kimberly, if you tone up, you may actually gain weight since muscle weighs more than fat, but I suspect that at the same time, you WILL look different and your clothes will fit differently as you tone.

I am glad you posted this too! This is a subject that is always on my mind, and especially at this time of year. I am at my all time highest weight. I actually weigh more than I did right after having my son. I can't bear to look in the mirror. I have closets full of clothes that don't fit.

I have done WW in the past with good results. Exercise helps a little, but for me, I have to really restrict what I eat in order to lose weight at all. I just don't have the willpower to stay with feeling deprived and limited on what I can eat for very long. I love food...and especially all the "bad" stuff. I joke that I could easily become a "carbotarian", and just eat bread, pasta, potatoes, etc. And I looove Mexican food.

Anyway, I feel pretty out of control, and I'm starting yet another New Years effort to eat less and exercise more!! Good luck to us all...

You have gotten great tips. I like the interval training and walk about 5 mi. everyday. Try to shop only the perimeter of your grocery. Fresh and interesting salads you can make when you have a free minute will keep for about a week. Eat a salad before your meals, it will help you feel a bit more full before you start on your main course.

Another good tip is not to use a full size dinner plate. Americans have some crazy notions about portion size. You might see a big difference just changing portion size along with what you eat.

I've never been a night eater, but understand there are many who love a little something late. Try a few almonds (just a few!), piece of hard cheese, etc. if you must have something late.

I heard something on the radio on NYD. A doctor was saying not to make crazy unattainable weight loss resolutions. Not gaining weight is an achievement. Set reasonable expectations. Many people who want to lose weight don't because they are overwhelmed at the amount they need to lose. Make a lifestyle change and you will see a huge difference. Try to be more active and eat less processed foods.

Lastly, the thing you need least is to beat yourself up. At the end of each day, count the positive things, it may just change the way you think when you wake in the morning.

Best of luck in 2010.

Here are some other ideas to try -

Wear a pedometer or step counter: this has made a big difference to me. It motivates me to move more so that I meet my self-imposed daily step goal. When I don't hit my minimum of 10,000 steps then I move more the next day to compensate. If you're the competitve type, get family & friends to also wear one and then out do them.

Keep a food diary: seeing it written down helps make you aware of every bite. It makes you really see what you are eating (like those crusts from your kid's sandwiches or the 15 Hershey kisses) and what you're not eating (like enough fruit or water).

Eat mindfully: Really taste, smell and appreciate the appearance of your food for deeper satisfaction, and possibly, fewer but more satisfying calories.

Join a weight loss group: Many find the combination of spending money and the semi-public accountability to be helpful. I've used Wt Watchers but there are many options. Or start your own with friends & family. Charge dues & let people earn the money back if they are successful.

Don't sit when you can stand. Don't stand when you can walk. Don't walk when you can run: In other words, GET MOVING.

Everyone agrees that it is hard, hard, hard to find time to exercise if you don't really enjoy it. But it is so important to exercise for strength & flexibility & endurance. Find something you can tolerate and do it. Make. The. Time.

Do it for you. It's your health and future. Take charge. Today. And if you slip up, start again with the next meal or next work-out session. Don't wait until the next Monday. Or 2 weeks before your class reunion. Start right now.

Ohhhhhhh, thank you so much.

I used to love interval training!! And boot camp! There was a woman at the gym that took me under her wing - she was a personal trainer & she taught me how to use the "guy area" I got down to 18% body fat! That's the thing - I used to LOVE going to the gym & working out. Now, I am a blob!!

My DH just ordered us an elliptical for the house. Praying it doesn't become a clothes hanger - it is going right in my bedroom - don't care if it is ugly or not!! My free weights are going in there, too.

Ttodd - mentioned abdominal surgery & C-sections - OH goodness that will destroy a stomach, won't it!! Even when I was working out all the time - I still had the pouch above the c-section scar. OB's should offer a little tuck after they deliver that baby :)

I like that about willpower - eliminating the obstacles. Today the kids had cookies in the car - one didn't finish and handed it to me. I threw it out the window so I wouldn't munch on it!!

I was sooooo down in the dumps the other night as I was finishing off that box of chocolates but I'm getting my groove on.

If anyone wants to keep up with how we are doing.....I'm game.

We can do this. I am not expecting to look like a swimsuit model - I just don't want back fat :) Next winter I will not wear one single vest to cover myself!! OMG 40 & flabby sucks!! Toned & healthy is where I am headed:)

Smiles:)

Scooby, you really need to try hula hooping. Not only is it fun, but it works! I have even been able to get rid of back fat/bra bulge. Sometimes I'll pick up my hoop, thinking that I'll put in 15 minutes or so, and then next thing I know a half hour has gone by. My body fat went from 28.9% to 19.1% in about 3 months, thanks mostly to hooping.

Here is a link that might be useful: Another hoop thread

"If anyone wants to keep up with how we are doing.....I'm game. "

Yes, scooby! I would love your company.

In 2008-2009, menopause and a big house renovation project derailed my weight loss success from previous years. So I'm starting from scratch again. I'm using a calorie counter called Diet Power. Like hhireno says about food diaries, it makes you see exactly what & how much you're eating and what you're not eating. I've lost 10 pounds since Halloween, but stalled over Christmas. No more holidays, thank goodness. 30 more pounds to go.

I'm also trying to take my fitness to a higher level. Yesterday I went to my first spinning class. Ay yi yi... I really pushed it in class, came home totally energized and excited, then after an hour, crashed! I was completely wiped out for the rest of the day. But that's just what I need twice a week. The other days are devoted to step aerobics, my cheapo elliptical (not fancy, but effective), and easing back into a little running.

DH & I have some ambitious bike trips planned this year, so I've got to take some of the weight off and get in better cardio condition. The weight loss will be key.

I'm in...

I went to the gym today. I normally go 4-5 times a week but used house guests & a little cold as excuses to skip it too often over the past month.
I recorded my 8 pounds too high weight on my calendar to document the need for a change.
I will order a hula-hoop (terriks, you had me at back fat/bra bulge).
I will not make another loaf of pumpkin bread - it's too tempting to mindlessly snack on if it's here taunting me. My visiting siter and niece love it but they don't have 8 pounds to lose. Healthier, mindful eating starts NOW, not Monday after they leave.

I just ordered the hula hoop, Terriks. What fabulous results you've had!!
My elliptical will be here in 2 weeks so I've got to figure out something to do at home until then & it is way toooooooo cold for me - we're expecting snow in the South!!

I went and stocked up on fruits and veggies yesterday.

Question - Are any of you familiar with Lenny's sub shops? I love their turkey sub on wheat with lots of crunchy veggies - is it healthy without the cheese & mayo?

Spinning class.....Love it!! Are you haunches sore????

So, I guess we should start a check-in thread for anyone interested ~ maybe check-in once a week with each other.

We can, so, do this:)

Smiles:)

Hi scooby, no my haunches aren't sore! I'm so happy about that! But that's because I've been working like a fiend for two months with step aerobics & indoor/outdoor biking,and my leg strength is very good. My big problems are excess weight, and cardio isn't up to snuff. I had to take a break during the spinning class after 20 minutes to catch my breath, and eased off the tension setting during the last half. Losing weight will help with endurance (improved strength to weight ratio).

See you over in your new thread :)