I gained 12 lbs since November 1st. So, in an attempt to avoid any further weight gain, which I cannot physically or emotionally afford, I have decided to be pro-active and instead of waiting for the traditional New Years resolution, I knew I had to do something NOW and REASONABLE. Not a quick weight loss fad or scheme, but something POSITIVE and HEALTHY.
So, I made a bold and daring move. I went to Weight Watchers this week and joined. It has been 25 years since I attended a W.W. meeting. I was a very obese teenager then and lasted on the program about 3 weeks. I think I will do much better now even as a very obese woman entering middle age.
Along the way from then to now, I have gained and lost a multitude of pounds and although several of my aunts and cousins have taken the weightloss surgery route I have refused and am determined to overcome my weight/eating problems with a sensible solution. Healthy eating, behaviour modification, habitual exercise, and using the sheer power of will.
I'm a long time fan of Kathleen, her show, and her books. I have yet to meet her but someday will as that is a goal as well as wearing a size 8/10 and being way below the 200 mark. The latter might take much longer than the other, since I have 150 pounds to lose to get to my goal. That's twice as much as Kathleen lost, so I think for now I will focus on losing 75 pounds. She is my role model on that and I know she did it and so can I.
The main reason I decided on W.W. is not only the well balanced programs they have always offered, but because I am not yet well established in the neighborhood and metro area where I live. I don't have the in-person support and accountability that I know I need. I am writing about this to you all as an additional network of support and accountability. I LOVE it that Kathleen is brutally honest and willing to expose her thoughts, feelings, and behavior, both the good the bad and the lazy temptations she faces and most of the time conquers. Plus the fact that she gives herself room to be REAL. You know, whenever you fall out of step, no matter where you are, jump right back in line and step it up!
I really enjoy this website. I learn so much from reading the topics on the main page and from the emails on the support boards. I hope to become friends with some of you and am excited to have and give support and encouragement.
[COLOR:PURPLE Anyone else here a Weight Watchers member? I am taking advantage of their new Turnaround program, although I am only on my 1st week and chose to begin with the Flex Points. It seems to be very similar to what Chef kathleen preaches and teaches. Everything in moderation and modification! If anyone here is doing W.W. perhaps we could buddy up online here and offer each other additional support and accountability. I will if you will! I'm really looking forward to living up to my name! [/COLOR]
Good luck with WW. I think you will like the Turnaround program.
I need to get back on track with WW myself, and I agree, now is the time and not Jan 1. Thanks for setting a good example -- I'm going to try to make a meeting this week.
----------- Jen
Posts: 2868 | Location: Ohio | Registered: March 11, 2004
Thanks to all of you for your encouragement and support! I was shocked when I logged in and saw so many posts. WOW! I know I did the right thing by reaching out to you all for help! I can't tell you enough how much I appreciate you already! Thank God I got on here and read these inspiring posts. I will check in on today's homework thread or the other Holiday thread and post something there daily if possible! Thanks Again! You all have made my weekend!
quote:Originally posted by p7eggyc: I decided to lose 10% of my weight because I had heard so many things about how many health benefits even that much lost gives even if you are still overweight.
10% worked really well for me, also. I "only" had 40 lbs to lose, but I felt soooo much better everytime I lost 10%. My cholesterol went down. My asthma improved. Every 10% was a real health milestone.
Denise
Posts: 8734 | Location: Silicon Valley, CA | Registered: March 17, 2004
Welcome to the Group! This is a great supportive place. I have known a few people who have had success with WW. I'm not currently on it. Good luck! Keep posting. I have found that posting and reading these boards have helped me.
Summer Se7en Challenge Goals
1. Binge control: no more than 2 times per week 2. Think positive and give credit for all the little successes 3. Go swimming
HealthyMe, Welcome! I think you are going to love this place and I hope you'll visit and post regularly.
I wanted to applaud your decision to start with the smaller weight loss. I found that to be one of the secrets of my success. I decided to lose 10% of my weight because I had heard so many things about how many health benefits even that much lost gives even if you are still overweight. For some reason, that gave me the leeway to say "I can do that" when losing 'all that weight' had stopped me so many times before. I've gone well past that 10% point and find myself ready to reach for a healthy BMI but if I'd had that goal right out of the gate I would've been totally intimidated.
Good luck with WW! I know so many people that has worked so well for!
[QUOTE]Originally posted by GoingSkiing: When they were passing out will power, I must have gotten into the line labeled "Stand here to collect your bag of rocks." QUOTE]
I'm LOL. I must have been in line right behind you Denise : )
Out of our beliefs are born deeds; out of our deeds we form habits; out of our habits grows our character; and on our character we build our destiny.
Congrats on taking two healthy steps this week. Introducing yourself here and joining WW.
I belong to WW. I joined last July. We sold our house and bought a new one and it was really stressful so I joined WW to get the extra accountibilty of seeing people in person and also some scale accountibility. It has worked really well for me. Like you said, moderation, portion control, etc.
I've been posting on KD's boards for about a year now. Really, I get most of my support here... WW is once a week, but this board is here for me 24/7! I really appreciate the support here.
quote:Originally posted by HealthyMe: Healthy eating, behaviour modification, habitual exercise, and using the sheer power of will.
When they were passing out will power, I must have gotten into the line labeled "Stand here to collect your bag of rocks." I just keep the pantry and cupboards "clean".
Just hang in there with the baby-steps! Post on the "Homework" thread every day or feel to free to join us over on the "Holiday Resolutions" thread.
PS I started posting just about this time last year and the support during the holidays and the week between Xmas and New Year really convinced me that I was in the right place!
Denise
Posts: 8734 | Location: Silicon Valley, CA | Registered: March 17, 2004
Welcome to our little world here. This board has been a constant source of strength and support for me in my own weight loss journey. I hope you settle in and stick around.
I did WW for a little while and think its a great program. I wish your success with it.
-- midwest neurotica @ starxlr8.com {comfort foods, cottage living & sweet old fashioned goodness}
Posts: 757 | Location: College Park, MD | Registered: March 17, 2004
I think that your idea is absolutely what the docs ordered. Why wait? I have to ask myself that, too. Am I secretly giving myself permission to eat out of control until Jan 1. Nope, I am going to follow your lead. Our next meeting in on Wed. and I plan to be there.
thanks for being proactive and having the courage to make it happen for you! Way to go, girl!
Cathy J
It's never too late to get it right.
Posts: 3473 | Location: Central USA | Registered: March 11, 2004
Welcome, HealthyMe...if you've already been reading the board, then you know what a treasure trove of information and support it is. Ask questions whenever you have them and we'll do our best to help you toward your goal.
Personal Healthy Habits Challenge - 10/1 to 12/31/08: 1. Exercise: Get back to consistently working out 3-5 X week. 2. Food: Get back to consistently preparing healthy lunches for the week with increased veg servings. 3. Behavior: Reduce intake of sweets.
Posts: 7353 | Location: Rehoboth Beach, DE | Registered: March 12, 2004
Thanks for setting a good example -- I'm going to try to make a meeting this week.
