thecatlady

Hey all .

I have been struggling with my weight for as long as I can remember. I've read countless information about diets, nutrition, and fitness, and tried to educate myself as best I can to what I should/shouldn't do, and what is causing the excess weight.

From what I've learned, the best approach seems to be the one that is the most natural. Special diets and special diet foods often are not all they're cracked up to be, and I'd be doing myself a favor if I ate healthier and exercised regularly. I know I don't have to nibble on celery sticks and then spend 5 hours at the gym every day to be healthy; in fact, I know it's really not supposed to be all that difficult.

I just don't know why I can't do it, then. I am starting to feel hopeless. I had some minor success when I was 16 -- I lost 27 pounds, but then gained more back. I also had some success when I was 18 -- I ended up losing over 50 pounds, but....Yep. I gained it all back, plus some. For a reference point, I need to lose about 100 or more to be even close to where I should be.

It seems starting slowly has led to my success, and to not go too crazy with calorie-counting or rigid exercise programs. I really try to make eating healthy and exercising regularly as easy as possible, because really anything at all is better than the state I am in now. I am 21 years old and I can't even run around, I get out of breath going up steps, and I barely have enough energy each day to do all of the studying I need to for the pharmacy career I am pursuing.

I've gotten so hopeless that I'm now at the point where I can't even get started, no matter how slowly I begin. Any time I start to get into it, I just think -- even if I lose weight, I will just gain it all back, so it's pointless. Might as well keep on eating.

I don't have any real life friends anymore really, because I never have the energy to go out and do anything, but mostly because I am embarrassed to have people see me like this, especially people I knew in high school. I have some friends online I talk to regularly, on the phone and in chat, so I am not completely alone, but I really don't feel like the way I am living my life right now is helping.

Is the only answer to just one day get enough motivaton to kick myself into high gear, and keep on going? I am just completely running out of steam right now. Any advice would be very much appreciated, and I thank anyone in advance who reads/responds to this.

Scoobydoo061423

hello, im in the same place as you so we might be able to help each other out. im 5'4'' and was 250, im 21 as well and i know how collage is. its tough to do that bc thinking takes so much out of me too. i decide to go on a diet when i realize it would be good for my foot, i had surgary on it in january. i found something that is helping me alot. i eat special k ceral which is good and low in cals. plus i use jillian michelas dvds to workout with. i workout harder if i have to follow something. since march i have gotten down to 226 which isnt to bad bc i had hard time getting started. you just need to change little by little and soon enough it will be a part of life. like cut out pop and jucie, then bad snacking replace it with something better for you. just take it step by step and you will do find. yes there are days you will get off your diet then you just need to get on the wagon again. i hope this helps you little. wish you luck

Onalish

i've been there, eventually lost the weight, and now i'm right back where i started, but this time it's worse. however:

the best thing to do is to, first, don't be ashamed of how you look. staying cooped up is only going to depress you, which will make you eat more. plus, by going out and doing things, you will be getting a small amount of exorcise. activity is always a good thing when you are trying to lose weight. so don't be ashamed. so what, you've gained weight. it happens to everyone, and you are one of the people trying to fix it. if someone you used to know sees you and thinks "oh my god she looks like a cow," then screw them. their opinion matters to no one but them and the snobs they may or may not run around with. but more than likely, that won't happen. i bet a few of them have or are going through similar things. maybe even worse problems. but trust me, i have felt exactly the same way as you; you just have to get out there and get past the feeling of embarrassment.

second, try taking green tea tablets. if that doesn't work, try getting adipex. now, some people are unable to take adipex, i take it and am fine. it helps me IMMENSELY. if adipex and green tea fail, try keeping a dietary journal, which you might enjoy doing regardless.

go walking at least 4 times a week. once a day even, if possible. exorcise is key. but so is calorie intake.

if you are like me and your appetite is insane, then you might have an easier time by taking an appetite represent (sp?). just be sure that if you use one of those to still eat healthy.

niko

i completely agree with you that slow is the way to go. i know sticking with it really can be hard. the best way is to lose weight in ways you enjoy so you dont really feel like youre trying extra hard and get frustrated. the first thing you need to do is be happy with your body. be happy about who you are and accept the fact that youre over-weight. once you have accepted it, you should not feel bad when someone criticizes your weight. if someone does that you shouldnt waste your time thinking about the comment because you might be fat but at least youre not an !
the next step is exercising, you go a wonderful art museum that you love and walk for 2 hours in the hallways looking at beautiful paintings and *BAM* thats exercise. You go out for a stroll and enjoy the beauty of nature and *BAM* thats exercise. such creative little things will just make your daily routine more active, so you will be used to for activity.
after you feel like you have more energy in your everyday routine and dont get tired that easily, you should start exercising. start with 20 minutes a day if you really get tired. some basic stretching, maybe lift some weight (that are not too heavy). and the best is.....put on a song you love to dance to and......DANCE! you will enjoy it and it will be a bit of exercise. you should also read books that you will keep you busy because it will help you cut snacks. sometimes books get so interesting, you just have to read *one* more page before you reach for that snack you love. slowly increase the time you work out for and the types of exercise.
dieting has NEVER worked for me, you should eat what you like but sometimes just find some substitutes. like instead of drinking coke, drink diet coke or flavored water. instead of butter popcorn, eat regular popcorn. instead of chips, eat the quaker chips (the chedder ones are actually awesome!!)
one more thing--- buy clothes that you look and feel great in because they will help improve your confidence. if you are confident, a lot of people will look past your weight!