Diets & Weight Maintenance Support Group

I'm not in the Denver area, but I can relate to you in that I'm also short (5'2") have a SKINNY husband who eats what he wants, and I just started losing again after I hit 150. I've seen it before, and it always scares me into losing for a time. I'm done having kids, so this is THE LAST time I will be losing the weight. If you need someone to help you stay on track, I'm here to support you! Let me know!

Since you are just dating...I wonder if you are with the right partner? It is a shame that you already live together, that makes it so much more difficult.

Your doctor should have warned you about what to expect when changing meds...it is a very difficult adjustment.

But if he brings out the worst in you, and he is exhibiting the worst in himself as well, then, that is not good for the long haul.

So, who does the encouraging? What are your goals?

Partners should balance each other out, he props you up when you need it and you prop him up when he needs it...if both are always down at the bottom, how can you possibly get back up and make a life and family that will need that strength?

Dating is for deciding what you want and don't want in a spouse and that works two ways.

The meds can be a factor in weight gain also. Start keeping a daily food diary with calorie counts to show yourself when to stop for the day...and eventually how to modulate your food intake.

Good luck to you!

Dailyfooddiaryuser: I KNOW I'm with the right man, I feel it in everyway shape and form.. And we're not just dating, we're in a commited relationship, he moved his whole life 1200 miles to be with me. And my meds haven't been changed I don't know how I gave that impression, I've been on the same med combination for over 7 years. The only thing different is I've weened myself off Klonopin which would have nothing to do with weight gain. I'm on the combo of meds that I'm on cause it's the best for no gaining weight. I had just gained a lot of weight for years previously cause the other stuff they had tried me on made me fat, so, naturally I'm not on that stuff but have had a very difficult time losing it. He doesn't bring out the worst in me, I'm not sure where you're getting all this from what I said, I just said he's not the most supportive person sometimes, that's men...They have to be trained! I don't have anyone to encourage me, that' why I'm here asking for advice....I want to lose 20-30 pounds at least. I really don't know where to start to be honest :( He's been the best thing for me, my last relationship was with a man who was constantly down and brought me with him and made me feel like I was never good enough. My boyfriend is encouraging I just need to help him figure out how to do it for me. He's just not a real physical person. He works so hard all day (construction) that when he gets home the last thing he wants to do is anything active. And it seems we never have time on the weekends to do much either. Winter's coming and I don't ski so I'm not sure what else to really do :( I really appreciate your advice but I think maybe you read this all wrong. He's a wonderful man, the best thing to ever happen to me, but he's not perfect. As far as a food diary goes, that's definately a possibility but calorie counting is out of the question, I think it's rediculous and a waste of time, it's never worked for me. Sorry If I sounded a little short with you but I'm very protective of my man :) Thanks again! :)

mom23boyz: Thanks so much for your words of encouragement, sounds like we have a lot in common body wise :) Thats what scares me about having kids, that I'll get even bigger. It's in my genes....I have a strong feeling my ass and hips will get huge! I already have big hips, I'm very much built like a real woman and always have been, but I've never been this heavy and worn such large sizes. I just don't know where to start or what to do :( Being about the same size as you any advice you have to help would be greatly appreciated....Thanks!

HI, AC28. Calorie counting has worked great for a lot of people on this board. Far from being a waste of time, it teaches people about the calorie contents they are actually consuming, and helps them make food choices that lead to weight loss. Too bad it is not for you, but you might give it another look some time in the future if you don't find other tools to get you where you want to go.

There is no secret to weight loss. You can decrease the number of calories you consume, increase your activity or do both at the same time. I suggest coming up with a plan that you think will work well for you that addresses one or both of these points, and then giving your plan a try. Tweak it as necessary. Another idea is to start by making some small changes, see if you can stick to them, and then make more and more small changes. Like start walking 15 minute per day, then build up to 20, then build up to 30. Or cut out soda or some other thing that you consume that you know is putting the pounds on. Do that for a week, then pick another thing, cut it out, and figure out some healthy substitutes. .
About exercising in a cold climate, can you join a gym? Isn't Denver famous for having all types of outdoor activities? If the gym isn't your thing, maybe you could look into some local activities that people do for fun and fitness that is not skiing. Or you could learn to ski. Or take a class of some kind, like yoga or pilates or some kind of dance. You don't have to do it forever - the point is just to get yourself into a group setting where you move around and start working your muscles.

My biggest problem with joining a gym or taking pilaties or yoga is I can't afford it. It's too expensive and I have much more important things that have to be paid for. Skiing is also incredibly expensive. I did it a lot when I was a kid but it's not really my thing and lift tickets are at least 80 bucks. Even the local rec center is $365 a year to join. I'm sure it sounds like I'm making excuses but it's the honest truth. I can't afford to buy expensive healthy food and I can't afford to join a gym or do all those other fun sounding things. It sucks being poor

Calm down take a deep breath and let it out slow.....Feel better?
Whatever your eating now just eat less of it. If you generally have a cup of cereal with milk make it 34 with skim milk. If you usually eat a sandwich with chips throw away the chip or one slice of bread make it open face! Park four or five blocks from work and walk in. You'll see results.it will be slow but that way your body adjust to the change and you don't feel starved,
Bottom line eat less move more. If you hit a plateau up the pace on your walk. Or add a walk on your lunch break.
for calorie counting to work you have to take it seriously and plug every bit in to a calorie counting program like offered on Sparkpeople.com. Good luck!
And join one of the weigh in groups it helps keep you honest and motivated about progress! :>)

Walking is a great option for moving more - it is free and it is available anytime you want it. You can also check out fitness DVDs or exercise books from your local library and use them indoors when the weather is cold.

My perspective is that healthy food does not have to be expensive, particularly if you buy it as close to its natural state as possible. Beans and rice are cheap. Fresh fruits and vegetables in season are cheap, especially if you shop at a discount market or at small ethnic markets. Sometimes the prices at farmers markets are quite reasonable. Vendors sometimes drop their prices towards the end of the day because they want to get rid of the stuff. A whole chicken or a half of a turkey breast can be very cost effective and make multiple meals.

Change can be challenging. I think it is important to try different things and to approach the challenge with a positive, upbeat attitude. Focus on what you CAN do, even just for one day.

I found working out (slowly at first) really helped. I also quit drinking alcohol.

In my journey I found a good resource too www.myweightworld.com