Have you ever asked yourself why food seems so important to you? Food should only be regarded as fuel, fuel which allows you to live and enjoy life. Are you using it for other purposes? Why is that? You said you're feeling uncomfortable about your weight and looks. Are you feeling uncomfortable enough that you wanna change your lifestyle?

Yes I have felt that way and I just decided yesterday to do something about it. But I decided to tak it slow and if I mess up so what I'll just start again. I am not going to give up and maybe just maybe it will eventually become a constant in my life. So please do not give up and keep trying. I will be here for you.

I do want to make changes, but sometimes I just feel so powerless against food.

Used to ... until I learned to care for myself. Here is a favorite quote that I hope will get you to thinking about how you feel about yourself ...

Our worst fear is not that we are inadequate, our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? Nelson Mandela

A favorite story that I kept running through my mind throughout my journey (have lost 143 pounds so far and still moving forward) is found below ...

ONE evening, and old Cherokee told his grandson about the eternal battle that goes on inside people.

He said, My boy, the battle is between two wolves inside us all.

One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority and ego.

The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, tolerance, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.

The boy thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, Which wolf wins?

The old Cherokee replied, The one you feed.

Best wishes and hope you feel better and start caring for you soon. YOU ARE WORTH IT!!!!

(((Hugsss)))
Ranae

funny you would say this. I have been gaining weight constantly for the past three years, and I have just decided to lose weight...you just have to really get serious about it...try to find another hobby to keep you busy...because I would always think about a meal two hours in advance, and actually look forward to it....so, I just picked up a new hobby such as reading and knitting and it has gotten better...GOOD LUCK! I am here as a motivation buddy if you decide to diet (a.k.a. lifestyle change)!
Casey

Thank you all. Such great advice and support.

oh my goodness YES! I cant stand myself and yet i do nothing but eat! i can totaly realate!

i so agree, i just cant get satisfied with my body! i thought when i lost my extra weight i would be satisfied but im more miserable than ever!

This is exactly how I have been feeling for a very long time. I am at the heaviest I've ever been and I can't seem to find the motivation to get started, and when I do I can't stick to it. It is just so much easier to keep doing what I'm doing!

Please feel free to join us here on DS for some additional support ... http://dailystrength.org/groups/ra...

We'll be announcing a surprise in the very near future.

Hope to see you there .. hugs ... Ranae

hey Socal Starfish,
Yes, i feel like this every now and then and today is one of those days too. I am trying to do something healthy everyday - you know somedays i have a salad, or don't take the elevator and walk or drink 8 glasses a water. One day I will start walking around the park. its just my story. I am trying to realize that i am more than my body. I am more than being overweight. So feeling healthy is about how much i love and take care of myself. Since i feel overwhelmed to lose 100 lbs.. i am trying one day at a time to feel good about me. Good luck! Hey and remember you did something healthy for you today by being on this site and opening this thread topic. So thank you.
Take care.
- parame

Almost a year ago I put on about 30 pounds in less than two months. I didn't like who I was at all. Nothing about me. half a year went by before I put on the brakes. I lost 10 pounds just by getting rid of breads, crackers and snacks. I also made myself a promise NOT to eat in bed (a very bad habit of mine). Then I just stalled. For about 3 months I've been trying to diet and actively lose. I'm doing better now but it's taken me a couple of months to whittle down my poor choices and consistently make better ones. I've had those days when the smell or sight or thought of a big juicy cheeseburger can't be resisted. I go with it, but I fore go the fries and shake and opt for ice tea (unsweetened, an acquired taste to be sure) The next day if I'm temped I remind myself that I indulged the day before. The thing is, weight loss is slower but I believe that unless you are incredibly strong willed, depriving yourself of everything you enjoy is setting yourself up for failure. We didn't put all the weight on over night and realistically we can't take it all off overnight though that would be super. Think moderation. Have a few bites of that pie or half of the burger and learn to let that satisfy you. Eat slowly tasting and savoring every bite, but only eat half of what you normally would take.

The funny thing is that getting started is like half the battle. Once you do you find that you feel better, your skin looks better, you begin to like yourself again and think, I'm not so bad! But gad those first steps are a just a bitch sometimes!

I have felt that way many times. I set a new yrs goal of losing and I am finally now doing something about it. I get depressed and eat and then get more depressed about my weight and eat some more. I have started to do some positive thinking and things hopefully will turn around. Sometimes it takes awhile to get motivated to do something.

I have felt this way the past year or so. I just decided to get off my butt and do something about it. I know how you feel and I can for sure relate. If you need somebody to keep you motivated I"m here. It's hard to go at it alone, always easier with a buddy. You're certainly not alone.

Wow - it's like you are telling my life story. For some odd reason, I really thought that I was the only person who had so much despair in getting bigger (huge actually) but seemed to still lack the ability to do anything about it. I feel helpless. I don't seem to ever have time to do anything for myself. I am step-mom to three kids 6,12,17 and I am continually hopping. We have joint custody and we are very active in all of their lives. I have something every night and I teach school too.