Looking for new friends and a support system...

Thanks for the support. I appreciate that. You are so right. Sitting on the couch is something I do a good bit. I don't have much energy and I know it's the weight. I want to be able to do more with my kids. Boy, it's very impressive of the weight you lost. I think the hardest will be getting through the first month? So many temptations.

Edited by: LILYDOG01 at: 1/6/2010 (09:40)

Lily, just like getting through your cancer diagnosis and treatment was a journey taken one step at a time, so is losing weight and embracing a healthier lifestyle. We all have to take that first step, and then another, and then another - and then one day, we find ourselves RUNNING towards our goal!

It's an incredible and almost indescribably feeling to start to lose the weight you have kept on for 20 years, or 25, or 2, or however long you have carried it around with you. Embrace this feeling, and you will soon be full of energy and ready to face the world!

Who knew at the beginning of last year that in 2010, I would have lost half of the weight I need to lose, and would be an active member of SparkPeople and find that, once I got past the first few weeks of it, exercise would become addicting?

We can all share that excitement! Every day is a new day in the new life of me. I have committed myself to becoming a healthier person, including getting down to a healthier weight, and become more of an active part in the lives of my children.

If I can do this, so can you, and anyone else who has some determination, resolve, and just plain grit to do what is necessary to get themselves in shape.

So, give up the soda. Embrace water. It is your friend. Give up always sitting on the couch. It isn't helping your health at all. Exercise at least 5 days a week, and on the days you don't formally exercise, do something physical that's just plain fun! Go bowling. Start a weekly volleyball game at your church or with a group of neighbors or friends. Do SOMETHING each day to work yourself towards your goal.

We can all do this. All we have to do is take that first step, and then another, and another. One small step for a lifetime of better health. What more could you ask for?

Hello,
I just joined and think this is a good program. I have struggled with my weight for about 5 yrs now. I was diagnosed with cancer a little over 5 yrs ago and ate like there was no tomorrow. I am cancer free now. However, I picked up a bad habit of eating anything in sight. My brother passed away 3 yrs ago from a heart attack due to obesity and I just lost a sister from cancer right before Christmas. Needless to say, I am an emotional eater and would like any help on overcoming this terrible, overwhelming habit. I am looking forward to this program and talking to nice people. Thanks!

Way to go! You have a story that says you are strong. You are a survivor! Now lets get you on the track of Thriving!

I can tell you have lots of Tenacity! You can do it!

hugs,
TizzieBell

to the team.

Welcome Wendy! Here you will have the support you need and there are also lots of challenges offered! Great fun, great friends and great fun all while losing weight!

You know, I never let my kids drink soda and yet I drink it in front of them all day long. I really do need to kick this habit. I will start today and replace at least one drink of soda with a glass of water. Thank you for motivating me towards a goal I was putting off!

You definitely have the right attitude! Being willing to give up your Diet Pepsi is a great start! You don't have to quit cold turkey, like I did when I went off all soda, sweet tea and coffee back on March 6, 2009. You can work your way to it gradually by cutting back on the amount you drink each day, and replacing that can or bottle with water instead.

As you back off of the Diet Pepsi, you are moving forward with the water. It really is amazingly good! I used to drink sweet tea, coffee and soda all day long, every day. I rarely thought to just drink water, or if I did, I made a face.

Now I drink water all day long. The only time I drink something different is milk and very small amounts of juice on occasion. I actually LOVE water now! Instead of craving sweet tea, soda or coffee, I crave water. It amazes me still that it only took a few weeks to get used to drinking mostly water. Less than a month and I lost all cravings for other drinks.

In fact, I accidentally took a drink from my daughter's cup of Pepsi one day, and it made me gag! Hard to believe, but I was so used to water, and her cup was just like my cup, and was sitting next to mine, and I just absently grabbed it without looking, and next thing I know, I am gagging on soda!

Now, if I could just get my husband to stop buying soda, maybe I could get the kids off of it, too!

Avonellered, You speak as if you know me! Diet Pepsi is my true love and weakness... and water intake is one of my biggest downfalls... If I accomplish nothing else it is to overcome these monsters in my life! You are so right it is important to form healthy habits with no excuses... I will do it this time!

Hi Wendy & welcome to our team. I am sorry to hear about your stroke, but glad you have recovered. I wish you much success with your weight loss journey. Good luck! Kim

I am so happy that you have recovered from your stroke. That is a big blessing in your life.

Now that you can move forward, forget the fad diets and expensive miracle weight-loss cures of the past! It's time to do this the right way.

The only way you are going to lose the weight AND KEEP IT OFF FOR GOOD is to examine your lifestyle, and make PERMANENT CHANGES!

First thing I always say is to give up soda. Both diet and regular. It has not benefits whatsoever, and is not good for you at all.

Drink water. Within a few weeks or months, you should not even crave soda at all. Continue drinking milk as you normally would, and have juice in small amounts. Water is your friend for life. It will never steer you wrong. There must be a reason it is so good for us, right?

Then, find some exercises you can do at home. Maybe it's walking, maybe jogging. Maybe you lift cans of vegetables for awhile until you can afford to slowly add some equipment. You can join NetFlix or some other video rental place and get exercise dvd's sent to your home. Whatever works. Commit yourself to exercising 5 days a week.

Once you get into the habit, you will be making lifelong changes that are easy to stick with. You MUST get into the habit, though! No excuses. Even if it's just 15 minutes a day, exercise will benefit you greatly.

Good luck to you! Best of health in 2010!

Thank you so much for the positive words and support! I can't believe what a positive response I am getting from this site! This time it will work, this time it will work, this time it will work... We can make it happen!

Welcome Wendy, to both Spark & this team!

To start, congrats on the success you had in the past. That just shows that you can do it w/ the right tools! Also, glad to hear that you have recovered from your stroke... that must have been frightening!

I've been there weight-wise myself, having success on Nutrisystem, but also not being able to afford to stay on it. And like you, I regained all my weight once I no longer rec'd the NS foods.

You'll find all the tools & features you need to be successful again on this site. Good Luck reaching your goals!

Hi there! My name is Wendy and I live in Atlantic Canada. I am a single mom of 3. Last year I participated in the local version of the "Biggest Loser". It expensive, comprehensive, and a whole lot of fun! I lost 60 lbs quickly and I felt great! Unfortunately, this past spring, I suffered a stroke. The good news is that I have pretty much fully recovered... The bad news is that I have regained nearly all of my weight in the process. I am out of cash to join gyms and local groups, so I am hoping to find the support I need here!