I'm so glad I saw this group!

[Retriever Mama]

I was just going to post a dieters question on O&E when I thought I'd check out this group. Exactly what I need!

I need help. I used to be super fit. Worked out, ran, ran races...walked everywhere.

Now? I crave sweets and carbs like today is my last day to live. I have no willpower. My co-workers fill candy jars and the cabinets with lindt chocolates, cheezits, peanutbutter and pretzels. I have a drawer full of healthy snacks that I eat...only to still cave in to the junk food.

I am lazy. I am perpetually tired. The only time I have to work out is if I get up 45 minutes earlier than my usual time...which is already an hour earlier because of the new puppy. I am not a morning person. But...my pants don't fit and I'm afraid my summer stuff is going to be tight too. I've put on 20 lbs. I am so unhappy with my appearance right now.

So...I did dust off the treadmill and the free weights in the basement last week and worked out a bit 3 times last week. This week...not so much, but I'm hoping to get back on the horse tomorrow. I've told my co-worker to hide the chocolate jar.

Any help with motivation would be greatly appreciated!

[Chester B. Dickens]

a) Welcome!! This is a great place to either vent or celebrate, depending on the kind of week you've had.

b) And CONGRATS for taking the first step. For me, it was YEARS of crummy eating habits (I was Mr. Sweet Tooth) before I finally saw the light (and had a heart-2-heart talk -- literally -- w/my doc, who was none too shy about telling me of the trouble I was headed for).

c) I'd suggest searching around for a concrete plan, giving it your all, and then making an evaluation. I've lost just shy of 60 lbs on South Beach, which I've been following since July 05, 2007 (not that I remember the specific day or anything LOL!). But SB isn't for everyone. That's why I like the JustLosers board -- everyone here has experience with SOME plan or other, and suggestions/tips/advice/soundingboards are only a post or two away.

As tough as it was, I knew myself well enough to know that I needed to slam the door 100% on no-no food. So I've been lo-carb ever since, completely avoiding sweets and fatty stuff. No fast food. I think I've had one or two slices of pizza since July 2007. No candy. No ice cream. No white bread. No chips.

It was rough. But I'm used to it by now.

And every time I had to buy new pants because of a shrinking waist, it became easier. I went from a 40" belt to a 34!!

Still have 7 lbs to go, but I'll get there. The losses have been slower lately, but I'm still very pleased.

Hang in. Let us know if you need any specific info on anything. I raise a rice-cake ((klik)) to your commitment to new health!