Looking for Newbies with a large amt of weight to lose..

[pastrypam]

I have 30+ pounds to loose but it feels like 100. I am riding but not loosing, mainly because I eat too much sugar and other fatty things. I am having trouble getting started on a diet and sticking to it. I see others on this site have joined weight watchers. I am going to look into that too. I need a constant reminder to eat healthy and leave the sugar and fat alone plus the support of others in the same situation.

Working in a kitchen there is food everywhere and it is so hard to resist. I find myself eating even when I am not hungry. I am also having menopausal issues and the extra weight and lack of self control really depress me.

Every morning I wake up with resolve to stick to a good eating plan but usually blow it by lunch. I do better on the days I get to ride. It is so good for my mental attitude.

I love riding and want to be healthy and fit. I Just don't understant why wanting it and doing it are two different things. Food has so much power over me and I just want to take my power back and do what is good for me.

Any insight from you great TE women would be greatly appreciated.
All of you that are on a good program and sticking to it I envy you!! Keep up the good work.

[Darby361]

Pam, I lost 100+ by cutting out all sugar and processed foods. If it came in a box or bag I did not eat it. I have slowly incorporated things back in but still avoid sugar and junk food like it is poison. Now, I do indulge on occasion, but it is only when planned. If I am going to a party, I know that I will have a few chips - but I know it ahead of time. This way, there is no impulse eating. Now, my advice for you on "blowing it by lunch" is don't throw in the towel if you eat something you don't consider good. If you tell yourself that you ruined the day, you will end up over indulging for the rest of the day. Just like riding, there are ups and downs. When you hit a bump, dust yourself off and start over - right that minute! You will be amazed if you change this mindset, you will be able to stay on track. I wish I had stopped thinking "oh well, I will start again on Monday" 20 years ago! Keep you head up and you will succeed. We don't overeat because we are hungry, it is a mental thing! The other thing that has helped me maintain my loss for over a year it replacing bad habits with healthy ones. Instead of eating when I am lonely, I go to a book club, or call a friend for a movie. Instead of eating because I am bored, I jump on my bike or hit the hiking trails. Find passion in healthy activities! I am with you all - I have decided this summer will be my time to take off the last lbs and become the fittest woman I can!

If anyone is interested, we could start a thread of our weekly progress. Weight changes and miles ridden:
Trish - this week -1.6 lbs (25.4 to goal), 98 miles

[pastrypam]

Thanks Trish,
Wow, what an inspiration you are!!! Thanks for the good advice. I definately will work on changing my mind set because that is exactly what I do. If I blow it I figure I wasn't perfect so what the heck I will start tomorrow and it becomes a vicious cycle.

I would be very interested in joining a new thread where we keep track of rides and weight progress. I think it would help me very much.

This morning I rode for 3 miles, had a flat, don't know how to fix it, so called my husband and he picked me up. It's fixed now so tomorrow I will go out for at least 16 miles before work.

I am at work today and will weigh myself so I can report next week.
I have heard it is good to only weigh once a week. Is that what you do?
Pam

[cricket]

Pam - I've found it helpful to only weigh once a week - I don't like to focus on the scale, but rather on how I'm feeling and how my clothes are fitting. That way, you aren't all bummed out when the scale is not your friend - it gives me a mental reason to eat whatever I want if I'm not feeling successful.
I rode 10 miles for the first time today and tried to keep it between 11 and 12 MPH. I was tired, but it felt good (once I stopped sweating!)

[pastrypam]

Good for you Cricket. I wish I could have gone 10 miles today. I had a flat after 3. Hubby picked me up. My tire is all fixed now, so plan on going out tomorrow a.m.

I don't have a scale so it will be easy to pay attention to my clothes instead of the scale. I will weigh myself at work tomorrow, never had time today, just to see where I am so I can chart my progress.

I am just about off of work for the summer and will be able to get more ride time and exercise, yoga and pilates. Plus I will have time to make good healthy meals.

I signed up for spark people diet today. Will work with that for now.

Thanks for all the info everyone.
Pam