Yes, that word is DIET. And I’m sure most of us cringe whenever the word is spoken out loud because most of us, at one time or another, have tried to diet to lose those extra pounds. And if you’re one of those people who have NEVER dieted, then I’m going to have to hate you. Okay, I’m just joking. Kinda.
I had one of those moments recently where I looked in the mirror and thought “who are you?”. Because I didn’t recognize the woman staring back at me. Sure, our features were the same, but from the neck down . . . it just had to be the body of another woman because I’ve never, ever, in my 41 years, have been at the weight that I am. And it’s a whole lotta extra weight I’m packing these days!
Let me take you on my personal journey about my weight and the reason why I’m talking about dieting today. Over the course of the past ten years, I know I was putting on a few pounds every year. No big deal, I told myself. I’m tall (5′ 9″), and the extra few pounds aren’t so 
bad. However, it’s been in the past four years that I’ve put on a good 60-70 lbs. Yes, you read that right. And I can actually pin-point in my life when my weight became an issue – when I was dealing with back-to-back deadlines that kept me in my chair too many hours a day. I wasn’t exercising at all, meals were whatever take-out my husband picked up on the way home. And it was never good, healthy stuff.
So, that’s how it started. Another big problem I have is that I’m a huge stress-eater. When I’m stressed, I eat. And those back-to-back deadlines are as stressful as it can get – knowing that book is due and not being able to produce the amount of pages that you want on a daily basis due to your characters or story not cooperating can really rachet up the stress and tension. So, whenever I’d feel that pressure in my chest or needed a sugar boost to keep me up until midnight to finish those pages, I’d reach for something to eat. Like chips, cookies, chocolate . . . everything that drops right to my hips and thighs. And I could easily finish off a bag of any one of those in one sitting – while trying to write, of course.
About a year ago, my 40 year old body broke down on me, LOL. Seriously, I went through a lot of health issues that took months to figure out what was wrong, and to get me back on track. And even then, I was feeling tired all the time, unfocused, unmotivated. Ahhh, more stress 
and depression . . . eat, eat, and eat some more! Finally, about two months ago my doctor ran MORE blood tests and found out that my thyroid was out of whack. So, add another pill to my daily consumption of pills, and that FINALLY straightened itself out. So, for the past month, I’ve felt really, really good. Better than I have in at least a year, if not more. I feel more energetic, focused and motivated. And I’m back to writing at a pace that has eluded me for too long.
However, those four years combined took it’s toll on my body, and all that unhealthy eating packed on the pounds. Now, I do have to say that I tried various diets over the past four plus years, and I’d be good for a couple of weeks, lose maybe 10 pounds, then just couldn’t pull off the diet for the long haul to lose the amount of weight I need. So, then I’d go back to my old habits, and I’d gain that 10 pounds back, and then some. Sigh.
So, here I am today, a good 60-70 lbs. more than I should be. And that day I looked into the mirror and REALLY saw myself, I knew that now that my physical and mental health were now back on track, I had to get my body back into shape, too. Because if I didn’t lose ALL the weight, and I didn’t learn how to train myself to eat healthy and exercise on a regular basis, I’d just keep gaining more and more weight. I just can’t let that happen.
The next process was deciding what kind of diet to go on, most of which I’d tried in the past . . . and failed. Everyone is different, and I know there are a lot of people that have had huge success with losing weight on different programs. But I had to find one that was just right for me. I didn’t want to do Atkins again, because I NEED carbs and sugar in my diet. That’s non-negotiable, and when I went on Atkins years ago and lost 25 pounds, it came back really, really fast once I started eating normally again.
I looked at all the “pre-fabbed food” diets like Jenny Craig and Nutrisystem, and decided that I didn’t want to have to rely on someone else giving me, or sending me, my food. I wanted to eat normal food I could buy in a grocery store. I wanted to learn how to cook healthy, shop healthy, and eat healthy. Yes, it’s super convenient to have those already done meals, but not realistic for me for the long haul. Besides, I’d still have to cook dinner for the rest of the family!
Of course, there is the liquid diet like Medifast, which I’ve tried before. But after a while, you just want food. REAL FOOD. Not a shake or something liquid.
Now, Weight Watchers is an awesome program – and it ALMOST fits what I need. I can eat real food, snacks, and even have chocolate. But I’ve tried WW before, and while I lost weight, I quit going to the weekly meetings because some of them were just too boring. There was no one-on-one interaction, and I was lumped into a big group of other people. That’s when I realized that I really needed personal attention, on a regular basis. Someone I had to be accountable to and had to check in with on a weekly basis. Someone who would say – “you lost weight and you’re on the right track,” or “you gained weight, let’s see why”.
I saw an ad for LA Weightloss, and was intrigued by it, and the people who claimed to lose so much weight while eating regular food. So, I first checked it out on the internet, liked what I read, then made an appointment with a counselor. Once I was done with my consultation, I just knew this was the diet for me. The program set me up with my own counselor, who I would speak to every week after weighing in. It was like having a coach – someone to cheer me on or set me straight when I might veer off of my diet. Another thing – while they charged a “weekly” fee, instead of PAYING weekly like you would with Weight Watchers, I had to pay for the weeks of weight loss right up front. Gulp. That’s when I really knew that I was committed to this, because no way was I going to pay all this money and not finish out the program! Not only that, they make it hard for you to quit – they will call you if you don’t show up for a weekly weigh in to find out what’s going on, and to get you back on track. Wow.
So, my counselor and I figured out the 60-70 lb. weight loss, and those numbers, to me, are so daunting. But the one thing that made me realize I CAN do this is the fact that they figured out a two pound weight loss per week, and told me that if I stuck to the program, the weight
would be off by February 14, 2008. Okay, now that’s seven months away, but I can SEE it in my mind! I’ve never had a goal date before with my diets, and this has made a HUGE difference. With other diets, I’d get too impatient because the weight wasn’t coming off fast enough (even though I know a 1-2 pound weight loss per week is the most healthy), and I’d quit after two or three months. Now, I know how long this diet is going to last, and I’m committed to getting it done because I know how fast those months are going to fly by.
My first week I lost 4 pounds. It’s not much in the scheme of things, but it’s a start. I’m in my second week now and doing great. Eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and protein, along with other “real” food. Snacks and chocolate, too! I’m also walking an hour in the evening. I’m anxious to get back on that scale next week to see how much I’ve lost this week.
Do I think this is going to be easy? Heck, no – I know I’m going to hit a lot of rough bumps along the way. But my new motto with this diet has become: ONE DAY AT A TIME. Because that’s what it’s going to take for me to lose all the weight . . . taking things one day at a time, and doing my best on that day to eat healthy. And if I have a bad eating day, I’ll get right back on track the next day.
I’m hoping by February that I’ll be able to post some “before” and “after” pictures. And that I’ll be able to look into the mirror and recognize the woman looking back at me! I’ll keep you all posted on my progress along the way!
Janelle Denison finds it hard to believe that it’s been nearly 25 years since she first started writing romance novels. At first, it was a way to pass idle time while her husband worked swing shift, but before long it became an obsession to get published. Luckily, she kept at it (it took her over 5 years to get that first book published!) and is now a Waldenbooks, Barnes & Noble, and USA Today Bestselling author! Now, after selling over 45 plus novels, she finds that her Plotmonkey pals help to keep her stories fresh and unique, and she can’t imagine writing a story without their input. Janelle lives in Oregon with her husband, Don, along with two teenage daughters that keep life interesting.
Destiny
Dirty Little Secrets
Once Upon A Valentine
Through The Night
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Janelle, having been through the health issues along with you, I know how hard this is … and I’m so proud of you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Of course I’m also here to cheer you on
or kick your butt if need be! 
I knwo you can do this!
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Janelle, we’re here for you! I know how hard it is, but like you said, with a goal that’s been set, you can gradually see the light at the end of the tunnel and KNOW it can be done. 4 lbs might not seem like a lot, but to be honest, it’s better to lose only a few pounds at a time anyway. The ultimate goal is to be healthy. And I hate the word diet. I prefer to think of it as a “lifestyle” change, because that’s really what it is. Diet’s are temporary (evil?) fixes that fail because eventually it does come to an end and we fall back on all those bad habits. Lifestyle changes are about making a change, for the better, that will stay with you long after you’ve reached your goal, so that you can maintain that goal. I’m proud of you, too, Janelle, for taking that first step. I’m glad to hear your health is back on track. Keep it up girl – we support you.
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Morning Janelle,
It is going to be a good day today for you I just know it.:thankyou:
You know when your health goes to pot it affects everything you do.
My oldest daughter was diagnosed with a hypothyroid problem in the middle of April, too. I had noticed her putting on weight especially in her face (puffiness) over the past few months. Steph had been a size 5 forever and I thought her weight gain was due to her freshman year of college. She was irritable, sleepy and had no energy at all she also procrastinated her school work . 3 months on Synthroid and I have my happy daughter back. The weight is coming off and she is sleeping lots less.
I know you will feel much better once the doctors have your dosage of medication figured out.:D You will have more energy than you know what to do with.
As for the dirty diet word. I’ve found that just buying the fruits and healthy treats are better all aournd at my house. Ice Cream is one treat that I figure is healthier for you than candy. At least I’m getting calcium.
Plus, use salad plates to eat on . That helps me I fool my brain into thinking I’m eating more than I really am.:happy2:
Also for ice cream I use one of those cute glass sundae glasses. It is 1’2 cup exactly to the top. I never over fill.:devil:
Plus drink water and diet soda. (unless you have trouble with sodium, but there are flavored waters out there that are great)
I’ve learned so much about portion control. My youngest daughter has Type 1 diabetes.:cry: Ali has had diabetes for going on 9 years and in this time I have become sort of an expert on counting carbs and portion control.
Throw a good walk into the mix and you have a winning combination.
Plus, there are so many low calorie sugar free things you can buy now.
Sugar-free popscicles in all kinds of flavors are my favorite for summer time:love2:
I also exercise (stomach crunches and use small hand weights) while I watch TV or when the commercials come on. Seems to help keep me toned enough.
I’m a year older than you so I know you have it in ya.:cheer:
I know the hardest part of eating right is breaking those bad habits.
But we the followers of the Plotmonkeys know you can do it.:cheer:
:doggie::doggie::doggie::doggie::doggie::doggie::doggie::doggie::doggie::doggie::doggie::doggie:
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Janelle…you will be successful with this diet because you have the right attitude about it. You should be really proud of yourself!! I’ll be looking for the before and after pictures in February.
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Congrats on finding a program that works. I’ve been doing Weight Watchers this past year, although not completely on program all the time. Hence losing only 30 pounds in the past year.
And good for you to not do a fad diet. I can’t imagine what people do once they get off those programs. Where are their good habits?
Unfortunately, I live with a skinny chocoholic. So I secretly blame him. :-) Really, who can resist chocolate? Like the other night when he had a hankering for brownies and ran to SuperTarget at 9 at night just to buy a box to bake. Sad, I tell you.
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Hi Janelle…I’ve been a Plotmonkey follower for a while but this is my first time posting. This is a subject that I can relate to a little too well. I’m also in my second week of my new “lifestyle.” I’m doing Weight Watchers online and it is much easier than going to the weekly meetings (been there done that for 1 or 2 weeks! Never longer).
I had a very similar experience as you did with the mirror. We’ve been in the process of building a house and I didn’t actually have a full length mirror for a long time. I was on vacation and there was a large mirror in the bathroom. I climbed out of the shower one morning, looked in that mirror and thought…who the h… is that!?!
Having made up my mind and being absolutely determined to get the weight off is making a huge difference for me this time. It sounds like you are feeling much the same way and having decided and then committing makes it so much easier to stay on track. Plus you have all the Plotmonkeys and followers as cheerleaders.
I KNOW you’ll reach your goal and feel so good when you do!!!!!
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Morning Ladies,
Janelle, it sounds like you have found a diet that you like. I have been doing Weight Watchers (but at home, no meetings for me) for 7 weeks now and I am down 15 pounds. I have the same eating patterns as you. And I went through a VERY stressful time trying to have my daughter. Major Fertility issues, multiple surgeries, fertility treatments, etc…but I finally had a baby girl back in March of 2004. I also had an Uncle who was only 6 years older than me pass away from Cancer. So more stress…more food. Until one morning I went for a Dr’s visit and had that nasty jump up on the scale. I almost died when I saw my weight in numbers staring me in the face. I think sometimes we know that we are gaining, but when we really see the numbers that’s when it kicks us un the ass. Anyway, you sound like you have reached a point that I reached after that doctor’s appointment. You have more determination than ever before. And it is challenging and there will be slip ups. But you have an amazing support system and just because you may slip doesn’t mean you stop. You can do it, just keep telling yourself that. We are all behind you 110% and here if you need to vent.
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Way to Go Janelle!!!! I’m rooting for you!!:cheer:
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You’ll do great with that attitude. 4lbs is a great start. You see a lot of people losing weight rapidly and I don’t think it’s healthy. Plus the fact that it can be easily gained back. I think up until 10 years ago I kept going on diets but I just liked food too much, now I just don’t care. I’d like to lose 20-30lbs.
There’s a commercial on the tv that just wants to make me scream. It goes: Angelina found the perfect dress but it’s too small (GET A BIGGER DRESS). Needless to say it’s for a diet pill.
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Hi Janelle.
You have my support too. I had Graves Disease and had to have the radiation treatment. Everyone always that you lost weight with Graves, but that is not necessarily true. Hence the size of my thighs. I am now on Synthroid daily and have not had much luck with losing weight. I go down a pound or ten and then the hormones goes crazy and things are back to were I started. I hope you have more luck, it took ten years before they did anything for my thyroid problem. I look forward to hearing how this new “diet” will work. I am always looking for new ways to lose weight.
Good Luck.
Patty
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Way to go, Janelle! My mom swears by Weight Watchers and I think it’s that whole idea of being accountable to someone else that makes it work. Is there an LA Room Cleaners Center? That’s the one I need.
Um, did you mean 2008 or 2007? :wink:
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I just wish I had your discipline to get started myself … Best of luck!!
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Janelle,
You are so brave for putting yourself out there! I started WW again last week. (I joke for the 97th time because I’ve lost count over the years.) It’s hard for me to stay committed for more than a few months at a time. I have about fifty pounds to lose and I keep telling myself “This time is going to be the time I do it!” Please keep us posted on your progress and maybe we can all keep one another inspired! I love your work and want you to be healthy and stay around to continue writing for years and years to come!!!
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Go Janelle Go
:cooldance:
i’m so happy that your feeling better.
And i agree with Jill, “I just wish I had your discipline to get started myself” been there done that!
Good Luck!
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yep
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Janelle, I’ll be cheering you on!:thumbsup: Unfortunatley I am with Jill.
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Diania — :doh: I definitely meant 2007!!!!
And for everyone else that is changing their lifestyle and the way they eat, WE CAN DO THIS! I’ll check in every few weeks and let you know how I’m doing and how much I’ve lost, and you all can too!
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Oh, way to go, Janelle, for taking control over this. I know how bloody hard it is, having gone through it more times than I can count. A big part of it is having the right mental attitude to see it through, and it looks like you’ve definitely got that.
I’ll be rooting for you!!
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Janelle, are you my weight-challenged twin? Reading your post, I’m kept thinking, “That’s me, that’s me, that’s me!” I’m 43 and also about 70 lbs too heavy, the heaviest I’ve ever been in my life when not pregnant.
My weight issues have been caused by difficult pregnancies complete with gestational diabetes (as recently as a year and a half ago), a lack of self-control in a household full of men/boys with high metabolisms who love to eat out and snack, a lack of exercise due to sitting at a computer all day, and a boatload of stress. I’ve never had my thyroid checked but it probably wouldn’t hurt. Except for the pregnancies, I assume full responsibility for my current state. :cry:
I’ve tried to jumpstart my weight loss a few times in the last six months and have failed miserably. But just this week, I determined that things will be different. This time. For real. I’m drinking 8-10 cups of water a da, trying hard to resist all that late night snacking, and on Sunday, I’m joining Curves (which I tried in April on a 2-week free trial and loved but didn’t commit at that time).
The only part for me that I haven’t figured out yet is the eating part. Like you, I’ve tried a lot of things in the past with limited success. I even went to LA Weight Loss about 10 years ago. They scared me silly because I wasn’t really committed to making the changes necessary.
I’m still deciding what the right course of action for me is but I’ll make a decision within a few days. Then I’ll be off and running. :thumbsup2:
Thanks for sharing your story and for encouraging us. You’re going to do it and so am I!
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Good for you, Patricia
I think the most important part is being ready MENTALLY to change your eating habits and lifestyle. It took me a long time to get to that part, but now that I have, and I have a goal date in sight, I’m so hyped about doing this and getting it done! :)
One of the other great things about the LA Weightloss program is that after I lose the weight, they put me on a ONE YEAR maintenance program, where I still have to check in with them on a regular basis to make sure I’m keeping up my new healthy way of eating, and keeping the weight off, too. So, this really is a lifestyle change for me. And my family, too, because I’ve cleaned out the house of all junk food and tempting sweets. So far, they haven’t even complained! And my girls are starting to walk with me in the evenings, too.
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Way to go! It is hard to get started but once you do…. Keep on!!!
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Oh, wow1 Most women wont discuss numbers when it comes to age or weight.:wallbash: I however applaud you and your determination. I myself need to lose about 50lbs. Scary thing is, I have 4 daughters and the oldest 2(who are 14 & 11) have packed on the pounds recently. Now since today is grocery day, I believe after household chores are done, we all will go to the grocery store to shop. No I haven’t lost my mind, but maybe if we make wise choices TOGETHER, I will never have them start the vicious cycle of that evil DIET word. They are very active, but since we live in the very hot and humid south, munching in front of the tv is always happening. Thank you for sharing your battles, as they have inspired many here today. I think we should all join your efforts, in a mini-challenge of sorts. Not just to see who lost the pounds, but who made what changes and how they worked for them. As for a sugur substitute, slenda is awesome, but pricey. Wal-mart has a generic substitute that is good too. Unfortunately, we dont have a supertarget:cry:. Once again, thanks for sharing and inspiring me to do what I have had no ambition to do!!:thumbsup:
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Go, Janelle!:thumbsup2:
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Janelle,
I am right there with you on this one. I started WW 10 weeks ago and have lost almost 17 lbs so far. It’s finally sticking this time because I am determined to get it off. It sounds like you are finally there too (I can’t tell you how many times I have tried in the past). Our WW is good around here because there are less than 20 people at any given meeting, but I do know what you mean about the more personal attention. Good luck with losing the weight – you will do it this time and you will keep it off! Just take it one day at a time and as my WW leader says – if you eat half a chocolate cake – look at the bright side, you only ate HALF the cake, you could have eaten the whole thing! Then it doesn’t seem as bad and you get right back to watching what you are eating.
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Congratulations Janelle, you have my support as well as the others.:cheer: I will happily cheer you on. I need to eat healthier also & I know how to do it! I don’t diet & feel that just that word makes loosing weight difficult for most everyone. It sounds like you are on the right track with choosing to live a healthier lifestyle with good eating habits & exercise. I have been walking for years & am amazed at the people that claim they just don’t have time to get any exercise–yes they do!!!:) Since I need to loose about 10 or 15 pounds myself I am going to use you for inspiration. This time of year is wonderful because fresh good quality fruit & vegetables are so available. We have a wonderful Farmer’s Market where I live & it is real easy to get carried away with all those wonderful fresh goodies in front of you. Yum, it is making me hungry!:lol: Please keep us posted on your progress. You can do it!:cheer::thumbsup2:
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Janelle I definitley understand what you are feeling. I am also an emotional eater. Stress, depression, happiness, anger- it doesn’t matter, I eat. I am close to 100 pounds overweight and the sad thing is im only 19. I am also really tall (5’11) but my weight is definitley somthing that worries me everyday. It is worse because everyone I know is very thin or healthy. It greatly effects my self-esteem and I have become very reserved and feel very ugly largely because of my weight. My family is overweight as well, but unfortunatley my aunts and cousins usually tend to remind me constantly of how big i have become and how unhealthy i am. “You gained all you weight back Tyne” are constant phrases that are said to me when I return home from college. The thing is is that the the bulk of my weight gain came in the last three years. I was on weight watchers my junior year of high school (im a junior in college now) and i actually lost close to 20 pounds. Because of health reasons I gained the weight back, and by then I was so discouraged that I just became lazy and never went back to another weight watchers meeting. My weight affects me in so many ways, it makes me sad and deppressed and I often don’t feel like I am good enough. After years of tormenting myself I finally realized recently that I need to do something to change my weight for myself. I am young enough that I recognize that I can change it as long as I have the faith in myself and the discipline necessary to try. So just like you I am going to try LA Weight Loss (I also need one on one attention) but I am also going to try it in conjunction with weight watchers because I like the point system. I have given myself a year and half to lose the weight and other than this blog I have not mentioned my goal to anyone. This is something I have to attempt for me. Thank you for sharing your story Janelle. I cannot possibly tell you how much it has meant to me. You have my unconditional support and I really hope that you are successful. Your entry gave me the strength to make my story known too. I don’t feel as alone as I used to now that I know that there are others out there who have felt similar feelings. You have helped me in ways you can never know.
Eternally grateful,
Tyne
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sorry for the horribly long post!:)
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Tyne — It’s such an awful, vicious cycle, and I completely understand where you’re coming from. And, as you can tell by all the other posts, we’re certainly not alone in having to lose weight. But unfortunately, WE are the only ones that can make the weight loss happen. There is no quick, easy fix, and no one can do it for us.
Remember my new motto: ONE DAY AT A TIME. If you goof up on your diet, get right back on track the next day!
Donna M – I am SO loving all the fresh fruits and vegetables I’m eating! I’m like, why didn’t I eat all this stuff before, because I really do like it! Right now, there is so much to choose from, and I get 3 servings of fruit a day, so I’m happy.
The one thing I do notice is that I really do have to think ahead about what I’m going to eat, and preparation takes a bit longer. But it’s so worth it!
Oh, and for those of you who have been with the blog from the very beginning, you might remember me talking about my Starbucks addiction. Well, I”m happy to say that I’ve cut out ALL caffiene from my diet (after dealing with a 1 week hellacious caffiene withdrawel headache!) and I drive right by Starbucks. Talk about willpower for me.
But day by day, it’s getting easier.
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Hurray for you Janelle, I know that you will be successful this time, looking forward to seeing those before and after pictures………:thumbsup2:
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8O Okay dieting is one thing….but please don’t make me give up my caffiene!!!!
Good for you though. I admire anyone who can quit the coffee bean.
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Janelle I know what your going through! I hate to diet and like you I am also a stress eater! I wish you luck on your weight loss and we will all be routing for you!! I don’t think I could ever give up my coffee so congrats to you for pulling it off!:D
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Hey Janelle, good luck to you. I know you’ll do well. When you want something badly enough you’ll work hard and do whatever it takes to get it.
Best wishes to you and to everyone out there trying the same thing. My thoughts and good wishes are with you all.
I’m trying to lose about 10 pounds and keep it off. I’m petite (5 feet 1.5 inches) and I’ve got some extra pounds on me that I’ve had since my son was born (17 years ago). I know that’s a long time ago but I was young and stupidly thought they would just go away. Now that I’m nearing 41 it’s not so easy to lose them and even easier to keep gaining. I’m trying to eat healthier and exercise. I’ve lost 3 pounds already and my husband and I walk 2 miles every evening that we can. I’m staying positive and working towards my goal.
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Tyne- don’t think of it as losing all that weight at once. Set a goal of 2 lbs a week, or just 5 lbs, and when you hit that goal, set a new one. Small goals are no where as daunting or scary as the whole big number. I am glad that at your age, you are dealing with it now, and not waiting or ignoring it. Hopefully, you will be able to change bad habits that may have been developed over a lifetime, but it was a shorter timespan than 30, 40 or 50 years.
:cheer::cheer:
I am 46 and weigh 215. Losing it is awful because, due to health problems, I end up on steriods occassionally. Some people don’t gain weight with them, but I do- 5 to 10lbs- every cycle I have to take. I don’t have a choice and can’t just say no to them either.
Janelle- keep us posted. Maybe I will try LA, depending on the cost. That is one thing that keeps me away from WW too, although I like the point system. Don’t forget to freeze some of those fresh veggies and fruit for winter when they are harder to find and get more expensive!!
I refuse to give up my cup of coffee in the morning!!:coffee:
ev
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I agree — its so so so hard to stick to it
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I’ll add my two cents. My sister challenged me to lose some weight about 6 months ago. We have been setting goals and the ‘loser’ has to give the ‘winner’ a prize (I’ve spent my prize money on books!). For me, the challenge keeps me motivated.
I’ve been loosely doing the weight watchers program (not going to meetings or anything) and have lost 30 pounds. I’ll be celebrating my 30th birthday in a couple months and I wanted to at least be on the road to getting healthier. I can stand to lose at least another 100 pounds… and hopefully get off of the 3 meds I have to take each day (ugh!).
If anyone is interested, I have a Diet Challenge Blog at http://jkaralfa.blogspot.com/ that gives all the details about the origins of the diet and our progress. We’d also entertain the idea of adding more people to the challenge (just post on my blog if your interested).
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Janelle;
Keep eating right. And trying.
I went for for 6 1/2 years to get diagnosed hypothyroid and another year and a 1/2 to get the right dose. ( I managed to have 2 thyroid hormones off which you aren’t supposed to be able to do.) My weight bounced up and down all the time in additional to all the other not so fun stuff that comes with thyroid like depression and freezing cold all the time.
What I learned is, weight comes off slower when you have thyroid problems, but it can come off! It’s like writing a book, you have to go page by page or pound by pound and each one brings you one step closer to your goal.
Stuff just works different when you have thyroid problems, even when treated. It just makes us different, and it’s crazy to compare yourself to “regular” people because when you have this you have a different set of rules and time line.
The other thing I do is I don’t diet. They are temporary. I try to eat right all the time and if I know I’m going to splurge, 1st I make sure it’s really good and worth the calories, and 2nd watch what I eat the day before and/or after depending on what and how much I ate.
Just don’t give up! You’ll get there!
Megan
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Good luck with the weight loss. I too was 60 pounds overweight. I’ve managed to shed 35. Not really in a good way-stress and anxiety mostly, but I have to admit I like the weight gone. I’m hoping to get rid of the rest, but I”m trying to ‘just do it’ with some smaller portions and a little willpower without making anything ‘forbidden’. So far so good. Best of luck for you and your journey. I’m sure you can do it!
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Janelle what gave you the motivation to finally have the right attitude?
I’ve got to lose this weight as well I just don’t know what plan will work for me //bang
Mary f