The first step in losing weight is to finally decide that it's something you not only need to do, but want to do. People who are overweight know that they need to lose weight, but unless you are ready, there's nothing anybody else can do to motivate you. For me, it was the moment my daughter brought a picture home from school that was taken at the beginning of the school year. She was hugging me and could not get her arms around me. I looked bloated and red-faced, and it was embarrassing. I just didn't picture myself as that fat, and when I saw it in the picture, I was so ashamed. I was embarrassed for myself and my daughters. I was uncomfortable at nearly 300 lbs. I was always hot in the summer, running the air conditioner while the normal sized people were freezing. I didn't feel like going anywhere or doing anything because I was either too lazy or too ashamed. Seeing this picture was the final straw and something inside me just clicked and I decided it was time to do something about it.
My life has changed dramatically since losing weight. It began shortly after I started losing. I didn't have to reach my goal in order to start seeing the benefits. I felt better, I had more energy, and as I began to lose the pounds, I didn't feel so ashamed to be seen in public. People started noticing the changes and the positive attention I received just encouraged me more. I gained confidence, and decided to try some new things. I joined a soccer team, then a softball team with my husband. Then I joined a women's basketball team. These were all things I loved doing but had not been in the physical condition to do them. I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried new things. I ran a couple of 5k races. I rode my bike to work, which was a 16 mile round trip. I loved it so much that I commuted to work on my bike every possible day that I could. I am looking into other classes that I'm interested in, such as kick boxing, and I would like to try kayaking too. The possibilities are endless!
On SparkPeople.com, I've found and used many of the recipes. As with most families with children, we have a couple of picky eaters, and I'm a picky eater as well. The best recipe so far was the Tilapia Parmesan, because it was a recipe that was not only delicious, but it got everyone in my family to eat fresh fish! We've tried several other fish recipes and so far, they've all turned out well. My family also likes the Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins. They're made with whole wheat flour, applesauce, and oatmeal. They're high in fiber, low in sugar, and with a little Brummel & Brown on them, heated in the microwave, they just melt in your mouth.
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Hi guys,
Great job, I have been struggling with my weight for past 6 years since I let go and had Thyroid problem.
Every night after work, I spent 2hours in front of TV on my couch. I decided instead on sitting on the couch and having snacks while I am watch my favorite show (Ellen :))
I can be on a treadmill and still watch my shows in the same time.
Can you help me to find a good treadmill?
I weigh 225 pound and my budget is around $600 to $ 1000.00, but I do not know which one of the treadmills to pick.
Thank you so much
Elmira
Posted by Elmira | March 18, 2008 9:03 PM