This is it! A new year! A new beginning

Hello everyone. Well, this it. A new year, a new start. I think I mentioned to you that I will be going to an MD (endicronologist) soon. I'm looking forward to some medical advice. I'm convinced that all my weight gain has come on alittle too fast (I'm 5'5" and weigh about 215, I'm 39 years old.) I know I need to exercise, I've really been so lazy about that. I think this MD may also recommend an antidepressant, and you know what? If she does suggest one, I'll take it. I've had a rough year, and I might need some help. The way I look and feel gives me NO motivation to do anything about it (vicious cycle.) But....I am going to be positive. Tomorrow is a new day, I go back to work and I hope that tomorrow is a good day for me. Do most of you post your food for the day??? Is that recommended? I've seen some of those posts. Do you think that would help me get thru my day??? I welcome any/all suggestions/ advice/ jokes, etc......... I started putting little post its on my bathroom mirrors. I need to be more positive with myself. "I CAN DO ANYTHING" "I AM BEAUTIFUL" - any other suggestions??? My friend from Atlanta would constantly chant " May I be well, and May I be happy" Good words to live by.......... I am young, healthy and just need some help to get thru this funky time in my life. I wish you a happy and healthy new year - and I am glad to be here on this board. Ciao!!!!!!!

hi felicia - it sounds like you're in a great place to make some positive changes. i think hanging little notes up all around the house are great ideas. when i was first starting i had signs everywhere about everything. from positive affirmations, interesting nutrition articles, lists of quick snacks taped to my cabinets etc. I like HALT - never let yourself get too Hungry Angry Tired or Lonely. for an emotional eater, that can be a good thing to stick on the fridge. it is HIGHLY recommended that you monitor your food intake - whatever that means to you. if you like the accountability of posting publicly, you can do that here. but do it somewhere - whether thats in a journal or fitday.com or something else. i use a computer program called Balencelog that works on computer or PDA. the diet program i attended promotes 3 major components that they have found to predict successful long-term weight loss/maintenance - 1. monitoring (food, exercise, water intake - whatever you can manage) 2. exercise (activities of daily living, 10,000 steps, gym time - whatever will work for you, find something enjoyable) 3. support - there are lots of places to find support on the internet, find a walking buddy, go to a WW meeting etc. bottom line: there is no magic program that will work for everyone - find out what you can do that will work for you in the long run and go with it. oh if you are looking for an antidepressant - Wellbutrin is pretty good and i found that it has weight loss side effects (actually i was first put on it years ago as a weight loss aid when meridia stopped working for me). now i'm on it for the anti-depressant qualities - i found when i went off it i started gaining weight so now i stay on it even though i don't think i need it for the depression anymore...

Thos positive affirmations really do help. Whenever you begin to berate yourself, STOP! Then, immediately start complimenting yourself. It doesn't matter what the compliment is, but make it something positive, such as "it was kind of me to hold the door open" or "I'm a really great mom", etc. I know it sounds really corny but it works. You just have to re-train your brain & your way of thinking. I write down everything I eat. I don't post it on here because that's just too much typing for me but I do keep a food log. I have for a couple of years. I started out not restricting anything but just keeping track. That's when I was amazed that I was consuming 2800-3500 calories a day! Then I began to limit it to 2000. when I hit that, I stop eating. It really made me aware of just how many calories are in the foods we eat & how easy it is to over consume. Now I make really good choices because I like to eat a LOT! So, I want to make every calorie count.