I'm not the only one changing

I started this journey thinking, "OMG. This is going to be an uphill battle with my family." I have to say I am VERY pleasantly surprised. I have 3 daughters, ages 13, 15, and 18. They are all overweight. Each one of them has their own demons and have learned bad habits such as "sneak" eating from their mother. When I started this I took the opportunity at supper one night to look at them and say, "I am changing the way I eat. I am going to change my life. This is not a diet. It is a life choice I am making for ME. All I am asking from you is this. Please think before you eat. If you really want something by all means, get it and eat it but think about it before you do. I will not force you to eat like me. I will not ask you to eat like me. If you choose to, it is because you want to." I left it at that.  I am happy to say, they are following the leader and even helping me along the way. They make food and they portion it out. They are reading labels. If their friends visit, they tell them about how we eat and why. It is amazing to me to see them changing for the better and not because I made them or expected them to do it.  My 15 yr old is making spaghetti and salad for supper. It was funny because she came in and told me she was only making 1/2 a small box (4oz) of spaghetti. I said, "Dad is going to want a little more than us." Her reply was, "Too bad. He will get what he needs not what he wants. If he's still hungry, he can eat a piece of butter bread. He'll have salad." I giggled inside.  I am so proud of them. I hope this changes their lives for the rest of their lives so they don't have to live like I have for the last 38 years. How different could things have been for me had I had the same example to follow? I am glad I am helping them to help themselves.

That's fantastic and I have to say, that you're a great mother.  I've been fat my whole life - since about 5 years old.  I wish my mom did something like you're doing, for me.  I wish she sat me down one night and told me that I could change my eating pattern, and have a role model to watch for support.  This will really turn your girls life around.  Definately proud of you, chicky!

Thank you, Janina.  I am with you in that I started putting my weight on at age 6. I remember when I was about 10, my mom took me to the pediatrician and asked him about putting me on a diet and he told her not to worry about. He said I would take care of things on my own when I was a teenager. So she never tried again. Needless to say the bad eating habits our family had continued to follow me into my adult life and ultimately into the lives of my children. It took me to realize that only I can change my life and that my kids are still young enough even as teenagers to learn this from me. Change comes from within not from what others do for you and they are learning that by not being forced but being given the example and the choice.

Beth....I too was put on my first diet by the doctor at age 9....a chubby little kid from birth.  I think my mom did the best at the time with the knowledge she had but we ate a lot of casseroles and dessert every night (even if it was only pudding).  She would agonize over my size and then make all my favorite dishes when I came home from college.  My weight is still a bone of contention between the two of us (in my mind at least) to this day. You are giving your daughters such a gift by just being a role model and eating healthy.  You did it EXACTLY right too.....a one time explanation of what YOU were going to do and then following through and making the healthy choices.  Harping on them and watching what they put in their mouth every second doesn't work....believe me....BTDT.  Not only do they have a MOM who they can be proud of, but they can share your joy and excitement as the pounds drop off.  Being overweight affects every aspect of your life and as the old saying goes....if Mamma ain't happy, nobody's happy!  You will have so much more energy and motivation and enthusiasm to share with your family....I'm excited for you.  I wish I had followed through much earlier in my life.  My only salvation is that my daughter (who is maybe 30lb overweight) fights every day her battle and is doing the same thing with her little ones that you are, so they never have that problem. Bless you all!!

"He will get what he needs not what he wants" Man alive, what a smart girl that is!  Wish I had caught on to that oh so simple concept at that age. You played this one just right. I feel ashamed for my influence on my kids. All i can do is live how I knwo is right at this time and hope my DDs follow suit. Lucky you - smart them!

How wonderful!  My kids are grown and gone, and I'm the only "fatty" in the family.  (My daughter is slim out of fear of being like me)  My hubby is pudgy but not obese.  This is the first time he has taken notice to my attempts at weight loss and I'm proud of him for being supportive this time.  He is even trying my foods and liking some of it, so I am able to serve some up for meals.  His blood pressure is a bit high so maybe it will help that.  AND he taking vitamins too. Congrats on the new outlook for your family, just be careful your girls don'y turn hubby into a sneak eater!  LOL