Introduction

Hi All-

I am on day one of trying to get back on track!  I have posted my lowest weight pictures - 128 at 5'6''- but have to rummage around in hidden USB drives to find the before pics! I started out at 215lbs and lost the weight in 8 months.  I never followed the plan exactly but kept it off effortlessly for more than 2 years.  Over the past two years I have gradually put on weight --accumulating bad habits once again- and now do not fit any of my gorgeous new clothes.  I have gone from a size 4 (lowest ever!) to a 14.  AHHH!  I am back in stretchy, strategic clothing and although I still look ok in clothes, I would never get in a bathing suit.  

I am divorcing -- three years after separation and just starting legal process - and have dated a lot. I am on hiatus from that because I need to focus on what is really important for a while - this, getting the divorce done for once and all, etc.   This is relevant because I am SINGLE and looking good is essential (my friend jokes that looking good is her job as a single woman), and will be dealing with stress in the upcoming year. Plus, my life has still not jelled into something I find defensible.

I am really concerned with a few things. First and foremost, I get low blood sugar now when I eat as little as I used to.  How can that be possible? When I ate 600 cal before, i felt fine. Now, I get zoned and irritable, etc.  Has anyone experienced this?  I also get hungry!  This is new ballgame.

So the plan: start with getting into drinking water, writing what I eat and counting up carbs and protein and calories. Trying to limit cals to 800 or less.  Starting to work out as soon as my back is ok. (pulled it last week). Weighing myself.

I am now at 148.5, so I need to lose 20 lbs or so to get back into those cool jeans.

I would love BOTT buddies and friends and am new to this site!  I am really looking forward to getting to know everyone.

Also, I live in the DC area, if anyone is out this way!

Welcome aboard.  On your 800 calorie plan are you getting mostly protein with a little fat and less carbs?  If those 800 calories are more on the carb side then you will be more hungry than someone eating more protein.  At 800 calories a day, I would get a minimum of 80 grams of protein with a maximum of 50 grams of carbs, less is definitely more when it comes to carbs.  Drink plenty of fluids and make sure you are taking the right amount of vitamins as this will also make you feel better.  Good luck on losing your 20 lbs. you can do this, you already done it once.  Plus when you start working out or just walking, this will really give you the boost you need to move forward with your goals.  Glad to have you here.

Thanks, Tess!

You asked about my plan (and gave sound advice).  My goal is to have 70g (is 80 better?) of protein a day, work down to 30 g carbs (start at 50 if necessary), 8 glasses of water minimum.  I have to figure out what works well now that I get hungry!

Today was a good step forward but not even close to perfect.  It definitely reminded me of things I need to do to stay on track!  My son got a gross, unexplained infection in his knee and he had to stay home and go to the doctor.  While at the medical complex, we went to see another doc as well and then drove out to another!!  And, as you  might guess, I got very hungry and low blood sugar and had to buy food out.  I tried to make good choices but my carb intake is WAY over despite keeping more or less to calorie goals. Plus I am hungry!  So the lesson-- have protein food I can bring with me already prepared for occasions like this.  Plus eat very frequently in small amounts to keep my blood sugar from bottoming out.  Plus, it doesn't help me to get this hungry before I eat.

Looking at your ticker, you have lost a lot of weight! Congratulations! What a life changer, no? 

Thank you for your greeting : )

Jenny

Your welcome and thank you!  70 grams on protein is fine.  Some folks will go all out up to 150 grams.  I feel that what ever works for you then that is where you should be at.  I have also learn to keep protein bars in my car pocket and in my purse.  I am like a good girl scout, I have learn to always be prepared.   Have a great evening!