Reintroducing myself

Hello all,

I'm Colleen.  I joined this group when it first started.....but, that was short lived. 

I'm back because (obviously) I NEED to get back on track. 

I can't believe I let myself go.  Granted I've had some very tragic events happen in the last 3 years (which is the time I've put my weight back on) but I need to do this. 

I was just getting into the swing of things in 2011 when my daughter had a horrible accident involving our fireplace and burned 60% of her body (most 3rd and 4th degree burns).  We spent 3 months in the hospital by her side.  This didn't help me one bit.  In fact, the depression and guilt caught up and so did the food. 

Here I am 55 lbs heavier than my lowest weight (130).  Wow, that seems like such a HUGE number now that I type it out.  Ugh....I'm going to crawl back into my hole now.

I REALLY need all the help and support I can get!  Starting with quick/easy recipes.  My evenings are so busy it's ridiculous.  Sunday- Awana Monday-band, Tuesday-cheer, Wednesday-tumbling, Thursday- band, Friday- tumble team and football games/band, saturday- band practice and competitions  (coming soon will be cheer competitions and tumbling meets).  I am constantly on the go with the kids' activities.  So dinners are my BIGGEST challenge. 

And how do I get my energy back?  I take all my vitamins but have no energy or motivation to get up and do anything. 

HELP!!!!!

Colleen

Have you thought about a bento box? You can prepack your dinners the day before and fill it with lots of protein and yummy snacks!

Hello and thanks for your post!  I had my surgery in Apr of 2008.  Just before I had my surgery, my brother was diagnosed with laryngeal cancer, stage 4.  Many of my friends and family thought I would delay my surgery, but I had it so that I could get better and be there for him.  Plus, since I was off work, I was able to go with him to many doctor appts and all that in getting his cancer treatment going.  Like you, I had a bunch of stuff happen before and after that - lots of heavy stuff - much of my process is kind of a blur...so now I want to lose the 30 I gained, plus get down to some sort of goal that I never did achieve, so prob 50-60 total pounds to lose.

I do not have that "soccer mom" schedule, but I do know that I need to plan for distractions and interruptions.  Sometimes, that might mean packing a meal and always it means having a snack and fluids with me.  Depending on the weather is what I can safely carry....but usually jerky and nuts will not melt in the heat and some protein bars that are not chocolate.  I have found even when we travel, I take stuff and even if I bring it home, I eat better during my trip because I am not obsessing about whether I will have food to eat.  I even have a portable coffee pot and I carry powdered milk and make a protein shake that I mix with my coffee.  I keep this at work, too, sometimes.

Good job on the vitamins - it is easy to get out of the habit and it takes a while to feel better and getting back on the bandwagon.

Welcome Colleen!  Your energy is down because you have too much sugar/carbs in your system.  I have been on that ride many times.  I would try for the next few days of getting off carbs (bread, sugar, pasta) and trying a high protein diet.  I promise about day 4 you will feel so much better and be so much more in control of your pouch.  High protein bars, shakes, jerky, grilled chicken, hamburger without the bun, nuts, etc.  Find your mojo, and check back in with us to discuss.  We are a friendly bunch of women and will definitely answer any questions that you may have.  Have a great Wednesday!

First and foremost....have you had your labs drawn recently? I've been super compliant about my vitamins too but things were still off. Slowly getting things back to my happy place/acceptible levels.

secondly...Dig out and dust off the crock pot. You can come home to healthy meals for the entire family. Lots of high protein/ low carb / low fat options out there. We eat lots and lots of chicken, beans, soups and chili from ours.

You can do this. The hardest part is behind you....simply wanting to make the changes enough to come back here. We're here to help.

- Iris