jfinch2340's Journal, 13 January 2019

It’s hard, but you’re doing a great job! 

I'm so sorry you feel so alone in your fight. It is so much easier with support. I may not be THERE, but most of us are HERE with you. The truth is, that despite all the encouragement I get from friends and family cheering me on, they will never know what a struggle it's been from day one, they are just watching me. You will find that there are people in your community that are in the same struggle as you. Find them if you can. They need you as much as you need them. A good place to start might be your primary care provider. My clinic had little "classes" on healthy eating, healthy exercise, where people could find others in the same boat. I just discovered that 2 grocery stores have healthy eating tours for various illnesses, diabetic cooking, hypertension cooking. People sign up, meet at the store and have someone walk around the store explaining labels, what to look for, but it's more about meeting people that are also fighting alone looking for someone to join battle with. If you have community education, recreation centers in your area, YMCA/YWCA. Anyone who does that sort of work isn't out to make $$, they are trying to help make a healthier world, one person at a time. Let that person be you.  

Same happens to me...especially my husband snacking at night & drinking soda. Gosh, I miss soda!!! But, I don’t get results snacking & drinking soda so I stick with what works for me. We can do it! Leave the room or make sure what you CAN eat tastes good to you so that you miss your old favorites less. And allow yourself a spoonful of what they have occasionally. That helps me. Good luck!👍🏼 

Ur not the only one, most of us do it without any support from home, I know i do. No excuses u can do this without them 

My family has a history of heart diseases, diabetes and hypertension, and continue to shop for junk food and dietary garbage. Eating is such a social event, you feel left out if you are doing something different. I have a tribe outside of my family. THIS IS YOUR TRIBE!!😘 

You ve are amazing!! Others in the family just don't get it. well done you! 

It can be hard but just focus on yourself, your plan and your results. This is for your health and your body. 

Do it for you boo!!! set the example you set the tone. They too are struggling I believe you can do this, they will fight it but it's your body and soul that needs health. -K  

I must agree - eating a particular way is easier to do alone. doesn't make it easier on you, but I hope you feel validated 😘 

I did too at first and still do sometimes. However one day I had enough and told them they could snack as they like but they would be eating the same meals as I was at least a couple times a week so I wasn’t making 2-3 meals at each mealtime. I bought fruit and veggies and ‘forgot’ to get snack cakes for a bit. Now they are limited to one junky food a day but can have all they want of sandwiches, fruit and veggies. I’ve also went back to making two meals several times a week because they’ve been more supportive. It’s a give and take for everyone and they should be respectful enough to at least not eat their snacks in front of you especially on days that you have intense cravings. If you were trying to stop drinking or smoking would they light up or pop open a beer in front of you? No they wouldn’t ;). Keep in mind that this is new for them too and everyone needs time to adjust. It’s all about compromise and dedication. You’ve got this! 

Thank you everyone for the encouragement! I feel the uphill battle but I have been seeing tons of support here so I am sure I can find some small ways to start to change the family meal habits :) 

Me too! Their dinner always smells so good! But I want this more...at least most days lol