Losing my Not-So-Better-Half's Journal, 13 August 2015

You got this! 

I know everyone here is going to give you tons of nutritional advice, all of which you can read about (and conflicting opinions about) on the internet. The truth is, you do your very best that day, and when you go to sleep that has to be enough. When I try to take on the world (career, diet, relationships, educational / professional advancement) it is overwhelming. You are not going to be stellar every day. You are going to eat things you regret from time to time. You're not going to nail it in the gym every day. No one is perfect and you don't have to be to achieve your goals. Be patient with yourself, especially when you're depressed - I know how hard that is. I'm not saying that anyone should make excuses for yourself, but give yourself time to make the changes you need. I always start with a water drinking goal. The more water you drink the more full you will be and the easier it will be to gradually cut down your calories. Start with water and go from there. More importantly, you are not your weight. You are an intelligent woman who is going to school, beating depression, and cares enough about herself to log in here and put her body to the test for her health. Don't forget that along the way. That's more important than your weight, and the more you accept yourself the easier it is to forgive yourself for not being perfect, then get back on track with your very next choice. Because hey, you can do it. 

Thanks, MileHighMarti! I sure hope so... 

Thank you, fitfatty! Forgiving myself for the little hiccups has always been a struggle for me. I'll do my best to keep what you just posted in mind! 

Fitfatty- Exactly. Losing My- YOU DO got this! My biggest help was just keeping track on FS-I log everyday and every bite- even when I don't want to admit I ate it! :D I know what should and shouldn't eat and how much. And reading people's posts here have been excellent. Welcome and holy smokes! Doing this while you are in school- and nursing school at that! Amazing.  

my two cents...giving up is never an option for one reason: it doesn't work.No matter how lousy you feel, and how many times you fall, just get up one more time after that. I promise it will get better if you stick with it. One other idea: get out and move, even if only 10 minutes. I have never once done that and afterwards regretted it. I feel better every single time..Good luck, you are not alone 

There are many paths to losing weight and becoming healthier and more fit, what's important is to find the path that works for you so you can stick to it and keep doing it. Some people do low carb, some paleo, some vegetarian/vegan, some flexible eating and more a matter of watching calories. My plan is one of flexible eating, nothing is off limits, but I have a daily allowance of calories and targets for fat/carbs/fiber/protein I try to hit. My advice would be: 1. Use an online calculator to determine your daily calorie burn (TDEE = total daily energy expenditure). 2. Set an RDI (recommended daily intake) of calories that is less than your TDEE. Be careful about going too low, a good online calculator will help you set that level. A good one to use is IIFYM.com. 3. Make sure you get enough protein, you want to try and maintain your muscle mass as that is what burns calories. 4. Be careful about consuming simple and refined/processed carbs (sugars, breads, white rice, white potatoes). Try to get your carbs from fruit, veggies, whole grains. 5. Drink plenty of water, it helps with weight loss, helps curb appetite, and is healthy to do. 6. Increase your physical activity as you are able to, look for ways to be active. Just walking is great exercise. You can do this, you've already dropped some weight. We all do it one day at a time and the weight comes off an ounce at a time. If you mess up and go off plan don't beat yourself up, just learn any lessons there are to be gained from it and get back on track. That's my 10 cents.....wishing you lots of success!