@terryrunning I've dieted off and on for years also, including counting calories, Weight Watchers, Atkins, pills, and others. I would lose 10-15 lbs, but that diet couldn't stay my lifestyle forever, because I hated how I was eating so I gained the weight back. I made exercise plans to work out for 30+ min, 5 times a week, but going from completely sedentary to 30 min of exercise at one time was next to impossible for me. I don't think I ever stuck with an exercise plan for more than 1 week. I never hit that point where people said the exercise gave you energy. It didn't for me.
I finally reached 235 lbs this past Christmas, which at 5'0" made my BMI a 46. I received a fitbit for Christmas and walking even 5000 steps was difficult. I slowly started walking a little more each day, and 8000 steps became my goal for the first month. While it was work to get and increase my steps, I finally reached that point where walking gives me more energy throughout the day. Then, I went to 10,000, which was a good bit of work, but a few 10-15 min walks during the day wasn't too difficult for me. I'm at 12,000 steps now, and with a new treadmill, I hope to increase my step goal again in a week or two. I can walk 30-45 min at one time, several times a day. I have more energy throughout the day, both at home and at work. I'm a wife, mother, and teacher, and I find myself getting more cleaning and projects finished at home, instead of just sitting and watching tv. I play with my 2 year old more actively. I'm walking around the classroom at work more and not just perching on my stool.
I still have days where I'm tired and don't feel like doing anything. Last weekend, I had less than 4000 steps for Sat and Sun combined. 😞 But...Monday, I got 17,000 and yesterday, I had 14,000 steps. 🙂 As of this morning, I've lost 19.1 lbs and my BMI has dropped to 42. I still eat unhealty food (we ate pizza last night,) but my portions are more controlled. I count my calories, even when I go over, and most days, I make healthier choices. I drink almost only water, although I still have a cup of coffee with cream/sugar every other day or so. I expect to keep increasing the amount of activity each day and improving my healthy choices.
Wow, didn't expect to write that much, but I just wanted to say that it's doable. Start with the small changes of walking a little more throughout the day and tracking your calories. You can write it down or use FitBit or MyFitnessPal.com, which I like better because it has more food items already programmed in and they sync together. Liquid calories are a fairly easy place to start. I cut out sodas and juice, and that cut a lot of calories out of my day.
Sorry for rambling on... hope you have a great day and a great start to a new lifestyle!
And yes @_Lilac_, I do wish my wife was that supportive, but I have you guys (and a full gym downstairs :)).
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