What if you are the only one trying?

Oh brother...I can relate...my husband eats pints of ice cream in the evening...very difficult, hang in there, it will pay off

Oh brother...I can relate...my husband eats pints of ice cream in the evening...very difficult, hang in there, it will pay off

Hi Heather,

From November 2006-June 2007, I lost 40 pounds with Weight Watchers and the YMCA. So, I know what you are going through! Here's how you maintain motivation- you remember who you are getting healthy for: YOU!

Be selfish. Buy yourself food that is good, but low in calories and fat. If there are certain times of the day when the family is eating "junk" save your most favorite "junk" for that time of day also and happily pig out with them. Best advice from my leader at WW: If it doesn't make it into the cart at the grocery store- it doesn't make it into the pantry at home. Make wise decisions at the store. 

I have maintained my weight loss since last june. This is harder than the losing, trust me- but if you discipline yourself now, the pay off is so worth it! Just because I am "thin" now, however, doesn't mean I am cured from wanting to overeat. It just means that I am more aware of what I choose to nourish myself with. Your family will follow suit when they see you making good choices, too.

You will have more energy and stamina, you will not hurt in certain places (knees, back) and not have digestion problems, etc... etc... AND you will feel great about yourself!

Something I have learned about the journey is to put myself first, don't worry or follow others bad decisions just because i feel "left out" or that what I am eating is not as "fun" as what they are eating. Fun is what got me fat in the first place, LOL! I learned to say, "I won't eat that", not, "I can't eat that." If you are well and healthy- you are showing true love to your family because then you can take care of them better.

Be encouraged!

~Leslie 

Hi, Heather!  Yes, that is tough when those around you are not doing what you are.  Hang in there though, as it will pay off!  I have been eating okay lately, but have been so busy I've not been working out or even on AR.  That changes ... today!

Yeah- I agree with the other Leslie above. Buy food that is healthy and that you really like- that will make you feel indulged. YES, it IS out there. And eat that when they eat their snakcs. The other way to approach it (depending on you personality) is to drink a glass of milk or a cup of tea in the evening and revel in feeling superior!

That's totally understandle. My hubby takes it one step further.. He likes to "pretend" that he's my trainer and tell me HOW to excercise while he's eating something yummy like chocolate cookies. I think that the only way is to find a healthy substitute that you find AS yummy as what they are eating. I have heard that skinny cow icecream bars are fabulous but never tried them. Or, you can do 100 calorie packs of popcorn without feeling guilty. I think that the part that gets me is that if I go overboard and don't have something to give me balance I will fail. You can do it - you aren't alone either - we are working at it with you!

Heather:  I really should put you in touch with my husband.  I have been his negative influence for two years.  But despite that, he has vowed to get in shape, eat better and was a buzz kill to me.  It's all about will power...just like in your cookie post.  Now I'm on board with his lifestyle. 

Oh Heather, I am sure it is so hard.  Retraining your husband and kids can seem impossible.  My husband once told me that I was never serious before so why should he take me seriously now.  Hmmm...that was an eye opening.