Time to try something new--starting today.

[Big-TX]

Hello everyone,

Well it happened again..another time of many in which I have become absolutely disgusted with my current size. The sad part is that I have been here many times before and have lost weight only to put it back on. Having lost and gained 100's of pounds before on various diets and temporary lifestyle changes, I know how to loose weight and have read and studied too much on the topic. I say "too much" here because over the course of my life I have used unhealthy weight loss methods as well as proven healthy methods. And lets face it--knowledge is worthless without putting it into action and then not going back. This is where I have fallen short in the past--always letting myself turn back to a sedentary lifestyle with fast, convenient unhealthy food.


So the facts...
Male Age 38, weight 326 lbs, Height 6'2"

So why the sudden motivation to change? I took a business trip this week--riding on the plane was more miserable than ever. The seatbelt barely buckled, I barely fit between the stationary armrests on the exit row, and the person next to me seemed disgusted to have my fat torso taking up the space between us. I found myself leaning out toward the isle to provide more space for them and sucking in my shoulders every time someone needed to walk by. Even if the other passengers were not disgusted by it as they had a right to be, I know that I was ashamed and embarrassed. Although I have been overweight much of my life, when I look in the mirror I still feel like I am seeing a normal guy in a fat suit--like there is a better person under there I just can't seem to set free. I would say I am successful in my career and family--but a failure when it comes to this one area of life. I have seen some success in the past, a few years back I was at a point where I ran 12 miles on my longest run and felt full of life (why I let that slip away...I don't know). I want to Snowboard again. I want to play tennis, volleyball, and be active.

So what is different this time.. I know the way to eat and exercise, but I always seem to go at this solo. I am Married with 2 kids, but they do not have my weight issues and really don't relate to them. My wife will help with meals and shopping, but I need some support. I have never used a forum like this or been a part of a support system to help motivate me when I have no other accountabilities. I need to discipline myself to eat right even when off on business where the food is all free.

I am sorry to have rambled on so much, but I wanted you all to know where I am coming from. I am here to ask for support and to join in and give some support to others.

Thanks!
Big-TX

 

[casanova1]

Hey Big-TX, welcome to the forums! You'll definitely find some great people on here, and some really helpful tips. I hope you enjoy the time you spend here. Good luck with your weight loss! :]

 

[maleficent]

Welcome tpopo the site -many of us have been where you are and were...

Send some time reading around the forum you'll get lots of useful nutrition and exercise advice..

as you're realizing the only thing that is effective is long term lifestyle change not short term diets... and that means relearning what you thought you knew...

What's your plan for change this time? I'd suggest reading the stickied threads in the nutrition forum to give you a good start..

and honestly, just because people don't have a weight problem, doesn't mean they are eating healthy -so there's no reason to not get the entire family involved in your lifestyle change

 

[Ned]

Hello Tx,

I don't think you should look upon having lost weight before as entirely a negative. In any other endeavour practice makes perfect. You've done it before so can do it again. This time you just need to nail the details so it stays fixed for good.

I'm a total newbie at this weight-loss stuff. Same height as you, I suddenly found myself overweight only when I saw myself in photographs. Not sure how it happened but was no denying it.

After hearing the experience of friends I was sceptical of the many "diet plans" that are hawked around. They all seem to create a dependency that's hard to sustain. Customers that keep coming back seem essential to their business plans. Three months into my new way of doing things it hasn't been too painful so hope we can help each other.

 

[Big-TX]

What's your plan for change this time? I'd suggest reading the stickied threads in the nutrition forum to give you a good start..

I am definitely going for the lifestyle change as I had much success in the past with some healthy lifestyle methods like BFFM (Burn the Fat Feed the Muscle). I do tend to take suggestions from several methods to develop a plan that is good for me ( I like the sticky thread from Steve about the basic concepts). The basics being smaller meals 5-6 a day with good combinations of Protein, complex carbs, and necessary fat. Exercise combining strength training and cardio to maintain my lean body mass while loosing body fat. I never have a problem loosing weight when applying these principles. They key for me is not going at this alone--and maintaining the discipline to not revert back to old patterns of behavior that got me here in the first place. I can't use the excuse of lack of knowledge--just lack of self discipline.


I heard someone say something once that has stuck with me: I was looking at a picture of a person who was in great shape and said to myself "man I would give anything to be that thin" but then realizing that statement is such a lie-- if I would give anything to look like that then I would give the time and effort to live healthy and I would be that thin... So now its time to really "give anything" and that anything is the lifestyle change.

 

[squeak]

I totally get where you're coming from, Big-TX. I was riding the bus for a while and I was always one of the last people anyone would sit by, and practically did contortions to try and give them more room. I also remember the first time I had to ask for a seatbelt extension on an airplane. I avoid traveling anywhere that I can't drive to now. Maybe I should add that to my list of things I want to do when I'm thin(ner)... take a plane trip somewhere! Hehe.

Anyway, welcome to the forum and good luck! Be sure you start a diary. It's all the rage, everyone's doing it, and your first time is free.