I can only imagine how hard it was for you to write this and post out here for all to see. Sometimes we need to do hard things to keep us on plan and accountable to ourselves. It's not always easy. The thing that matters is that you did the hard thing. You put yourself out here, you're making steps to correct what you were doing that had you derailed. Please keep it up.



As far as mom goes, I'm right there with you. My mom is one of the very rare fat old ladies (she'll swat me if she can ever reach me! LOL). I have come to realize that she doesn't really want to change. She takes greater pleasure out of complaining than she does doing something about it. So it is what it is...

You are doing a lot of reflecting and that is awesome. May I suggest you copy what you have written and paste it into a document on your computer and also make a paper copy. That way, you can go back and reread it for motivation and more reflection. You can do this program. Just take it a step at a time.......and good for you for not bringing your trigger foods into the house and for giving up the routine of drinks at dinner time. Is there something calorie free that you really enjoy and that you could "fancy up" in a pretty glass or by adding a wedge of something and have as a substitute???? Keep on keeping on and come back to the forums with your thoughts and reflections. They will help others who struggle with the same things you do...

No reason you couldn't have a diet soda as your drink. I think it's fantastic that you and DH can share something like that while you're cooking. And put it in whatever type glass makes you happy. My mom has all sorts of wine glasses, goblets, etc and she could get my girls to drink anything out of them. (we don't drink, so our house is kinda like the grocery store - do you want plastic or glass?) I really like the Diet A&W Root Beer, it doesn't have a strong after taste and is sweeter than Diet Coke..

I get the munchies in the evening so most nights my after dinner snack is Cinnamon Pretzels. I can eat those slowly, especially if I drink water with them. For something sweet, do you like herbal tea? That you can sweeten just slightly and might help. I noticed something this week - what I thought needed sweetening the first week of Medifast now tastes perfectly fine just on it's own. Just another way to measure progress..

Take each day one meal at a time. If you look at it that way, rather than getting intimidated by the entire journey, it becomes doable. If you were OP for breakfast, 2.5 hours later you can be OP for your morning snack, etc..

And my mom isn't so much whiny as always saying "I know I should, but....." I've picked up on that and now look at it as one more 'but' I need to get rid of...

I know how hard it is to break old habits, but it looks like you're well on your way to doing that. I, too, really like to have something sweet in the evening so I make sure that I have either a shake or a bar ( or both) left over for the evening. Good luck...

My note on the fridge says "Today I feel strong. Today I can do this. No, today I WILL do this!".

I believe you can do this. {{{{hugs}}}}..

I just have to say - be proud of yourself for being able to examine whats going on between you and food now - when the pounds to lose are not so great. Not to diminish the task at hand...... but, I believe the number of pounds to lose is far less important than conquering the monster that causes the weight gain in the first place!.

Medifast is an excellent program - learning to look at food differently has been my focus, as well as getting down to a healthy, and attractive weight. I come from an overweight family, with 3 older sisters ranging from nearly 500 pounds down to about 190 - and until I was 40 years old had been able to maintain a somewhat healthy weight - never over 150. But, I didn't have a healthy relationship with food - what I had was a controlling husband who said he'd divorce me if I ever got fat! (but, no pressure!) Once the marriage ended, and I found myself with a man who loved me unconditionally - plus the onset of fibromyalgia, the pounds started piling on!.

So I commend you for seeing that you have an issue with food - and for grabbing the tiger by the tail before he does too much damage! Good job, girl! and good luck - I know you can do this - cuz it's a great program - and these boards are wonderful for drawing support and strength. Looking forward to hearing you're AT GOAL!..

YOU CAN DO THIS! oNE DAY AT A TIME!..

I believe you can do this and agree with everyone that you took big steps in posting this and examining yourself. You have gotten great suggestions..

The thing is YOU have to make up your mind and do it. We/I can't do it for you or I would. I would come right over and take that drink out of your hand or whatever needed to be done. I really would. You might not like me for it, but I would. : ).

You need a definite plan for dinner and after it sounds like. As far as the drinks, I think a different drink sounds great too, but would your DH possibly do that too for a while to help you out? For the snacking, you need something to occupy yourself. If I am too hungry later on, I go to bed. Once I am asleep I no longer care how hungry I was!.

I agree with writing yourself things or even pictures of how you want to look on the pantry or fridge. I am going that route some now, and in maintenance plan to put my fat pics up since I do NOT want to go back there..

{{HUGS}}. You can do this, so keep doing the mental work too. I think it will get easier for you...

I have a hard time with the no alcohol, too. I only drink a couple glasses of wine or a G&T once a week, but I love those! I've switched to Perrier with a twist of lime or orange peel, and it's great!..

I miss my wine. But hey, I can do anything for a week. (Repeat every week!).

You can do it. I "thought" about getting my weight under control for a long time. When my brain was ready, and my body was tired of being fat, I got right into the zone. You can do it!..

There is no "hoping" to continue! You can and are doing it!!! Sometimes it can be really hard. You will have good days and bad. When it gets tough, come here, bleed and bear it all-get it out. You will feel better and I guarantee it, you will get some GREAT FREE ADVICE that will help you get over the humps and bumps. It sure works for me and I know it works for others as well..

A couple tips, one find a "fat" picture of yourself and put it on the fridge. Remind yourself WHY your on MF-DAILY! When you get stressed and want to eat? Drink some water! Put some water in a wine glass. Drop a drop of red food color in it. FAKE IT TILL YA MAKE IT!.

By you helping yourself and getting your weight off, you will be helping your Mom at the same time. She will see you. She is watching you. That should be your positive "stressor" to keep you on the straight and narrow with the plan. You need to show her it can be done, KWIM?.

Do you have Dr A's book "Habits of Health"? If not, I recommend you get that and then lend it to your Mom..

I know you can do this. You have all the tools. Hang in there and take it one day at a time. If you just follow the plan, drink your water you will get to goal. I look forward to that post!!!! And then the one after, that you have become a health coach and your Mom is your first client!!!!..

You can do this!! I know you can. I'm always famished by dinner time. I have my afternoon meal about 2:30-3:00 and then I don't have dinner until 6:30-7:30, depends if I get stuck in traffic on my way home. So, I chew SF gum. Keeps me from popping anything else in my mouth out of habit...

I can only imagine how hard it was for you to write this and post out here for all to see. Sometimes we need to do hard things to keep us on plan and accountable to ourselves. It's not always easy. The thing that matters is that you did the hard thing. You put yourself out here, you're making steps to correct what you were doing that had you derailed. Please keep it up.

As far as mom goes, I'm right there with you. My mom is one of the very rare fat old ladies (she'll swat me if she can ever reach me! LOL). I have come to realize that she doesn't really want to change. She takes greater pleasure out of complaining than she does doing something about it. So it is what it is...

I believe you can do this and agree with everyone that you took big steps in posting this and examining yourself. You have gotten great suggestions.

The thing is YOU have to make up your mind and do it. We/I can't do it for you or I would. I would come right over and take that drink out of your hand or whatever needed to be done. I really would. You might not like me for it, but I would. : ).

You need a definite plan for dinner and after it sounds like. As far as the drinks, I think a different drink sounds great too, but would your DH possibly do that too for a while to help you out? For the snacking, you need something to occupy yourself. If I am too hungry later on, I go to bed. Once I am asleep I no longer care how hungry I was!.

I agree with writing yourself things or even pictures of how you want to look on the pantry or fridge. I am going that route some now, and in maintenance plan to put my fat pics up since I do NOT want to go back there.

{{HUGS}}. You can do this, so keep doing the mental work too. I think it will get easier for you...

There is no "hoping" to continue! You can and are doing it!!! Sometimes it can be really hard. You will have good days and bad. When it gets tough, come here, bleed and bear it all-get it out. You will feel better and I guarantee it, you will get some GREAT FREE ADVICE that will help you get over the humps and bumps. It sure works for me and I know it works for others as well..

A couple tips, one find a "fat" picture of yourself and put it on the fridge. Remind yourself WHY your on MF-DAILY! When you get stressed and want to eat? Drink some water! Put some water in a wine glass. Drop a drop of red food color in it. FAKE IT TILL YA MAKE IT!.

By you helping yourself and getting your weight off, you will be helping your Mom at the same time. She will see you. She is watching you. That should be your positive "stressor" to keep you on the straight and narrow with the plan. You need to show her it can be done, KWIM?.

Do you have Dr A's book "Habits of Health"? If not, I recommend you get that and then lend it to your Mom.

I know you can do this. You have all the tools. Hang in there and take it one day at a time. If you just follow the plan, drink your water you will get to goal. I look forward to that post!!!! And then the one after, that you have become a health coach and your Mom is your first client!!!!..