If you’ve been reading for any length of time at all you know that I’ve written about diet and exercise a lot. Like here, here, here, here, here, here, and here to name a few.
I’ve struggled with losing weight for a long time, like for the last 18 years. It seems like ever since I got married I’ve gradually put on weight every year. I’ve tried doing it on my own and with organized plans. I’ve tried more diets, eating plans and life changes than I can count. Some of them more than once like Weight Watchers, Nutrisystems, and Medifast… again, just to name a few. I’ve actually succeeded sometimes, but then I gain the weight right back.
I often wonder why I can’t lose weight and keep it off. I know it is possible. If you don’t believe me you can read Sean, Bookieboo or Julie for the proof. And in real life I have my BFF Jodi who has lost well over 100 pounds. What she has achieved is amazing.
I’ve been thinking about gaining control a lot lately and some recent revelations have led me to know that I need to do it NOW. I need to try to get in the best shape possible so I can be here for my kids and the rest of my family. I do not want to leave them without a mother.
Jodi recently started a new plan (one that I’ve never tried believe it or not) to support her husband. He has also decided that it is time take some control with his life. With the two of them for support I’ve decided to try again. And to make myself extra accountable I’ve decided to blog about it regularly here. I don’t know if this will be interesting or not, but it is something that I need to do.
So here is what I’ve done so far this week. I started a new plan and since Monday I’ve lost three pounds. My goal at this point is to lose 100 pounds. Yes. One hundred. In reality I would like to lose more than that, but I like nice round numbers.
I haven’t started exercising yet, but I plan to do that next week. I’ve started putting the kids to bed a little earlier and I plan to exercise after they are put down each night. I’m not exactly sure what I’m going to do, but I have several DVD’s or I can walk or I might use some of the activities I learned last year at boot camp. Whatever I decide I’ll let y’all know.
And here is what I’ve been dreading most the whole entire post. Starting pictures. I took these last night and I’ll update them at certain milestones.
I would appreciate all the support and prayers I can get.
And here is the part where I’m going to be brutally honest, and I may appear rude, but I don’t mean to be. If you are trying to lose 5, 10 or even 20 pounds you do not understand where I’m coming from. If you’ve never struggled to lose weight then you don’t get this. If you don’t know what it is like to shop in the women’s section at the store or one of the “fat lady” shops, then you really do not get this.
Ok, rudeness over. Thanks for reading and thanks for any support you can offer.
{ 26 comments }
When you truly love someone you want whatever they want for them. I truly love you and I want this for you just as much as you do. I will support you in any way I can! I am so proud of you for putting this out there! I sware to you I credit facebook a bit for helping me achieve so much loss. The more I talked about it the less alone I felt. The more accountable I felt. I know you can do this because you are one determined bitch like me! If you set your mind to this NOTHING will stop you! NOTHING!
100% behind you. Given your math(3 lbs in 4 days), you will be rocking a new beach body by Memorial Day next year.
Jen, I think you're doing a brave and wonderful thing! You can do it! I'll be here, cheering you on. It's going to be really tough, but you need to be healthy for those gorgeous kids of yours. xoxo
Sounds like a wonderful thing you're doing, Jen.
I've got 60 to lose to just get to the top number of a healthy range for me…it seems totally overwhelming at times.
I'm totally behind you…even inspired by your honesty as I sit at the computer, again, and eat my bagel. I'll get on the treadmill this afternoon. You can do this and I'll join you! (if that's okay, haha)
I think that's awesome…just making the decision to actually do something different can be the hardest part. And I'm sure you're extra motivated that you've already lost a few pounds! Good luck!
You can do this.
I understand your stuggle and even though I lost weight recently…It's creeping back on and I have to do something about it.
I'm right here with you!
Congratulations on your 3lbs so far! Great start! I look forward to reading about your successes in the coming posts!
Wishing you the best of luck and looking forward to hearing of your progress!! Have a great weekend!
Much luck to you! I think you are so brave!
You're right. I don't understand what you are going through 1st hand. The most I've ever had to lose was 20 lbs. so that is one thing I try not to discuss on my blog. When Sassy says she's fat (she's skinny) & tell her that's rude to say. My BFF has struggled with weight loss her whole life. She goes to the gym every night & does spin. I am totally behind you & will prayer for your strength.
I might not get what you're going through, but I wish you the best of luck doing it!
YOU CAN DO IT!
Can I ask what your eating plan entails? Just curious since I've had great success with low carb. I wish you all the best and will keep you in my prayers…
Elaine
You go girl! I'll be watching your tweets! (aunt_nette) and cheering you on…if you'll cheer me on too! I start my "less-of-me" journy Monday – the same day as the build a better blog start! LOL
Good luck on your journey! Yours is not a challenge I have had to face, but I love following women as they reach their goals. It is so inspiring to see others conquer their challenges.
I just happened along your blog on Monday…and reading this has become a highlight of my "blog" time! I'm in the same boat as you-it's nice to know I'm not alone!!!
Thanks for being honest and awesome, and I'm sending some positive thoughts your way!!! 
Good luck!
Yea!!! You can do it!!!
and I know this isn't very motivating, but I already think you look very beautiful. I am all about the inside, anyway. The outside is just the covering of the real you.
I hope you are successful.
I personally know how hard it is and continues to be. I've loss weight before, only to put it back on. Funny, before I had kids I thought I was "big". I'd give anything to be a size 12 again. The hardest part for me is the exercise.
Good luck!
Stopping by from SITS.
You are one brave girl!! I wish you all the best and will check back to see your progress. Best of luck to you. (Stopping by from SITS)
That takes a lot of courage to put things out there like this on the net. It takes even more courage and determination to make it happen. I think it's great what you are doing. I think losing weight has to be one of the hardest things a person can do. I mean, you have to EAT to stay alive. So it's not like you can just cut it out like smoking. So I'm very impressed with your first step and I will pray along with you and everyone else that your strength will be rewarded.
Go Jen GO! You CAN do this. You WILL do this. Please be kind to yourself because your weight has NOTHING to do with your worth. You clearly have a wonderful family and community who love you.
Keep thinking of the joy on your face when you succeed, the lightness of your step when your done, and the giddyness you'll feel when you're in a dress and you know that there is no denying that you look marvelous. Keep that image and feelings with you through this journey.
On a personal note, I've had great success with Weight Watchers online (45 pounds) and have kept it off. I've also been very moved and inspired by the book Women, Food and God by Geneen Roth.
Good luck and I'll keep you in my prayers.
I've struggled since having baby #3 and I've had four so I just got bigger. I'll never forget having to toss those old jeans but it was worse last month as I tried desperately to try on bathing suit after bathing suit. Truth is I hadn't tried on one since child #2. My girls happened to be in the room with me, giggling as they watched me try to fit in the outfits. I tried hard not to cry but inside I was dieing. I never want to go through this again, once this trip is over I too plan on jumping back on the lose weight/get in shape routine. You notice I'm not using the word diet, been there and done that and it never lasted long.
I know I've only met your through #31DBBB but already I feel a connection. I support you and will continue to watch your progress.
CONGRATS on taking it full force and posting about it. I support you 100% and actually would like to know what eating plan you are trying because I need to get motivated as well. I want to lose another 50-60 lbs SIGH! I've lost about 20 over the last 18 months, slow and steady but again I applaud you for sharing your heart and your pictures.
Hi, I'm a new reader, found you through SITS. I just want to say that while I am a skinny little thing and no, I don't know what it feels like to try to lose more than say 10 pounds, I still support you and anyone who wants to get in shape and take control of their health. Many of my friends are overweight and I love them and support them at any size! So you have all my admiration and I have become a follower of your blog, too!
You can do it! It's just all about exercise and nutrition. Toss in a bit of motivation, will power, determination, and all sorts of other things, but really, just nutrition and exercise. I know you can do it.
I lost 68 pounds. I know it's not 100. But I know if I can do that, anyone can do it.
Commented over on your recent psot, and thought of something else that really helped me. Write everything down. Everything that goes in your mouth. Any exercise you do. Your feelings in any given day or moment when you are doing well or when you are not.
http://bernicewood.wordpress.com/2010/07/29/journaling-as-a-tool-for-self-discovery-and-healing/
Hi Jen, I just found your blog and your food plan sounds like it might work for me..I am not good with diets..I also have health issues that include taking lots of medications and that does not help. I am going to try to see how you do with this, I know you can do it I feel it in your post! I am also a lot older, my kids are grown so its just hubs and I here but we need to eat better than we do.
Best luck, you can do it!!
Barb
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