Dear Readers, I Just joined CK yesterday after trying to calculate my calorie intake manually- (which lasted a week!!) I had no idea that the more you worked out the more calories you could consume! I always thought you just stuck to your Calorie target intake no matter what!

I have been struggling with my weight for 7 years now having been emotionally abused by a step-parent & called every name in the book, i turned to the 2 most prominent eating disorders A & B then i was finally rid of the poison that was my step mother (due to my dad divorcing her). However, i recovered but continued to emotionally medicate myself with food.

I am at my heaviest now but i see the light at the end of the tunnel now that i've married my Prince & am working out 6 days a week. The last thing to change is my bad eating habits. I am also learning that i am in the drivers seat of my life & in control- no one else is so it's high time i let the past go & got into those short shorts i've been wanting to wear for years!!
50 pounds is my goal & i can do it! However, I would greatly appreciate any advice/ tips/words of encouragement e.t.c
thanks....

Hi there. I just started my "healthy lifestyle" about 2 weeks ago. I had a lot of dificulties growning up also. Including getting pregnant as a teen. My daughter is now 11 yrs old. I told myself that 2010 is going to be my year for change. I've never felt so motivated in my entire life. When i decided to make a change i told myself i need to stop making excuses and get down to business. No only am i trying to lose when and get fit but i also decided i need to address my mental health and am currently looking for a couselor/psychotherapist/psychologist to help address issues from my childhoood. I guess i feel like i cant be truly healthy until i look back at my past...something that ive avoided for a very long time.
I'm the opposite of you when it comes to eating healthy and working out. Ive got my calorie counting down to a science but lack greatly in working out. I need to step it up and just cant get motivated. Although i havent worked out much except walking and stair climbing (at work). I need to step it up!!
The more people i have to motivate me the better!!

Jen

I totally understand your fight to work out-just know it's all about structure & distraction!! If you can at least fit 30- 60 mins of working out 3/4 times a week you'll feel better & be able to eat more!! How great is that!!
You need to also find a distraction when your working out- Cardio is the BEST workout for everyone. When i work out (using the stepper/climber & elliptical trainer) i read my favorite magazines and listen to my fav tunes on an ipod- believe me it's the ONLY thing that gets me going!! I forget about the sweat thats pouring down my face & the people around me!
I always wondered why music is played during Basketball games & read it's so that the players don't feel fatigued- can you imagine music causing you to forget how tired you really are?? Genius i say!!

Everyone has a story and it's great that your seeking help as it'll make you feel better with yourself in the long run & will aid your relationship with loved ones especially your 11 year old daughter! When you feel better those around you do too
I hope this helps!! There's someone here routing for you so get that Cardio (endorphins are released when you exercise which makes you happy too!!)
Go get em Jen!! :

I bought myself an Elliptical and i LOVE LOVE LOVE it. Best investment i ever made. well....next to my husband that is. Thanks for the encouragment!

How do you make time and motivate yourself to do exercise , I get bore in the gym, and make a fool of myself in dance lesson , so finished more frustrated than anything.

Some trainer told me that you should eat the calories you burn because you might send your body into "starvation mode." Since you've most likely cut back on calorie intake, if you don't eat back your calories your net calories will be much lower. You're body will start to store the energy.