Finally taking a stand for my health

Wow where do I begin. Well I just joined this site after searching the net looking for help. I'm 22 years old, 5'4'' and 275 pounds. The thing is, I've been big my entire life. I have no idea what it is like to be skinny. The worst part is, I can't believe I've gotten this big. This is the biggest I have ever been and I hate it. I let it go for so long that I have no idea where to begin now. I know I know, exercise, eat healthy....but because I've left it so long and have gotten so big, it is going to take a lot more than 'eat healthy' to get me out of my bad habits. To make matters worse, I'm a 22 year old with sever rheumatoid arthritis which makes it difficult to do a lot of cardio and weight training. Finally, I know this probably sounds stupid but I want to do this right and I feel like if i go to a gym to work out, I will get really self conscious with all of the smaller girls around me, will get depressed and loose hope, which will only put negative energy on loosing weight and I will not be successful.
Anyway, I know this sounds like a lot of complaining, I just wanted to get it off of my chest and to let you know how I feel about the BIG step that I am about to take. I ask for some advice and to hear from similar experiences/feelings from those on this site so I know that I am not alone. I know that I can do it with support from you guys! Well.....here I go

Sat. Feb 21, 2:20am

Congratulations, OP! Taking care of yourself and your health is THE best thing you can do for yourself!

And, I like how you are thinking ahead about pitfalls - it's the best way to plan around them and program yourself for success. You're smart to want to do it right. I think is was Dr. Phil who said, do it right, do it once.

Know that going to the gym is not required for taking charge of your health and fitness. There are SO many things you can do, big and small, to effect changes that don't require a trip to the gym.

You might find a recent thread on making small changes very helpful.

Yay you!

Link

Saturday, February 21, 2009, 8:43 AM

I think you just made your first step today. Asking for help. I think you are to the point where you are saying ENOUGH. That's a great place to start because you are really motivated. I think the PP is exactly right. Start with small changes. Sometimes focusing on everything you have to do is too overwhelming. Pick a couple of small changes and put those in your goal section of your log. Work on those with the help of your group members. Comment each day whether you obeyed your rule or not. When you are ready, add more. Please remember this is a life long change to make you healthier. Good luck!

Saturday, February 21, 2009, 9:28 AM

Way to go OP!! You have come to the right place to begin your new healthier life. Where to start? Start by logging everything you eat and your exercise EVERY DAY. This will give you an awareness of what is working, what is not. Don't worry about joining a gym. There are plenty of ways to get your body moving; many in the privacy of your home. Don't get overwhelmed by trying to change everything all at once. You didn't get this big overnight, and it's going to take awhile to make the necessary changes. Just take baby steps; maybe commit to eating more fruits and vegetables or exercising 15 minutes a day. I think you'll see big success even with little changes. Good luck to you-I'm proud of you for taking the first step!!!

Saturday, February 21, 2009, 10:47 AM

".but because I've left it so long and have gotten so big, it is going to take a lot more than 'eat healthy' to get me out of my bad habits."

Sweetie, 22 is young, and you are so blessed to be making this decision now instead of at 52. You are wrong about the quoted statement. Eating healthy is exactly what it takes to break old bad habits and create lifelong healthy habits. I encourage you to study nutrition, and find out how important nutrient density is to recover from problems like RA. I encourage you to really look at the concept that small changes do = big goals, and as you learn about nutrition start making changes you can live with. Stay away from processed foods, start eating more fruits and veggies, take a walk each day, and stay positive - there is a beautiful life waiting for you :)

If you are looking for something specific, here are ten days to start you off.

Link

Saturday, February 21, 2009, 11:10 AM

Best of luck

Hey OP - Congratulations on your good choice. You're right, this is going to be difficult. You're going to have days (maybe weeks) where you mess up. Just remind yourself to get back on track. Here are my helpful hints:

1. Try for a workout "Leslie Sansone's Walk off the Pounds" - this is a video/dvd that you can do in your home. It's good for starting off. You just walk in your living room. It's great to start with.

2. Go online and check out Dr. Mehmet Oz and what he has to say and then clean out your pantry and your refridgerator. It will be harder to grab unhealthy foods if they're not there.

3. Make sure you have someone understanding to whine to when the weight is not moving, someone to push you when you need to get in extra workouts, someone to remind you to eat well when you're out, and someone to remind you why you're doing what you're doing.

4. Make a list of reasons why you'd like to lose the weight and post it somewhere as motivation.

5. To minimize the overwhelming feeling of all the weight you want to lose set small goals for yourself (perhaps in increments of 10lbs) and when you reach that goal, set the next one. OR set monthly goals (perhaps 6lbs per month) and go from there. Make sure they're realistic so you don't get disappointed. If you exceed them great. If you meet them, you're still on target.

*Best of luck to you. You're making a great decision and somedays you'll hate it and wonder why you're doing all this hard work. Look at your list and you'll remember. Keep track of the weight you've lost on a calendar and all the days you work out. Maybe a number in the corner for the weight lost and X out every day you workout - then even on your bad days when you don't know why you do what you do and looking at your list doesn't help look at that calendar and you'll see all you've accomplished!!!*

Saturday, February 21, 2009, 8:05 PM

I can't believe no one has recommended this yet. As you start your journey, an invaluable tool is a book titled The Beck Diet Solution. It will make such a difference in helping you change old habits and it addresses the reasons we slip, give up, etc. You can do this. PeerTrainer & Beck can help. Good luck!

Saturday, February 21, 2009, 8:36 PM

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