Encouragement for Weight Gain.

[jwhitleyjr]

I guess I just wanted to vent on this site because I feel very alone. I have been struggling with my weight again for the past two years. For me it's a shame that I have went from 242lbs to 280lbs. I am so tired of the big man stuff. I just can't believe I have fell off this bad. Once telling people how to lose weight now I feel I need help. I just hate being large. You are seen as something you are not.I just hope I can get back to 240lbs before the holidays. Just sick of being big.

[RubyLarkspur]

I can relate...and I am an emotional eater as well. I don't have any words of wisdom, but wanted to let you know there are others out there struggling with you.

[jwhitleyjr in reply to RubyLarkspur]

No I understand. I just thought there was a point I had it under control for once.

[012703060610]

I have had huge weight swings over the past three years. Lost 40 pounds at the onset of a disease and then got large with meds. Then they changed meds and I started dropping. I am happy with my current weight.....dead set in the middle of my BMI zone.....but I have no muscle mass left as I have been mostly bed bound. Before life went to crap, I had been happy eating with my now husband. He put on weight and so did I. Can't tell as he holds it all pretty well, but I'm a Mom and things always change post babies. The volatility can be so frustrating and sometimes medications play a huge role with weight gain. I am on Remeron now which is known to cause weight gain, but this time on it, I'm dropping weight again. I have no clue what is going on. Anyway, I always set small goals of any kind form of weight loss and weight gain. VERY small. I can't help myself. I weigh myself daily. This is not healthy. I have my drawer of my fat clothes (what I call them). Heck I still wear some maternity stuff for comfort. The only diet that ever worked for me was intermittent fasting. I was able to eat within a 4 hour window each day....and your inside belly starts to get smaller.....so you aren't missing the food after awhile. I hated any other fad diet as it seemed to require too much money and thought. All here to support! You can get it back under control. You are my age and now is the time aging feels like it kicks in a bit! Sending good thoughts of support. Many of us struggle with this and probably don't talk about it enough and the impacts to our mental health.

[jwhitleyjr in reply to 012703060610]

I will try and get it together. I have worked out three days this week and no junk food.

[Agora1 in reply to jwhitleyjr]

Good job jwhitleyjr.....More than anything it's the calories from the unnecessary

junk food we consume that does the most harm. I find myself reaching for sweets

out of habit. Habits are meant to be broken. Wishing you good luck in curbing

what you eat. xx

[OutdoorViews]

Dietary issues can be the most challenging to figure out. I lost >70 pounds and now weigh <170 just by changing what I eat, which allowed me to become more active again and help the weight loss along and keep it off. If you haven't considered an elimination diet to determine what food(s) may be causing you problems, you may wish to. I found gluten, corn syrup or other processed sugars, and alcohol to be the foods which caused me to become overweight. After cutting them out, the weight simply fell off me. I will point out I don't eat much 'gluten free' bread, pasta, or anything else more dense in calories than their glutenous counterparts very often, but I don't have to avoid them entirely either. I also began eating higher quality foods, such as veggies from local organic farms, higher priced locally sourced meats, and never touch fast food, ever. It can be difficult to do what I do depending upon where you are, but if you have access to local organic farms I'd suggest you try it.

Most of what I learned years ago when going through this I learned from reading 'In Defense of Food: an Eater's Manifesto'. If you haven't read it or any other of Michael Pollan's books on food they may be an interesting read for you.

Good luck!

[Agora1 in reply to OutdoorViews]

OutdoorViews, thank you for your insightful response which I think many of us

needed to hear. Losing weight (unless there's a medical issue) is just like getting

our anxiety under control. It takes time, consistency and never saying never.

We all can reach our goals in time.

Congrats on your journey to a healthier lifestyle and weight. You may just have

inspired others to try the same. To your good Health xx

[jwhitleyjr in reply to OutdoorViews]

I have seriously thought about organic foods. I am really looking into what foods I should cut out of my life. Especially processed and junk food.