No more hiding

My weight loss journey truly began at age 36 but it had been a struggle my entire adulthood while I was in an emotionally abusive relationship with my ex military husband who came home 100% disabled after serving in Iraq. I had done EVERY diet imaginable, tried every product and saw any professional i could think of desperately seeking what to do.

Finally, I found a therapist that helped me process the trauma that was at the root of my depression and anxiety which drove my food addiction. Food was comfort, until I started to seek other healthier coping and slowly started to forgive myself for all the regret and self blame I held because I married someone that hurt me so deeply and ultimately left me childless and the heaviest I’d ever been at age 36.

Today I am 42, not the skinniest I’ve ever been but I’m the fittest and most importantly the strongest. For me, my weight isn’t about food, it’s about how I feel on the inside and not hiding all the secrets I was ashamed of. I work on finding my joy everyday, living with depression and anxiety, managing my symptoms. I still struggle and I know my fitness and nutrition are a part of lifelong changes I will have to make a priority, but I’m here hoping to find support and motivation 😊

[Pineapple27]

Brilliant and lovely positive post Hidden - well done you! Sounds like you're in a great place.

[Hidden in reply to Pineapple27]

Thanks I appreciate that. I’m the best I’ve ever been but I’m still working on it. How long have you been on here?

[Pineapple27 in reply to Hidden]

About 3 years, but on my weight loss journey since February 2012...

flidfit.com/2020/01/09/modi...

[Hidden in reply to Pineapple27]

Thanks for sharing that. Wow!! How do you stay motivated?

[Pineapple27 in reply to Hidden]

I am enjoying the benefits of my weight loss, so many of the changes that I have made are now a normal part of life I exercise for an hour most days, eat bread, pasta and rice rarely and eating out is a rare treat.

[Hidden in reply to Pineapple27]

Agreed on all fronts. Been 6 years of changing gradually. Congrats...I know all the hard work it takes

[Tiggerr]

Great post nc and glad you've been able to find some inner peace

[Hidden in reply to Tiggerr]

Thanks Tiggerr. It helps to share 😊

[missmillenium99]

You look great!

[Hidden in reply to missmillenium99]

Thank you 💛

[Hidden]

Hi congrats on all the changes you've made so far!! 🙆‍♀️

You might like HealthyTanja s Happiness Celebration Day forum. If you click on her name you'll find it.

Wishing you all the best on your journey 😊

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for that suggestion. I’m always looking for motivation. Wishing you the best on your journey too 😊

[IndigoBlue61]

Wonderful story Hidden and very well done 😊👍👏. Your head is absolutely in the right place now which is so important

I’m not sure if you’re wanting help with weight loss so I’ve given you a visitor badge but please let me know if you wish to join us 😊

[Hidden in reply to IndigoBlue61]

I want to join!! I by no means have it figured out. I’m here for motivation, support and most of all understanding. I’m thankful to be here 💛

[IndigoBlue61 in reply to Hidden]

Excellent 😊. Welcome to the best support forum there is

If you haven’t already then please read the Pinned Posts here healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh... Please read it carefully so you can find all the information you need to find your way around.

As a peer to peer support group we rely on mutual encouragement, and nothing beats joining in, reading posts and replying to others. Our group Weigh-in and the Daily Diary are probably the best places to start.

Best wishes in your weight loss journey

Indigo 😊

[Hidden in reply to IndigoBlue61]

Thank you. I stopped weighing over a year ago for my own mental health and motivation but I look forward to reading and posting. I feel welcomed already 💛

[IndigoBlue61 in reply to Hidden]

I agree so much! Feeling fit and energised is so important, if you look slimmer too then that’s a bonus! It’s about so much more than the numbers on the scales, 😊

[Hidden in reply to IndigoBlue61]

Absolutely...for me it’s about feeling strong and in my best health. It helps manage my depression and anxiety also 💪🏼

[MrZee]

Dear nc007,

Wow... what a difference!

Your progress is beautiful. Amazing how being self vigilant works especially when the new results show.

Depression and weight have been a battle all my life. Plus I was raised in a family that rained candy and all sorts of food all over the place.

I’m 5’7” (1.7m) which is relatively short for a man. At 49 I was 225 lbs (102 kg). And I was pushing a 40” (102 cm) waist. I was a BIG boy. And after a physical pretty much declared a cardio-on-a-stick by my doctor. Aside from being put on BP and Cholesterol medicine I had to make changes. With a lot of walks and diet change, I lost 75 lbs and went down to 150. I had actually fit into my high school clothes!That was 12 years ago. Depression and weight continue to be a challenge. And my weight has fluctuated. But the difference is that I know if my body is out of balance I must do something about it.

So I very much get your ongoing challenge. Stick to it hun. We’re here to continue praising your healthy successes and help you when you’re feeling blue and need to reach out for support.

Best,

-MZ ❤️

[Hidden in reply to MrZee]

Thanks MrZee! Congrats to you!! I don’t post my weight because I don’t weigh. I’ve learned to redefine what I feel is my goal. I go off how I feel and look. My clothes are absolutely 5 sizes smaller but it just reminds me of where I have been. No goal weight anymore. Just health. Some days are hard but it’s nice to know I can post and people here will get it. Congrats again on your health! I know what that takes. I’m here if you need me 💛

[MrZee in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Hun,

I too don’t weigh. My doctor does. Being in my 60s now, and because of one of the meds I’m on, I see my doctor 4 times a year. She does the weighing. I love when she’s happy with my weight and slaps me a high 5.

I’m sure that you can relate that our clothes tell us when we lose or maintain weight they’re much more comfortable.

I will admit I do have “food slips.” When the Holidays came, I let it rip and ate all sorts of junk. I put about 10 pounds back on. Now they’re slowly coming back off.

I can also empathize that stress can be the hand that wants to toss me candy. When I’m stressed I crave food. Instead I do the best I can to think of the consequences and drink water to fill me up. And with Spring and warmer days approaching, walking weather will be back... that’s the form of exercise that I adhere to. Walking on a nice day is one of the best treatments for depression.

So yes, body maintenance is a challenge. And thank you for being there. If I feel an uncontrollable binge coming on, you’d better believe I’ll reach out to you. And vice versa.

-MZ ❤️

[SHCM]

Good job. I know how it feels to get fit, specially after 40 is harder to lose weight. I lost 40 pounds and was feeling so happy and good with my self, exercising, healthy diet. I fall off the wagon in the last 2 years, since my anxiety came back and I have gained about 15 pounds but I am determined to go back where I was and lose all that weight, I am exercising again and starting to eat healthy again. Keep up the good work

[Hidden in reply to SHCM]

Congrats to you too!! I joined here to stay motivated. It’s easy to forget what I need to do to be healthy. Glad we’re here 💛

[Hidden]

I had a “food slip” last night but today is a new day my friend. Back to me 💪🏼💛

[SoniaGorgeous]

I’m so proud of you!

Thank you for sharing your story, it’s very inspiring, you’re so strong and extremely charming, I’m sure you’ll get even more better!

You Gave me so much hope, I Wish you well❤️

[Hidden]

Thanks Sonia. It feels good not to be isolated and ashamed anymore and that has nothing to do with my size. I just think now my strength shows on the outside. It was always there but I had to rediscover it. You inspired me to share 💛