what finally convinced you to lose weight?

HIIIIIIIIIIIIII Jackie (all together now)..lol.. Actually when i started working out i was 167 and now im 147. Bascially first and foremost you got to be willing and have that mindset, I'm going to do it, you got to have discipline, and you have to have modivation whether its from a friend or youself. What made me continue to work out was the "after effects" people saying "oh you look nice" wow you lost weight....That kept me modivated..Now when I'm home I disciplined myself...I eat broiled, baked, or grilled meat, and veggies most of the time..except on weekends...that's my incentive to myself for a long week to treat myself to something I want. and hey it's the weekend..Hellllooo Pizza...I also take vitamins religiously...I get GNC vitamins for women...Good luck to you and if you need more info, please contact me.....

I sure wish I knew. Maybe for me it would be going to clothing stores and not finding anything to wear. I'm not a large person, i'm just large for those trendy hip clothing stores. I hate that their largest size is a 9-12. Drives me nuts! You can do this! One day at a time. Don't look at the long term effects...take it day by day. Be a healthier person for YOU!

I don't know if I call myself fortunate,but I do all my treadmill work running between house and barn. I squeeze in some weight lifting when I am shoveling out stalls and my stair climber consists of mounting and dismounting horses. I vary my routine with the saddle lift, bale throw and wheel barrow push. That's the only way I can keep it off. The more I think about food the more I want food. I had to loose 60lbs after my last son was born....this was a few years ago and I could not diet because I always nursed. I was ashamed to leave the house without my baby because I thought that if he was with me people would know I had excuse for being over weight. I hated that feeling. I lost that weight and have kept it off just by being active.

matlgal, you DO like to lay it on the line, lol. I am 59, but we were probably both born in 1948 because I was born in January, so I am older than most of the people I know who were born in the same year as me. Anyway, the purpose of that comment is to let you know that I am in your age range, so I can probably relate more to what you have dealt with or are currently going through than anyone who is much younger. Personally, I think I am genetically predisposed to be heavy, even though I have also fought it all my life. The one thing that makes dealing with a weight problem even more difficult is having to structure a disciplined exercise routine around working. I completely retired when I was 52, and didn't really get into exercise until after that time. Prior to that I had started working out with weights and that made a big difference in being able to control my weight. I had started doing that in my mid 40's, and the reason it worked for me is this: I was watching a talk show in the afternoon and the guest of the day was Joyce Vedral, who was 47 at the time and looked fabulous. She is into fitness and as a matter of fact has her own website, http://www.joycevedral.com You may want to check it out. She has some very good advice on how to incorporate fitness into your busy lifestyle. What worked for me was buying a weight bench and 3 sets of hand weights at 3#, 5# and 10#, plus Joyce's book "The Fatburning Workout." The reason that worked for me is that I didn't even have to get dressed and go to an exercise class. I set up my own private space at home and went there and worked out on a regular basis. I found Joyce's book to be very motivating as she provides a lot of tips on how to deal with your initial disinclination to exercise, and if you are not trained to exercise from early on, it takes discipline to get to the point where it is a natural part of your daily routine. If you look at it realistically, you are not going to start a workout program and be disciplined right out of the starting gate if that has not been a life-long habit for you. Anyway, to continue my story, I noticed that as I was getting into my late 40's I started suffering from severe fatigue and lack of interest in anything. I guess you could call it a form of depression. I noticed that regardless of how little I ate that I was gaining weight. I finally went to the doctor and he diagnosed hypothyroidism, which he started treating me for. I figured, okay, back to normal, but even though my blood tests said that I was getting the appropriate level of medication, I wasn't feeling any better. I figured it had to do with menopause. One day after I had been retired for about 2 years, and dealing with not wanting to get out of bed a friend called and told me that she was taking an amino acid supplement that really improved how she was feeling. I told her that I had already tried amino acids and they weren't working for me. She told me that this one was different, and it was the only one with a patented formula to make it highy absorbable, etc. etc. Anyway, to make a long story short, after listening to her nagging at me for 6 months I finally agreed to try them. I tell you it was like waking up out of a long sleep. What a difference. After taking them for about 6 weeks, I started walking regularly with my husband, and I now run regularly every day for an hour as well as work out with weights and walk with my husband every night for about 40 minutes or more. I don't know if it was the supplement that made all the difference, or what it was, but I have read so many stories about people on this particular supplement that are doing amazing things for their age that I find it hard to believe that it isn't at least contributing something to my continued well being and enjoyment of exercise. The other thing is that I have conditioned myself not to get into an internal psychological battle that used to go something like this: Me: Well, I guess its time to work out. Myself: I don't really feel like doing it now. I: Yeah, I'll do it later. Me: No, I had better do it now, while I am in the mood. Myself: I'm not really in the mood, and anyway I am too tired. I: Anyway, that program that I like is coming on tv. Me: Well I can watch it later. Myself: If I work out I'll probably be too tired to watch it later. Anyway, you get the picture. In another post about exercise, I stated that I have made exercise as much a regular part of my life as brushing my teeth or combing my hair. I don't have internal battles over these issues, so why would I do that to myself when it comes to looking after my weight, my cardiovascular system, my muscles and my joints. If these things aren't kept in good order, then the rest of my body suffers. Hope this helps.

When I open my closet and saw my clothes when I was still single, I was amazed how can I ever fit into those small clothes. I don't like to buy a bigger size coz it means I will not be encourage to loose the extra weight...so I decided to do a little exercise and cut off on food.

i hat eto exercise but i love the way it makes me feel afterwards. that feel of Accomplishment. I have 2 kids and i havent lost the weight nearly as easy as i did with my 1st. I guess what motivated me what looking at pictures that were taken and realizing I'm not as in shape as i would like to be.

Mine is a classic story... well, my weight gain was pregnancy related. When I found out that I was pregnant, I stopped aerobics classes and ate like a pig. Lack of exercise and being hungry all the time... naturally I put on a lot of weight. at the peak of my pregnancy before I gave birth to my daughter I was abt 80 kg. I thought I could lose it when the baby comes out... back to the 52kg I was prior to pregnancy but no way... 2 months down the road I was still a whooping 68 kg. It was a nightmare... I started to get really worried when I have to get back to work and couldn't fit into my clothes. I had to borrow my mom's. well, that was it... I was wearing my mom's clothes to work!!! the first thing i did was to cut rice from my diet. then I got back to exercising regularly, aerobics classes twice a week. about 6 mths later, I was 10kg lighter... phew!!! still a long way from where i was but that was it... I can't seem to reduce my weight anymore... but i was happy enough that I could get back into some of my clothes. :-)

I was walking through the mall with my husband and saw all of these cute cltohes that I couldn't fit into. I asked my husband "If I lose 30 pounds can I get a whole new wardrobe" and he said yes. Now we have set up little goals for me along the way. When I lose 10 pounds I get a yoga mat or these wrist weights that I want. All of my rewards are things that will help me exercise even better.

I really decided to lose weight 6 months ago. I was tired of going to the store trying to find a size 18 that looked attractive. It was horrible. I went on weight watchers and 6 months later lost 25 pounds. I know wear a size 14. I still have another 20 pounds to lose. Still don't like to exercise. LOL

i finally convinced myself that i should start to lose weight because the thoughtb of wealking on the aisle with my bridal gown on hit me.... i dont want to be a talk of the town beacuse i dont look good on my bridal gown because im fat

Hi Jackie: I don't know if you are a teas drinker, but you really should drink chamomile tea. It works wonders for your stomache. I had a few problems with my stomache and I tried just about everything that was on the market. Finally I did some searching on the internet and found out that chamomile tea was a great way to ease stomache pain. What was truly amzaing is the amount of time I spent in the bathroom when I first started drinking it. I actually lost weight when I started drinking it. I could stand to lose a couple pounds, I have never been more than 30 pounds overweight. The only thing that truly works is ACTIVITY. My sister told me all you have to do is put the radio and DANCE LIKE NOBODY'S Watching. So put some music on and DANCE! It's really FUN!

First ireached 225 lbs, i got sick i spend my time in my room for 1 week, then afterwards i lose weight, then when i looked at the mirror. then i finally go on a simple workout inside my house,some push ups,situps, and yes, here in our country our primary food is rice, i didnt eat rice just bread for 2 months,.and it feels good, i became 185lbs, then i went to gym for more burning workouts, and my contentment is not that good, i became obsessed being so curious with my self. after gym i go for a jogging, at first i just run for 500 meters, onwards i gain more addictiveness in running i jog for 8 kms per day, no walking! now my weight is 165lbs, im under weight coz my height is 5'10. well i dont care, it feels good, and im not gonna be in that nightmare again..

I have two motivators...We just found out that diabetes skips a generation in my family (and guess which generation I am??? haha). My second motivator is that I know that my boyfriend is going to be proposing to me within the next year, so I want to look amazing so I can design my own wedding gown. It also helps that my boyfriend is very active and he's teaching me basketball and we try to play 4 times a week and we walk everywhere...I'm slowly changing my habits so that my body doesn't go into shock. And I LOVE weightwatchers! I swear by it!

What has me thinking SERIOUSLY that I must lose weight? Well the fact that come September of this year I'll be closer to 50 than 40. :-( I have been working on it. I've begun going to the gym, however the past 2 and a half weeks I haven't gone as I've got a sore back. Within this time I've worked in my yard to compensate for that, painfully. I noticed today that there wasn't as much pain. I still hate to exercise. I would like to get to the point where I can't live without it. I think I will when I don't have so much pain. Not necessarily from the exercise but just "old age" pain. :-)

I was an over eater and managed to add 60 pounds over the years. All that changed the day my son took a picture of me in my underwear. I flipped out and turned into someone I am not. I started yelling at him, and took the camera and ripped the film out. I had no idea I as that embarrassed about my weight. Well from that moment on I started to push my plate away while their was still food on it and that lead to smaller portions and in one year I had dropped the 60 pounds. It's sad that it takes coming face to face with ourselves to know it's time to act. thanks for the discussion Jacki

Hi Jacki I used to be good at keeping fit but as i get older i just dont see why i bother i sit at home no one sees me so who cares i need to loose about 10 lbs but m not gonna loose it just sitting here id like to join a gym i think then i would be getting out of the house and that might help me

When I was in college, I was a cheerleader and quite slim, especially since I walked around campus. Well after college, life happened to me. I gained weight and then at my heaviest weight I became pregnant and gained 50 more lbs during pregnancy. After I delivered, I tried to eat the way I did when I was younger and was faced with the grim fact that I don't have the metabolism I used to. I'm not overweight, but I am overweight for what I am comfortable with...soooooo what did I do about it? Diets don't work long term (but I suppose you know that)...it really is about finding a lifestyle you can live with. Usually that means NOT cutting out the occasional treat. For me, the biggest transition was cutting down portion sizes. I used to eat BIG, man-like proportions. I kept a food journal to ensure I wasn't being greedy and was honest with myself...That huge plate of spaghetti is not one serving, it's two (or three!) after looking at that I realized I'm not hungry, just greedy. I also eat whatever I want, I just adapt it to not have certain things in it. For example, in dishes that use white rice I use brown rice...instead of white or enriched flour, I use finely ground brown flour...I use olive oil...I don't eat transfats or high fructose corn syrup, and I prepare my meals at home. That seems like a lot, but it has worked for me simply for the fact that I still get to eat all the foods I like. I use to hate exercise, or at least traditional exercise...what motivated me is doing things I enjoy, like dancing. Once I started feeling better and getting into a groove, I was able to enjoy exercise more. Good luck to you!

i dont have any experience,i have under weight now i have to gain weght.

I came to this realize that the way I felt just wasn't working for me anymore! I had absolutely no energy anymore to do anything. Along about this same time my two aunts who have been struggling with their weight suggested I join a website called Sparkpeople.com. I love that site. It has really motivated me, and taught me many things about eating right. With the sites help I am making this a total lifestyle change. I still hate to exercise, don't think I can get past that yet. I do get out and do it, though. Since I have cut all the junk out of my diet I have so much more energy. As of now, I have lost about 20 pounds. I still want to lose about 40 more.

I also have lost the same weight over and over in my adult lifetime. I lost 40 pounds 2 years ago and have finally kept it off. I got my motivation when I had my last child. I have 3 girls 21-19 and 8. I got to looking around at the parents of the kids in my littlest class and realized I am really damn old compared to most of them...lol I decided then and there I was going to be around to see this child grow up and wanted to stay young for her. Being overweight made it hard for me to feel good about myself and to be happy with myself. Weight loss is a very difficult journey.