Welcome ssingergrl!
Oh we are not going to feel sorry for you, we are going to get your buns into shape!! We are here to support you, to motivate you and encourage you all the way. Your post was especially heartwarming to me because of a similar life I lead...depressed and ready to make a change. Applaud yourself for taking control of the things you can change. I began counseling which helped me to analyzed my behaviors as it pertained to my misuse of food and I'm being treated for depression. Counselor will be a good help in getting you out of the emotional rut. In the past, I would start off fast and furious with my workout regimen and then lose momentum. I know this forum will help me stay on track with setting realistic exercise and weight loss goals. As for motivation, continue to read through the threads and you'll see that you are not alone in your struggles and you can succeed just like everyone else. When I was at home with my children, I used workout videos. You can sometimes find those at your local library. My son weighs 19lbs and I would (and still) use him as weights!! I would put him on my knees and do leg lifts while lying on the floor or lift him slowly to workout my arms. He would crack up! I would put on music and dance with my daughter for cardio. Now that was fun! I centered my at home exercises around my children. My daughter is in ballet and I help her practice by learning her routines, which are a tons of squats & plies!! I strolled my son in the park for his naptime.
As for snacks, try nuts, fruits (watermelon, melons are H20 producing fruits), fat-free and low-fat energy foods (check online for examples) and plenty of H20!!! Oh, and try jumping in on a Challenge Group! They are awesome!! Just to be real, I too still have bad days. Just yesterday I was down because I lost only 1lbs in a week. I was dissappointed because I busted my butt at the gym but instead of slipping back into my emotional eating, I went to the gym last night and I felt good! So honey, YOU CAN DO IT!! We are behing you 100% Get a journal, write down your goals, your exercise routine, EVERYTHING you eat, your thoughts, your fears everything needed to be the BEST YOU CAN BE!! Keep us posted!
