Hello to all. I have just joined your forum and am feeling very old as well as very fat!

I'm 45, mother of 3 (ages 11,10 & 6) I have been overweight all of my life. Over 200 lbs in 7th grade, I shaved down due to active lifestyle and struggled at about 175lbs in college. To think now how fat I thought I was, I am in such trouble now, I could set 200lbs as my goal and be happy with that!

I can't really even tell you my current weight. A couple of months ago I tipped my high tech digital scale at 299lbs. I can tell you I've spent the intervening time in binge mode so I'm guessing 320?

Anyway, the reason I have come is I can not take the pain. My feet, ankles and knees are groaning in protest with every step I take. I am living on Ibuprofen. I know this is not good, I'm a nurse.

I guess that's what was the real kicker. I'm a Home Health-care nurse and have spent the last couple of weeks preaching to an eleven year old diabetic patient of mine about his diet. WHO AM I TO TALK!?!!

So, here I am, fridge stocked full of fresh veggies and counting every calorie. I had my last weight loss success with the "Oprah liquid diet" fad back in 1989. Lost 30lbs in the month before my wedding. Now it's been 19 years and 3 pregnancies. I don't want another fad, I don't want surgery, I want to change my life.

I think everyone in my life will benefit. It's no surprise that all three of my children are overweight as well. My son John is teased at school and my daughter Stephanie is hiding food in her room. We all have some big changes to make but I know it all begins with ME. "HRM...Mother"

Good on you for taking that vital step - realizing that things need to change and then doing something positive about it! You should feel really good about that!

I hate when I get slapped in the face with reality. Sometimes it is that slap thought that sets me in the right direction. Mentally you seem to know where you want to go keep up the strength it will serve you well in your journey.

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Welcome! I'm definitely impressed at your mindset; you want to make a lifestyle change and avoid 'dieting'. That's AWESOME!

What you said about your children really hit home - although I'm not in the same boat, I'm getting married in a year and I'm starting to think about having kids. A big motivator for me was that I want to be able to show my children a healthy lifestyle that was never taught to me. I also want them to feel good about themselves and to not base their self-worth on their weight. You showing your kids a good example and teaching them to have a healthy lifestyle is admirable.

Oh and PS - I'm a home health nurse too!! Well, home hospice.

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Heather, Hugo and Phat-cat.

Thanks so much for the kind welcome and much needed words of encouragement.

Can everyone give me their best tip?

(I've already discovered 1! Sliced raw zuccini with just a dab of ranch is even better than cheese-itz, they don't make my breath horrid and don't give me heartburn)

Hi there

I am new here too. I'll give you my best tip - puree vegetables and put them in everything! I made spaghetti sauce with 2 whole bell peppers, a whole zuchinni, half a butternut squash and only a small can of tomato sauce with some herbs and it was delicious! That atop some whole wheat or rice pasta makes a beautiful, low cal meal. Use cauliflower and squash to bulk up any sauces etc. Even putting pureed veggies and wheat bran in hamburger patties bulks them up and makes them much healthier. I found it a great way to cut the calories in my meals and they are healthier and actually taste good. Good luck!