For the last 22 years (all of my adult life) there have been many many many attempts at losing weight. Multiple times for some things.
So I am a hoarder, especially when it comes to weight loss programs, I have drawers and cupboards full of programs. I found a few of my Weight Watchers weigh-in cards and this is where the Horror Story begins:
Feb-Jun 1995 (age 22)
Starting weight 87.5kg
Finish 83.1kg
Total Loss 4.4kg
Aug-Oct 1999
Starting Weight 109.2kg
Finish 106.8kg
Total Loss 2.4kg
Apr-Jul 2004
Starting Weight 108.7kg
Finish 106kg
Total Loss 2.7kg
Jun-Aug 2005
Starting Weight 129.3kg
Finish 128.1kg
Total Loss 1.2kg
Wow putting this down on paper has been really scary, the thought that in 10 years I put on 45kgs is horrifying considering my attempts were all to lose weight not gain it. I can see how if you average it out 4.5kg per year can just creep on and you just go up 1 size in clothes and voila 10 years later you are hitting size 24-26 and 45kg heavier.
Some other things I have tried over the years have been; Tony Ferguson (shakes), Hypnotherapy, Online weight loss, a variety of other shake programs, Dietician, The Biggest Loser Club, the Cabbage Soup diet, Calorie counting, low carb, no-carb, Light ‘n’ Easy and Sure Slim. These are just the memorable one’s, memorable because all of them were epic fails. I will admit now that it was never the plan or program that I was on that was a failure, it was all me. I could never stick to anything for any decent length of time or I would be the Weekday Angel and Weekend Devil. Basically all of my adult life I have been on 1 diet or another. Monday “Begin Again Girl”, that’s me.
I was every Gym’s dream member, signing up so many times and then not attending, I have bought fitness equipment off late night Infomercials that later got sold in a garage sale or didn’t sell and therefore the Ab Sculpter is still under my stairs 15 years later.
I had an epiphany (just now) as to what key factor happened in 1995 to start the uphill weight climb, in 1995 I sold my beloved horse, I had ridden horses since I was about 9 and competed at a fairly decent level. So going cold turkey on the only exercise I had every really known I would say played a big part in my weight gain.
Not to mention I had my driver’s licence and fast food outlets were booming and popping up conveniently (with a small detour) on my way home from work.
So all these years later I may have just discovered where my Horror Story began, do you know what triggered your weight gain and how successful have your weight loss plans been?
You bet! Every time I’ve been in a relationship with a dead beat! All my life I was slim or ‘normal’. No problem with body image at all as a teenager, ate what I wanted (which was all healthy, normal food) and in my early 20’s put on a bit of weight and only just realised, it was because the guy was manipulative and abusive. Lost the weight, had a great life, met another loser in my early 30’s. Same thing. Ditched him, had a great life then met my (now) ex-husband. Two kids and 13 years of emotional eating later, I’m only just realising how comforting I found food when I was in abusive relationships. Now, I’m not on a diet, keep thinking of my life and how it was before I met him, put the scales in the cupboard and my clothes are getting looser. I don’t need a block of “Snack” every night to feel like my life is worth living. Love your blog. xx
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The whole weight issue is a terrible curse, isn’t it?
I gained 15kg (which is a lot for a short person) after the birth of my second child.
I still don’t know what went wrong. I got back into shape really quickly after my first baby without doing anything. I’m blaming middle age spread…and too much wine! :-/
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This really resonates with me – I’m now the heaviest I’ve ever been – I was even lighter than this at full term of each of my 3 pregnancies. In 2011 I lost 18kg, only for it to creep back on again. It’s such a vicious cycle that destroys self-esteem. I’m going to keep trying though, I have to.
Thanks so much for sharing your story xx
As a newbie to your blog I have to say I’m very impressed and inspired by your journey! Like most, I’m on my own weight loss (I call it getting healthier and stronger journey). All together I think I’ve lost around 25kg (started around 110, now around 85) but for the last year or so I have plateaued majorly much to my dismay!
I turn 40 in June and was really hoping to be around 75 by then but feeling doubtful as I just can’t stop eating crap 🙁
Would you have any words of wisdom to offer someone who just can’t stop eating?!
Hi Evs
I am possibly not the 1 to ask about stopping eating crap. My rule is, make a better choice today than you did yesterday, ie if you are going to get take-away, order 1 thing less than you would normally, downsize not upsize, don’t get a meal deal. If you buy snacks when doing groceries buy a smaller size than what you would normally or 1 thing less. Small changes can have big results. Good luck.