I have been fat — or at least chubby — pretty much since middle school. I can still hear the jokes: “Did you feel the floor shake? She fell off the uneven bars.”
It hurt, but I chose to ignore it. What could I do?
My weight still bothers me, but I haven’t done much about developing a better way of eating or exercising. I might start a diet, be successful for a while, and then quit.
Four years ago, dieting for my wedding, I went down an entire dress size. I stopped my diet when I hit my goal, because I was too stressed and busy to eat right as the wedding approached. I don’t think I could fit into that wedding dress today.
The other day, as part of my job, I was interviewing Linda Hicks, patient education coordinator at Bay Area Hospital. Linda was talking about how diet can trigger Type 2 diabetes. Bad eating habits such as skipping breakfast and drinking sugary lattes can lead to weight problems, which can cause diabetes and other health problems.
Then I saw the numbers on morbid obesity – something like 50 pounds over. I think I fit that bill.
Linda was scaring me, because she had described my typical eating habits. Maybe it was time to think about weight loss.
So what I am going to do? Diet and exercise are the best answer. But dieting is hard.
See, I like to eat. I guess you could call me a food junkie. If it’s sweet, I’ll eat it. Sour? Bring it on. Savory and spicy? Seconds, please.
I have a lot little food misadventures, including a jar of chocolate on my desk. OK, this might explain the weight.
But I am ready to stop some of the bad habits. I’d like to drop 30 pounds — you know, to start with — over the next six months. And I’m inviting you to share my experience.
I’m starting a blog, “Misadventures of a Food Junkie,” where I’ll talk about dieting and food. I’ll talk about my progress and my failures — because there will be failures. Ron Jackimowicz, editor of our Cuisine section, will share some healthy recipes. If you have any tips, you can share with me and other readers on the blog.
Join me online. I hope to develop an online support and information system. Maybe, just maybe, I’ll even post my real weight on the blog.
Maybe.
One thing that I think really helps is being able to look up items on calorieking.com. This site has pretty much every food in stores as well as fast food. Another great tip is to keep water available when you are feeling a bit hungry drink some water it’ll help curb the hunger a bit?
Congratulations Ginger!
I think you are being very sincere and courageous… and that is half way there. Being accountable to others that you have a plan is also very important for many of us, me included, and it helps me to make better decisions when I know others care or are paying attention to how I do. I really encourage not having contraband in the house. No one eally needs bad food and they can go elsewhere to get it if they desire. I can keep my resolve most days, but at 10:00 PM, if it is in the house… I am in it! You have inspired me to tighten it up a bit again. My main focus now is to get some brisk activity going again. I find if I do just 10 minute walks a few times a day (about 1 to 2 hours after each meal it helps to ensure the meal is used, and not stored), my body starts to release the weight much easier.
You go Girl!… and Good luck to both of us!
glad that you are doing this support is manditory keep us posted on your progress thanks
Glad to see this great step! I will try to encourage you if you will me! One thing that works for me is raising my QUALITY standards – does this taste good enough to be worth it?? No fads for me – just LESS of only the good stuff. Onward! Oh, and I was looking at your wedding picture yesterday, and you looked great! Post that picture!
Ginger – you are my inspiration. I’ve been meaning to turn over a new leaf myself, with better habits and exercise, and your blog has given me that extra nudge to get started. You have all our support and encouragement! Lisa
Go Ginger! For what it’s worth, I think you are beautiful:) That being said, I understand wanting to be healthier. My tip is the website/ community sparkpeople.com. You can log your food and exercise there. That helps with the accountability. It also helped me to see where I needed to fill holes in my eating, like if I hadn’t had enough protein during the day, or had too much fat, I knew what to eat at dinner, etc. And you can join different groups for support. Keep up the good work!
Ginger, you go girl! I know for certain you can get the ‘job’ done. Love ya.