I would like to trade a heaping spoonful of self loathing for a bowl of self esteem!

[Duck1972]

Pook,
I got tears in my eyes after reading your post. I have been there! It was hard for me to find pictures of me at my starting weight, 184, because I avoided cameras. I don't have many pictures of me with my babies. I really felt worthless. Once I decided that I was going to take control, everything turned around. 5 pounds is a huge accomplishment! Don't downplay that. Every day that goes by is a little more confidence you have earned and it will snowball! I'm impressed that you decided to start this during this month! That shows that you are committed to making a permanent change. I have lived with this extra weight for 10 years and every new year, I would make that "fake resolution" to lose weight to make myself feel better. By March, I was back to my old ways.
Good luck to you and just don't stop.

[Pook Pookerson]

Duck...

One of the things I like about this board is that there all kinds of people...it really helps me to see somebody like me (you)- 30's with kids, etc. It seems like such an uphill battle, but when I see other people in my similar situation doing it, well it seems more doable.

I hate that my self worth is wrapped up in my weight. I mean sheesh, I am good at the important stuff- being a good Mom, daughter, etc. But I still let my weight completely ruin the way I feel about me. Well, I'm on the right track now.

I saw your other post... You're the one who has the husband overseas right? Was he surprised by your weight loss?

[Duck1972]

Yes! He was very surprised! Didn't recognize me at first. This board is great!!!! Also, since I've started exercising and eating better, my daughter is watching me and is learning how important it is to be fit. I don't want her to struggle like I have.

It sounds like you are right on track! I'm so proud of you!

[pamelainaustin]

Pook,

I am brand new here and I must tell you how much I identify with your post.
I have let the negative feelings and self loathing due to my weight issues control me for a number of years and I am sick and tired of feeling that way all the time.

My husband of 23 years never comments on my weight other than telling me not to be so hard on myself. When we met in 1983 I weighed 130 and have gained 90 pounds since then. He has probably gained 5 pounds in the same period of time and still wears a size 32 waist jeans. I actually feel bad for him that he is married to a fat woman and I avoid meeting his work associates etc. due to feeling so self conscious. I am here because I too am sick and tired of feeling this way and letting my weight control my life.

Your post made me think of a dedication in a book by Joyce Vedral that I have had for a long time. It really speaks to the self esteem issues that surround weight issues.

"To all of us--the women (and men) who are bound and determined to
have the best body possible so that we can free the highest part of our
beings, the mind, and concentrate on achieving goals and living our lives
to the fullest."

You are in the right place and doing the right things. I know your success will continue.

Pam

[sillygirl]

I Pook! I love your screen name! Congrats on your decision to eat this way and the 5 pounds you've lost doing so!

You say that your self-worth is wrapped up in your weight. I've got good news for you, you are not alone. In fact, in this month we have the I Am Worth It Challenge coming up. Watch for it here:
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...play.php?f=108

It's a challenge all about us! It involves a little homework, mostly positive affirmations. More importantly, by joining the challenge you will meet a bunch of other people, just like us!!!

Here's the last one we did if you want to look through it to get an idea of it. All challenges are open to anyone, and are a great way to become involved on the board, therefore staying on the Atkins wagon!
the I AM WORTH IT CHALLENGE #1


Best of luck to you.