The Long Weigh Down

If you look at the top of this blog, you'll see a new page:
The Long Weigh Down

That page will tell the story of my weight-loss journey.  It's name has two meanings: The long time I have been weighed down and the time it will take to lose the weight. 

It's really not easy to admit openly that one is obese. It's not easy to share the struggle. However, I truly believe that sharing is part of the journey.

I invite you to walk along with me... share your stories... hopefully, offer suggestions and encouragement.  I will be happy to cheer you on as well.

I am a long-time member of Spark People -- my member name there is LifeNProgress.  I hope you'll join me there as well.  It's a completely FREE site.  It has weight loss programs, nutrition / exercise trackers, forums, blogs, articles, videos, and more.

In 2009, I lost 66 pounds on the Spark People program.  It was MY OWN fault that I went back to my old way of thinking and eating. I will endeavour not to do that again.

Later, I will post my current weight. It's embarrassing. It's also necessary to success. Denial gets you nowhere.

When I post to my social media pages, I'll be using the hashtag: #LongWeighDown -- I invite you to do so as you join me in this journey.

Terri

Spark People and me... a continuing journey.

I'm overweight.  I am... obese.

I hate saying that... hate admitting it... hate making it real. But it's true... it real... and it is, at this moment, what I am.

It's been this way for quite a long time. I can even pinpoint exactly when it began: March 1991.  At that time... I stood 5' 3" and weighed 135 pounds.  And now... it's 250+.  No one is to blame -- but me.

I lost my Aunt Louise. She had been my best friend, running buddy, and co-conspirator all of my life. And in March of 1991... she slipped away from me, ravaged by COPD and an addiction to cigarettes as powerful and debilitating as an addiction to heroin.

I took comfort in food. I ate to forget and I ate to hide myself away from the pain. If I had known I was Clinically Depressed, I might've sought a doctor. But I found solace in food. By the time I was 7 months pregnant, I weighed 200 pounds. That was 1992.

In the weeks just before I gave birth, I lost my Pop. In August of 1994, I lost my Nanie.

In all, I lost 27 family members in less than three years. I just kept on eating. Gaining and eating... sometimes, I would only eat once a day... but that's WORSE than eating three times a day!

Finally, in April 2009, I decided enough was more than enough. I looked around for free weight loss programs on-line. I found Spark People.

In the year that I followed the Spark People program, I lost 66 pounds. Oh, I was within reach of my goals. But I just stopped. Fear of success? Laziness? Stupidity? I don't know. I stopped and haven't really gone back.

Until now.

I am not going to allow food and depression control me. I am 53 years old and this is MY life and my time to shine.

If you want to lose weight, get healthier, maintain your weight, learn to eat a better diet, etc. then Spark People may be for you! You can track your nutrition, weight loss, fitness... you can do that at Spark People!

Blogs, forums, trivia, polls... It's all there!

I have a Team that I created several years ago: Team Stitchaway where you meet others, post, talk about anything.

I hope you'll join me at Spark People and start your journey on the road to a healthier you!

DISCLOSURE: This was post was not sponsored by nor affiliated with Spark People. The opinions expressed herein are my own and I received no compensation of any kind.

Another pound down... and an adventure!

I'm down one more pound! That's great considering my 4-day 'break'. This week will show more progress, I hope, as I'll have a new piece of workout equipment.
I should have my mini-tramp this weekend. Yea!

Mike and I -- well, mostly me -- had an adventure today. I went surveying with him! Boy, it was so hot... but we did a "Finished Floor" and I really got to see what it is that he does.

Morgan and my Dad are headed for Shreveport, Louisiana. Then, on to Dallas. They are having a blast, too. They toured Bourbon Street and the French Quarter yesterday.

Morgan and I made a wager -- I have to lose eight (8) pounds by the time they get back in July. I'm down one -- so I think I can get it done.
Winner treats for Sushi!

So long for now and remember,

Do or do not. There is no 'try'.