[h0kie]

I've been contributing to Sky's healthy eating thread (in order not to highjack the thread I started this one) since it began. Contributing...but not really trying.

Walking through Wal-Mart today I saw an elliptical machine. It occurred to me that instead of getting something like that with the money my in-laws gave me for Christmas...I frittered it. I was so angry with myself.

That money is gone. I've accepted that. However, when we get out tax return, I am buying a treadmill...or an elliptical. Yes, there are other things that we need to spend money on...but this is important too. I'll have to live with the guilt of spending money on something not "important" in my opinion.

Tonight I realized, WHAT AM I DOING!? Just as others here are killing themselves by NOT eating. I am KILLING myself by eating. For weeks, no months, I have felt out of control. NO MORE!

I am starting my diet. Tonight. I am going to go through my pantry tomorrow and throw out everything I shouldn't have. Actually, I'll send it to my mom's house or give it away. I hate throwing away usable food. So many don't have enough to eat. I am going to get ziplocs and put the food I do keep in portions. Ready to grab and eat.

I am going to talk with my mom (we grocery shop together and we cook/eat together). I am going to tell her I can't continue to cook for my dad (he works hard and wants "real food" when he gets home) and do this. She'll help me...I know she will. Whether we grocery shop and split food or what, I don't know.

I don't want her to have to pay for the more expensive "nutritious" food--they help us so much already. I don't have the money to get it. I can barely pay my bills. Maybe I will look into food stamps. Since I am barely working now...and with the article in the paper saying they're cutting more jobs in my district...we should qualify. I will have to just swallow my overdone pride and use the resources available to me.

[(JD)]

Sounds good to me! Don't worry about needing foodstamps, that's what they're there for: ppl who need them. I paid good taxes for benefits for ppl like you who need the help! You can always give the food to a non profit who feeds the homeless. But by adding nutritious food to what you are currently eating, that will make the transition easier for you... good wishes in this endeavor!

[h0kie]

(((((Sky))))) Thank you. I needed to hear that.

[ktp]

(((((1Day))))))))

Been there where you are needing food stamps. It's not an easy place to be but thankfully it's there for when you do need it.

I totally understand what you're talking about frittering money away. I don't want to lose this weight without exercise. The whole point is to get healthy. That does NOT mean skinny (to me anyway). It means lean and toned. It means happy and confident in myself. That's worth $100 for the machine, as to feel that way again would be priceless!

We got some money from my dad for christmas and we spent it on the kids, but we should've spent it on ourselves b/c it was given to us. The kids got PLENTY and more than they needed. (I'm sorta ashamed about it actually) I should've used it for an exercise machine. Are you talking about the lounger thing ? Because those are at Wally world and I want one. I'm also getting one with my income tax return. That's the next time I'll have anything extra.

I just wanted you to know I know how you feel and let you know I'm here to offer encouragement and support.

Good luck and take care,
Kimberly.

[h0kie]

((((((((((Kimberly))))))))))

I'm so glad SOMEONE can relate. We went comparison shopping today. Wal-Mart had some stuff...but everything I like is $500-$1000...uh no. I can't put that kind of money into something at this point.

However, they had an elliptical for $125 something. I love ellipticals, but they're hard for me to use for a long period of time. They had a treadmill...but it has a weight limit...grrr, like that helps me.

We went to K-mart and they had stationary bikes for under $100 (woohoo!). The one we like is actually about the same as an elliptical...that's what we're figuring on getting at this point. Not exactly what I wanted...but it works.

You're understanding has made my day.

[wisewoman]

WAIT! People can't give stationary bikes away. I got ours, brand new looking on the side of the road where the homeowners hoped someone would take it. Check out the used places in your area. I am amazed at the stuff I can get used instead of paying a fortune.

[ktp]

Wisewoman has brought up an excellent point.

My sister and I were discussing earlier some exercise equipment we were wanting to buy and she found one of those things like a gazelle for $50 at a flea market. It works and everything, she's going to try to talk them down to $30.00 Not too shabby even if it's used.

Treadmills are nice but can definitely be lived without. My father in law used to walk in the house, just walk and walk turn around and walk from one end to the other.....it did just as good as his treadmill.

We have a stair stepper thing. I'm going to have my husband oil it up and see if it still works. That'll be one less thing to buy and it really works on the legs. There are several people here that are wanting to lose weight too. My sister in law, my niece and my sister, so I think we're going to implement afternoon walks. My oldest daughter is getting in on this too.

I have done a terrible job with teaching her how to eat...or should I say overeat. We bought a scale the other night to keep up with how much weight we're losing. Going to do like Weight Watchers and weigh once a week to check progress, etc.

My 11 year old stepped on the scale and it broke my heart. She's the same height as me (5'9) and weighs 217 lbs., the poor child. She outweighs me by 25 lbs! I've gotta do something I am so glad for this healthy eating stuff and everybody jumping on because it's really inspired me to do something.

Then maybe I can redeem myself with her.

Take Care all,
Kimberly.

[wisewoman]

Good luck with changing the eating patterns and activity level. I forgot to say that I also got a free nordic trac from people who no longer wanted it. And no, I am not the picture of health but my family members use the equipment.

[h0kie]

Kimberly...you sound like how I think my mom feels/felt. I was on Weight Watchers (with her) in 4th grade. Needless to say it didn't work.

WW: Great idea! Thank you! I have a few ideas now...you're so smart.

You're both so smart. (Sky too, but don't tell her. It might go to her head) You guys are great!