How can you feel attractive again

[momjaime]

 how can you lose weight and feel good about yourself in the process

[momjaime]

 I am 33 years old and I used to be thin and i really liked myself. Now I can't stand to look in the mirror. I have tried so many ways to lose weight but nothing works. I want my husband to be proud to been seen with me. I feel like I embarass him. My own kids tell me I am fat sometimes.

[Pollymom]

I'm sorry you're going through all that. I am overweight now after having kids. I also don't feel like I have time to work on my looks.

Before I had kids I had gained a lot of weight and I had to join Weight Watchers to help lose the weight. It can be a challenge getting used to counting points (they give you a points calculator that makes it super easy) but once I started really trying, I lost the weight quickly - and I wasn't even exercising, just changing the foods and amounts I ate. At the meetings, you can also buy a dining out guide. That was cool because it has points values on a lot of foods you can get at fast food places and restaurants.

Is that an option for you? It really does work when you stick with it...I'm going to join again so that means I need to keep healthier food options in the house. The hard part will be if the rest of your family eats junk or sweets...especially if they eat it all in front of you.

Do you have any relatives or friends who could encourage you or even join you in losing weight? I hope things get better for you...

[lovemykids73]

The "in between" time is really difficult to feel good.  I think the most important thing you can do is have a positive attitude knowing that you are making changes and there is a light at the end of the tunnel.  After having a baby, I always hide out from my friends and family while losing all the weight (I always gain 50-60+ lbs).  Someone at work the other day asked if I was having twins because I was so big... very nice, UGH.  But after each baby I really start having fun with different easy low-cal recipes and taking long walks with the kids every day.  I eat the same meals as I make for the family, but have smaller portions and much less carbs than I give them - concentrate on the meat and veggies.  In the winter I join a gym and the kids play in the child center there.  It takes a lot more work and effort now that we're in our 30's - it used to be so easy for me to be thin, but now it's a big effort.  Just make little choices here and there that are positive.  Don't get down on yourself for having a bad calorie day, just start again the next day.  Little by little you will see some changes and that will motivate you to make more.  :)  Good luck!!!

PS, a good motivational group on Cafemom is Work it Out Sexy Mama.  They are great at motivating, have special group goals and great tips.

[Tam_n_Fam]

I have been overweight most of my life, then when I was like 23 I decided I wanted to change, and I went on a diet and exercise regime.  I knew that moment that I couldn't go back to the way I was before.  It took me a few years to loose 77 lbs.  For me it was slow and steady.  I worked my way up.  When I got married I was 145 lbs.  Then I got pregnant.  Went up to 216.  After my son was born I was 180, I had a lot of problems in between everything, and I ended up at around 195.  since last year I am down to 180 again.  It is slow, for me.  I struggle, but what makes me happy with myself, is when I know that I did something to help myself in a day.  If I did my exercise, and I ate well.  that makes me happy.  I am lucky that my hubby really wouldn't care how much weight I gained or lost.  He just wants me to be happy.  do things to make yourself feel good.  Look for nice clothes, or change your hair.  I know it is hard, because I don't like myself everyday, and I don't always feel attractive, I have hit and miss days.  But I have to consciously remember to think of things that are attractive about myself, not the things that I need to work on.  Good luck.  Also, you can look up free websites that will help you with diet and exercise and help you connect with people who have similar needs.  I would give you a site but it is not permitted in this group for me to give out site information because it is considered solicitation.  But if you want to know then feel free to send me a PM.