Heidi

I am Heidi. I am Elise's and Angela's "sister". I have struggled with weight for a very long time. I was doing great with losing weight and exercising until this past January. In the three years prior to this past January I had successfully lost and kept off more than 100 pounds. Then I had a semi-emergency hysterectomy and I went to a very dark place in my mind after surgery (saying I was depressed doesn't begin to describe it). My only "happiness" was refined carbohydrates and sugar. When you look up "emotional eater" in the dictionary you see a photo of me. It was bad. I also wasn't allowed to do more than walk around the block once per day for nearly six months. Prior to surgery I had been working out 2-3 hours per day and I rarely ate sugar or refined carbs. Well...50 pounds later I have a lot of work to do...again. Dang it! I already lost it once. Now I need to do it again and then continue to lose more. I get mad at myself when I think about where I could have been. I could have already reached my goal weight and been happily in maintenance mode. But no. I am definitely in weight loss mode.

Sugar isn't really a weakness. It's the salty, savory, crunchy snacks like Sour Cream and Onion Sun Chips. Mmmmm.... That is my weakness. I don't really have portion control issues either (except with a bag of chips, which is why I never buy them). I am pretty good about not overloading. I do best when dieting (yuck...the "D" word) by snacking every few hours throughout the day. It's the only way I can keep my blood sugar high enough to function when surviving on 1200 calories per day and working out like I do. Yes, I cut back that far on calories, and yes I am under a doctor's care when I do it. My doctor would prefer to have me stay at 1500 calories per day, but as long as my blood work comes back normal and I'm not deficient in anything she let's me do it. I also see a dietician monthly (paid for 100% by insurance) when I'm in hard-core mode.

I thrive on competition. It motivates me. I need to find a way to just compete with myself, but so far I haven't been as successful that way. I am very excited to begin this. It's the motivation I need to get back on track.