Hello sisters,
I am eighteen years old and suffering from what is becoming a severe case of anxiety and depression - I am seeing a professional and am currently taking medication as an aid. The issue is that a combination of leaving school, medications and my mental health have led me to gain a fair bit of weight. I'm not obese, but definitely overweight and I have never been so unhappy - at sixteen years old I was anorexic and an exercise freak. One extreme to the next, really.
I have recently begun a full-time job in childcare, and am looking forward to being able to afford a gym membership again (alongside my friend!). Long story short, I am after other ladies' opinions on Jenny Craig and WeightWatchers. I know what a healthy diet consists of, but I feel more knowledge and support behind me would really be beneficial. Is it worth the money? Did you enjoy the program? Did you feel results?
Many thanks in advance,
a very unhappy sister ready to turn her life around. Xx
3 Replies
I think you can get free dietician appointments if your GP refers you. I think I'd avoid Jenny Craig etc. I found they had zero knowledge of eating disorders so don't see the warning signs of slipping back into old habits like skipping meals etc and rapid weight loss.
I've heard weight watchers are amazing and teach skills for life
Wow, I'm 30 now and a very healthy,fit weight. But I was you at 18! I was also exactly the same at 16. Annorexic excercise freak.... Then had an injury and blew out 25kgs. I fell into a bit of a depression. Felt utterly worthless. Went from bombshell to blubber guts in 18months. Let me tell you what helped me. Building my life up in every other way OTHER than my looks and weight. Work on your career. Or travel. Set big goals in other areas. No doubt for a long time, you've had control issues surrounding your looks etc. Let that take a back seat. Michelle Bridges program is great rather than Jenny Craig etc. Because it teaches you about portion size. But I think it's a bit OTT with exercise. I did it after my third baby, but didn't follow the training strictly because I know I can become obsessive. All of this weight gain is simply about control. I have zero doubt that you're an all or none person (like I was). So get some control back without allowing it to control you. You know how to eat healthily. But find a grey area where you allow yourself treats with NO guilt. So important! I'm a size 8-10... But I eat chocolate, ice cream, cake OCCASSIONALLY. Keep your portions small. Add lots of fruit and veg to your diet. And allocate at least 3 days a week to train. It's taken me a decade to like my body and find a healthy balance and you absolutely can to. Don't punish yourself if you eat badly... just move on. Start again straight away. Eventually it becomes your way of life. You can do it!