[LBLAZY]

Hi everyone,

My name is Lauren, I'm 21 years old, and I'm trying to make a change in my life.

While my weight has fluctuated throughout my life, I have always been somewhat overweight. In high school I was at my fittest thanks to organized team sports with mandatory practices. When I first went to school, far away from home, with an 'all you can eat' dining plan, I gained what some people refer to as the freshman 15, but I ended up gaining about 40 pounds.

I'm now a senior in college, and I've realized that now would be the best chance to try to make myself happier and healthier. Last May I lost about 20 pounds, but after going home for the summer and I gained it all back and then some.

The real wakeup call for me was on Friday, September 25th. I had a job interview with a local YMCA to become a swim instructor. At home, I've been a swim instructor for 6 years, so I felt that landing this job would be easy. When I arrived all of the other instructors were in shape and they made me do this insane swimming course. I'm not sure if they did it to every potential hire, but I could just feel them judging me as I went through the difficult strokes and rescues. I did complete the test, but I had never felt that exhausted in my life.

I'd been avoiding the scale for some time, and after building up enough courage I saw 226.5. I couldn't believe it, and I knew I never wanted to see that number again.

Since then, I have decided instead of dieting I need an overall lifestyle change. I try to eat about 1200 calories a day and work out 6 days a week. I began walking about 2 miles a day and then continuing with the 30 Day shred. I've now built up to about 5 miles of fast paced walking a day and I'm on the second level of the Shred.

I've noticed that my body has become a lot stronger and I've lost about 12 pounds so far. I definitely want to continue with this. By Christmas I'd like to be under 200lbs, and by my college graduation in May I'd like to be under 180 lbs. My long term goal is to be healthy and under 160 pounds.

I'm not used to being held accountable for my workouts & dieting, so I'm hoping this forum could help me out and maybe provide some support in my everyday life.

I look forward to getting to know you all, and I appreciate you reading this.

[CanadianCutie]

Welcome to 3fc, I'm sure you'll find the site to be very helpful. Everyone on here is awesome

[Onederchic]

Welcome to 3FC, Lauren and good luck with your goals.

Hugs
Michelle

[demjules]

Hi Nice to meet you. I am similar to you in age, however the major difference is that I have a lot more weight to lose. 236 - 145, however I know it's possible.

[LBLAZY]

Thank you all for being so welcoming.

Demjules, you aren't that far off from me! Hopefully we can work together and reach our goals.

I look forward to getting to know you all better.