[ModestVanity]

So everyone, I'm finally making the jump. From being painfully shy and quiet about my insecurities to finally getting the support I need, that is. My name is Briar. I'm fifteen years old, standing at height of 5''8 and weighing approximately 170 lbs. My heaviest was at 180-190 lbs, about a year ago when I first began highschool. Sad to say, I've always known I was too big for my age group, even with my height, and that it's only now I'm deciding to do something about it.

According to my BMI of 25.8, I am exactly 5.5 lbs overweight. My goal, however, is to reach anywhere between 130-140 lbs, putting myself at an approximate BMI of 20. So, to do it, I'll be starting a diet and excercise regimen, consisting mostly of me cutting away all my 'bad sugars', replacing my teas and coffees with water, stopping my binge-snacking and watching my calories. I'll also be starting a basic strength and cardio workout for about 30-45 minutes a day, plus a 20 minute walk to and from school. If I can do this for 12 weeks, I think I'll reward myself by buying the p90x set.

I'll be 'weighing in' with measurements for the next twelve weeks, since my mother refuses to keep a scale in our home, and for one reason: being overweight runs in the family. Both my grandmother and mother are suffering of diabetes, and both are overweight, and as much as I love them, I'm terrified of ending up like them. I don't want to be told my doctors that I have a problem, or that I need serious help. I don't, which is why I'm here, changing this now. I know the path I'm on, and I'm afraid of it.

I've tried for almost a straight year now to stay motivated by myself, but I can't do it - I need to stop being quiet and get support, and I need help keeping this mindset, which brings me to this place. I've looked around and it seems to work for so many of you that I have to say, I'm excited about this scary new idea of mine. Hopefully, I'll find the same success that many of you have.

Now that that's done - wow. What a big block of text! Oops!

[bargoo]

Welcome and good luck ! You are wise to do it now, it only gets harder as you get older.

[GymRat18]

Welcome to 3FC. There is great support here. Its good that you want to change.

[Miss LunaStar]

Hey Vanity! Sounds like you've got a good plan going..can't wait to hear/see your progress.

[ModestVanity]

@bargoo - Thank you! Yeah, I'm really aware of that and I'm doing my best to change it while I can still do it, without the stress of real life also throwing me around. If I can't control stress-related binge eating with only school work on my mind, I have no idea how I would control it with REAL work. Haha, you guys are super heroes.

@GymRat18 - Thanks so much. =D It's great to hear that!

@Miss LunaStar - Ha, I sure hope so! I think I've spent more time doing research on all of this than actually doing anything about it. I hope I can put all that time to good use and actually do it. I'll be sure to add photos and progress reports soon! =)