[essqueue]

Hello lovely ladies (and maybe men?)

I'm Suzy, 22 years old from New Zealand. I've just stumbled upon this site- was intrigued by the name!

I've just recently embarked on a serious go at losing weight (as of Thursday Jan 19 2012). I've been asked to be a bridesmaid for one of my best friends, and I don't want to ruin her wedding photos by being huge! (Not that being huge is necessarily unsightly... but you get my drift).Obviously, I also want to do it for myself, and get HEALTHY (and the best man is single... ).

I don't actually know what my starting weight was, but the last time I weighed myself (approx 1 month ago) I was 93kgs, or 205lbs. I am approx 5'5", and realistically, I'd like to reach 72kgs (159 lbs) by October 11, my 23rd birthday. I could potentially go lower, but I don't want to be skinny minnie! Will cross that bridge when I come to it...

The wedding is not until December, so I've got loads of time! But I don't want that to hold me back, or be an excuse for not being as disciplined as I should!

I'm currently walking everyday for 45-60 minutes, over quite hilly terrain. Normally between 5-6km (3-4 miles). I'm also lifting 4kg (8.8lb) hand weights for approx 15-20 minutes every second day.

As for eating, I'm having predominantly porridge, fresh fruit and veg for breakfast and lunch, then white meat (fish or chicken) and veges for dinner. I've cut out ALL soft drink and juice, and am trying to drink at least 3 litres of water a day! I also have coeliac disease (no gluten), which I'm actually finding restricts me to generally healthier choices anyway.

I'm so happy to have found this site, I'm sure it will continue to be an excellent source of inspiration!

[EagleRiverDee]

Welcome!!!!

Your goals are realistic, if you work hard on exercise and diet. It sounds like you already are.

You're in a great place here for support and advice!

[AilsaPearl]

Hi! Sounds like you're on the right track! I'm new here too and following a similar plan..but as I'm in school right now the university dining hall is not helping me with the oil drenched options...anyways good luck and keep us posted!

[HealthyMeWannabe]

Hi and welcome! You can definitely reach those goals. You can do it!

[srmb60]

Hi and welcome!

I know we have celiac sufferers here somewhere. Colitis, crohns ... I just can't seem to put my finger on a forum with a bunch of them all together. However, that's a good excuse to encourage you to read lots and join right in wherever you feel comfortable. We're glad you're here!

[patchworkpenguin]

Suzy, welcome, glad to have you join us. I suggest you look for a Challenge or Support group to join; small check-in groups make it easier to connect, get involved, and be accountable. We have groups centering around specific diet plans, themes, or age groups, so find one that inspires you and just post to join! Be sure to check out the 20-somethings, Aussie Chicks, and Dieting with Obstacles {may be the one Susan was thinking of?}

[roxybabay]

Hi Suzy! Your doing a great job so far and if you keep it up you will reach your goal as planned. Keep it up