[ashleyree]

Hi from the SF Bay area. Time for me to get up and get moving. I'm looking for buddies to help me make it to my goal. I can definitely use help setting realistic mini-goals and staying motivated. (How cool would it be to roll out of bed and see an e-mail cheering me on? oh yeahhhh!) Any other 40-something, single-no kids folks, workin' workin' workin' folks out there?

I need to make large changes a little bit at a time, both in food and in exercise. Actually, I need to make a huge mental change so I can stick to the small changes.

Today
"morbidly obese" and pre-diabetic at 200 pounds
BMI 35.4
body fat approx. 48%
waist I don't even want to know.

Goal
140 lbs.
BMI 24.8
body fat 35% or less
waist 35" or less

I'm taking a full year to lose the 60 pounds. My, doesn't 5 lbs. a month sound easy? My "no diet" plan is to work my way up to 4-6 smaller meals per day, get as many colors into each meal as possible, and get smart about fats, sugars and fiber. Of course I don't cook and I eat out all the time. Great. Maybe changing diet will be a bigger change than I want to admit. Any ideas? I've gotten started before, so let's you and me do it again and find a way to make it stick. New Year - New Beginning!

I'm pretty sedentary with achy knees and ankles and painful feet. I need to add low impact walking/stretching activities. Not quite sure how to start and how to gradually challenge myself to do more, but I'm sure ya'll will have lots of ideas.

Remember, little changes eventually lead to Big Changes. I can't wait!!!

Okay, now that I have a rough idea about my overall goals, what specifically can I do Jan. 1 to get this going? And can't I just have that last x-large pizza w/ everything, breadsticks and a 2-liter before midnite?

[Calejo]

Ok, well, if you eat out a lot, I would say find out what your favorite restaurants have in the way of "healthy" alternatives and find some new restaurants that promote healthy living as well. Just be sure that you're using the appropriate portion sizes and all.

Here's a link to an image that may help: http://www.diabetes.ca/ilt/images/mealplan_handjive.jpg

[Mistysky]

Hi, I'm new here too. I am from Tennessee, I just turned 41 and am single with no kids. I work full time and have been taking college classes so time can be tight. I am trying to change my eating habits and also start exercising.

I have been lurking here for a couple months and have really enjoyed the motivation I have received. I would love to have a buddy to help me stay motivated. I have a lot to loose too but I hope with small goals I will be able to stay motivated.

Happy New Year,
Coral

[Robsia]

If you haven't found anywhere you like yet, we have a group called "1 lb down and plenty more to go"

New members always welcome

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=100896