[bbigham]

Hi! I just turned 60 last October and I'm determined to finally lose the extra weight that I've been carrying around for many many years.

When I was younger, I found all sorts of excuses not to worry about the weight. After all, I had all the time in the world and I'd get to it "one of these days." But when I hit 60, I realized that I was beginning the second half of my life (YES .. I **DO** intend to live til I'm 120!) and I'm running out of excuses.

I started just after the New Year and I'm going slowly -- I set a goal of just one pound a week. I read that a pound a week is only 500 calories a day less, so it seems "do-able." So far, I've had a great jumpstart by losing 5 pounds the first week and another 2.5 the next. Okay, so I know I'll slow down, but it's been tremendously motivating to lose that much right away -- and without starving.

For me, keeping a blog and talking with people on forums like this is another important element to keep my motivation up. That was one reason I did so well on Weight Watchers (and then promptly gained it all back when I quit going and didn't have a support system).

I hope I can GIVE as much help as I get and I also hope I make some friends along the way.

Barbara

[CLCSC145]

Welcome, Barbara! We're so glad you're here. Jump on in and start posting!

[Helen ready to lose]

Hi Barbara,
Nice to have another person from Oregon! I am in Eugene, what about you?
I am 56 and started the Metabolic Research Center diet 12/27. I've lost 11.5 pounds. The program is very very strict but I needed the accountability. You have to weigh in twice a week.
Good luck on your journey.
Helen

[raebeaR]

LOL, 'nother chick from Oregon -- I'm 52 and live northwest of Eugene in the Coast Range... welcome, you both!! I'm doing South Beach, have lost 33 lbs. since mid-October, but have much further to go. We'll get there together!!

Rae

[leeway]

Hi Barbara!
Sounds like you're off to a great start on the healthier half of your life - how smart to set reasonable, attainable goals, slow & steady wins the race! - the support you need is here to get through the ups and downs - we'll all be here to cheer you on..

Glad to have you join us! There are lots & lots of different groups and forums - I'm sure you'll find some that will keep you motivated and inspired. Try Calories Counters, 50+ forum and the weight loss support forums, they're active and very helpful - also the Success stories are a definite must for motivation. Browse around, clicking on whatever catches your eye - I know you'll be a wonderful addition to any of them.

There are bunches of people here with more to lose and some with less - the bottom line is that we all have to do it a day at a time. The good thing is that we'll have lots of company along the way.

I've only been here since last fall, having NEVER been part of an online forum. What has been so eye-opening is how much it has helped me. Whenever I feel overwhelmed or defeated, I just log on and read some of the success stories, complete with their before & after photos - or read about others still dealing day to day with their challenges - and before I know it, the time has flown by and so have all the thoughts of going off track or giving up. It has made all the difference in my success so far.

So welcome - you've found the right place - join in by inspiring us and being inspired!

All the best - good luck with your goals - here's the best half,
Lee

[bbigham]

Thanks for the warm welcome! I just love those "sliders' showing your progress. It's so encouraging to know others are meeting their goals and have managed to maintain a sense of humor (I tend to get cranky when I feel I'm deprived!)

I'm in Keizer, which is a suburb of Salem.