[Crystall]

My name is Crystal, I'm 35 years old, & have 2 kids - boy & a girl, 11 & 9 years old. I recently left my corporate job of 13 years and am starting over. I went back to college. I have 2 classes with finals next week, 1 more class to take, and then I graduate in May. I work for a non profit organization now for less than 1/2 the pay, but twice the work as before, but I love it. I label myself a 'modern day hippie', so, working for an organization whose focus is on energy efficiency & helping my community reduce their carbon footprint AND save money in the process is amazing. I am happily UNmarried to the love of my life. We're unconventional, but it works for us.

Meat (I prefer chicken or fish) and Potatoes (GROSS! Give me veggies any day). I've "dieted" my whole life. The worst (for me) was the no garb "craze" a few years agi. I lost 100 pounds! I gained it ALL back! So, here we go again. I started at 242, currently am 216, and hope to get down to 142. My lowest ever was 157, but at the time I was still insanely out of shape. I believe I am in better shape right now vs what I was then. Now I am only eating "real" food. Nothing processed at all. If it has more than 5 ingredients, its out. No HFCS or anything I cant pronounce. I gave up my diet coke addiction 13 days ago and I miss it, but I will get over it. I quit smoking 9 months ago. I've also sworn off chocolate - at least for now.

So, what DO I eat? LOTS and LOTS of salad. Fresh salsa. A bunch of fruit and veggies ofcourse. Home made smoothies. Stir fry. Chicken, fish, nuts, seeds, eggs. Some (very little) red meat.

[Crystall]

I got cut off & cant edit well on my kindle, but that about sums it up. Looking for some like minded people that I can share this journey with & looking forward to getting to know you.

[Daimere]

Welcome to 3FC. It's a great place for support!

[Mozzy]

Welcome and good luck on your journey!!!

[wannaskipandlaugh]

to you!

[Silverfire]

Good luck on your journey!

[KimL1214]

Best of luck on your journey!

[firegirl441]

WOW, you have already lost 26 lbs! You are on the right track it seems. Keep up the great job. I worked several years for a non-profit as a senior center manager and loved it. I didn't make much money either but it was the best job I ever had as I felt I was truly contributing something.

As far as your eating, I am trying to make my plate look "pretty" like they do in a fancy restaurant. I seem to enjoy the chicken I am so tired of a lot more this way.

[Sebastian1]

You seem so busy but it looks like you are very happy with your kids and significant other amongst other things.

Make sure you have great support around you and do it for those who matter in your life!

What worked best for me (not sure if you have or do) is to track everything I eat. I write them down and their numbers. It's just not for the calorie counting but just the mindset of "being responsible" and conscious of what I eat helps a great deal in itself. If I write down twinkie or the numbers in one it helps me prevent a bad choice.

Good luck! Rooting for ya!