First post... Eeekk!!
 

So, this is my first post here. I'm actually quite nervous to post, even though I know everyone is extremely helpful!

I'm a pharmacy student and since I've started, I feel like my weight has just been creeping up slowly. I think I've put on about 20 pounds. The way I gain weight is all from the waist down, though. So while my old shirts still fit just fine, my bottoms have gone up a size. This is especially frustrating because I look so very... uneven. I've always been a pear, even at my smallest, but the size 8/10 pants with the size small top has just been eating away at my self-esteem.

Anyway, I'm here to get some support on my journey. From the time I was about 12 until 20 I was the same size. Dieting isn't something I'd ever had to consider in the past and man, it's HARD! It really is!

I've been trying to eat reasonable - 1500-1800 calories a day, exercising several times a week. I've always enjoyed working out and if I had the time to just eat what I want and work out more, I would -definitely- take it. I turn to food when I'm bored, sad, happy.

Mainly though, I just want to feel like the old me. I've never had so many body image issues and it's getting to the point that I'm concerned about my emotional well-being. I hope eating right and exercising will at least raise my spirits!

:welcome: to 3FC!

There is no doubt that exercise will help raise your spirits! Exercise produces endorphins, which help make you happier of course :) And you'll be so proud of yourself for staying on plan that you won't have a choice but to feel good about that too! It sounds like you have a very sensible plan in mind and I wish you the best of luck on your journey!

exercising always raises my spirits so at least you have that! Welcome to the forum, I'm a relative newby also.

First of all :welcome:

I just wanted to say that I was in EXACTLY your position when I decided it was time to change. I went to Europe to study abroad for three months and gained atleast ten pounds while I was there, taking me past 145 on the scales. eeeek.

I too am pear shaped, I gained all my weight in my thighs and I just looked completely awkward!

I started making changes in January by "watching what I eat" and then that didn't make a big difference so I started calorie counting a few months ago.. I've lost atleast 18 pounds so far (10 since I started journaling in June) and now I'm lighter and in much better shape than I ever remember being. Looking back it on my old eating habits, it kind of grosses me out what I used to have! And even though my metabolism liked me then.. it was bound to catch up to me at one point. Now I eat verrrry healthy, work out and I love it! :yay:

I wish you luck on your weight loss journey! Don't be afraid to ask questions, rant, or anything! :goodluck:

:goodvibes

:welcome3:

I think these ladies said it all!
I just wanted to share with you that when I started with 3FC, I lost a whopping 57lbs. When I slacked from 3FC, I gained a large portion of it back. I truly believe that along with a nutritionally balanced diet and exercise, support is also a huge motivator.

I could not have lost what I did without these ladies.
I think you'll find just what you need here :)

Originally Posted by suitejudyblueeyes:
Exercise produces endorphins, which help make you happier of course :)

*giggles* All I could think about was that quote from Legally Blonde:

"Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't shoot their husbands, they just don't."

Welcome to 3FC!!!