[LoseBabyWeight2009]

Hello everyone!!!!

I am excited to be here, but realllly overwhelmed. I have no clue where to start. I mean I sort of do, but when I see people talking about only eating so many grams of protein with only such amt of carbs, I get confused. Do I absolutely have to monitor everything that way??

I will start with introducing myself. My name is Danielle and I am 23 in Oregon. I had a baby 9 months ago and am down to 138lbs, but really want to get to 125lbs and lose my muffin top and chunkalicious inner thighs. I have a BAD muffin top. I thought about lipo but we are struggling with money and I would like to do it the hard way, but ugh - tough to get started. I just want to get "in the groove" so it becomes habit, but I am so overwhelmed.

When I gave birth I was 204lbs!! I gained 70lbs in during my pregnancy - WOAH! I am riddled with stretchies, but I don't want the combo of stretchies AND extra weight keeping me from bathing suit season! I can flaunt those - not my extra jiggle!! I am so far from toned it's scary.

Anyway, I am excited to build some relationships on here and help to motivate eachother - I also hope to be able to post some progress pics too!

[dragonfly21]

Welcome!

Congrats on the baby and your amazing weight loss so far! Whatever you are doing is obviously working. I would just check out all the threads and forums to get a feel for what's going on here. There is no specific plan endorsed here- it's just a place to discuss what you are doing- get advice, encouragement and support!

You don't have to do any monitoring of carbs, proteins, or nutrients if you don't want to! Some people count carbs, count calories, or just eat intuitively. Something you might be interested in for toning purposes is the workout challenge going on through this board right now. The challenge starts Monday and it lasts three weeks- just leave a reply as to how many workouts you want to commit to- then keep everyone updated! Just look for the workout challenge that Feral started if you want!!

[LoseBabyWeight2009]

Thanks so much for the reply!! I saw that post and am thinking about what I can commit right now.

I just get so overwhelmed with everything that I feel like it would be so much easier if someone would just tell me exactly what to do, and exactly what to eat, and when exactly I will see my PERFECT results. HAHAHA, if only.....

Anyway, I will become a regular on here, because I know that it will help keep me motivated to reach my goal.

[KellyEnix]

I think what works for one person may not always work for another. You have to find a program that works best for you and your body! South Beach Diet works best for me and my lifestyle, but some people do better with a "points" system like calorie counting or weight watchers. Those that don't care about carbs do Atkins. Some do better with excercise and just make an effort to eat healthy. You should definitely explore your options! Best of luck to you!!

[LoseBabyWeight2009]

I think I am going to start with exercise and being food conscious. I have researched about sugar being the main culprit of fat - especially in the midsection. I have an ADDICTION to Rockstars - I know, I know. Those should be the first to go.....ugh. Maybe I can just switch to the sugar-free, they only have 10 calories per serving. Not as yummy, though.

[maenad]

Welcome! My advice: start with calorie counting and exercise. Calories are very easy to count and keep track of. Later, if you want to keep track with cabs and protein learn about that, but start with calories other wise it is very overwhelming!

Congrats on having a baby, and enjoy the site, lots of smart girls with good advice and support!!!