Occupation: Student (I want to be a teacher when I grow up)
Pets: do the squirrels who leave thier messes for me to clean on the porch count?
Hobbies/Interests: sleeping. (trust me as much as I do in a day, sleeping is an interest)
Height: 5'10"
Eye/Hair Color: brown/brown
Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: February 2007
Starting Weight: 240
Present Weight: 240
Goal Weight: 185 (Anything thinner, I look like I am sick. I've got an odd bone structure)
Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Excersing. I try to go more than a few times a week. But I am so tired most days, I can barely keep my eyes open past 5pm. Oh yeah and I love bread.
Following any specific plan: Nope. Its all about portion control and moving more.
What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past:In a year and 4 months, I will be 30. I want to start the next decade of my life looking and feeling fabulous.
Anything else you would like to share with us: I collect rubber duckies. But that has nothing to do with dieting. So....ummm I just hope I can find an accoutability partner.
Marital Status: soon to be moving in with my bf (i.e. living in sin, lol, I like that)
Children/Ages: None
Occupation: Student
Pets: None of my own at the moment, but the parents have two cute puppies!
Hobbies/Interests: Reading, movies, some sports, hiking, shopping (I wish I had money to do it! lol)
Height: 5'7"
Eye/Hair Color: green/blonde
Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: January 25th, 2007
Starting Weight: 160
Present Weight: 154
Goal Weight: 130
Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: I love food! I love anything creamy, which is usually loaded with fat; I LOVE chocolate, and dessert, and everything else which unfortunately loves me a bit too much. Sigh. Also my bf has a crazy metabolism... he can eat anything and he never gains weight. So when I'm with him I usually end up eating what he eats... pizza and junk food! Finally, I am kind of a picky eater, so I don't like a lot of lean meats (I don't eat turkey, chicken etc) or many vegetables.
Following any specific plan: Not really... smaller portions, healthier choices, daily exercise including cardio. Stick to veggies and something like tuna for protein. NO junk food, and no dessert other than fruit or yogurt.
What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: Not much really, except I plan to maintain it this time! lol
Anything else you would like to share with us: Nothing I can think of at the moment.
Hello! I'm new to the site and I've been looking around for a support group and it seems I probably have more in common with you (the 20-Somethings) group than anyone else. So here I am and here is some information on me.
First name (if you want to tell): Michelle
Geographical location: British Columbia
Age: 27
Marital Status: Single
Children/Ages: None
Occupation: Apprentice painter
Pets: I have on dog, Anikin, he's a seven year old ****u x Toy Poodle (and yes before you ask I did name him after Anikan from StarWars)
Hobbies/Interests: reading, writing, watching TV, going out with friends, would rather sit in a pub with a group of friends then go out clubbing (but the ocational crazy night is fun) surfing the web, going to the gym, walking my dog
Height: 5'11"
Eye/Hair Color: Blue eyes, sandy hair with red streaks
Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: Hmmm I could say when I was 13 ... but the day that it all really started for me was the summer of 2004.
Starting Weight: 240
Present Weight: 195
Goal Weight: I would like to be about 170/160 but for me it's all how I look and not really how much I weigh
Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: I think that would have to be eating cause I'm bored. I used to go out for a smoke when I had nothing to do but I quite smoking at the begining of the year so I find I eat more than I used to - might be part of the reason that I put some weight back on. My other big hurdle is my friends and I like to go out and have beers every other weekend, let me tell you sitting in a pub and nibbling on natchos ... not the best thing to do when you are tying to lose weight. Now however I order the veggie platter and let my other friends eat the natchos
Following any specific plan: Yes I have just gone back to Weight Watchers for the 3rd time. However with there new Core plan things seem to be working out really good for me this time.
What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: This time I'm doing it for me. I'm learning that I can have fun and enjoy the not so healthy side of life as long as it's in moderation.
Anything else you would like to share with us: I will be sure to post some pictures of what I looked like at my biggest and what I look like now.
__________________
Cheers,
Michelle
Geographical location: Utah for school, South Carolina is home
Age: 26
Marital Status: single
Children/Ages: none
Occupation: work at a restaurant during the school year, boat captain in the summer
Pets: a cat... but she's back home so i guess that doesnt really count
Hobbies/Interests: i work too much and im really focused on school. when i have free time i love to just hang out with friends, read, or work out. i love music and sports.
Height: 5'8"
Eye/Hair Color: brown/brown
Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: i think i finally got kinda serious about it about two months ago... hurt back and the doctor says losing weight is the only way to slow the deterioration down
Starting Weight: 230
Present Weight: 210
Goal Weight: 170
Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: i love food, and im totally an emotional eater. also i would say that the majority of my friends were blessed with amazing metabolisms so it's tough to eat healthy especially when we eat out a lot.
Following any specific plan: not really. im working with a personal trainer, but apparently i am very stressed and that keeps the weight on... especially since i dont get enough sleep and my diet isnt the best. im workin on that though.
What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: it has become a health issue. even though im a bigger girl i love to play sports and be super active. however, i have a disc in my back that is deteriorating and there isnt much we can do for it except me losing weight so that it can regenerate. that makes it kinda hard because i cant do a lot of the exercise that i used to, like running or volleyball, but i know i can do it... i just need to keep my real goal in perspective, which is returning to my normal, active lifestyle, and have it be better than before because this time ill be skinny!
Geographical location: Utah for school, South Carolina is home
Age: 26
Marital Status: single
Children/Ages: none
Occupation: work at a restaurant during the school year, boat captain in the summer
Pets: a cat... but she's back home so i guess that doesnt really count
Hobbies/Interests: i work too much and im really focused on school. when i have free time i love to just hang out with friends, read, or work out. i love music and sports.
Height: 5'8"
Eye/Hair Color: brown/brown
Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: i think i finally got kinda serious about it about two months ago... hurt back and the doctor says losing weight is the only way to slow the deterioration down
Starting Weight: 230
Present Weight: 210
Goal Weight: 170
Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: i love food, and im totally an emotional eater. also i would say that the majority of my friends were blessed with amazing metabolisms so it's tough to eat healthy especially when we eat out a lot.
Following any specific plan: not really. im working with a personal trainer, but apparently i am very stressed and that keeps the weight on... especially since i dont get enough sleep and my diet isnt the best. im workin on that though.
What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: it has become a health issue. even though im a bigger girl i love to play sports and be super active. however, i have a disc in my back that is deteriorating and there isnt much we can do for it except me losing weight so that it can regenerate. that makes it kinda hard because i cant do a lot of the exercise that i used to, like running or volleyball, but i know i can do it... i just need to keep my real goal in perspective, which is returning to my normal, active lifestyle, and have it be better than before because this time ill be skinny!
Geographical location: Austin, Texas (moved here from Louisiana)
Age: 26
Marital Status: Single
Children/Ages: I consider my dog to be my daughter...she's 5
Occupation: Work at a deaf school...but hopefully will become a "membership coordinator" for a nearby gym. Cross your fingers that I get the job!
Pets: Read above under "children" She is a Peek-a-poo with a huge underbite.
Hobbies/Interests: I love shopping..I am addicted to shoes. I LOVE, ADORE, LIVE for shoes....maybe because I can buy that in a single digit size...hmm. Working out, reading, watching movies, going to coffee shops, being with friends, TRAVELING.
Height: 5'6
Eye/Hair Color: Dark brown eyes, dark brown hair
Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: Uh...I think at the age of 13..once I hit puberty and grew boobs!
Starting Weight: 193
Present Weight: 182 (ugh!)
Goal Weight: 135-140
Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: I am an emotional eater. Any time anything goes "bad" in my life or i'm stressed out I tend to turn to food. I'm also an extremist. The MOMENT that I veer away from the "proper" eating regimen I tend to go overboard. Instead of just eating one cookie I tend to think to myself "well I already screwed up" and eat the whole damn box of cookies! UGHH i HATE HATE HATE that about myself. It makes me feel like such a failure. I also LOVE sweets. Another problem is I'm a night time snacker. I like to eat later at night. Not so hungry during the day but night time I like to relax and EAT.
Following any specific plan: Find that I can control my eating habits better on a lower carb diet. Not like atkins or anything just more clean eating, less bread, less processed foods. Also working out like a heathen
What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: Before it was just about looks. Vain reasons to lose weight. Now of course i want to look good but going to the doctor and hearing her say that I am in great shape and that my heart has a plate of armor around it made me realize how beneficial it is to my health that I work out and eat right. Even though I am overweight the doctor told me that I am healthier than most size 2 or 4 women. I'de like to make the outside look as healthy as my insides are!
Anything else you would like to share with us: Oatmeal with blueberries is the best tasting breakfast EVER!!!!!!!!!!!
Occupation: I work at a hair salon selling products
Pets: a dog, Oscar... he is my baby!
Hobbies/Interests: shopping! what else... pottery, school, crafty stuff sometimes
Height: 5'8'' ish.. not sure exactly
Eye/Hair Color: blue eyes, blonde hair
Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: I've always been heavy, but the older I get the worse it seems to get! I've dieted lots of times and lost 20-30 pounds twice, but always manage to put it back on... I want this time to be for good!
Starting Weight: 190
Present Weight: 186...
Goal Weight: 130 would be awesome... i would be happy with 150.
Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Liking food too much I have a hard time with portion control. I never seem to be full.
Following any specific plan: I bought the 2006 weight watchers books on Ebay and have been trying to follow a 22-24 point limit.
What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I'm getting older now and realizing that its becoming more of a health issue. I feel older than I am, my back hurts and my knees hurt and I know its because I'm heavy. I see myself getting married and having kids and I don't want to be like this for the rest of my life.
Anything else you would like to share with us: My AIM screen name is LizMinger... if anyone wants a chat buddy, I'm almost always around!
Pets: two kitties, Patty (17) and Pushkin (8)...they're technically my boyfriend's, but I claim them as my own
Hobbies/Interests: videogames, film, writing, art, 3D modelling, outdoorsy type stuff, gym
Height: 5'5"
Eye/Hair Color: blue/auburn
Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: Mid-January.
Starting Weight: 186
Present Weight: 178
Goal Weight: 150
Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: I have a chronic pain condition that requires a strict diet (Interstitial Cystitis...though I have other fun conditions, too :\). On bad pain days, the only foods I can eat are a dieter's nightmare! Learning to take it slow and listen to my body on days when it's sick has been a bit of a learning curve...
Following any specific plan: I've started working out 4 days a week (during lunch hour at work -- it's great stress relief), and, when I don't get home too late, going for a walk after my evening meal. I'm also using FitDay to track my caloric intake and make sure that I'm getting the nutrients I need while restricting calories. I was surprised to find that my medical diet wasn't getting me all the nutrients I need, and I've made a lot of changes for the better. This is intended to be a permanent lifestyle change, and I don't want to count calories forever, but I plan to for several months until I get the idea of how much I should actually be eating.
What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I'm more comfortable with my body, so I don't feel as much pressure as I did in previous attempts.
Anything else you would like to share with us: I have been gaining weight for a few years due to medications, always promising myself that I would worry about the weight once my health was stable. The good news is that my health is pretty stable right now; the bad is that I made my bed and now I have to lie in it.
Hobbies/Interests: reading, shopping, tv, movies, going out with friends, travel, all sorts...
Height: 5'3
Eye/Hair Color: blue/green and blonde/lght brown
Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: anytime in the last 6 months?! currently starting again
Starting Weight: 94kgs, which i think is around 210/215?
Present Weight: as above, just starting (again!)
Goal Weight: 54kgs (which is 120-130?)
Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: emotional eating: whether I'm upset or angry, I tend to numb it with food...And I lose motivation very quickly: I expect to see results straight away and when I don't, I get very disappointed (and go back to the eating: vicous cycle!)
Following any specific plan: not at the moment, just trying to limit what I eat and exercise at least 30mins daily. Being a poor uni student, I don't have the finance to take advantage of most weightloss programs!
What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: My 21st is in 6 months, and I want it to be a time to remember (my time to shine!). I want to be confident enough to get the most out of life, rather than hiding away because I'm too embarrassed to be seen like this..
Anything else you would like to share with us: not right now, maybe more later
PS Very good idea, Megan, cheers for getting the ball rolling!
Hobbies/Interests: traveling, shopping, reading, working out, hanging out at local pubs with my husband and friends
Height: 5'2"
Eye/Hair Color: both brown
Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: August 2005
Starting Weight: 207
Present Weight: 168
Goal Weight: 135
Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: I love to eat!!! I love food!! It's so hard for me to turn it down. Also, I've come to realize that I don't consider myself full until I am stuffed and miserable...i've had to change my concept of full.
Following any specific plan: i try to work out regularly and watch what i eat...i have breakfast everyday, lean cuisine for lunch and a couple of snacks throughout the day and a healthy dinner.
What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past:
i really stuck to it this time. previously, i would give up if i veered away from working out and eating healthy. i would keep reminding myself how good i felt whenever i lost a few pounds!
I am attaching my before and current pics...take a look.
Marital Status: Married for 3 1/2 months
Occupation: Technical writer for software company and grad student
Pets: 1 kitty and 1 big dog
Hobbies/Interests: Cooking (it shows), crafts, shopping... right now we're looking for a new house so I watch a lot of HGTV
Height: 5'4
Eye/Hair Color: brown/hazel
Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: 3/4/07
Starting Weight: 204
Present Weight: 200
Goal Weight: 135
Following any specific plan: I have a number of "tummy troubles" since having my gallbladder removed, so after seeing a specialist FINALLY, I am only allowed to eat very limited amounts of dairy, no red meat, no processed sugar/bad carbs. Working out 4-5 days a week.
What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I don't know if it has to do with me getting older or what, but I have really realized just how much of a disadvantage it is to be overweight - heart disease, increased breast cancer risk, diabetes, etc. Also, I want to get pregnant in the next few years and studies have shown that overweight women have a harder time conceiving. And I'd sooo much rather be healthy and fit for an easier pregnancy than being fat and tired!
Marital Status: Getting married in 23 days!!! Live with fiance!
Children/Ages: none yet (working on it)
Occupation: Administrative Assistant (A/P)
Pets: 2 cats (Kitty & Gizmo) 3 dogs (Heifer & Frankie & Christine) 4 puppies (no name but are going to good homes on April 13th.)
Hobbies/Interests: Bowling, reading, walking, watching movies, hanging with friends....
Height: 5'8"
Eye/Hair Color: Hazel/Brown
Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: Just recently started seriously, but needed to for a while...I will say March 19th....
Starting Weight: 277.4
Present Weight: 272.4
Goal Weight: My short term goal is 200, but my overall goal is 150-170
Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: EXERCISE, I hate it!! I love to walk but I hate exercise videos, I have no rhythm....My fiance needs to support me more instead of trying to sabotage me all the time...He's afraid if I lose weight I will leave him....WHATEVER!!!!
Following any specific plan: Not really, watch what I eat, and drink tons of water, and Walk alot
What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I am getting married, and I will eventually want kids, I want to be a healthy mom, and I want to live to see them grow up
Anything else you would like to share with us: Good Luck to everyone!!!!
Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: Mid-March 2007
Starting Weight: 297
Present Weight: 284
Goal Weight: 165
Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: I love sweets & carbs, and hate exercising. But I'm learning to like it more & more every day!
Following any specific plan: Just trying to cut calories/portion sizes and exercise more
What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I am truly committed this time, whereas other times I kinda did it half-assed.
Anything else you would like to share with us: I'm new to the whole online dieting thing, so I could use some guidance!
Marital Status: we might as well be married, but we're not even engaged lol
Children/Ages: not yet
Occupation: technically I'm still called a sales associate,, but that's just cause they never change titles for people unless you're promoted to an actual manager (kinda annoying, but whatever). I do internal, corporate, and mail order for the company I'm at.
Pets: a dog and a cat (shadow and minnie, respectively)
Hobbies/Interests: reading, watching movies, going out with friends, working out when I'm not going through one of my big lazy streaks...nothing really specific or exciting
Height: 5'3.5"
Eye/Hair Color: green/currently brown, naturally blonde. usually it's brown, but sometimes black or red
Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: This time around I guess March 14, 2007.
Starting Weight: 195
Present Weight: 191.4
Goal Weight: 145 for now, but I think I'd be happier if I was in the 130's. I really just want to be comfortable with myself, so whatever number will get methere.
Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: I have two: I'm an emotional eater, which is a big thing for me because I'm a very emotional person, so I'm always eating lol. The second is that I'm trying to recover from an eating disorder, and while recovering I gained all the weight back that I lost from that, and now that I'm trying to lose it again healthily I'm at the same time trying not to trigger myself back into my old habits.
Following any specific plan: so far just trying to eat healthier (trying not to binge, eating whole wheat pasta or brown rice, etc) and planning to exercise after I'm less sore from surgery (breast reduction).
What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I'm doing it healthily, and planning to keep these changes for life, not just for now.
Anything else you would like to share with us: I'm gonna lose this freaking weight and keep it off this time!!
Finally, I am kind of a picky eater, so I don't like a lot of lean meats (I don't eat turkey, chicken etc) or many vegetables.
Me
