Hello! I am both new to 3FC, AND, turning 40 on Saturday. I am here, because for the first time in my life, I found myself to be overweight a year or two ago.

It was a very rude awakening, to realize that my formerly Speedy Gonzales metabolism had failed me. A combination of getting older, and meds that slowed it down...I finally decided *enough* a few weeks ago. I've gotten back to speedwalking four to five days a week, (usually 3 miles, and I go FAST), as well as handweights at home, and some resistance training.

Getting back into exercising wasn't hard, it's changing my eating habits that has been the real challenge. Sigh. Ain't that always the case?

Anyhow, I'm glad to be here, and looking forward to being able to post some good before and after pics. It was hard even to lose those first 5lbs, but even that small amount of weight loss has made a difference. I've just go to keep going!

P.S. I chose a chiahuahua for my avatar, because I have two of my own. They are a couple of little devils, (who love to eat too)

Welcome, and congratulations on your weight loss! 5 lbs is a great start!! And it sounds like you've got a great routine going...

For me, the exercising and eating go hand in hand. If I'm eating poorly, I'm not exercising. If I'm exercising, then I'm eating well. But deciding to eat well, that I was done feeding my body a constant stream of sugar through candy, was definitely the harder decision.

Thank you for the welcome! I do notice that if I'm exercising I will eat more healthy stuff, but I still get those chocolate ice cream cravings, (that's what did me in, a lot of late night chocolate ice cream eating, for the most part).

I know I have it in me to go back to eating it more moderately, it's just an adjustment.

This is kind of gross, but the pain meds that I take for my neck and back problem really slowed my digestive system. And, as most of us know, a body that doesn't eliminate regularly and is sluggish, will put on weight. I really have to stay on top of it with stool softeners et al, because just fiber and vegetables aren't enough to combat this issue. I think that if this wasn't part of the equation, I would have lost more pounds by now.

Anyhow, again, looking forward to being part of the community, and as of Saturday, being an official member of the 40 somethings.

Happy 40th Birthday! you came to a great place for support.

Happy Birthday LittleMissBliss! I just joined today and am a newbie too but welcome.

You might mention to your doc that your meds are affecting you this way - he might have some additional suggestions for you. Remember to stay hydrated, too especially with all the extra fiber you're trying to add to your diet to offset the pills.

Way to go on your speed walking!