Hi there...just found this site (during some downtime at work...oops) and decided that trying to lose weight must be a lot more fun when you do it with others.

I must admit, I was one of those people that could eat anything and everything most of my life. I honestly never understood why others found it so difficult to lose weight. I was 105 lbs and a size 3 most of my life. Then, when I turned about 42, everything changed. Within four years I have gained 45 pounds and am currently a size 12. I am tired all the time and not only do I seem to have no will power (never needed it before) but I have awful eating habits (like eating way too fast as if someone was going to take it away from me). I have tried the Southbeach Diet and did pretty good until I started to re-introduce carbs. I need to learn a better way to eat so that I really enjoy food.

Also, how do you curb you appetite? I feel hungry all the time, I can't even go to bed if I am hungry because I can't sleep. Is there anything out there that really helps with this?

As you can see by my weight tracker, I am just starting out. I am planning on starting a walking program on my lunch hour at work starting this coming Monday as I have a sitting job (which hasn't helped my butt size) and most of my hobbies involve sitting. I do know that the lack of activity is probably hurting me more than anything...Any advice and/or encouragement (ok, even criticism is needed) is always welcome.

Great to meet all of you and will be seeing you all around here much more in the future....Happy Valentines Day!!

Hi Fluffy!

Welcome! You will love this place!

You are currently ten pounds LIGHTER than my goal weight! I can't wait to get there!

This site has been an awesome part of my weight loss success -particularly at a time when I hit a plateau that lasted EIGHT MONTHS and really needed some new ideas. The people here are friendly and encouraging. It's just a GREAT place!

The forties and fifties seem to mark a slowdown in metabolism. My slowdown hit earlier, at about age thirty. Until then I was thin. Marriage and children and job stresses packed on the pounds. It didn't help that when our scale broke we just threw it away and did not replace it! Dumb move! During those TWENTY YEARS of not weighing myself I packed on over 100 pounds!

As for being tired...are you exercising? I never really exercised until about ten years ago. I began walking first and gradually added weights and other cardio. From there I added Turbo Jam, step routines and yoga. I mix it up every day so I won't get bored. Once I began walking and exercising every day I found a new energy that I never had before. At 55 I am very proud of being able to poop out many of my friends who are in their thirties!!!

Are you taking a multivitamin? I take One-A-Day WeightSmart vitamins. I also take a SlowIron pill every other day. They really help!

As for being hungry all the time...I eat something every three hours. I take healthy snacks with me in the car so that if I get hungry shopping I won't succumb to the Hot Pretzels with cream cheese or the Food Court faire. The trick for me has been NOT letting myself ever get to that "I'm starving!! stage. A teaspoon of peanut butter and an apple have saved me many a time from eating the bad stuff and LOTS of it!

Try adding more protein especially earlier in the day. I have Eggbeaters with some vegetable mixed in now in the morning because I was finding that I was eating way too many carbs. Keep trying different things and you will find the combination that will work for YOU.

Walking at lunchtime is a FANTASTIC idea! I was able to do that for five years, and it was responsible for me losing my first forty pounds! I went every day, even on days that it rained. Later on I added more cardio to my plan.

You can do this! Glad to have you join us!


Cheryl

Hi and welcome. Cheryl said it all very well. I'm going to add one more thing.
Read, read, read. Educate yourself about how your body works and the foods you put into it. I'm going to suggest 2 books. Not necessary to follow the diet plan but learn from them. YOU on a diet by Dr. Oz an Roizen tell you about how your body works. Superfoods RX or Superfoods Healthstyle by Dr. Pratt tell you about great nutrititional foods to put into your body. If you concentrate on putting all these foods into your body, 5 small meals a day, exercising, you will not be hungry and you will lose weight.
Good luck.

Thanks for all the encouragement. As for exercise, no, not much yet. I will be starting the walking on Monday the 19th. Multivitamin...I take liquid (hate pills,too large) but not real consistent taking it. And regarding being hungry, I have a tendency to skip breakfast, I know that is not a good idea and I know it is my own laziness that keeps me from bringing something from work. I love eggs but get tired of them. Is oatmeal a good thing and if so, I'm assuming the pre-packed flavored ones are not the ones to buy right?

Hi Sharonrr...I'm not familiar with those books but I did just order the new Bob Greene book since that is more a lifestyle change than dieting book. I agree that you really have to educate yourself.

Thanks for the info.

I'm another newbie! On Weight Watchers now for a month (going to try it sensibly this time), just turned 50, and trying to get out of this cold weather comfort food zone! Need support. S.O.S.