Hello everyone, good to be here.
My name is Carmen and I'm not going on a diet, I'm making a life change!
Short Version of a Long Story:
I grew up in a very poor, single parent family. Food was important to me because, for at least one week out of every month, we didn't have any. I remember meals where my mom would split one can of green beans between the three of us. All of us would still be hungry when we went to bed.
When we got paid, though, we lived the high life. Everything tasty we'd been deprived was bought - and ate - in short order. As the youngest I learned that if I didn't eat the cookies fast, I didn't get any!
Now I'm 27, married, no kids, and financially I'm solidly middle class. Unfortunately, I didn't leave my childhood eating habits behind. That old feeling of deprivation still sneaks in, and though I have plenty of money for groceries, I still eat more and more often than I should.
The Plan:
So, after lurking around here for a few weeks and getting lots of wonderful information, I decided on a plan of action. I'm not going to diet. Given my history, and the root of my food troubles, that would make things worse. Instead, I'm working on making better food choices. I started a week ago yesterday and I can already see some results. (My previously too tight wedding ring is now loose on my finger!)
Additional Motivation:
I'm a bridesmaid in my best friend's wedding in September. She chose light pink for the dress color. I don't want to look like Miss Piggy!
Again, I'm so glad I'm here! I look forward to getting to know you all a little better!