[Candace23]

So I finally decided to join this amazing community! I am 23 years old, and over the past year have gained about 15 or 20 pounds. I am very unhappy. I can eat and eat and eat. And quite honestly, it's all I ever seem to want to do. I want to learn how to do other things besides eating that keep me happy.

Anyway, I did my first workout today. I always end up quitting because I look in the mirror and notice everything I hate and say"why bother", and go reach into the pantry. It's a very unhealthy cycle. I am very very scared I will continue to do that and sabatogue what can be my new body! Any suggestions?

[mandalinn82]

Hi Candace!

There are plenty of places to find support here. Look around, find a couple of forums that feel right (20-somethings and featherweights might be good places to start), and keep posting!

Amanda

[disaster tourist]

Hey girl!

You did your first workout today. That's an accomplishment! It's a start, and you know what? Do your second workout tomorrow, and your third the day after that. Don't look at your body with loathing; look at your body as the vehicle you drive every day, and think of how you want to keep that vehicle in tip-top shape. Enjoy your body, and what it does for you: how your legs move you around (i feel like an REM song), your arms let you get that can from the top shelf, your abs pull you back up after bending at the waist. Your body's a beautiful thing, a grand machine, and your body and yourself don't deserve being talked down to.

Seriously, girlfriend, I just did the first real work I've done in months. I did several crunches, a set of standing shoulder presses, and some shrugs with 5lb weights. It's not a lot, but it IS a start.

Keep on keepin' on.