Sometimes getting lost on the net can be a good thing!
 

I found this site completely by accident and, after reading too many messages over a couple of days, decided that this is EXACTLY the type of place I'd like to be a part of while I'm working on me! :carrot:

Six months ago, I was 42, separated, one daughter (11), working a stressful job fulltime, attending school fulltime, caring for pets (cats, a dog, a horse), etc. What I hadn't been doing until recently was taking time out to take care of ME. So I rearranged my work schedule, put school on hold, delegated chores to the kid who is plenty old enough and started eating right and exercising. I TOOK CONTROL!!

You'll notice that my signature starts at 208. I was actually at 221 when I started the whole process but am 208 at joining 3FC. So, I'm on my way... You'll also notice my screenname... I have learned that it's ALL about lifestyle and that's why I chose that name. To remind myself. Every time I see it.

All the best to all of you... :)

:welcome3:Hello, glad you found us. I too found this site purely by accident. I have never regretted it.

There are so many nice people here. The people here really understand the journey we all are taking to be a thinner and a more healthy person is not always easy.

You will find so many different ways people are losing weight. A lot of great ideas for exercise too.

Myself, I use a salad plate instead of a lunch plate and a lunch plate instead of a dinner plate. Really helps me to keep portions under control. When the family is having one of my favorites I eat what they eat. When they aren't having one of my favorites I eat lean cuisines or lean pockets. I am not losing weight fast but I am losing weight.

Have added a walking video to my day so I get my walking in. I treat it just like any other chore I have to do. If I don't do this I will never get to it.

You are very right, diets don't work. I think that is half the battle to lose weight. Once a person understands there is no quick fix. You can't just stop eating for awhile, lose weight and then go back to eating the same way you were. This is a lifestyle change. We have to learn to look at, think about and eat food differently than we did before.

Please post, we are very interested in how things are going for you. Everyone here are always more than happy to give a piece of advice, a kind word or just listen to you have a rant when you have a bad day.

When you think you are all alone. When there isn't a person in sight to give you encouragement . God is always right beside you, usually yelling, put down that candy bar.

I'm SO glad you stumbled onto us. Thats how I found the site too - now I'm hooked.

You are absolutely right that this is all about lifestyle. Diets are temporary, but there is no way to "go off" a lifestyle. What a great attitude to start with...and major kudos to you for making the effort to spare some time for yourself. It can be hard to find the moments in the day, but when you do, it makes the REST of the moments so much more pleasant.

Anyway, jump in and keep posting. I look forward to hearing more from you soon.

Thanks to both of you for your responses! I can tell there's a friendly group of positive people here and that's a plus. :) Shy, I like your plate tips... I've been trying to stick to smaller portions but the plate always looks so empty! And Manda, if your Progress Picture Collage isn't inspiring, I don't know what is! Wow! I have the fat "before" pic so I'll just have to collect a few more along the way and make my collage too. :)

See you on the boards!

Justsayno
I also love the weight watchers snacks. The little chocolate cakes are yummy and so are their fudge bars. Low in fat, just the right size to get the sugar monkey off my back from time to time.

Sugar isn't my demon... carbs are! I have finally been somewhat successful at sticking to the "if it's white, don't eat it" rule. No processed flour and no processed sugar. Oh how I missed pasta!!! So I found all the whole wheat ones and with the right healthy sauce, I almost feel like I'm cheating.

I know I am never going to do without anything. So I don't even bother. I just watch portion sizes and watch the fat count. I do keep an eye on what I eat. If I have an ice cream cone today. I don't need one for awhile. They have banana soft serve this week. I am having an ice cream cone today lol. Haven't had one since they had banana soft serve in June. Won't have one again until they have banana soft serve again next June.