Hi everyone! I just found the 3FC website and need as much help as possible, so I figured I would say hi and introduce myself. I'm 32, live just north of Boston, have a yuckie desk job (actually I have a great job, it's just the desk part kind of sucks) and I've really been fighting with my weight for about 8 years now. In my teens and early 20's I never worried about what I ate and NEVER worked out. I was about 25 when I woke up one day and realized - wow, I'm a fat chick. I saw a picture and didn't even recognize myself. I got on a scale and almost died when I saw 212.

At the time, my roomate was on the Atkins diet and it was working so I gave it a try and I lost 50 pounds in about 4 months - I couldn't believe how quickly it came off! No working out, no starving myself. It was great. From 26 to 29, I pretty much stuck to the diet and my weight ranged from 155-170. I never got all the way down to my goal weight of 145, but I was close and I was at a much healthier weight. Then I don't know what happened. I was going through some personal b.s. and food became a comfort to me. It was always there and it always made me feel better. I don't remember when, but I started eating carbs again. I wasn't watching a scale. I knew I was gaining but for some reason, it didn't really matter to me. I finally bought a scale and couldn't believe when I saw 235.

So here I am , now 23 pounds heavier than that fat chick I saw in the picture 8 years ago. I go up a flight of stairs and I'm winded. My knees tear every time I bend. Hellllooo - I'm 32!!! I walk the mall for an hour and feel like I need to take a nap! I have a gym membership that I don't use because I'm so embarrassed to step foot in a gym looking like I do. I hate going out with my friends and going to places that I may bump into someone I know. My self esteem is obviously null and void. I keep telling myself it's ok to eat bad food today, but I have to start eating better and working out tomorrow. Tomorrow. Tomorrow. Tomorrow.

So here it is, a thousand tomorrows later and I think I'm finally done waiting for tomorrow. It is my mission to change my lifestyle today

Hi and welcome!

We're glad you're here. Make yourself at home. Read, post.

Lots of us were kinda surprised to find how our weight had crept up. And we're here to help you deal with it. Please, let us know if there is anything we can help you with.

Hey Bridget -

No more tomorrow...TODAY!

Are you planning on going the low-carb route again? You may want to visit our Low Carb Lifestyle forum, if so.

You also may want to visit the 30-somethings group for chatting and check-in threads.

Wherever you post, just settle in and keep posting. Can't wait to get to know you better!

Hi there &

Best of success to you!

Thanks for the welcome everyone It's so nice having support from others that have an understanding of what I'm going through!

Mandalinn - I was actually researching different diets and recipes (btw I love the recipe section!) when I found this website. I don't really want to go on a full-blown low carb diet again. I just don't like the idea of limiting the amount of veggies and fruits in my diet. I'm still researching but for the most part, I'm trying to cut all processed foods out of my diet and sticking with fresh vegtables, fruits, whole grains, lean meats, etc. And I'm working on my portion control.

I think my biggest hurdle is going to be getting to the gym. I know that I have to do it & I'll feel better once I do - it's just getting it over with. It's such a ridiculous idea to think that you have to be thin to go and work out!!!

Welcome Bridget!

Hey we're neighbors!

The important thing is that you're here. That's the 1st step. There is a lot of great info and support on this website. Take time to read. I highly recommed the Maintainers Forum. I know you're just starting and probably feel you don't belong there, but trust me, anyone looking to lose weight should start there.

Take it one little step at the time with the food, you'll eventually find out what works best for you.

I count calories and don't have any "forbidden" foods. Just knowing I can't eat whatever I want as long as I account for it, makes it easier for me. I love food and I cook a lot, so I tend to eat more healthful foods anyway, but once in a while I treat myself to some "empty calories"... Just figure what works for you, something you can see yourself doing the rest of your life.

Best of luck to you!

Have you been reading anything posted by Glory87? She's the guru of Superfoods ... a nice plan of whole natural foods.

We could also find you a daily exercise accountability thread. It's fun to keep up with the others ... see how the rest exercise.

Thanks again everyone!

friendlykat - I wouldn't have even thought about it, but the maintainers forum is probably a good place for information - I'll check it out.

And SusanB - thank you for the heads up on Glory87 - I just read her success story in the Goal forum & I loved it!! I recently purchased the Superfoods RX book myself and got so much from it - it's one of the reasons I decided to change the way I eat more so than going on another "diet".

Bridget, welcome!
I remember that fear of going to the gym. I thought I'd never get over it, but I did, and you can, too! Everyone is there for themselves. Just go and do it. Your energy levels will increase, you'll feel great, and you'll look fabulous and self-confident.