Hello....
 

Hello everyone,

What a cool site. I'd been looking for a weightloss 'forum' for a while. I've even tried a couple, including Sparkpeople (which is really cool... just not really my style I guess... ). Anyway, I've been lurking here for a while and this place just seems to 'fit', so I'm really pleased to be here!

I've been overweight most of my life. A clean plate as I was growing up got all kinds of rewards. I still have to work hard not to do this to my own kids. For a long time, my weight really didn't bother me. My mom struggled so much with her weight, and in fact was one of the first people in Ohio to have weight loss surgery. It never worked for her, despite the fact that she had the surgery three times. She lost her battle with obesity when she passed away at the age of 58.

I'm now 43 and I've had a couple of potentially serious health issues over the last couple of years. I think these experiences finally got my attention. I want to live beyond the age of 58. (My mom's mom *also* died at age 58 of a heart attack.). I want to live. And, I want to lead a life of quality. I want to be comfortable, able to move and do the things I want to do.

I've been doing a lot of reading. I guess I still don't know what an ideal weight for me will be, because I've never experienced it. I officially started on August 1 at 213.5 lbs. I am going to stay off the scale for the most part and let my clothes tell me the rest of the story. However, since I knew I was going to introduce myself here today, I did step on the scale and it already moved down a little. So far, I'm keeping a food diary and working out between 30-40 minutes per day doing cardio and weight lifting. I'm keeping track of calories, fat, protein, carbs and fiber. I love fruits and veggies. But, the numbers tell me I'm eating too much protein and not enough fiber. I've got to work on finding a balance.

As a side note, I'm very fortunate to have a husband who supports my efforts by bringing brie into the house only TWICE a month (grrr.. he can eat anything he wants and stays slim...). And, I have two great kiddos who do not have to clean their plates (and I promise not to do it for them!).

Anyway, hello, I'm Beth and it's very nice to meet you all! :)

:welcome2: Beth!

Sorry to hear you've lost your Mom.:hug:

You have really got a plan and are working it! You've already lost like 5 pounds~that is GREAT! Thank you for joining us. Just reading your intro makes me want to be more focused.

Hey Beth!

:wel3fc:

It sounds like you've got a great plan going, and a solid start. You know what you need to do, you're doing your research, and you have a goal and a drive. The only thing you'll need to carry you through, now, is a COMMITMENT to get it done.

I'm glad you found us. 3FC is a great place to connect to others on the same journey you are!

*smiling*

Thank you for the hug and the welcome, Kelleigh! We can be focused together!

Layri, I love that phrase you have under your name! "Embrace the storm"! What a great way to look at it. Thank you for the warm welcome. I'm enjoying being here.

Mandalinn82 - okay... is it okay if I just say it? Youuuuu are gorgeous! And, a great inspiration. Your story is one of the first ones I read here at the site and one of the reasons I kept coming back to read more. Thank you so much for the warm welcome to me, and for all the welcomes I've seen you giving to everyone else! I'll be looking for your posts!