Wanted to jump right in and introduce myself. I'm 31, single and would like to lose approximately 45-50 lbs.

A visit to the doctor's office last week proved pretty shocking...I've gained almost 40 pounds in the last 7 years! I've always been a yo-yo dieter, my weight fluctuates so much it's like a roller coaster.

I've decided to get serious about getting fit -- I am now committed to getting healthy. Primarily, i want to do this for health reasons but I also notice that I FEEL better and LOOK so much better when I am in shape and thinner!!

My current stats are: 5'3 at 183 lbs. My "ideal" weight range is between 135-140 --- that's where I always feel my best, look fit and toned and still have all my girly curves

See you all around!

Hey, Clementine!

Sounds like you've got COMMITMENT, which is the first requirement, I think, for long term success. That commitment, if you maintain it, means that, even if things get rough, you'll keep going...key in this journey where there are bound to be pitfalls, stalls, and bumps in the road.

The second key, in my opinion, is a PLAN. It's all well and good to intend to lose weight and get in shape, but if you don't plan how you're going to get there, it can be hard to acheive. Do you have one of those yet? If so, we probably have a forum for it...from commercial plans to more general approaches like calorie counting and whole foods. So look around!

The third piece in this puzzle is SUPPORT, and boy, we can offer that here. Have you found our 30-somethings forum yet? Check it out! We also have miscellaneous support groups and clubs for all kinds of people, and support groups by plan.

So find a spot, settle in, and keep posting. I can't wait to hear more from you soon!

Thanks for the welcome, Mandalinn!

I've definitely got the commitment, and am thinking of using the South Beach Diet as my plan!

Already found the 30somethings forum and introduced myself there...Thanks!!

Hope to chat with you soon!