[ladypepper]

Hello everyone. My name is Stephanie. I was online looking for a chat room where I can find people that can relate to me. I am a 27 years old mother of 3. I just had a baby boy 4 months ago and I am really feeling bad about myself. I just cant stick to eating right . Sometimes I think there is something really wrong with me or maybe I just don’t have no willpower at all. Hum, well when I found this sight it really gave me hope and encouragement when I seen all of you with your success stories. I want more than anything to be able to change my bad eating habits and non exercising life style. Where do I start? Can anyone give me some tips please. I hope you don’t feel that I have brought a negative energy with me, or sound like I’m complaining to much. I just really don’t have no one to talk to and feel like my husband and family really don’t understand. Thanks everyone.

[Thighs Be Gone]

Lady pepper, welcome to 3FC. I like it here and hope you do too. First of all, you just had a baby. Weight will naturally start going down. I will give you my best tips and what has worked for me. Stick as much as you can to a whole foods diet rather than processed foods. Drink 100 oz. of water each day. Figure out what your caloric intake needs to be and Keep a food journal. Read, research and learn all you can about what is working for other people. Sleep as much as you can. I know with a four-month old it is difficult. Lastly, start moving. Push your baby in the pram, mop your floors, wash windows or whatever you can to move.

Again, welcome. Best of luck to you with your journey. There are great ladies and ideas here.

[Billies Pottery]

Hi Stephanie! You have found the right place. We are your people!

A few tips that i have learned:

*support like 3FC is invaluable
*the key to losing weight is ... eat less, move more!
*more protein, less carbs (not no carbs)
*eat lots of fiber (whole grains, vegges)
*drink lots of water
*while exercise is important, watching what you eat is the key, (it is so easy to eat 1000 calories, but hard to burn that off)
*calorie counting comes easy after you have done it for a while
*keeping a food journal is the best way to figure out where to make changes
*switch up the calorie goals regularly to keep your metabolism going
*crash diets make you lose weight fast, but gain it back faster

Since i have joined 3FC 2 weeks ago:
i check in daily as a way to keep me motivated, i have kept a blog, i have made new friends, i have joined an exercise dvd challenge & i have lost 7 lbs.

Most important for me is counting calories, i go for 1200-1600 daily and not eating empty carbs. You will probably want to go a bit higher in calories to start and you will find what works for you.

Good luck! Keep us posted on your progress as you get going.

[emmy8082]

Hello Stephanie,
You are in the right forum - i think it is always good to see that you are not alone on this earth with weight problems. But I think if you just were pregnat u have the right to be a bit obese
I would not be to stricked with your self

[offmyfranny]

Billies advice is absolutely right on! As many of those habits you can adopt, do!

I am brand new here, but I intend to stick around and I hope you do too.

Congrats on your new little bub.