[rikaatd]

Hi my name is Erika and I'm 16 years old.
I'm not exactly sure why I joined this website but I did.
I think it's because I don't like talking to people about my weight and since I don't have to speak to anybody here directly, I feel okay about it.
I wan't to lose weight so that maybe I can gain some self-confidence because I am REALLY self-concious. No joking. I even have to keep track of what my pinky is doing. And sometimes I get paranoid that I'm walking funny and I have to step aside in the halls and just relax for a few seconds.

I think I might go vegan again. I was vegan for 3 months but that was last year. I had to stop because my family was very UNsupportive of my decision and being a teenager, I need them. Being a mexican vegan is very difficult as it is, but without your family, you can't do anything.

Does anyone wanna give me some sort of advice?

[Viatre]

Hey Erika. I'm about the same age - just turned 17. It sucks to be chubby in High School, huh?

[anastasia]

i know just how you're feeling now. i was just the same when i was your age but i was vegetarian rather than vegan. you do really need your family to back that choice but are you sure that its' one you want to make? 3 months is one thing but do you want to stick to it for life? if you do then tell them that and tell them why you feel you want to do this. I'm sure if you can explain to them how you feel then they will back you and stick by you.

as for the weight loss, good luck with it! Set yourself some mini goals and celebrate each success. before you realise it, you'll feel like a different person.

but sometimes, losing weight is just half the battle. you mention you have very low self esteem. perhaps it is part of the weight issue but perhaps there is something else that you need to explore too.

[JulieJ08]

Just in case you didn't know, we have a Vegetarian forum:

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=121

[JerseyGirl83]

Hey I am italian and I have been veggie for almost 8 years. It is possible to not eat meat when your family is from a culture that considers meat to be an important part of any meal. Trust me. You just have to explain to them that it is your decision and your doing it for your health...and if they still cant be supportive then tell them to get over it....My parents thought it was some weird fad when I was 17 until 8 years later I am still veggie as ever lol.