Hello, I'm Joan, I'm new, and I'm excited to join the forum.

I am 5'5" and have hit 156-57, which is shocking for me personally. Not saying it isn't a perfectly ok weight for someone else, but for me it's just too much. I've piled on 20-25 pounds in the last two years. Reason? EATING! Reason for eating? Oh, probably too much work and stress, not enough sleep and time to myself. And now my stomach feels hopelessly stretched out and hungry. It's almost a game now, how much I can eat. It's horrible.

I'm down to one pair of stretchy pants, which I HATE! I want new clothes, but refuse to buy the size I need. I'm becoming withdrawn, avoiding going out in public, letting my grooming slide. (My poor husband!) I've gotten very sedentary, too, forgoing the long walks I used to enjoy. Am I gaining weight because I'm bummed, or bummed because I'm gaining weight? Bit of both, but now definitely more the latter. I used to be fit and cute!

I actually am blessed with a very nice life, nothing deeper going on and nothing major to blame, knock wood, just in a terrible, undisciplined rut. I suppose it doesn't help that I'm in my 40s.

Every day I vow to knock it off, then by 3 p.m. I'm binging. I just ate three slices of leftover pizza, and it's only 4 pm. Didn't even enjoy it all that much.

I feel I'm on the verge of REALLY going to a scary weight. I do know how to diet, have done it successfully before, but have never needed to knock off more than 5-10 pounds, so it didn't feel like the HUGE task it does now.

My immediate need is for a suggestion for DAY ONE. How do you get past that first horrible day, when you feel all blubbery, unmotivated and HUNGRY? I'd greatly appreciate any specific tips or tricks. Once a few pounds come off, I know I'll get motivated, but every day I try to take that first step and I always blow it!

As a newbie, I apologize if I sound whiny or weak or offensive in any way. It's not a huge amount of weight I need to lose, but I need to lose it--I feel heavy and sluggish, and it bothers me. I need my old energy back.

But I do feel better already! Thanks for listening.

Hi! Dieting is simple (less calories, more exercise) but not EASY.

I'm having a lot more success now that I take it one day at a time -- I simply plan healthy meals and snacks (the cool freebie site fitday.com really helps add it all up) and pump up the exercise.

If I do that every day, I will gradually reach a natural weight.

I'm done with both starving and binging. I truly believe moderation is the key.

Welcome! I've found a lot of inspiration here at 3FC.

Welcome and good luck!!

I just want to say congratulations on findng your way here and having the courage to take a serious look at your weight now at 156-157 lbs instead of putting it off, putting yourself 2nd and waiting until your weight was out of control. It doesn't matter that you don't have a huge amount of weight to lose.

I'm pretty new here and am on the last weight loss journey I will ever be on. What has made the difference this time is journaling (writing down everything I eat) and vowing to make and then actually sticking to little changes.

Plan on having this be a lifestyle not a diet and make changes accordingly. My first focus was to just be aware of what I was eating without really trying to change it much. I did that for a few weeks, then started to replace not so good food with healthier versions, then I slimmed down portions, then started drinking water and finally thinking of adding activity to my day.

First and foremost though, coming here 2-3 times a day, asking questions, posting plans for accountability (Holiday Party pre-planning)...and finding mentors to follow in my journey. There are so many people here who have been wildly successful. The greatest thing is, they are real people, just like you and me.

Thank you all so much for the warm welcome. I do think visiting here will be very helpful!

Any tips for that VERY FIRST DAY aka tomorrow?

Is there a good thread on "getting started"?

Joan!

Congratulations on wanting to change & taking that first step! You may want to check out the Featherweights to find people in a similar boat.

We were all newbies once. Not knowing exactly what to expect.

The first day doesn't have to be one of deprivation. What do you think you should eat on the first day? I'd say make sure that you have plenty of cut up veggies & fruit around. When the munchies hit, those can be the first things you head for. Be prepared at each meal. You want to make sure that your breakfast, lunch & dinner are things that you enjoy eating. Eggs, cottage cheese, yogurt, fruit. Large salad with grilled chicken, sandwich with turkey, piece of fruit. Pasta with homemade sauce, veggie burger, a low fat hotdog on a bun. Anything you find appetizing, but with the right portion.

Lastly, keep your water bottle filled. Drink it throughout the day. Water helps keep us full up & hydrated.

You can make these changes last. Best of success!

Thanks, Faerie, for taking the time to post those great tips. I am going shopping this morning and buying the fruits and veggies as you suggest. All sensible, obvious stuff, but immediately I'm finding that hearing from/sharing with others is incredibly motivating!

And great quote from one of my heroes! (Though he was no lightweight, lol)

Hi Joan,

I too am new to the boards but not new to going on "plan". Your current situation is much like my own before I hit this seven year all time low. In those seven years I have yo yo'd my way up to a high of 194 (last year) from 125.

I have struggled with weight issues since I was a child and I know from experience being fit changes my life for the better. Like you I have a good life; a husband that loves me unconditionally, a son & DIL that gave me a beautiful grandson, and the time and money to do what I want (within reason). But the fact is I almost never leave the house, the husband that loves me unconditionally is neglected, and if I don't change things that grandbaby will be attending his mema's funeral.

I so want this to be the last time that I feel and look this way. That is why I am here. Please stay and let's help each other on our journey.