[pucedaisy]

I'm new here, and i've been reading and commenting on other posts, but I guess it might be a good idea to introduce myself. Not sure what to say- I'm here to lose weight and stay motivated. I have a hard time admitting to myself and the people around me that i am just not comfortable- physically or emotionally- with the 50 pounds i've gained over the last few years.

I was always very, very thin, one of those people who could eat anything and stay quite skinny. Sometimes I was definitely TOO thin. I always struggled with depression and anxiety, which i think "helped" me stay so thin- anxiety seems to burn a lot of calories! About 8 years ago i started taking antidepressants, which have been an enormous help to me, along with therapy. however, the medication has contributed to my long-term weight gain. not that i can blame it all on the meds- i turned 30, i am more sedentary and my eating habits are worse. i moved from san francisco, which is a great city to walk and bike, with generally healthy food everywhere. i live in baltimore now, which is not so great for walking, no one bikes and the main food groups are chicken boxes and cheesesteaks.

in gerenal, i am a pretty healthy eater. i love to cook, i love veggies, i don't eat fast food or drink soda. but i do have a problem with portion sizes (i like to eat A LOT!), eating regular meals and i drink A LOT of wine!! i am also stubborn and resist the idea that i need to change. i want to project a confident image of myself. i wasn't confident at all when i was thin- i was so chronically depressed and anxious. i am more confident now, but i know i need to change some bad habits and start getting more exercise to feel better and better about myself.

i work in a bar/restaurant- lots of booze and unhealthy snacks everywhere. we had our christmas party on tuesday and someone shared pictures on facebook that night. i was mortified by how bloated and-well, fat- i looked. while i can "fit" into the clothes i was wearing, they obviously do NOT "fit!" i have a closet full of clothes that are too small, and now my current, limited wardrobe is too small as well. especially my bras, which is driving me crazy! i don't want to go up to the next size, so i am making the changes i need to get back to a size that "fits" ME!

i don't need to be skinny again- curvy and healthy is my goal. i am so glad i found this site that night after the party. today is day 5 of my new eating habits, and i am incorporating more physical activity (for now i am just walking every day, but i intend to add more after the holidays). i have not had a drop of alcohol since the party (and i usually drink a bottle of wine every night- what a caloric habit!) i've been keeping track of what i eat and reading this site A LOT.

i've been feeling really good, though today i feel tired. so i'm going to go out for a brisk walk to the grocery store and buy some fresh veggies!! hopefully that will increase my energy. i really want to stay motivated and keep momentum rolling.

i don't have a scale, but i am thinking that would be a good investment. i need to stay honest with myself.

anyway, i know i've been rambling, but then again, i love reading your stories and struggles and accomplishments!!! it's hard for me to ask for help, but i am asking you 3fc chickies- help me stay motivated!!!! thanks!!!!!!
-alison

[jamsk8r]

Alison, welcome to 3FC! I'm glad you added an intro. Have you thought of setting some fitness goals, like entering a fun run/walk? That's one way I have found to stay motivated with the exercise. Good luck with your goals!

[mandalinn82]

Hey Alison,

We have many groups here, by age range, eating plan, etc. We also have a group called the Featherweights, for those with less to lose to hit goal than others here might. So check those out!

I'm glad you found us and can't wait to get to know you better!

[recidivist]

Hi Alison,

Good for you for taking the plunge. I hope you can succeed, even while working in an atmosphere that could push some over the edge. You've got a lot of courage.