I'm a newbie and I wanted to introduce myself...My name is Lynne, I’m 23 years old and it seems like i’ve been struggling with my weight my entire life. The one time I felt good about myself was at seventeen i was 116 lbs. and 5′3. After that point many major changes happened in my life and my weight begin to steadily rise. I tried and failed at many crash diets, and always gained back plus more any weight i did lose. At 21 years old I was about 180 lbs whenI got pregnant with my daughter. The 2 years since I had her have been some of the most stressful times in my entire life and I gave up trying to maintain my weight…. I didn’t even step on a scale for over a year. I was shocked and horrified when I did and saw that I weighed almost 220 lbs. Until that point I had been in denial about how much weight I had really gained. I knew I had to do something. That was about 2 months ago and I started going to the gym about 5 days a week and trying to maintain my diet. I lost 20 lbs but… when I went on vacation a few weeks ago I went off my diet and have already gained back 6 lbs. I seem to always sabotage myself and I can’t let it happen again. I really really want it to stick this time and would love to talk to some people who are going through the same stuggle…..

Welcome to the community.

Hi Lynne and !

Congrats on already getting started and losing some weight. I wouldn't beat yourself up too much over a vacation gain. All that matters is that you get back on track now, which it sounds like you want to do.

This site is great for information and support, so you came to the right place!

Good luck in your journey!

thanks.... i'm so glad i found this site. i think its going to help a lot!

Hi Lynne, welcome!! You'll find lots of support, encouragement, tips, and advice here! The key to weight loss is not to think in terms of a diet. A diet you go "on" and "off." Instead, you truly need to change the way you eat for good--eat foods that are good for you, eat a balanced menu of complex carbs, protein, and healthy fats, eat smaller portions, and exercise! And realize that you aren't going to be perfect in all that, but when you aren't, just get back to doing the right thing. You didn't "blow it," because it's not a diet to "blow." It's a journey! Once you get all that down, you'll be able to take the weight off and keep it off for good! Good luck!! We're all here to help you!

Welcome to 3FC! Surf around and settle in! We have forums based on age, eating plan, exercise and more!