Enough is enough!
 

Hello All,

I am new to this forum, and I have finally decided to get healthy and fit. I graduated high school a size 5; when I finished my undergrad work, I was a size 14; by the time I finished grad school, I was a size 20! I looked back and thought, “Wow, what happened?” My eating and exercising habits have gotten out of control. I am tired of being treated rudely, being gauged at 5 years above my current age (while my friends who have more lines and wrinkles are gauged at about 5-7 years younger!), and I am tired of people assuming I am lazy and unmotivated. I am hoping to use this forum as a means to motivate me to reach my weight loss goals.

I knew my metabolism slowed down, but I didn't understand why. What I didn't understand is that I was no longer exercising and eating healthy (my mother was strict about food when I was growing up). Basically, I was consuming ice cream, cookies, candy, chips, and various other foods that were empty calories. While I never really overate intensely--I limited myself to one bowl, albeit a rather large bowl, of ice cream—I was still eating the wrong foods. I just couldn’t understand why I could no longer enjoy junk food like I could when I was younger.

I am currently about 220 pounds, and my goal is 130. I know it will be a slow process, but this week I threw out all the junk. I replaced it with fresh veggies and fruit, nuts, whole grains, and other healthy products. For the last 4 days, I have consumed about 1600-1800 calories per day, cut my caffeine intake in half, cut my diet soda intake by ¾, and incorporated lots of water into my diet. I feel so good! I am excited about my new goal, and I hope that I can meet others with whom I can exchange words of support and motivation.

Best,

Shelley

Welcome!! I am also starting a long journey after looking in the mirror and then looking at an old picture and thinking that is not the same person! I wish you all the best on the long journey for health and happiness!

Thank you! I wish you the same.

Hey!
I just posted a message. I'm glad I'm not the only one with at least 60 pounds to lose. I got very frustrated in April when I needed a dress for my sister's wedding and all I could find was loud prints and nothing looked right. Oh and then when I saw my picture...I too could use some support.
I did begin my work out again today. I'm looking forward to losing. Stay strong!!!!

Yup, I understand completely. I was 105 lbs with a 23 inch waist when I graduated high school, got pregnant, was at healthy weight after I gave birth (I found out I was way underweight at a 105 lbs for my height) and well over the years I started working in an office (sitting on my behind 8 hrs a day) and not doing all things I did before having to raise a child myself. Then I met my now fiance and with going out dinner a lot more and everything that comes with a relationship I grew to 263 and am currently down to 242 but it has been a struggle I was actually down to 223 and slacked off and put 20 back one..