[Everlasting]

Hi everyone,

I've finally decided to start posting here after a week or so of checking out the forum. I've found some of the posts to be very motivating.

I've been overweight since about the age of 9, and I'll say at my highest weight I was about 250 when I graduated high school, and over the past 4 years I slowly made my way down to 220 during college; probably due to more walking, and simply having more choices in regard to food, and also finding some nice hiking trails. I love the outdoors.

However, this August I decided that I've had enough of this being overweight thing, so I started making a point to get more exercise, and started watching my eating habits. My weight loss has certainly spiked a bit since then, and then for the past few weeks I REALLY kicked it up by beginning to count my calories. Since the end of August I've lost about 20 more lbs, and I'm down to 198. This is the first time I've been under 200 that I can even remember... probably since middle school. I'm feeling very motivated by this, and I'm excited to jump in here with everyone else.

[Onederchic]

Welcome to 3FC and good luck with your goals.

Hugs
Michelle

[jelder227]

That's awesome! Congratulations and welcome aboard!

[garnetrising]

Hi, Everlasting. You've chosen an excellent place to find support. Personally, I've found that jumping into a challenge is a great way to hold myself accountable. That, and every day, sometimes multiple times a day, I confess in the Daily Food and Exercise Confessions thread. Another great resource is the success stories and before/after pictures. They're so inspiring.

Let me add what I'm sure you already know - that nobody can do this for you but you, though we're all more than willing to help you along in this journey. Today is the day and you deserve it. My weapon of choice has been calorie counting, drinking lots of water, and working out. If you can't get to the gym, I'd recommend looking into the 30 Day Shred by Jillian Michaels (or other similar DVD workouts that you can do in your home). It's funny how when I'm not working on getting healthy, my brain tells me that I don't want to workout and that I don't like it. And the moment I actually do workout, I remember how much I love it.

[LotusMama]

Welcome and congratulations on your weight loss so far!

I wish you the best on your weight loss journey.

Cheers,

J

[Everlasting]

Thanks everyone.

Yeah, I'm planning on joining a the university gym for the winter semester after the holidays. Right now it's still warm enough to be doing things outside. I also love playing Dance Dance Revolution, and I belly dance, hike, and snowshoe. I've been pretty active since starting college, though a few weeks ago I started working out or doing something active daily, and the biggest thing has been that I started counting calories. Great results so far!

[leeway]

Hi everlasting! I certainly can identify with your story!

Glad to have you join us! There are lots & lots of different groups and forums - I'm sure you'll find some that will keep you motivated, inspired and entertained!

There are lots of people here with more to lose and lots with less - the bottom line is that we all have to do it a day at a time. The good thing is that we'll have lots of company along the way.

I've only been here a short time myself, having NEVER been part of an online forum. What has been so eye-opening is how much it has helped me. Whenever I feel overwhelmed or defeated, I just log on and read some of the success stories, complete with their before & after photos - or read about others still dealing day to day with their challenges - and before I know it, the time has flown by and so have all the thoughts of cheating or giving up.


So welcome aboard - congrats on all your success so far - it sounds like you have a good plan and a great attitude for success - join in by inspiring us and being inspired!