[magnolialove]

Hi everyone,

I'm 24 and a grad student/researcher/ESL teacher in South Carolina. I'm currently at about 147 pounds, which is down a pound or two from a couple of weeks ago. I'm just under 5'7" and I know that's not a terrible weight, but the truth is that I've gained a bit in the past few years after illness, stress, and medication. My hectic schedule also makes it tough to eat at the same time each day or have time to prepare proper meals, and to find time to work out. Diagnosis of panic disorder didn't really help matters last year either.

I really want to get back to 130, which I think is my healthy weight. A few years ago, when I had lots of time to spare, I cooked lots of healthy meals and took really long walks around the neighborhood and regularly did yoga. While I don't have that kind of time now, I'm trying to walk with hand weights 30-40 minutes five days a week, or substitute one of those walks with yoga or a cardio workout. I'm also trying to eat less and stop munching in the evenings. I'd like to get to my goal before next May, when I graduate and get my M.A.

Nice to meet everyone

[lovetorun]

Welcome!!! I hope you find the support here to help you get to your goal!

[Onederchic]

Welcome to 3FC and good luck with your goals.

Hugs
Michelle

[leeway]

Hi magnolialove from another southern girl! Sounds like you're off to a great start and have a good plan to reach your goal!

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 bunches of people here with more to lose and some 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 - join in by inspiring us and being inspired!

[bablou00]

hey magnolialove we are both in the same boat. I am new here too and just 3yrs older than you. I am weighing 147-148 right now down a few LBs from a few of wks ago. I am a very active person but just this pass year I have put on 5-7lbs. I dont want to cloud your thread but I would luv to keep in touch with you and we can be motivational buddies on here. The lowest Ive ever been was 134 in 2006. I am at a comfortable happy weight at 138-140 but have it stuck in my head to see 129 once in my life. Muscle holds me back once I get the wt off...lol!! I run 4-6miles daily and do yoga as well. I just ordered the Chalean videos and hope to incorporate that into my daily routine. Good luck too you and hope to keep in touch.