[mkendrick]

Hey everyone

My name is Megan, I'm 21, and I'm originally from Wyoming. I'm currently in Alabama for college (I major in Agriculture).

I've always been really self conscious and insecure about my weight. When I was younger, my parents got divorced because of late stage alcoholism. My dad used food as a way to keep my spirits up...If I was sad about finding out my mom was drinking again, he'd take me out for a huge fudge sundae. He's also an excellent chef, and food was just always a big part of growing up. I learned to use food as comfort and a cure for boredom. If I was happy, I'd celebrate with food. If I was sad, I'd make myself feel better with food. If I was bored, if something good happened, if something bad happened, etc etc.

I've always been uncomfortable about my body, but for some reason I just could never kick myself in the pants to do something about it. Every few weeks, I'd get it in my head that I was going to start eating healthier, I'd spend $50 on healthy food, have no guidelines whatsoever, and give up. My "diets" would last a day or two, I never even made it a week.

My fiance is an officer in the Army. He just deployed to Iraq two months ago, and I decided that I'd use the year that he's gone to really improve myself. He bought me the Wii Fit Plus to get me started. Just in the last three weeks I've really gotten motivated. The "Menu Planner" at mypyramid.gov has helped me infinitely. For some reason, being able to see exactly what I'll be eating for the day or for the week has done a lot to quit my cravings. It's kind of a pre-made food journal. I know exactly how much of everything I'm eating for each day, and I can stick to it.

Anyways, I know this was long. I'm looking forward to getting and giving support here.

I'm 5'9, I started at 183lbs. In the last 4 weeks, I've dropped down to 175lbs. My first mini goal is 165lbs. That would put me in the normal weight BMI range which would be huge for me. My ultimate goal is 140lbs. Seems like a long way to go, but I never thought that I could lose 8lbs in 4 weeks, so I'm optimistic!

[Onederchic]

Hi Megan and welcome to 3FC. Good luck with your goals.

Hugs
Michelle

[Jokan]

Welcome to 3FC's and welcome to Alabama. Sounds like u are on the right track so just stick with it. U can do this, we can all do this!!!

[leeway]

Hi Megan!
I can relate to the dysfunction of alcoholism - meals were often the only pleasant time and I used food as a comfort and an escape throughout my childhood into adulthood - it's a vicious cycle that's hard to break. Sounds like you're off to a good start with a great plan - congrats on your success so far - good luck with your goals - we'll all be here to cheer you on!

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's also info and first hand advice on different plans to help you get through the ups and downs.

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 few months 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 - you 've found the right place - join in by inspiring us and being inspired!

[srmb60]

I like Alabama!

Welcome Megan! Make yourself at home. If there's anything we can help you find, just ask.