Welcome to 3FC and good luck with your goals.

Hugs
Michelle

Welcome, Lou! Focusing on your health is ALWAYS going to give you better results than feeling bad about yourself!

Have you thought about what your plan might look like? Counting calories is easy and cheap and a great place to start.

You can do this!

Welcome!! I would also suggest starting with counting calories. That is what I do, and once you get the hang of it it doesn't seem so time consuming. There are times I look at the calories subconsciously, then I realize I am doing it and it makes me happy because it is now a habit therefore it doesn't seem like a 'diet' or something.

Good luck to you.

Welcome!! we have a forum just for 20 somthings check it out... we are pretty chatty over there . I am sure you will love it here, I sure do!

Thanks for the lovely welcome messages I will definitely think more about my health when I'm tempted by unhealthy foods - a lot of my focus has been on wanting to feel happier with how I look (which is of course important) but the real issue is of course my health!

Calorie counting is a great idea, I have been trying that I think I have just been depriving myself a little too much. I've been aiming for 1200-1300 and it never works for me, I end up snacking on crap instead. I've done the best with it in the past when I aimed for around 1400 but then tried to cut it to get faster results - did not work haha!

Thanks for letting me know about the 20somethings forum too I will check it out tomorrow when I'm free x

Welcome! You remind me of myself a year ago. This is definitely a great place to get info and get started. For me I dealt with my food issues first (overeater/binge eater) and by doing that alone I lost 50lbs. Now that my food issues are under control, I'm exercising and trying to lose the last 60lbs. Good luck & welcome to the forum!

goooood luck ...anything is possible if you stick your mind to it !!!

Welcome and good luck!

Hi Lou!
So many of us here can relate to the emotional and compulsive eating - sounds like you're ready to get started - you can achieve your desire for the healthier and happier you - the support you need is here!

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 - maybe the 20 somethings, UK chicks and others! There's also info and first hand advice on different eating plans and exercise to help choose the right ones for you and 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!

All the best - good luck with your goals,
Lee

Thanks again everyone

It is really encouraging to see how much weight you have lost Gracie, that gives me a lot of hope!! As geminibella says anything is possible if you stick your mind to it!

Thanks for the luck stace and lee those are some great tips, I will try and read a few success stories everyday to keep me motivated and read some posts when I'm getting cravings! x