[BatgirlAmy]

Hi,
My name is Amy, I am 19 and a college student. I am majoring in Elementary Education/Special Education/Reading/ESOL. I love kids and hope to be a kindergarten teacher.

I think that one of my reasons for needing to lose weight is because I want to have children. I hear more and more that women who are overweight past the age of 18 are slowly decreasing they're chances at fertility. I have a wonderful boyfriend whom I have been dating for 3 years, and hope to marry when I am done with college.

Through this coming journey I hope to learn lots of healthy habits that I can pass on to my future children. I think thats something my mom (Bless her heart) didn't do because as a child she was always put on diets by her mother, so as she went off on her own she swore she would never do that to her children, thus I have always been chubby.

I am currently at 201. An all time high for me. I realized Christmas has magically made my pants a lot smaller, and I can't afford new pants, nor should I have to buy bigger pants. So losing weight it is.

I am very happy with my body and I know I am beautiful the way I am. I just want to take care of this Temple God built for me. I feel like letting myself get in bad shape is neglecting the Temple that is my body God built.

As for my screenname. I love comic books, especially Batman. Batgirl however is awesome. If you read comics then understand I am referring to Barbara, Stephanie is cool but Barbara is awesome.

Reasons why I want to lose weight....
1. More energry- I have felt soo sluggish lately. ugh.
2. Free gym on campus- and I wouldn't take advantage of that why?
3. Diabetes risk. Last year my dad was at risk for diabetes because of his weight, I know many people who have diabetes and I see their struggle. Not something I want.
4. Children- something I do want.
5. Adventure. I love adventure, I have so many plans!! I want to backpack Europe when I graduate before I go into working. I want to go on mission trips, and explore the backyard that is the world. This is something I feel like my weight and fitness level right now would hold me back from.
6. Climbing. There is a climbing wall in my gym, right now that is my mini goal to be at the climbing wall weight. It's in my grand scheme of adventure but I want to work on climbing and ringing that little bell at the top. But first I have to get down on my weight to be able to climb it. (It's a rules kind of thing)

So thats me.

[ThicknPretty]

Welcome! I'm glad you decided to join. And those all sound like wonderful reasons to want to get healthy! I love that you're also very future minded. I only recently began thinking forward like that...I was always very impulsive and in-the-moment before.

Sounds like you are headed in the right direction and I can't wait to see all your posts about all your success in the very near future! Good luck.

(You sound a lot like me, by the way. I have the craziest drive to travel and go on "adventures"...get lost, get dirty, get sweaty and be in totally random situations. I'm not a vacationer, I'm an explorer!)

[yossarianlives]

You lucky people that have free university gyms! Mine is subsidised, but that's still not as good as free.... hehe. One day I will have the confidence to go to our gyms climbing wall, too.

Enough about me! Welcome to 3FC! You seem very focussed and have real backing to your goals, so I think you're ready to go get back your healthy body. This place is full of active members sharing their diet triumphs and failures--but with owning up to their failures, accountability ensures that we all learn from it.

So, enjoy 3FC!

[BatgirlAmy]

Thanks guys!!

[leeway]

Hi Amy!
Just what is needed, another wonderful kindergarten teacher who sets the tone for a child's school experience, yay! How smart of you to make your priority health and not just a diet or a number - the support you need is here to achieve your healthy and happy future - 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 and inspired - you'll be a wonderful addition to any of them. Try the 20 somethings and the weight loss support forums, they're active and very helpful - also the Success stories are a definite must for motivation.

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 since last fall, 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 going off track or giving up. It has made all the difference in my success so far.

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

[BatgirlAmy]

Thanks!!!