greetings! my name is ariel and i hail from central illinois. i am a 22 year old nursing student on the path to becoming a midwife, an apprentice doula, and i work a day job at a local organic food co-op, so i am passionate about women's health and whole, natural foods! i've been head-over-heels-happily married for over two years now [and happily together for over six - since i was 16! yikes!]. my husband and i are both vegans and we cook almost all of our food from scratch at home.

right now i am trying to figure out how to fit regular workouts into my already over-packed schedule - i want to lose 125-ish pounds. i already eat super-healthy foods, but i have begun charting my calories to make sure i have my portions under control.

Hi Ariel!
You sound like a busy girl, what a wonderful path you have chosen - how smart to focus on health and not a diet or a number - the support you need is here - 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. Try the 20 somethings, the 100 lb club and the weight loss support forums, they're active and very helpful - also the Success stories are a definite must for motivation. Maybe check out the Vegetarian Chicks and the Whole Food forums - you'll be a great addition for others there, giving support and advice.

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

welcome Seidlet. Good luck with your goals!

My wife and I decided to have our first child at a birthing center with a mid-wife without drugs or interventions. I was honestly pretty reluctant, but after doing some research got on board.

It was a tremendous experience for both of us and we wouldn't do it any other way for a normal pregnancy (doing it again in March). I'll always remember how awake and alive both my wife and daughter were immediately following birth, no grogginess or anything like that. We were also back home relaxing in our beds with our family around less than 4 hours after she was born.

We are now big proponents and I hope more and more people start to go this route.

Sounds like you have a great start with eating the right foods. The calorie counting should get you on target. We all know it's all in the math. (Calories in vs. calories spent) Making time for yourself to exercise well...that can be tricky. Hopefully you'll be able to make yourself and your goals high on your priority list. Best of luck on your journey!!!

Welcome, Ariel, I am so glad you are here! I wish you success with all of your goals, and I just know you will achieve them!

These boards are great - everyone here is so nice!