Hi. I found this forum today and I thought I’d introduce myself. Today I’m starting the first diet of my life and it’s really challenging. I keep looking at the clock and counting the minutes until dinner time. I am also on my third pack of sugar-free gum (just kidding about the gum part, it’s only been around 7 pieces).
I have never been particularly good with watching what I eat or denying myself foods that make me feel good, but I really want to make that change. I was incredibly skinny when I was younger and never really learned good habits. When I met my husband, I weighed around 100 pounds. I gained 60 during pregnancy (and suffered from pre-eclampsia). My daughter is seven years old and I’m not much smaller now than when I was at 9 months pregnant. I’m not trying to get back to the same weight I was pre-baby, but I’d like to be at a healthier weight for my height and small bone structure.
I have very high blood-pressure (which I do take medication for… medication which makes my feet swell up like balloons sometimes). Caffeine is something I try to go easy on, which is difficult to do and still have enough energy for exercise. Honestly, I hate exercising. I have a room in my house that is supposed to be the “workout room”. It has an elliptical machine and a bow-flex and an ab-lounger. I mostly go in that room to vacuum. It’s sad, I know.
I am also a food addict and a comfort eater. I love cooking and will pour over cookbooks endlessly. I have had parties just because I really wanted to cook Vietnamese food and needed an excuse. If I’m sad I try to perk myself up with some kind of fried cheese.
I’ll get to the point because I know there has to be one. I’d love to find a support group of people who are going through the weight loss stress and drama, and maybe share some healthy recipes. I’ve always found that feeling down is my worst enemy as far as food and weight loss, so another goal I have is to be at a point where I feel good about myself no matter what size of pants I’m currently wearing (I have a closet that ranges from sizes 4-12… I’m currently a 10 if I suck in my stomach when I button my pants). Anyway, I can’t wait to get to know you all.

Melissa.

Welcome! This is a good place for support and info on lots of different plans. Try to make sure you are getting enough healhty food and calories in so that you're not super hungry all the time. Maybe try several small meals with protein throughout the day and lots of veggies and things like that. Good luck on your journey!

Welcome this is an awesome place for support and help, we are glad you are here

Hi Melissa and welcome to 3FC.

Good luck with your goals.

Hugs
Michelle

Welcome and good luck! If you are constantly tired and not sleeping well get tested for your vitamin D levels. I did and foudn my level was 21 ng/ml and the doc said it should be more like 50. I've been on vitamin D therapy for 4 weeks now and feel AMAZING

Thanks you guys! I am not sure how long I'll be able to do this diet as it is very low in carbs and lack of energy is something I have a problem with anyway. I do feel that I am at the point where I have a diet with a set of rules though. I'm too naughty by myself and I'm always saying, "Well... it's not going to ruin everything to get a pizza, just this one time." I'm going to look around on the site and try and find a diet with a little more flexibility. I'm not giving up on this one yet, but with how hungry I feel... I think I'm going to need a plan B.

Vitamin D? I have to have my doctor check my levels. Thanks.

I think just getting on here and posting helps. Just take it one day at a time.

Welcome and good luck!

Dhani

Welcome! i can't wait to hear more from you. your going to go far

I know it sounds crazy but if you aren't drinking milk and eating salmon or mackerel or taking cod liver oil daily- then it's easy to be deficient. Remember to ask the doctor for the number! If they say "normal" ask for it because my doctor first told me I was "normal" but at 21 ng/ml that's NOT normal! It should ideally be at 50 ng/ml or more (max 100). I've met no less than 6 people recently who have told me they are deficient. Oh and if you have dark skin (and pigmentation really) or use sunscreen you aren't absorbing enough.