Hi, I am Tara... I am about to turn 40 and seem to be back tracking. I get on a roll and lose a nice bit, then get side tracked and gain it (or at least some of it) back.

Last summer I was down to my lowest weight in years- 169. That put me officially in the "overweight" instead of "obese" BMI. I gained some, got back down to 185 in May... And somehow (I could give the "excuses") I ended up back at 200+ a month ago. Grrr.

So, now I am focused again and exercising faithfully, eating conscientiously, sleeping well, and taking my supplements (nothing wild- fish oil, vit c, etc) for almost 3 weeks... feeling GREAT, lost some of the weight. BUT it is hard to feel proud of myself when I am just re-losing the weight I had already lost!! I really didn't want to be fat AND forty when I have my bday next month.

I know I'll feel a little better once I get back to 185, where I left off in May, and ecstatic when I get back to 169... and can't even imagine what 130 will feel like. But I have this nagging fear that I am going to ruin it all again. And I ketp thinking about how if I hadn't screwed up, I could be at my goal right now.

I am glad I found such an extensive forum- the success stories are encouraging.

I have two ways that I track my progress (in addition to journaling)- I have a charm bracelet on which I add a charm for each week I meet my goals for healthy eating and exercise and I have a jar of marbles from which I remove one marble for each pound lost. To restart my journey, I emptied both and am starting again!

As of today, I have two charms and down 7 marbles! I won't stop until that jar is empty!

Welcome to 3FC!

Hi Tara - Don't beat yourself up over things in the past, but be proud of yourself for continuing to "fight the fight" ... you could have just given up and said what the heck, but no ... you're already on your way to getting healthier by the week! I like your visual reminders, too!

I beat myself up way too much and what does that do for me? Nothing but bring me down. So stay positive and follow through! Think of how you'll feel when you hit your birthday this year having stayed on track ... and then how you'll feel this holiday season when you're well on your way, etc.

Welcome and good luck!

I turned 40 in December and I know the pressure that age puts on us to get in shape.

You are doing great as you lose your marbles. Keep posting. And visit us on the 40 something forum. Welcome.

Hi Tara and welcome to 3FC.

Good luck with your goals.

Hugs
Michelle

Welcome and we are glad you are here, 3FC can offer great support and keep you on track, keep us posted

Welcome and good luck!

Dhani

Thanks everyone for the encouragement. Yes, I DO need to focus on my success and learn from my mistakes...

How do I get a ticker??

You gotta be a member 20 days and have 20 posts to put a ticker in your signature.

Cool... thanks for the info!

When I turned 40 I was 140 lbs and *bummed* at myself - I'd gained from a low of 131 lbs. Oh how I wish I'd stopped the poundage creep then! It's good that you're getting back on track now... it gets harder as you get older