Hi, I am looking for some new friends to help show me some support in this long journey. I would love to have some local support but I am not having much luck on the web finding exactly what I am wanting. So I thought I would give this another shot. So if you are in the illinois area give me a shout! or any where else is welcome too! I can definatly take all the support I can get!

*waves*
Sadly, I'm not from Illinois though!

While I'm not technically from Illinois I spend about half the year there, in the southwestern part of the state, and I'd be glad to be your buddy.

Hi and welcome to 3FC.

Good luck with your goals.

Hugs
Michelle

Sadly, I do not currently live in Illinois, having moved to Cali for the last 3 or so years! But I was born and raised in Chicago-I'm a midwestern girl all the way! I get back every so often, will be going back for Christmas. I would still love to be your support buddy though!! Hit me up whenever, my inbox and my ears are always open :-)

I'm in Illinois - in the Chicago-metro area specifically. I'm in the same boat as you, so maybe we can help each other out!

Welcome to 3FC, we are glad you are here!

Hi! I'm in Illinois, right outside of Chicago.

Welcome! *waves* I'm from central Illinois but don't count out the other wonderful folks on here either!! Even if they aren't from a state where their governors make their license plates!

lol Sunshine.

I'm from IL too...where in IL do ya live?

Well it sure is nice to here from some other people. I am from central Illinois. Peoria in fact. it has been hard and I want to just give up, and I realized I just need a support system! Apparently I can not do this alone. Which is kinda hard to admit.
Thanks!!!!

I will take all the help I can get! What kind of plan is everyone on? finding anything that really works? I really do not want to waste my time on just some fad diet. I am just trying to count my calories. But I am open to suggestions. any help is welcome!

If you're just starting, start small. Cut down your potions and start excercising. I've only been at this seriously for two weeks and by cutting my potions downs and abstaining from pop and jucies, I've shaved off three pounds. Losing weight is a big goal, so just start small and we can build together.

I'm in Naperville, IL, btw. Maybe we can so a spring hike or something.

I have been to Naperville, I had to go up there for a job interview a few years ago. I have already cut out the soda and I am trying to stick with just water. I was up to about 80 oz a day and had a bad day, now I am having a hard time to get my water consumption back up there! I have done about 40 oz today. I need to just do it!
And 3 pounds is awsome!!! congrats on that!!

Welcome to the forum! I was born in Peoria but I grew up and now live near Chicago.

I also do calorie counting...I think it works really well for me. If you poke around, you will see that different things seem to work for different people. Some have better success cutting carbs down with calorie counting, others go whole foods only, etc. It's really just about what works for your body and what you can live with - it's not just about losing weight but finding a healthy way of eating you can live with forever.

I eat vegetarian, try to stick to whole foods and limit my calories to 1500 or under a day. I lost 9 lbs the first month of counting, which I was happy with. Took a little break as I went on vacation and now I am getting back at it this week.