Hey everyone! I'm Erin and I just found this forum and really appreciate that it exists for people who have significant weight to lose. It's definitely not easy. I currently weigh about 225 and at 5'8 with a BMI of about 36, and at 21 (almost 22!) things NEED to change. I'm looking to lose in the neighborhood of 60-70lbs, but I'm a little overwhelmed and I haven't really started. I am finding that it's hard for me to get motivated because I don't know what my body will look like once I do lose weight... I've always been fat and I don't know if I would recognize a thinner me since I've never seen it. My dad has had astounding success with Atkins, and when I tried it I had awful cravings, moods, and headaches that went away as soon as I had sugar. I'm currently going to the gym about 3-4 days a week for intense cardio (Zumba <3) but after that I'm so sore and unmotivated I don't do much until the next week. Anyway, I would love to know what some of your most successful diets, exercise routines, tips, and tricks are and I look forward to getting going for real!

Hi Erin! First step is starting. Have you tried Weight Watchers? I am starting that and i know many people that have had great success with it. Its not a diet its a life style change. It helps you choose the right things to eat and how much to eat in a serving. Zumba is a great cardio exercise and i encourage that 100%. When you are sore, think of it as a constant reminder that you are on your way to a healthier you. Dont let it get you down. For me i am 238 lbs now, and i am 5'6, i had a daughter 4 years ago and let myself go. Now i am trying to get my body back. A great program i am in the middle of is called Couch Potato to 5K. Its an incremental start to running. I love it. I also signed myself up for an event called the Warrior Dash in July, so i am giving myself motivation, and a time frame to get ready. Just set small goals, dont get discouraged if your weight fluctuates a little just keep moving in the right direction. Its hard to get into the gym or a workout, but once you are done, you never regret it... Good luck with your weight loss Erin.

Erin, Glad to have you join us. My advice is to look for a Support group, Chat, or Challange to join; small groups make it easier to get connected. Most sub-forums have groups covering almost every need, find one that inspires or motivates you and just post to join.

Hi Erin! I'm Sarah. I'm new here, too. Want to be virtual fat friends?

hey erin, i'm tamara. been on this website for just two weeks but i know that you will find lots of support and encouragement here. just having somewhere to check in and hear about other peoples struggles and successes gives you motivation to stick at it yourself. good luck!!

Hey Erin!

The first few days of Atkins are ALWAYS rough. Apparently that effect DOES go away after a few days. It's so common, it's called the "Atkins Flu". So that ickiness doesn't last forever. It's essentially withdrawal from sugar.

That said, there are lots of other plans out there to experiment with. Calorie Counting, Weigh Watchers, South Beach...they're all great programs with lots of people posting about them here.

You might also want to look at our "20-somethings" forum, for those in that age range.

Anyway, stick around and keep posting. Can't wait to get to know you better!

Friends are good... haha nice to meet you, Sarah! And thanks everyone for welcome!

Welcome