Time for some community accountability
 

Hi everyone, I've been lurking and reading many old threads from various sections for some time, and finally decided to take the plunge and join 3FC. At first I just wanted some info - tips, tricks, recipes. Maybe also some inspiration and reassurance that people (me) actually CAN do this.

But I kept noticing over and over how being a part of this community and being accountable really made a difference for so many people. I have always felt so alone in the journey - I realize that some community accountability might actually be more effective for me than any recipe or tip.

So, I'm here! My plan is South Beach Diet, which has worked for me before, but I got waylaid in Phase 2 and really never made it to Phase 3. This time I'm doing it smarter. I've learned from 3FC about "Phase 1.5" and how to ease yourself in, and my gut tells me that that's the ticket I missed last time.

Before, I was looking for a quick fix so I could resume going back to my Taco Bell & KFC ways. I was looking for a short term diet, not a way of life. Then, after talking to the healthiest members of my family (crazy people who seem to have the metabolism of hummingbirds and go out to -gasp- run marathons!) and they told me that even they have to work vigilantly at keeping their weight there. They always have to watch it. And thats when I realized that I will have to watch it forever too.

So many in the maintainers forum say they do the same stuff they do when they dieted - food journal, count calories, only indulge for truly special occasions. I know in my heart that its going to be that way for me too. I will have to work hard forever. Well, hopefully it wont feel hard by the time I get to forever.

To everyone who posts here, thank you. You have already inspired me so much and taught me a lot. Your failures have helped me feel not alone. Your successes inspire me to get where I'm going. You have vocalized some of little voices in my head that I was tuning out. I'm so glad for this community.

Welcome! I can so relate to feeling alone in this journey and this forum really does help you stay on track and connected to others going through the same struggels as you are.
Best of luck to you!

Welcome and good luck !

Welcome! I think you're absolutely spot-on about this place being great for accountability.

What's really helped me has been joining threads where everyone participating logs their daily calories/food, exercise, or weight. It really makes me want to strive hard every day so that when I write something down in the evening, it's not too embarrassing. It's the up side to peer pressure!

Welcome to posting =)

So glad to have you join up. :hug:

Be sure to keep coming back and posting wherever you're comfortable!

Welcome!!!! =)

Thank you everyone for your warm welcome! I love how many different discussion threads are so relevant to my weight loss journey. 3FC is really a godsend. =]