My weight issue probably isn't considered and issue for some. I stepped on the scale today only to see my highest weight yet. 187. I was thin my entire life. (130-135). I ate what I wanted and NEVER had to workout. All of the women in my family struggle with weight. My grandmother is morbidly obese and my mother has been a yo yo dieter for as long as I can remember. As well as countless Aunts and Cousins. I'm exhausted all the time. I hate the way my body looks. I'm sitting in my office at work, crying. I have reached my breaking point. I don't know how to start, but I know a change has to happen today. I feel alone in this. Any encouragement, suggestions, workout tips etc... would be greatly appreciated. Today is a new day. I'm ready.

Thanks for reading!

First off . Now welcome to 3fc. You will find plenty of support and tips in each forum and don't be afraid to ask. there are many different places to get tips depending on how you want to lose weight, there are forums about weight training, running, and different types of dieting it really all depends on what you want and are comfortable with doing. I myself like visiting the C25K forums because that is what I do and I am kinda watching my carb intake so I look in those forums for advice. Good luck to you you can do it just find something and stick with it. I have also found it helpful if you are having a bad day, post something about it, you will get plenty of encouragment to get through your bad day because we all have them. Also post your accomplishments we always like to hear them!

Dana

Welcome to 3FC =)

You're going to find hundreds of people from all walks of life, and with different stories of weight loss and struggle.

So, firstly... you aren't alone. You can make sustainable changes, and you can keep the weight off.

1) Food Plan. There are a million different ways to be mindful of what we eat. The point is that there's a plan for you. A plan that will fit your life! But, it's going to take a little trial and error. Calorie Counting is often suggested for people just starting, as it's free and relatively easy to understand. You can use online support like from 3FC. However, if you're looking for IN PERSON support (some people need that!) then there are programs like Weight Watchers (I'm a member, and at one point had lost over 100lbs with them), and organizations like TOPS (tops.org).

2) Move more. This can be anything. As simple as taking the stairs, and parking further from the office... upwards and through running for 30 minutes every day. The beauty of moving more is that ANYTHING is better than being sedentary. If the thought of running for 30 minutes has you cringing, then how about a 10 minute stroll around your block? Or before you go out for lunch, taking a quick walk around your office building. Steadily, but comfortably increasing your activity levels. To start you don't have to worry about how fast you do something... just DO it. Find something fun. Make it a habit.

3) Patience. Persistence. Perseverance. We didn't put on weight overnight; it's not going to come off overnight. What this means is that we need to be patient with ourselves and with the process. Focus on sustainable, healthy changes, not drastic yo-yo diets which leave us feeling deprived. The weight will eventually follow, but eating healthier has benefits within the first week! It feels good.

You can do this. 3FC members are more than happy to help support everyone on their journey!

Hi Jen!

I'm brand new to all of this too, so bear with me!

I really can relate to where you're coming from! The one girl I work with complained today that she keeps eating more and still is loosing weight. (She's probably 5'8" size 2 now) It drives me crazy to hear her babble on about it! You're not alone If you ever just need to chat, feel free.

My first goal is to go to the gym regularly. If i'm paying for it, I might as well get my money's worth.

I have a gym membership. I have been paying for it for over 2 years. I haven't been in a year and a half. I HATE going. I especially HATE going alone. I know it's something I have to learn to do. I need accountablity. Thats the hardest thing to have when all of my friends are already thin and don't have to worry about what they eat or working out.

If you hate going to the gym, why continue to pay? Find an activity you DO like. There are all sorts of things you can do. You can take classes, you can do workout dvds, you can ride a bike, you can join karate, you can join a sport.

Also, one of the biggest myths is that thin people don't have to work at it... there are plenty of skinny people that DO have to work out and watch what they eat. Just check the maintainer's area. So, maybe one of your "already thin" friends does want to go take a jog at the gym, and wants to go with someone to do it. You won't know until you ask.

Your picture is beautiful! I wish you the very best on your journey. You WILL do it!!

I HATE going to the gym! But i've learned to tollerate it because I can do something I love to do anyway there, watch tv. I'm a tv junkie and since at my gym each machine has it's own tv screen, I can watch my favorite shows. I usually go when an hour show is on that I MUST watch and let me tell you, I'm never late in getting on and never get off early because I must catch ever minute of it. If that doesn't work for you, try bringing a magazine to browse or getting some motivating tunes on your mp3 player.

If you need extra accountability, make a weekly gym goal and let us all know if you stick to it or not. That's my plan!