[linnyc]

Hello everyone! My name is Linda and I'm tired of being fat. I wish there was a prettier way to say it but that's the truth. I've tried just about every diet and I'm still fat so i decided to come here and get some perspective from real people. I first started gaining weight around middle school. I thought it was baby fat but it stuck on me the whole 3 years. Then I decided to stave myself in high school and it worked, until i got out of high school and didn't have to put up with the mean girls at school. Every since then I've been between 189-211. I'm just here to see what is working for everyone so if you have any tips i would love to hear them. I know i'll be a whale this summer bit hopefully next summer I'll be able to change that. Here's to the future!

[mammasita]

Hello and welcome Linda.

Yeah I can relate to trying every diet out there. What has worked for me this time is looking at this as getting healthier and NOT a diet. Diets are temporary, lifestyle changes and maintenance are the key.

There are TONS of different programs here that people follow. I personally do weight watchers on line and love it.

Good luck and you've come to the right place for support!

[NEMom]

What has worked for me this time is looking at this as getting healthier and NOT a diet. Diets are temporary, lifestyle changes and maintenance are the key.

^^
This. For me to be successful long term it had to be a healthier lifestyle.

There is a ton of information about many different food plans on this site. Pick a plan that fits in your lifestyle and you can follow long term. I chose calorie counting because it is free and flexible. It allows me to eat almost anything I wanted as long as it fits within my calorie range for the day and there are ton of free apps out there to help you track your food.
Give up the sugary drinks and drink lots and lots of water.
Incorporate some exercise into your weekly routine. You do not have to join an expensive gym try to walk more, use the stairs more, download videos off of YouTube or Hulu.com to work out to. There are a lot of things you can to do with spending a ton of money.
Lastly, if you have a bad meal, a bad day, heck, a bad food week. Do NOT let this be a reason to throw in the towel. Get back on track at the next meal. You can do this!!!
Best of luck to you!

[tinamparker]

Welcome,
I have struggled with my weight all my life and have done every diet known to man lol I had some success but would gain everything back over time. I am currently doing weight watchers (the old points system) and am loving it. I never get hungry and have changed from eating junk to eating fruits and veggies and love it (which I never thought I would say)

But whatever you decide to do good luck to you. I will say that this website is great no matter what program you are doing to lose weight. Everyone here is so supportive and friendly!!!!

[Buttermilk Sky]

Hi...my name is Linda too. I'm glad you are wanting to find a program to begin losing weight. I think the first thing is to love yourself where you are. I have a lot to lose to. When I had cancer I gained a lot of weight and I've been trying to lose ever since. I lose and then gain. I'm tired of the roller coaster and decided this is the best place I can be to get the support I need. I haven't decided if I'm going to follow a particular program yet. Just eating healthy and staying motivated feels good to me. That way I don't have to feel like I failed at meeting a certain calorie count or certain point limit. I've been on so many diets that I don't think they work for me. I think it's what you feel you can live with. There are so many programs on this site and they look like they are very supportive. I wish you the best on your journey to a healthy lifestyle.

[Elizabeth779]

Hi Linda -- sometimes the things we need to say and acknowledge are not pretty. There are a lot of people who have figured this out, and it looks like a good place for support. Take it one day at a time. Best wishes for your success.

hi - i'm on the other end of the scale. i have to lose 100lbs as fast as possible - dr's orders. it's not fun.

you're right: crash-dieting doesn't work if you haven't learn proper eating habits and that's why it fails.

unless you have a pressing and dire medical need, your best bet is to revamp your lifestyle and eating habits and let your body be the proof of the pudding.