Hello everyone,
I am now ready to introduce myself. My name is Maya, I am French and living in England.
I have been on constant food watching for the last couple of years but I fall off the wagon easily and I have only lost a couple of lbs, which in itself is not that bad as I previously did not pass a year without putting on the weight.
Last Sunday (13th May) I decided to give it a good go. My boyfriend said it was a bit silly to start on that day as I am going on holiday in a week time and I will not calorie watch during that time. However I felt it was the right time.
I am using a calorie counter tool (I have used several over the last couple of years) and I am set at losing about 1.2lbs a week. My plan is to stick to my calorie allowance 6 days a week and allow me one day at maintenance allowance (which will usually be either Friday or Saturday).
I allowed myself my up day yesterday and it was really a lesson learning, because I thought I had so much calories allowed I drunk copious amount of wine and ate the house; Result I was over my 252 calories, so lesson learnt: My up day does not mean I can eat the house
I need some support and I am more than happy to motivate other people and follow their progress.
So keep an eye on the forum, as I will be posting regularly.
Good luck to you all, we can do (actually WE ARE DOING IT!)
Maya
SW (13 May 12): 211
CW: 209
GW: 150 (hopefully in a year!)
I am ready!
MAYA ~ sounds like you have a good plan in place, but ya do have to watch that wine. Maybe limit yourself to only 1-2 small glasses on your MD (up day). Try to stick below a calorie cap on that day (i.e. 2000 calories). This is a great site with wonderful people, and you will find lots of support here ... 
