This is new to me...
 

Hi,

This is my first time actually signing up for a weight loss forum/community and find it only fitting to let you know a little about me as I am looking to gain insight of what has worked for you and comments/suggestions as I work to lose a few pounds.

I have been attempting to lose the "last" 5 pounds for 4+ years. The weight has gone up and down over the years, but I never can keep it where I want it to be. Currently I have jumped up an additional 5 pounds in the last few weeks. In an effort to lose the "last" 10 pounds, I've dabbled with the Paleo lifestyle, only to derail and BINGE on peanut M&M's - the strange thing is that I don't really care for peanuts, nor have I eaten peanuts/peanut butter in about 5 years!!! I feel that I am at an all-time low (self-control, self-esteem, liking of my body, etc...) I have a great group of friends, but do not want to monopolize our friendships with my desire to lose weight. I have a tendency to talk about how disappointed I feel with myself for gaining instead of losing the weight - thus I have chosen to join this forum where I hope I can commiserate with some of you that may share some of the same feelings as me.

Not only are the M&M's my vice, so is any kind of sugar candy. The more I try to shy away from the sugar, the stronger my desire and NEED to eat it is! Other than a few intense craving foods, I feel I eat pretty well - lots of vegetables, fruit and proteins. I also work out a lot - not that I feel I "have" to - I just enjoy it!!! I am pretty darn strong for my size, but wish I could lose the layer hiding the muscles!!!

I look forward to chatting with you new friends,

EFAB

Welcome.
this is my first time and I just joined a few days ago.
been reading a lot about other member's stories to lose weight and stay in control....
by the way, I just wanted to have some M&Ms reading your post.
:) :) :)
Good luck!!!

Sorry masterptr...I wish I could give you the rest of the bag...that way its out of my house =) But I don't want you to hold a grudge for me...

Hey EverydayFAB,
I can totally relate to you in wanting to lose those last 5/10 pounds, as that's the situation for me too. From experience it will be slow, but if you stick to your chosen caloric amount, you will see losses every week. It can be tough to relate to the people on here who can lose 5+ pounds every week and have far larger amounts to lose, but there is a wealth of knowledge available here that is relevant to everyone. I have been eating 1400 calories a day, as this is easily sustainable for me, and usually have a loss of at least a pound a week - provided I don't mess up. It can be difficult sometimes to say no to yourself as its not 100% necessary for us to lose weight and more of a vanity issue, but if you find something to inspire you and keep you motivated, that is key. I recommend that you go online to a site that calculates your required caloric intake for the day and minus about 500 calories from that amount. This SHOULD give you a loss of a pound a week but is not necessarily guaranteed, especially as you get lighter.
Good luck to you and I hope to see you around the forum. Remember that your weight loss goals and ambitions are just as important as anyone else's, it is SO worth it when you try on a new top or jeans and see the difference.