Well, hello! :)
 

My name is Gina and I'm 23 years old. I've always been obese, my whole life. I'm starting to grow tired of being so unhappy with myself, my body, and the stagnant nature of my existence. I feel that losing weight will help me feel better, feel positive, and feel like I can enjoy the world around me. However, I seem to stumble and fall right back into my same old habits even after meeting huge milestones (like losing over 50 pounds in 2010). I gain the weight back, plus some, and then can't seem to get back on track.

I don't have anyone in my life to help motivate me, so I'm entirely on my own, trying to face the scale and the fast food drive-thrus and the treadmills, and somehow they keep coming out stronger than me and I fail over and over again.

I'm so happy I've stumbled upon this place and can read about all of these beautiful victories! I'm not alone, am I? I'm hoping to make some friends and glean some motivation from a community that seems so inviting and welcoming. I hope to also help others who may be struggling as well! Let's help each other!

I look forward to cheering others on and being cheered on, making some long-distance workout buddies, and meeting some new motivators. :) Thanks for reading!

Today I weigh 260 pounds. I want to lose at least 100 pounds by 2014. That's my goal.

Welcome! I am new too.

100 pounds in a year translates to about 8 to nine pounds a month, or around two to three pounds a week. This is probably as far as I know, not being an expert, about the most weight loss a person should ever try for before it gets to be too much too quickly. It should be possible, though it will take a lot of dedication, and you will have to watch your nutrition very carefully. Try to make sure that you always get all the vitamins and minerals that you need because your calorie intake will have to be fairly limited. Have you developed an eating concept yet? How are you planning on approaching this?

Please stay positive and do not beat yourself up when you slip up! You probably will! Every one does! It is all a natural part of this process. 283 to 260 already, Great! I am aiming for a loss of about 5 pounds a month and therefor hope to be 260 by August! haha you are way ahead of me.

Good luck with everything.

Hello and :wel3fc:

And I don't want to sound discouraging, but 100 pounds in a year is a lot to lose. It will be great if you can do it, but please don't become discouraged if/when you hit plateaus that slow you down.

You have a great attitude, and I know you can do this, just as so many of us are!

Hi and welcome!

Welcome and good luck on your journey!