[DropsofJupiter]

Hello, all!

I am new to this community and have never tried to find weight loss support online. Tomorrow I am starting a weight loss journey, so I figured I would give it a shot!

I am 22 years old, 5'3, and currently weigh 195 pounds. I struggled with some depression that started in high school, and that has greatly affected my eating habits ever since. I turned to food to make myself feel better, and it is a habit that I still carry with me today. Like many, I have gotten into the terrifying habit of eating for comfort, or really, eating for anything. I eat when I'm hungry, not hungry, sad, happy, bored, and for any reason at all... and usually when I'm eating, I'm binge eating.

I really packed on some pounds when I started college. Freshman 15? Oh yeah, it's a thing. Being around all the late night pizza orders and endless amounts of delicious food on the buffets in the dining halls - whoa, did I take advantage.

Due to all of my weight gain over the past 4 years, I have hit a point in my life where my confidence level is at ZERO. I have not been happy with the way that I look for a long time, and I have finally had enough! I hide in over-sized t-shirts, sweatshirts, and jeans... and going out with friends is even a struggle at times because I don't feel confident in anything that I put on. Sometimes, I even opt not to go because I feel that unattractive. (WHAT?! I know. Crazy how much self confidence, or a lack thereof, can affect your life.)

I do realize that losing weight and feeling good about your outside appearance is not the key to happiness, but I do know that it will help me get to a much better place. I want to lose this weight, not only for outward appearances, but for inner HEALTH. I have not been fueling my body properly for quite some time, and I need to make a change in order to live a healthy lifestyle and get some of my energy back.

I do not really have much of a set plan - just hitting up the gym, doing some running, and making healthier food choices: chicken, veggies, fruits, etc. I am not going to be following a certain diet plan, just making sure that I'm eating clean and staying away from fried food, sweets, sodas, etc.

Any tips would be so incredibly appreciated! Staying motivated while trying to lose weight has always been a problem for me, so I am looking forward to hearing all of your stories. From what I've read so far, you guys are all so inspirational, and I think I'm in the right place. My weight loss goal is 50 pounds! Let's do this!

Thanks for taking the time to read my post. Take care!

[VivaClandestina]

Hello and welcome! I can relate to the binge eating and emotional eating. Also, I'm following the same non-plan as you... not following a specific diet, just clean eating and whole foods. Something that has been helpful to me that I would suggest is keeping a food journal. Not calorie counting, but just to keep track of what you're eating and when. Even if it is "bad" you should write it down! I also include workouts in the journal.

Good luck!

[tinneranne2]

I think that part of the reason we tend to think losing weight will fix problems in other areas of our life...is that in order to lose the weight, we often need to change in other areas too.

Becoming more active can improve your mood (or so I keep telling myself every time I step on the treadmill), involve new activities and meeting new people...Accomplishing goals builds your confidence and can give you a sense of pride.

Welcome and good luck!