[denver_determined]

Hello all, thanks for taking the team to read my introduction.

I'm almost 36 years old, 5'4 and 218 pounds. I consume too many calories, don't stick to my workouts, don't drink enough water, struggle with portion control and also with snacking when I am not hungry.

I have not always been this size, and I have actually lost a significant amount of weight in the past. I never keep it off because I don't stick to my healthy habits. Sometimes I try to do too much too quickly but I have now realized it's crazy to think that I can sustain such drastic changes for very long.

Like others, I saw a photo of myself and wanted to crawl in a hole. I need to stop making excuses and start holding myself accountable. In the past, if I would slip up just ONE day, I would feel like it countered all of my progress. I would feel defeated and go right back to all of my unhealthy habits.

I know what my strengths and weaknesses are and I know that I have been making excuses. I hate waking up early to work out before work, but I also never want to work out when I get home. I know that I am more likely to work out IF I can get motivated in the morning. My portion control and snacking after dinner will be key as well. I crave savory foods like pizza and burgers but I don't tend to crave sweets as much. I also love wine and beer. As for my problem with not drinking enough water...I have no idea why I do this! I love water! I don't even drink soda. I just need to make my water consumption a priority.

Two years ago, I told myself that the reason I was overweight was that I didn't have access to the right equipment. I bought an elliptical and a fitbit and some new workout clothes. For about 6 months, that worked. I was motivated. I was in better shape, tracking my fitness and calories and seeing the pounds fall off. And somewhere along the way...I just stopped.

This forum will be something new for me. I have always thought that I could do this on my own, but I think it was more that I was embarrassed about my weight. Does anyone have any tips to help motivate myself and stay accountable?

I need to start now. No more excuses.

[frustrated101]

Count calories and don't worry about water, if you are thirsty drink some water, your body is smart, it will tell you if you need water

[denver_determined]

Thanks so much! I am definitely counting calories. I just need to hold myself accountable and not cheat.

[LittleLostMe]

Good luck. I need to drink more water so that is a priority for me too - I have a 1.5ltr bottle that I am setting myself the target of drinking a day.

Added you as a friend too - lets do this together :-)

[frustrated101]

I'm confused a little, does water burn up calories or speed up metabolism, my co-worker drinks 1 gallon at work and he's pretty big and uses toilet every 15 minutes so I don't think it matters but I will do some research and see if water can make us thin again

[frustrated101]

Ok so I spoke with my coworker and water not only reduces appetite but it increases metabolism up to 10%. Count me in, 1 gallon per day, joining the water band-wagon. WATER WATER WATER

[denver_determined]

Thanks for the support, everyone. I’m down 2 lbs since posting this which is a good start for me. How are you all doing with water consumption?