[Whoa_goGO]

Hey. I've been looking at this forum for a little while for support but had waited a while to join. My aunt told me about the site since I had lost some weight.

I guess the most important thing is to introduce myself. You can call me Lynn. I'm 15, and have had weight issues ever since elementary. At the beginning of 2005 I had decided I needed to help myself and change to have a shot at being happy. I started at 250, and as you can see on my weight tracker in my signature, I've lost 92 pounds.

I thought I'd at least introduce myself before I bombarded the other topics for help.

By the way, I really like strawberries.

[ShaddenA]

I would really like to know, how did you do it, or what did you try? Congrats on the weight loss!

[Whoa_goGO]

I didn't go on any kind of organized diet. At first I cut out sodas and switched to diets, then I took out the very bad snacks for myself. (I just posted in the support area and explained some of it),

I started walking a lot to cope with stress. Then, during the summer, I went on a trip and changed my eating style. I ate three times a day, very well balanced. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. All healthy food choices. A snack when I really desired it. (Like a piece of fruit). I went out for walk everyday and took my time and enjoyed the scenery.

Then I came back after 3 weeks and had lost 12 pounds. After that I became very obsessive, the starting signs of an eating disorder. Very low intake of calories. Obsessive exercising.

But what works for me, and is wondeful, is I've been taking in 1,200 calories every day...eating fruit and well balanced meals. I stay responsible to everything I eat. I record everything. Then I can see where I went wrong if I gained. I eat 1,200 throughout the day, healthy food choices, good portion control, and after 1,200 I keep true to myself. If I need something to taste I chew some gum. If I need to be filled I drink some herbal tea with Sweet N' Low.

And every day I listen to my music, sort out my life, and walk and walk and walk (amount of time outside depends on my day, stress, and frustrations).