Hiya everyone!
I'm a newbie around here, so I thought I'd introduce myself and say hi. I'm just over half-way to my first mini-goal of 18lbs and I'm already feeling bored and frustrated with this whole eating well and being more active. So I thought I should join up somewhere that I could get some extra support, and this seemed like the perfect place!
I'm having trouble staying motivated and also trouble prioritizing my many goals. Like I said, my first mini goal is 18lbs. My long-term goal is 30lbs. Time-wise, I have a few things coming up for which I would LOVE to be looking good. My BF and I are doing the long-distance thing until April when I see him again (for which I'd love to have lost even more weight--I want to knock his socks off! ). Plus, I have a wedding to go to at the beginning of June that I want to look good for.
So, should I bother paying attention to time goals, or just focus on eating better and being more active? What works for all of you? Time challenges or just doing your thing?
Sorry for all the questions! And thanks for all your help in advance!

BeBoop, welcome to 3FC! If you're looking for great support, you've definitely found it here!

I have only 2 weight loss oriented goals:
1. Long Term Goal: 135lbs
2. Short Term Goal: This changes all the time.

I try not to have too any weight loss goals going all at once because chances are if you don't meet one goal, you might struggle to meet the other goals, as they are usually all tied in together. And only every now and then will I set a time limited goal, and I keep my goal very realistic. I think setting a goal for 18lbs with no time frame is great!

Also, I try to focus a lot on NSVs (non scale victories). They are great self esteem boosters!

Last, when I'm planning my next day's meal and exercise regimen, I try not to look at it as if I'm doing this to lose weight. I do it as a healthier choice, and after a little while you will just start turning to the healthy foods vs. the "bad" foods. If I focus just on eating right and exercising, then weight loss will naturally come with it if you are sticking to the plan. It's like a perk to getting healthy!

But what works for me may not work for others, so I suggest experimenting a bit to find your perfect place.

Another great way to motivate yourself to exercise is to join our monthly exercise goals, where we set goals to exercise so many minutes/go so many miles/lift x amount of lbs by the end of the month.

But like I said, take it easy on the goals, try setting a couple realistic ones, and when you reach them, you will have that much more motivation and self esteem to tackle the next goal!

Good luck, and again, welcome!

-Mande

Hi, Beboop This is a great place to be. I just joined last week, got a few friends to talk to off the site a little right away and a buddy to set some weekly exercise goals. I lost 2 1/2 pounds the first week. All of the people here share so much information, so you'll find it hard to get bored.

There's always a new video to try, website to take a look at, or book or magazine to read. We are all here to support each other and help stay motivated. To keep priorities straight, I agree with Mande, just don't get too many and no time is great, but if you set it make sure its realistic. There are fitness challenges on here, like she said, and there's no one here to rush you to be down a certain amount of weight by a certain time. You can also check out the recipe and food section, and if that doesn't help much just ask. If you keep at it, I'm sure you will knock his socks, and everything else off when he sees you If a goal buddy would be helpful, find someone with similar ideas and strategies, or if you just need someone to help keep track of you, feel free to send any of us private messages or something on one of the messengers since a lot of us have the user info in our profiles. Sometimes all it takes is having someone to share with, and you'd be surprised at how much motivation comes from not only not wanting to let yourself down, but not letting a friend down either.

I with you the best of luck!