Instead of worrying about how much you want to lose, what about just "starting over". Think of it this way, you are going to be with people who have never met you, don't know your background, etc. Be who you always wanted to be -- if you want to be the athletic friend, who eats right, etc. -- go to the gym every time you get the chance, meet some others there at the gym that you have something in common with, hang out, enjoy yourself, reinvent who you are -- that sounds fun to me, not worrying about how much you lose. You won't be able to help but lose weight in Jobcorp right, so let it work itself out. This experience is for "you" -- make yourself a better person, inside and out!!

Welcome to 3FC, Devon.

Hi Devon,

I agree, don't worry so much about the weight, live your life, be active, try to eat healthy food and the weight should take care of itself. That's very cool by the way about the Job Corp!

Just as note, "they" usually say that anything from half a pound to two pounds a week is considered "healthy", depending on a number of factors. When we first start, especially if we have a lot to lose, it comes off faster. The less you have to lose the slower it becomes. Just remember what ever you do, make it something you can maintain as a lifestyle. Doing something for a period of time and then stopping is a sure way for the weight to come back.

Good luck and have fun!

Hey Devon,

Your move to Job Corps sounds great! If I was your age, I'd be doing that too! Congratulations! And it's true that you can take advantage of this opportunity to change--just stay mindful and aware, and focused on your goals! It will be a challenge--a good one--that's why life is an ADVENTURE and not just a ride at Disneyland.

You could lose that much weight--especially at first--but use it as a goal and not as a reason for disappointment. In other words, if you want to lose 10 pounds a month and you only lose 7, gosh, don't feel bad about it!

I wish you the best! Good luck!

Jay

Devon, I'm sorry to hear you lost your mom.

Good for you for making a new start! I think you're right to focus on your weight and your health as part of your future. I think you are right to worry about it and by that I mean you should be actively focusing on your weight loss. Not beating yourself up about your weight but tracking your progress and figuring out what works and what does not. I'm wondering why the wait? How about getting outside and starting with some short walks, and just cutting back on some of the things you're supposedly going to immediately stop forever the day you move. Life doesnt really work that way. You'll still have temptations at Job Corp. and you might still want to avoid getting active if you've done so in the past. Be prepared for that is all I'm suggesting.

New starts are a great way to start new habits (trust me!).

Start on the first day, that`s my main advice. Start as soon as you get there, not once you`re settled in. "Settling in" can take one day or three weeks, and by that time you are still on your old routines.

Second, don`t worry about how much weight you will lose and how fast you will lose it. Focus on changing your habits first. GOOD LUCK!

Devon ~ this sounds so exciting. What courage too you must have to pick yourself up by the bootstraps after going through so much. And you know I hate the taste of water too. I like to use these Crystal Lite (sugar free) drink mixes. They are made for the water bottle. You just rip and pour and shake and drink! I drink way more water now. And yes...I'd start with some basic changes now because there will always be tomarrow. Be the person you want to be today. I'm evolving. I couldn't just wake up one day and say ok..i'm no longer going to be this depressed housewife...wanting to hide from the world. I just would cry and sleep and well...must've been eating there too...But I started with the diet. And now I'm going to work on the exercise part. haha! I did a little here and there but it's not routine for me yet. So I'll see what I can do in that department.

Congrats on this wonderful move. And are you going to have access to the computer there? This is a GREAT motivator. I love reading posts and replying and it just gives me strength. And reminds me every day what my intentions are.

Tina

Oh, I am so sorry about your mom. I can't even imagine how hard this must be for you. I admire the strength it takes to assess your life, find that it's not enough, and change it. The fact that you can do that at such a young age I think means a lot. Again, I'm so, so sorry about your Mom, and good luck with weight loss, Job Corp and life.

You have been through a lot and are about to undergo a lot more change. Good for you for having a sense of excitement about this new chapter in your life.

I agree with the others ... setting up numerical/time goals can often work against you. After a lifetime of obesity, one major attitude adjustment I needed to help me succeed was to not worry about how much I lost or how quickly. I focused on the healthy behaviors, and reminded myself (sometimes hourly!) that I couldn't care how long it took, or even if I got to that end goal. I didn't even [i]have[i] an "end goal" to start with. I just wanted to be thiner, heathier, and wasn't going to sabotage myself by worrying about the scale or the calendar. You'll notice I don't have one of those little weight tickers in my signature, for example. I know they help some people, but for me that kind of tracking is just pressure I don't need. I don't pay attention to how much / how fast other people have lost, either. It's not a contest, it's not a race. Think of it this way: If you are truly starting a healthy new lifestyle, then you will be following that lifestyle for the rest of your life, regardless of when you get to the weight you want to be. Losing a lot of weight is a huge change -- not only in the new habits but in the new body you have. It takes a long time for your mind to catch up in a lot of respects; the way you interact with the world and the way it interacts with you can be radically different, and sometimes that brings with it unexpected emotions. In this regard, the more slowly you lose the weight, the better. The more time you have to gradually adjust, I believe the longer-lasting the effects and the healthier you will be in mind as well as body.