Hi all. I'm new around here. I've been on a mad dash for motivation for a few days.

I weigh somewhere around the 135 range, but I'd like to be at about 125. I'm getting married this summer.

I used to weigh about 195. I took it off through counting calories. I didn't exercise at all. I was at about 140ish. Three or so years after I lost that weight, I began exercising and lost a few more pounds and looked and felt great.

I still count calories, but here's my problem. I have a tendency to eat not-so-healthy things. For example, I'll eat a McDonald's Happy Meal (about 500 calories) versus something else more nutritious that contains 500 calories. And, on days I don't count calories, I go completely crazy. I eat until I can't eat anymore. And the bad thing is, sometimes I end up doing this more days a week than I actually count calories, and this isn't good.

I think I've put on about six or so pounds. I really want to take it and a bit more off.

I absolutely HATE exercising with a passion. But I've been going to the gym anyway, because it's what it takes. I normally do 15 minutes on three different cardio machines, for a total of 45 minutes. I try to do some ab exercises too.

But anyway. There's my story. I'm glad I found this Web site. It looks supportive and welcoming. I hope I can lose a few pounds, keep it off, and stop myself from binging.

I use to think I hate exercise, but turns out to be at least tolerable - and at times, enjoyed and looked forward to after a stressful day at work! Besides, it's very motivating to watch yourself progress in exercise (I use to do 30 min. a day for 4 days/week, now I do about 45-60 minutes for 5-6 days/week - and have upped my dumbbell weights).

And yea, those off-days are probably responsible for a bit of that weight gain. It's OK to let yourself go and indulge every once in a while, but most of the time try to be mindful of what you eat -- keep a food journal and log what you ate, even if you don't know the calorie counts (you can always look that up later.) It'll give you some retrospective insight on your habits, and let you figure out strategies to combat them (for example, if you're notice you're always doing lunch on the road from your McD trips, next time - plan for it and pack a sandwich & fresh fruit instead.)

It amazes me, that could be my story. Except for the original weight loss everything for me is the same story. I count calories but if I get off track I will eat and eat. I have about 12 to lose right now and sometimes it seems as daunting as 100 lbs.

Have you tried to find an exercise program that you enjoy? I could never do machines -- I find them quite unfun, and I think I would dread going! What about kickboxing classes, aerobics classes, community sports teams, walking, etc.?

It's almost scary because no matter what I do, I'm worrying about food. If I am dieting, the caloric content is all I think about. If it's an off day where I'm binging, all I can think about is what I can eat next.

Tara, the hard thing for me is my schedule. I work insane hours, and it would be difficult to be able to go to a class. It's something I will check though.

Maybe try a kickboxing video or aerobic video? That way you'd have a fun exercise thing that you could still do on your own time.
Once you learn the basics, you can "free-style" kicking around your house to music. I find that sort of thing to be quite fun and scarcely like exercise at all, especially with the right selection of kick-*** songs.
I think generally when people hate exercise, it's only because they just haven't found the activity that's right for them.
I know Carmen Electra made that "aerobic strip-tease" video and it sounds hilarious. I don't want to pay the money for it, and I don't have space in my apartment for exercise videos anyway, but I wish I could try it just for fun. There's some funny and good stuff out there if you look.

That's not a bad idea, Ariel... I actually have that striptease video though, and it isn't that great It is fun though!

The gym isn't the only place to exercise.... Try going for a walk, a swim, a bike ride, take a dancercize class, a volleyball league, etc. etc. It's key to find something that you enjoy, so you'll stick with it.

As for the eating, if you haven't looked in the Chicks in Control Forum, try going there - I think you'll find a lot of kindred spirits.

Hi lawgirl 2007, I can't say that I like to exercise either and I certainly don't have time to go to a gym. I'd never exercise if I had to do that!
What I do is pair up exercising at home with something I like to do...so,
I do weights in my living room, or my pilates routine while I watch Canada AM in the morning OR I read the paper while I ride my recumbent bike downstairs rather than reading it in the kitchen while I drink my coffee. I listen to my Ipod when I walk the dogs. And of course, I always try to take the stairs and park my car the farthest out that I can at the shopping mall. I figure that all these things sort of add up and it equates to moving my body which has got to be burning some calories.
This works for me, hope it helps.

Hi lawgirl and

Find an exercise or workout that is fun and stick to it for a while, once you see the change in your body and health it'll make you want to stick to it more.

Walking can be done anytime anywhere, so is using the stairs or parking faraway from a building... Everything counts...

Good luck and keep us posted on your progress...