Hi, my name is Kimberly and I live in Sacramento. I'm 42 and am this close >< to being engaged to a wonderful man.

I wasn't an overweight child or teen, but was always told I was fat by my father because I didn't fit the image of a teeny-tiny size 2 woman, but instead was a healthy size 14. As I entered the latter half of my teens and on into my 20s and early 30s, I gained about 10lbs a year until I reached my all-time high of 290-300 lbs.

Over the last 5-6 years I've developed better eating habits and a healthier lifestyle, and at one point I was down to 220, but I gained back 30lbs and have since lost about 8, and I'm now ready to get serious about living a healthy life again.

My initial goal is 180lbs, and after that we'll see how it goes.

I'm hoping to find encouragement and make some friends here as I continue on my journey to a healthier lifestyle.

I'm not sure if I can share the link to my blog or not...it's personal and I am sharing about getting back into a healthy lifestyle there, but I also share a lot of other things that aren't related to health, so I'll err on the side of caution and not share it for now until I'm more familiar with the policies here.

I'm looking forward to becoming even healthier, learning, and making new friends here

Hi kimberlysfrog and welcome! How do you like it out there on the West coast? I grew up in New England, am in college in Orlando and am thinking about moving to your area when I graduate (one year) any suggestions?

Hi Kimberly, nice to meet you! I was wondering the same thing about my personal weight loss blog, maybe you could PM me your url, and I could send you mine, and we could be each other's supporters? If you wanted to, that is... I'm really looking for readers (I only started two days ago) and especially those who are on the same journey!

Hi Lindsay

I've lived in sacramento for over 25 years, and I love it here. It does get hot in the summer, but it's not too humid so it's bearable. Spring and fall are beautiful seasons, moderate days, cool nights, and in winter we get cold and rainy and foggy, and snow is extremely rare. it's also nice to be about 90 minutes from the coast and 90 minutes from the mountains.

Sacramento is a friendly place, and even though it's the state capital and a city, it doesn't have that urban feel, but more that of a large town.

Feel free to ask me any questions you may have about this area, and I'll do my best to answer them

Hi Chris

That sounds like a nice idea - look for a PM from me in a few minutes. I could use some readers and supporters as well

Ok, I can't send a PM yet, not until I have 10 posts...I'll work on that

Kimberly!!!

I grew up in California. Pismo Beach area to be exact. We left in December of 2003 due to the rising cost of living. We have 3 boys and one is a special needs child. In California, both my husband and myself had to work everyday and found that someone else was raising our children. We moved to Washington state, bought a home, and my husband became a stay-at-home Dad. We stayed there for just over 2 years and moved to Utah when I received a great job offer. We have been here since March of 2006. Husband is still at home. The boys are really enjoying that.

We really miss California. Especially the weather.

I just joined 3FC and am very glad to see all the supportive forums and friendly people that I have found here.

You are smart to set small or short term goals that way you stay motivated with continual success.

Keep up the good work.

Karen

Hello Kimberly! My name is Toye and I'm from NC. I'm starting my diet tomorrow morning. I struggle with my weight also. I'm 31, have 1 child, and weigh in at 290 lbs. I am determined to get healthy for my child. Maybe we can help each other along the way to better health.

I went ahead and started a free blog here. I'll just copy my posts from my personal blog to this one, which is easy enough to do

Hi Karen and Toye...thanks for the welcomes!

I hear you about the cost of living in California, Karen. If my sweetie and I ever do decide to buy, we know it won't be here due to high costs and taxes.

It's great that one of you can stay home with your boys I lived in Washington state for a couple of years as a teen - in Tacoma and on McChord AFB to be exact. I loved it up there, the weather is beautiful

I've been looking around the forums and it does seem to be a very friendly place. I'm hoping to make it this time, especially with this resource right at hand.

I see that people have short-term goals, I think I may set one for myself, to lose 12lbs by Thanksgiving. I think that's doable.

Toye, it's great that you're motivated because of your child. I don't have any children, but I think one of the greatest gifts we can give them is a parent who not only teaches them how to be healthy but also shows them.

I'd be glad to help encourage you along the way

Hi Kimberly!

I'm Teri, up the road near Chico, CA. I joined 3FC a couple months ago, and with the friendly support, this site has helped me lose 22 lbs. since 7/1.

Have you newbie gals checked out www.fitday.com? It's free and easy - lots of Chicks use it in conjunction with 3fc. Quick and easy to log in what you eat, site figures out calories, then breaks them down into fat/carb/protein. Lotsa other good stuff there too.

Best of luck with your getting healthy journey. Are you on any specific plan? Hope to see you around here!

Hi Teri

Whaddayaknow? I'm already a member of fitday! I wonder how long ago I joined, especially since I don't recall doing so :P I'll have to get started using it and see how it goes.

I'm not on any specific plan, although when I got down to 220 I was doing South Beach, and in the interim I tried the GI diet. Both are good diets and I can recommend them, but this time I've decided to simply make healthy choices and eat what I like.

I posted my week's menu and shopping list on my new 3FC blog...basically I'm trying to eat healthy food, stay away from processed foods and refined sugars and exercise regularly. Whole grains, brown rice, lots of vegetables, fish, chicken breast, salt-free seasonings, things like that.

Hello and Welcome! Good Luck with your weight loss! You can do it!!

Hi Kimberly! I'm from Sacramento too! I just joined a few weeks ago myself. Good luck on your weight loss goal.

Hi Sunshine and Jacqueline. Thanks for the welcome!

I appreciate the encouragement Things have been going well for me so far and I've lost a couple of pounds, so I'm feeling very motivated.

Once I have more time I'll have to venture out into some other areas here and post.

What area of Sacramento do you live in, Jacqueline? I live near Hwy 50 and 65th St.

i live near citrus heights and greenback lane.

welcome kimberley!