Hello everyone! I think I've been lurking around 3fc for what seems like years! I've decided it's time to stop being shy and post something. I've always struggled with food issues and have a SERIOUS problem with carbs and sugar... I'm sure some of you can understand that.

I work out on a regular basis and try to keep my calories between 1200 and 1500 per day, but I'm having problems with binge eating and losing my resolve. Everything seems to go better though, when I take time to plan meals (a tip I got from 3fc) and exercise... which gets hard to do between going to work and school. But hopefully posting on here will help me be more consistent.

Anyway, I'm going to Colorado in a week to go an a ski vacation with my family! I'm starting to freak out because I really wanted to lose weight and be in shape for the trip... but I was unsuccessful. I feel like such a failure. Do any of you guys ski? I am pretty athletic since I work out a lot, but I'm still worried I'm going to be the biggest person out there... I don't want my weight to get in the way of having a good time with my family.

Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks everyone!

Do not freak out about being the biggest person on the mountain. Besides, who will be able to tell when everyone's skiing and under all those clothes? I grew up snowboarding, but skiing is very easy to pick up (for most). Where are you going in CO? I have actually never been snowboarding at a normal weight. I was a regular, 180+ pound sowboarder.

Word of caution, though: Do your lunges.

Skiing isn't that hard to pick up. I am a newbie as well only done it once. At first it will feel like you are going to slide down the mountain even before you start, but my biggest suggestion. Get a little training session. They do them all the time for free and it takes like 15 minutes. My friends and I all did one and it was a big help. Also, stay on the bunny slope as long as you need to. I got off of it too early and it turned out the equivalent to the bunny was completely covered in ice....a huge bruise on my knee and hip helped me learn that lesson pretty quickly

Ok I started re-reading and you weren't really asking about learning to ski

Once you get started skiing you will be so involved with trying focus on what is going on that you will forget about what you look like etc...at least I did. People of all shapes and sizes are out there skiing, so don't worry about it. Don't let the fact that you would've like to have lost more weight be the deciding factor in whether or not you have fun. You can waste a lot of good moments doing that and when you look back you shouldn't regret not doing something because you were a certain size and shape.

Anyways, go have fun! Skiing is a great time and the lodge after is even better

Don't worry at all about being the biggest skiier out there! When people are all whooshing down a hill they don't look around at everyone's weight.

Besides most everyone is in snow gear, so it's harder to tell how big a person is and how big his/her coat is....

Give it a try! You'll have so much fun, I promise.

Welcome tofulover...

I have never been skiing, but is on my lifes to do list - so someday.

I say go and enjoy yourself and don't worry about it. This will be what you make of it so make it the best!

Have a great time!

Hey! Thanks you guys for replying.. I honestly was afraid nobody would respond to my message. It's great to have the support and know there are people out there who can understand where I'm coming from.

Junebug - we are going to keystone. i've actually been working out quite a bit with a personal trainer, so i think my legs are in pretty good shape! the only thing i'm worried about is the altitude. i went to CO once before, but I was probably around 12 years old. the first thing i remember is getting off the plane and immediately feeling incredibly dizzy... like i couldn't get enough air to "fill up" my lungs. it was weird... After keystone we're spending a few days in denver. Know of anything there that I absolutely shouldn't miss??

rhighlan - thanks for the advice! my brother (who is 17) thinks it's going to be soooo easy. i'll make sure he doesn't rush onto those black diamond slopes.

cats - you're totally right. i'll be speeding by everyone so fast that i won't have time to worry about what anyone (including myself) looks like!

lovinlife - thank you! i hope you get a chance. i'll let you know how it goes for me.

If you are coming from sea level, I would hope that you are staying in Denver at least a day before you head up to the mountains. That is the best way to prevent altitude sickness. Also, DRINK YOUR WATER. I can't stress that enough, especially when it is as dry as it is during the winter. And I agree with Righland- don't be afriad to take a lesson in the morning before heading off on your own- well worth it! As far as what to do in Denver, well, that depends on where you'll be in the city. There are some great shows downtown right now over the holidays and the city and county building is decked out. We also have a fabulous new contemporary art museum, not to mention the bars and restaurants. Denver really has a wonderfully vivacious downtown and there are just too many places to list. Feel free to PM me if you need some reccomendations

And enjoy the mountain!