I am a 44 year old mum of two gorgeous boys aged 8 and 11. I also have gorgeous doggy called Buddy and a husband, sorry mean gorgeous husband and dog called Buddy! I presently weigh 266lbs, this is not the heaviest I have ever been but I feel now more than ever is the time for change.

I have had a yo-yoing weight problem all my life. I have tried every diet know to man so this time I think it is time to try something new. I have banned the word diet from my vocabulary. I am starting on a new ‘life plan’ because I have many things I need to change not just my weight. Food has always been my enemy and I am going to try to change that and make it my friend. I can’t keep fighting it; I need it to survive so I might as well make it work for me. Don’t know quite how yet, I can but try.

It’s going to be a long and winding road and I am looking forward to the journey................................

Hi there SHELLY . . . . . . so glad you found us, Chickie . . . this is a really great place for lots of support and encouragement as you travel the long, and sometimes rather bumpy, road to better health and fitness . . . we are all here for you.

Hi there,

I agree with you on removing the word 'diet' from your vocabulary .... this is more about a lifestyle change. Myself, I never wanted to be on a diet and I did not try because I think I know that I would be only setting myself for a failure (no offence to chicks that are following a specific diet, it just isn't for me).

Welcome to 3FC!

I can totally relate to the whole "life change" thing. Only food has been my "friend", my enabler. I turn to it for entertainment, for comfort, for inspiration. It doesn't work that way though and I am having to constantly ask myself "Am I eating this because I am feeling (Enter emotion here) or am I really hungry?" It is a long and winding road welcome to the journey.