It's so nice to be here. I'm a 31yr old mom to three and am finally feeling ready to lose some weight. I struggled with eating disorders (everything from anorexia to binge eating, go figure) in my younger years and had to make the decision to stop hating myself and start loving myself enough to lose the weight in a healthy and gentle way.
I've been researching the glycemic index and how foods break down in the body. Given that I also have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and am probably insulin resistant to boot, a lot of my food choices will be made using the index (keeping in mind saturated fat and salt levels, too!). I'm also really into exercise and do both cardio (walking) and strength training (pilates) so I hope the combination will help me lose the 75+ pounds I'm aiming for.
I think this community will help a great deal. It looks like a fab place!
Take care and I look forward to getting to know some of you and your journeys
Maven,
Welcome aboard! You have a great attitude and it's great to have you join this forum. I've learned so much from the other chicks and I know that it keeps me focused on my goal. There's something so wonderful about the fact that I can get help and give help 
which makes me feel good all around! It sounds like you found a plan that works for you..just hang in there....even if it comes off slowly, as long as it goes in the right direction, you are doing awsome. I think of my goal in 5 lb. increments, which makes it a lot easier than to think of the big picture, kwim? Anyway, look around...I'm sure you'll find lots of inspiration and information.
