Hello All -
I've just registered for 3FC after visiting the site & forums a few times (when I'm really supposed to be working on one of the numerous papers or other "things" I should be doing). It seems like a good site with lots of different support groups/forums. I've found several that might work for me, but really don't know which one to use the most (I have limited time because of the many pies my fingers are in).

I'm 42 years old, with fibromyalgia, hypothyroidism, & bursitis in my hips & shoulders (which is loads of fun). I'm also a Catholic & looked at the First Place program, but went for Linda Spangle's "Life is hard, food is easy" & ""100 ... weight loss" because I know I have an emotional eating problem & because it was much cheaper for these 2 books than the First Place kit. I've only read a little & have found some things that have hit home for me, which is great. Just need more time, like everyone else.

Now, for the frustrated part - I, like many others, have been on the weight loss roller coaster, with the last "high" beginning almost 8 years ago & not coming down. This was about the time I was diagnosed with FM & have been struggling with severe fatigue since then. But, the good part - when I went for my 6-week summer session in Chicago this year, I again joined the campus gym & probably went twice as many days as those I didn't (hmm - did that make sense?!) Since returning home almost 3 weeks ago, I've done okay, but not great. What's really frustrating me is I've drastically (compared to a few months ago) increased my activity (doing cardio & weights) & am trying to pay more attention to what I'm eating & increasing my F & V intake & decreasing my high-fat (the good stuff) intake BUT the scale isn't changing. I've even tried a couple different "diet" pills as that has helped me in the past, with no luck. I'm starting to wonder if it's a metabolism thing & how do I keep going on doing something I really don't like (exercise) when I don't see a change (clothes aren't even looser)??

I really want to keep going, but I also want to get this huge load of lard off of me so I'll feel better about myself. Plus, we're going to the Virgin Islands in December & I don't want to go someplace like that looking like I do. This is my BIG incentive right now, but it's hard to keep going when you're not seeing change. I have a very supportive husband who also exercises, but he also sits in front of the t.v. with a bag of chips. His belly doesn't seem to bother him.

HELP!!!
(Wow - this got pretty long! If you read it all - Thank you.)

Hello Ellaqz! Welcome to the chicks forums. I am so glad you found this site. I don't think my journey would have been possible without the help of the incredible people here. For some reason, it gives me the extra support that I need and I check in here every day...more than once! It sounds like you have a lot going on with your health, but you also have a high level of motivation...which is incredibly important when you begin. I understand your frustration!!! What's the point of doing all the work when you don't see results? Well, I think in combination with exercise, you need to pick a real diet to stick to. Personally, I'm a huge (less huge now!) fan of calorie counting. I used to think it would be a major chore, but it's actually the easiest thing in the world, once you get started. You can check the calorie counter forum to see if you can stick to it. A lot of people like the South Beach Diet or Weight Watchers...there are so many to chose from. Either way, just choose something you can follow. Also, try not to be hard on yourself. Feeling bad about yourself and being angry with yourself (maybe you're not, but I'm just saying) is really counter productive. I hope you stick around and that you'll post a lot about the details of what you're doing.

ellaqz-

It's great that you are so motivated! Counting calories is a good idea in the beginning just to make sure that your body is getting enough 'health' as my son would call it- so you can burn off the fat/calories that your body doesnt feel like hanging on to- the more you workout the more your body needs

Check out Dieting with obstacles, I think that's the name- to find tons of tips and support from others dealing with the same issues
Best wishes
Rach

. . . glad to hve you joining us . . .

Unfortunately the road to better health and fitness can seem long and bumpy at times; but remember that we re all in this together, Chickie.