Hi everyone,
I'm going to avoid lurker status, so I may as well start posting now. I know the road ahead of me isn't going to be easy, so I'll need all the support I can get.

I've grown up with a ton of naturally skinny friends - and skinny just isn't in my genetics. I love eating. Though I exercise, it does not even out.

I am not extremely overweight - it's just gotten to the point where I'm extremely uncomfortable and self conscious. I recently went on a beach vacation and for the first time, I could not bring myself to show my body.

Does anyone have some good advice for the first couple of weeks? Right now I feel so ready and motivated, but I'm pretty sure that feeling will fade fast. I do have a goal - I have a formal dance to go to in April and I want to look good for it.

Thanks for reading!

Any motivators would be really great...

and i love the dancing carrot, haha

I feel you. My best friends are all skinny and they eat pure junk.

What I've learned is that in order for me to lose weight, I have to make it a major priority. Before I binge on pizza, I have to remind myself that if I keep eating these foods I will never be the size that I want to be.

Sorry for ranting, but welcome.

Welcome to 3FC!!

My best advice is to use a food and fitness tracker like SparkPeople or FitDay and learn about how many calories you are consuming and where they are coming from.
Do your best to throw away all junk food from your cupboards and stock your house with fresh healthy foods.
Make an exercise plan for the week and do your best to stick to it.

Skinny isn't in my genes either so I know exactly where you are coming from.

You've gotten some good advice so far. I would suggest simply tracking your food for the first week in The Daily Plate or Fitday. Once you see what and how many calories you consume, you can see where there is room for improvement.

Surf around and settle in. We have subforums based on age, plan, exercise, and more! Good luck!