Hi, my name is K and I'm new here! I started my weight loss goals on July 22nd, 2010. I've changed my lifestyle majorly and completely and am really enjoying it.

I went from eating fast food and junk all the time (I'm a busy girl with not much time to cook, I know, no excuse) to eating 100% healthy and lean. I went from drinking beer/liquor every night to drinking nothing but water with an occasional drink or two with friends. I went from sitting on my can drawing and animating all day to walking 3-5 miles certain mornings, and working out at a small local gym for an hour and a half 5 times a week consistently. I quit smoking cold turkey by using an e-cig May 31st and haven't looked back or had a single cigarette. I feel fantastic!

I started off at 262lbs July 22nd, and am now at 244 as of this morning. My goal is to be at 140 lbs by the end of May, for a total of 122 lbs lost.

I've gone online to look for tips and answers to questions when I have them, and more often than not found myself on this forum getting info. Hence, my joining your ranks.

I'm not what you would call a traditional person I guess (in behavior, lifestyle and appearance), so I'm not sure how this will go. I figure at the very least, no matter how different I am I still share a common goal with all of you- to get fit, lean and get healthy.

So, here is my formal greeting to everyone! I am a very open and social person, so say hello! I promise I don't bite. I may headbang a little though.

Helllooo

Im new too but already loving this site! - my work is going to suffer! lol

well done for the weight loss so far! your doing great!! Inspiring me

Hey there, nice to meet you. Good luck with your goals, I know you can do it! The first couple weeks starting off are hard, but push through them and you can do anything! Once you see that weight start to drop off, you'll feel wonderful. If you need any help, I'm here for you.

Thanks!

Hi squidcandy!

I'm REALLY interested in the e-cig you mentioned. Did you buy it off the internet? Which ones are the best in your opinion? I desperately want to quit smoking again. I could use any help I can get.....and I think this electric cigarette sounds like it would be great for me because I tend to think that my addiction is much more the actual act of smoking than it is the nicotine. I could care less if a cig has nicotine and would smoke banana peels as long as I could smoke it.....and feel a substitute like this would really help me.

Any info and recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

And you have made an amazing turn around to health. To quit smoking and drastically change your eating plan/WOE is amazing, quite frankly. I figured I'd lose the weight first and then quit smoking because I didn't think I could handle both simultaneously. But congrats to you!!!

deena

Hi and welcome to 3FC.

Good luck with your goals.

Hugs
Michelle

So you're life has been totally turned inside out from the sounds of things. And it's working! That's incredible. It's so challenging to change so many things at once but it sounds like you've got things under control and it's all clicking for you. Glad you joined the group, it's rather awesome

Hi there, and thanks! I finally figured out the only one who could change my life was me. 10 years ago, I wouldn't have had the self confidence to change anything... I was a fat metal/punk kid who didn't care what people thought of me... and I still don't care! The thing that's changed is an inherent desire to not be self destructive. I've had a long 28 years, and have been through more than most will see in a lifetime. This is just another journey!

Re: smoking! I'd recommend this method of quitting to anyone, and have. I've inspired 25+ people in my life to change over (after they tried mine), and it's working for them too. I bought mine online from vapor4life.com, but there are several other reputable sites that sell similar products. v4l is the one I use, though. The best part is the flavors... you can get tobacco flavors, or fruit flavors, or even flavors like peach cobbler! My favorites right now are Dr. Pepper, Kamel (tastes more like a good black tea than camel cigs, but is yummy!) wow peppermint, and wow sour cherry. It serves a double duty... I get the feeling of smoking, and at the same time get a taste of the sweet treats I no longer eat, so I feel like I'm indulging! You can get various strengths of nicotine, down to zero. I thought quitting was going to be hard because honestly, I was a smoker who LOVED smoking. I was pleasantly surprised... and I love not stinking like a cig butt! There are tons of sites out there, and I'd be happy to help you or anyone else who has any questions.

Thanks for the kind words onederchick and tummy! I look forward to being active in this online communi-tay.

Welcome and good luck!

Dhani

Thanks! I'm excited to be here and meet all you wonderful folks.

Your doing great! We have very similar stats.

K!

Congratulations on your achievements so far. Completely changing your style of eating and living, is difficult, so good job! You've lost 18 pounds already! That's a long way that you've come, and I know you can get down to your goal.

Also, big congrats on quitting smoking. That's a HUGE accomplishment.

We have similar goals, as far as our total amount of weight that we want to lose, and I know we can do this.

You come to a wonderful place. The ladies (and gents) on here are so helpful, and supportive when you need it.

If you ever need some extra support, feel free to shoot me a message.

Stacey

Elijah's Pheonix: Thanks, you too! We do have very similar stats. I'm here if you need someone to lean on!

lostinstaticx:We can definitely do this. You're doing great too! Thanks for the words of encouragement! Everyone here has been so nice so far. If you need extra support as well, I'm here chica!

Good Morning K!! Kudos to you on your weight loss so far!!! I'm trying to get like you!!!! I'm working hard to lose about 100 lbs by next June so I will definitely keep pushing and while I'm at it I'll push u too Great Job- KEEP IT UP!!!
Shelley

Hello and welcome to 3FC. Congratulations on your accomplishments and success. Good luck to you in your journey and in reaching all your goals.