Hi, my name's Ilia. I'm new to the forum and really new to actually talking to people about my weight since I've always been so embarrassed about it. I tend to try and laugh it off but inside it breaks my heart. I really want to change my life and LIVE.

I actually didn't even know a forum like this existed (though I probably should've since the internet has everything lol).

Hi Ilia, Welcome to 3FC!!! I know how difficult it can be to talk about your weight. I hate it! Other than on here, the only person I really talk to about my weight is my trainer and that's because I have to!

The best thing about 3FC is that you'll always get support and help from people who are or have been in similar situations and its easier to talk to people about everything because you know you're not going to be judged!

Are you following a particular plan or anything?

Thanks so much! It's amazing and rare feeling like people aren't judging

I'm not really following a plan yet. I'm trying to figure out what to do. I try to limit my calories and fat, drink water (I have a bad habit of forgetting though and I get dangerously dehydrated), and I get a fair amount of "exercise" working (I do home health and do a lot of cleaning and stuff that leaves my muscles tired and sore at the end of the day). My biggest hurdle is finding and actually eating food better for me.

I've always found the food aspect harder than exercise. IOver the last few years i've tried loads of stupid diets but I think the thing that's worked for me is to try and stay away from pretty much all processed foods and limit the fat I eat. Oooh this is kinda random but I dont know if you know but apparently drinking ice water helps lose weight! I think it increases you metabolism or something like that!

Processed foods are the worst but they're the cheapest...annoying how that works out. Oh yeah! I've heard that about ice water too. I just need a bigger freezer lol cuz there's no space in there for an ice cube tray (I've got a tiny freezer that barely holds my frozen veggies, meat, and sometimes bread.)

Hi Ilia, welcome and congratulations on joining this group. I read your blog about processed foods being cheaper - the reality is they are more convenient. It's is really quick easy and quick to prepare a healthy meal - the key thing is that you need to plan. I have found that planning has helped me to keep me on track. I would consider investing into a good cook book and preparing your meals in advance. Good luck with your journey.

Hi Freedom One, thanks for the welcome! Yeah the reality of processed foods is sad. For people (like me) it seems like they're all I can afford and have time for but I suppose that's just because I'm not used to better meals anymore since I've been working all the time. I've got a lot of great cook books handed down to me from my grandmother and mom I need to go through. Thanks and good luck to you too!

Welcome Ilia! Congrats on your weight loss thus far

Thanks! And congrats to you too (saw your ticker and wow you've done great!)