Hi everyone . . .

I made the decision a week ago tomorrow to change my life . . . to stop killing myself with food. I am 31 (will be 32 next week), 5'4" and 321 lbs. I've lost 5 lbs. since Monday. My goal weight is around 160 lbs. (I know this is not the "medically recommended" weight, but it's what I weighed in high school and if I can get down to that, I'll be thrilled.)

I know this won't be easy, but this is not a "diet" . . . I am changing my lifestyle. I've struggled with weight most of my life. I know that my food issues are not really about food . . . I use food to replace emotional needs, always have. I'm working towards reconciling those emotional needs because if I don't, I will always go back to overeating.

I've had a great week so far. I'm not counting my calories or anything like that. I'm just eating healthier. I went to the produce market and stocked up on all kinds of vegetables. When I feel the need to overindulge, I do . . . just on cucumbers, lettuce and green peppers! Instead of putting a pile of cheese on my eggs in the morning, I put on a pile of vegetables. And when I get hungry at 3am, I eat a salad instead of a bag of chips.

Working out is tough for me because of back and knee pain. I have been doing the Wii Fit every day. I've worked out for at least an hour every day (except Wednesday because I spent the day at the beach . . . but swimming with my daughter in the ocean and walking up and down the board walk for a few hours should have covered it :P). I'm looking into finding a swim aerobics class.

I'm sorry this was so long! I am so determined to make this work this time. I have high blood pressure for the first time in my life, I'm at risk for diabetes and I really want to be able to keep up with my daughter. I'm also positive that if I don't change, I will die. And my baby's only 6 years old . . . I want to watch her grow up!

Thank you for listening (reading)! I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone here and sharing in your successes!

~Dayle

Hi Dayle! I too have struggled with emotional eating in my life and am trying to overcome it this time around. Since as long as I can remember I have always reached for food for comfort and loved that it was the only thing in my life that I could control. Well, now it's time to change this and I only hope to have the willpower you do; changing your 3 am snack to a salad is awesome!
Anyways good luck, you can do it!

Hi Dayle! I definitely see where you're coming from with the emotional eating. I find that even getting out for a walk takes my mind off of any "emotional problems". Also, I've had success with binging on fruits instead of chips! It's definitely a step in the right direction!! and we're here for you anytime if you need us!!

Hi Dayle! Welcome! I really really love the way you said "this is not a 'diet' . . . I am changing my lifestyle" - perfect wording and mindset! I too am an emotional/stress eater... I think I will take up your mentality and change my lifestyle, instead of calling it dieting! Good luck to you!

Hi Dayle, I am new here also. I am finding when I am feeling the craving to eat something bad I just come on this site and read inspirational posts like yours and it makes me feel great! I look forward to being part of the chats. Great job with your first 5 pounds lost!

Thank you all so much for the warm welcome!

This definitely feels like a wonderful group so far :-)

Thanks everyone!!

I haven't had much time since I first posted to browse through the group, so I'm looking forward to doing some of that now :-)

You are all definitely an inspiration that will help keep me going and I hope be able to contribute the same back!

Wonderful that you took the first step and decided to make a life change. I wish you the best of luck!!!

Welcome to 3fc, wish u all the best in your efforts, take one day at a time and you'll achieve all your goals and more!

So LOVING this group so far! Everyone is so positive :-)

fight2winthis - My mouth dropped open when I saw your weight stats untill I realized it was kgs :P (I'm a lil slow sometimes!)

Shesha, I would love to be buddies and support each other! I think it definitely helps when someone else is working towards the same goal from about the same place!

My favorite activities for burning calories are the Rhythm Boxing and Super Hoola Hoop. I also like the Step Aerobics and Obstacle Course. When I just need a break between the higher impact stuff, I do the Penguin Slide or some of the Yoga workouts. . . . Do you use the Wii Fit?

I am so proud of you! Btw...this is my first post on this site. I am new here too. I have been working on gradually changing my lifestyle and I am convinced that is the only thing that will work for me. I hope to see you around the site and look forward to reading all about your success!!!!