Hi everyone!

I have always struggled with my weight, and was able to successfully lose 40lbs by following Atkins many years ago. Unfortunately, due to some other health issues (thyroid, fibromyalgia, etc.), work stress, and depression I have gained it all back.

I have pretty much put my life on hold for the last 7 years....I work from home, I stopped dating, etc....all because of my weight. I finally decided that I need to start losing in order to start living again, and I am hoping that everyone here can help me stay motivated and on plan.

I'll be starting off with the Ideal Protein plan because I am looking to lose some weight quickly. Then I will probably transition to Atkins since I prefer to eat whole, unprocessed foods (and Ideal Protein shakes don't qualify as whole food to me).

Please wish me luck!

bethany

Welcome to the forum! So glad you joined us.
Be sure to check out the Ideal Protein forum on this site as I am sure you will find a ton of information there.
I wish you all the best in you weight loss journey.

Thank you....I am headed there right now to post on the Daily Chat thread!

Bethany, welcome, glad to have you join us. I suggest you look for a Challenge or Support group to join; small check-in groups make it easier to connect, get involved, and be accountable. We have groups centering around specific diet plans such, themes, or age groups, so find one that inspires you and just post to join! Be sure to check out Dieting with Obstacles and the Depression sub forums, too.

BETHANY ~ a wise man here once reminded us to "LIVE BETWEEN THE STEPS" ... on the road back to good health! Glad you decided to join us here; this is a great place with lots of support and neat people. Jump right in wherever you like, and enjoy yourself!

Thank you patchworkpenguin - I have been posting today on the IP daily thread, and it has definitely helped me stay focused.

Justwant2Bhealthy - I have ceased to "live" for many years, so I am looking to reassimilate myself sooner rather than later. You are totally right that I should not wait until that goal weight is met, because who knows how long it will really take and why miss more of life? Thanks for that reminder.