Hello to everyone on 3FC! I signed up a few days ago but today is the first day that I've really been reading and posting.

A little about me: I'm 21, I currently weight 150 pounds and I'm trying to reach 125 over the course of a year or so. I'm not terribly unhappy with my physical appearance, but I know that I'm not where I want to be and there's no reason to make excuses for myself and not work to get there!

My biggest downfall is late night eating and grazing. I have a busy schedule (I work freelance during the day and then have a part time job in the evenings) and that often means that I don't always take the time to eat healthy meals. Because my nights are interrupted by work, I often eat dinner after I get home (around 10pm) and usually what I make isn't very healthy (last night I made french fries with cheese and ketchup!)

My biggest problem areas are my arms (my bat wings ) and my thighs, especially those pesky inner thighs. I'd love to see my arms trim and toned and my thighs just a little less jiggly!

For right now, I'm trying to combat my unhealthy eating habits through portion control and a vegan diet that focuses on raw fruits and veggies, with some nuts, brown rice and beans thrown in for good measure. I want to be doing yoga regularly as well.

My first goal is to lose 5 pounds and get out of the 150's!

Hi PuddleJumper!! Welcome to 3FC!!
I actually have a similar goal to you I'm 19, and I weighed 143, and now I currently weigh 125. And I want to lose weight to feel and look better! I started mid July, and weight 125 currently. It's been a long journey, but worth it!

I used to have a problem with late night eating as well, I go to school from early morning until 6, and on the days I don't go to school, I have long shifts at work. What helped me was preparing meals the night before so I can enjoy healthy meals on my breaks during my day. I also found that keeping a food and exercise diary helped me tons!! Plus packing meals always reminds me not to buy food, so I save money and my health. At home I got rid of a majority of the bad foods so they would be out of sight and out of mind. I also made a set schedule of when to eat, and it has really kept me on track, it's like a mental alarm clock for when I can eat :P

My hugest concerns were and still are my thighs and arms as well!! But I have been doing cardio, and a bit of weight training. Although I myself don't really see a difference in my legs, other people do which makes me ecstatic. As for the arms, I guess it's something that will come off a bit later, they are definitely more firm than when they once were. Lunges help a lot!! and the elliptical as well, that is if you have time and the equipment, other than that walking is great. I try to get at least 20 min of exercise in each day.

And cheers to your first goal!! I always tend to make my goals smaller and more attainable... which means more celebrations on weight lost!! ANYWAYS GOODLUCK!! AND ENJOY 3FC

Congratulations treesa76! That's awesome and totally motivating!

I've started using the food and exercise journal on everdayhealth.com (which I love because it breaks down what your calorie and nutrition targets should be!) I've definitely noticed it helping me out already-- last night I got home and wanted to just snack on everything but I knew I only had 600 calories left for dinner and didn't want to go over!

Best of luck on your upcoming goals!