Hi there,

I've never been a memeber of a Forum before, but I have read lots of them

Just like everyone else here, I joined for the support to lose weight...for me it's my 'baby weight'. Even though my youngest baby is 8 years old!

I guess I can't even call it my 'baby weight' anymore since I now weigh more than when I was 9 months pregnant with her.

I know I didn't gain all this weight over night...it was a process...the same as it will be a process to take it back off.

Well, here's hoping that the recent changes I have made in my life (diet and exercise) will work for me. As you can tell, I am not very confident in my ability to acomplish my goal...and this is where all of you come in! I have spent the last couple hours reading through the many different threads and am thanking you all already! So many success stories out there...

Thanks for reading...

Hi ArmyGirl!

I'm new here too and an totally relate. My 'baby weight' is pushing 7 .

Do you have a strategy? Is there a certain diet or calorie limit you are following? Do you have a short term goal?

Welcome, ArmyGirl! I'm with Clumsy---do you have a plan or a certain diet your following? And what's made my weightloss easier for me this time around is not thinking of the "big picture." I have a total of 70ish pounds I need to lose, but my problem was concentrating too much on that high number. I found that if I break it up into smaller chunks, it seems much more doable. I'm setting my weightloss goals at 5 pounds. Each time I drop 5, I shoot for another 5. Much easier to stomach that way Goodluck!!

!

I have completely changed the way I eat...cutting down on sugar intake and not eating out anymore as the 'quick fix' on busy nights. I go to the grocery store more often to stock up on fresh fruits and veggies I am more prepared now with healthy snacks 'ready to eat' (I get them ready a few days at a time - wash fruits and seperate into portions in baggies in the fridge)
I am also starting to exercise more often - my daughter and I are now taking a family Zumba class every Friday evening! It's fun and it makes me sweat! And I feel so good afterwards!
I also have set rewards for myself for every 5 lbs I lose starting with the first 10 lbs I loose! It's small little things like: buy a new workout shirt, a new pair of workout shorts...etc. - yes, I know it's kind of a waste of money cause hopefully within a few months they will be too big for me...but it will help keep me motivated in the meantime!
I am the type of person who needs to "see results", so I have also taken measurements (in case the scale doesn't drop like I think it should lol).
If anyone has any other tips or tricks that worked for them, please share!

I am also keeping a food journal - forgot to mention that in my last post. lol

Welcome, ArmyGirl! The first step to weight loss is committing. This forum has been helpful and inspiring to me. I hope that it is to you, too!

Making the lifestyle changes necessary in order to lose and keep the weight off isn't easy. I've been making changes incrementally, so that I wouldn't be too discouraged and give up. For example, when I started in April, I was 200 pounds. I started out with brisk walking five times a week, and then added in a light weights routine after I got my stamina up. There are plenty of ways to fit workouts into your busy schedule.

Stick with your decision!

Hi ArmyGirl and welcome! Sounds like you are on your way!

I have to say that logging in here almost everyday has really helped me to stay on track. May I suggest finding a challenge or a support group to join? You will be able to check in often and get some support from others (whether you are doing great for the moment or not so great.)

I was going to also suggest new workout clothes, but you have already done that.

Keep us updated and I wish you the best of luck!