FINALLY! I guess the 20 days are up since I joined as I was finally able to do a signature. For some unknown reason this has made me inordinately happy. Maybe it's because I'm a very visual person. Maybe it's because I have no patience with some things and I really wanted my signature tracker. Maybe it's because I went out to eat last night, woke up weighing 2 pounds more and realizing that this really does have to be a life style change and not just a diet.

What's motivating you today?

It's a goal accomplished and a reward. Good for you Betsy! Keep it going!

Kathy

I'm looking forward to my signature tracker as well, Betsy. What's motivating me is the photo that I posted of me holding my son. I realize that I DID lose my weight, and that I WILL do it again.

Have a great weekend,

Rob

Congratulations! I have been on here so long and through so many ups and downs that I can't remember how I felt about my tracker. I'm sure I was pleased, though.

What's motivating me today? I have a new blouse in a size Large Petite and it fits well. No more plus sizes which are always too big for me except for my fat stomach.

Congrats! I also enjoy updating my signature line. I like the butterfly one you chose.

congrats on your ticker! And look how far you've come already!! You are getting so close to halfway on your top ticker, that's awesome! As is your epiphany about this being a life style change and not a "diet." (although I think that goes both ways - there is room in life to enjoy a dinner out because weight loss isn't a race and you don't have to finish it by a certain time. As long as you are right back on track today, all is good!)

I love getting to change my ticker and also my chickie avatar for each 5 lbs. It's very motivating to me - I keep thinking I should try to come up with mini rewards like so many people do, but really, changing my ticker and avatar are my mini rewards! I have promised myself to log in at 3fc every day, and every day, I am happy to see my progress.

I love updating my tickers too, I just have to remember every time where to go and what to change lol.

Wow, Betsy, you have only been here since December? I feel like I have known you so much longer (lol). You are a helpful contributor and I look forward to reading your posts. Now I will look forward to seeing you update your ticker! I love the bond we all have here!

I set up my tracker today too! I know exactly how you feel! I love it!

Looks like I am where you were 20 days ago, so I would appreciate any pointers for getting acclimated to the website. I started doing 60 minute workouts 5-6 days per week a little over 2 weeks ago and am feeling stronger, but haven't really done much with the eating yet. I am 64, had both knees replaced a year and a half ago (soon after I retired) and am looking forward to fixing myself so that I can actually be living my life in retirement, instead of just existing. I worked out this morning, but am having a minor surgery tomorrow, so won't be working out again for a little while. I am hoping to be eating less during my short recovery period, though, so would like to see my weight going down. I am kind of interested in paleo/primal type eating and also interested in the 8 hour window for eating. I like having a glass or two of wine in the evening, so will miss giving that up.

Sassafras!

As far as using the site, I really love the 100 lb Club, which has a lot of people who weigh in the 200s, trying to get down into the 100s (although lots of others post there too, of course). And the general Weight Loss Support forum is really interesting and helpful too.

And there are low carb threads including some specifically for Paleo/Primal as well as some for intermittant fasting. I think that it's helpful to have a place to chat and ask questions with others doing the same plan.

and of course, the 50+ forum, although it's not quite as active as some of the others.

Personally, I'd start putting more emphasis on eating. The conventional wisdom is that weight loss is 80% diet and 20% activity. It's great that you have been doing regular work outs, and that is so good for your overall health and fitness, but you'll definitely see a bigger difference on the scale from the eating part of the equation.

Good luck, and hope you have a speedy recovery from your upcoming surgery!

Thanks, April Snow --

I'm the one who has always been telling people that exercise is great, but it isn't going to do much toward weight loss -- that you can do nothing physical, but eat less and you will have weight loss. Somehow, I just got started with this exercise program and wasn't ready to think too hard about my diet, although, I have been doing some work on it. I will check some of the other areas.

This site has been extremely helpful! Lots of really great people here to help me stay focused!

So ready for my ticker too! GRATS

Thanks for all the great feedback and particularly the kind words about my contributions. My nickname as a child was Chatterbox......and I think I've just migrated it to written instead of verbal!

This site continues to help me so much. And one thing that has been very encouraging is the fact that so many people are losing weight on so many different plans. It helped me realize that I needed to find what worked for me.