Hello!
My name is Megan and I'm 25 years old. I joined this forum because I need help. I (FINALLY!) started my weight loss journey in October after no longer being able to ignore the 80lbs I added to my already overweight body.

I started using a 2 shake a day diet (not sure if I'm allowed to say which one) and got fantastic results. In 45 days I went from a horrifying 319lbs to 287lbs. I ultimately stopped after just 2 short months because I was HUNGRY. No matter what I did this diet left me with extreme hunger pains. I kept being told I'd get used to it, I'm shrinking my stomach. As happy as I was with how I was changing, I felt like I was starving myself.

I gave up and gained back 12lbs.
I genuinely want to make 2013 about me & my health. (I've spent most other years putting all of my time and effort into the well being of others)

I don't want a gimmick or fad diet. I'm looking for a lifestyle change to just eat healthy and exercise.

That's my ultimate goal of joining this forum, to meet people who understand and can shower me with their words of wisdom.

Thanks for reading all of this!

I understand where you're coming from although I haven't gotten too far with my weight loss as I just started. But I can tell you one thing, its hard.

The first 3 or 4 days for me weren't torture, but it was difficult to get through. I downloaded an app, LoseIt! (which I would recommend to ANYONE wanting to lose weight). You plug in your stats and what your goal weight is. It'll give a number of calories to restrict to.

At first I thought "Hey, this will be easy, I can eat whatever I want if it's in my calorie budget." To an extent thats true, but it didn't take long for me to have to have a mental debate over whether to eat the 4 apples, or a grilled cheese sandwich. You can get so much more food, filling food, by watching what you eat then you'll ever have with unhealthy food. Unhealthy food is like a leaking pool, you'll constantly have to refill it.

As I said, the first 4 days were hard to "train" my body that I wasn't going to consume as many calories, but after that hurdle, it's been easy. Slowly incorporate exercise. I never thought I'd say this, but damn does it feel good after a workout.

Just keep your determination and don't give up. If you fall down, stand up tall again because it happens to everyone. The best thing you can do to make this process easier, is believe in yourself. Block all negativity and set mini goals. I used to think mini goals were pointless, but boy was I wrong.

I'd suggest getting a calorie counting app, a measuring tape, food scale, make sure to have all measuring cups and spoons, and restock with healthy, whole, nutrient-rich foods.

Like so many people say, you didnt gain this weight overnight, you're not going to lose it overight.

Good luck, and welcome

Thank you so much

Welcome and good luck on your journey!!!