I figured after 2 weeks of finding some solace in this place, and seeing that other people go through the same crazy thought processes I do every so often, I may as well become a member so I can input every once in a while. I'm 27, I've struggled with my weight for as long as I can remember. My highest weight was 262, when I was 23, and I decided something needed to be done. I spent 8 months at weight watchers doing really well, keeping it mostly a secret besides from my mom whom I tell everything, and my other half at the time who was extremely supportive. I've always lived alone so making food decisions was very easy. I left WW and continued to do very well on my own, getting down to 174 at my very lowest. I worked my butt off (literally) because I was going on my first vacation that required a bathing suit, and after all my hard work, I wasn't going to accept anything less than walking around in a 2 piece. I barely wore anything else the entire time, it was glorious. That was in March of 2012, probably the happiest I've ever been with myself. Since then however, it has been a steady stream of slips and falls and when I went to Mexico last december for christmas I was 194. Not looking large because I had discovered that I absolutely love the olympic style weight-lifting and had a trainer. So a few pounds heavier than I would have liked the scale to say, but comfortable in a bathing suit, and muscles to boot I survived christmas vacation. Since then I have moved in with my boyfriend (whom I met on vacation and fell almost instantly in love with) and was going to try not to weigh myself every single day to rely on a number to verify my happiness, and just simply "be good about eating"...Fast forward two months, I got on someone elses scale for fun?! Weighing in at a whopping 223. The heaviest I've been in 4 years, and the most I've hidden from cameras in my entire life. I hate to think that all of my hard work is gone but it pretty much has. So, I'm here for group support because it has always helped me to see other people succeed and have input from other people. I like working out alright, but food is my major issue. Hiding from it is not an option as I'm a chef and I literally cook all night long. I'm really good during the day, I start work at 3pm and suddenly I forget that I ate a healthy meal before I started and eat every french fry and sample the soup de jour without hesitation.I'm here for help.

Welcome!

Welcome! Looks like you've got a case of new love weight gain :P (been there done that....). You did it once and you can do it again! It sounds like you've added and held into some really healthy habits already. You will find an excellent support system in this forum

Hi and welcome You obviously know how to play this game as you have lost weight in the past. It is now a matter of winning the game and getting to the finish line once and for all. Being a chef, this could be to your advantage as you can choose the right foods (and bad foods with moderation).

Good luck!!

Hello and welcome! I lost 50 pounds about 5 years ago and have gained it (plus some) back. I can sympathize! You did the right thing coming here; there is lots of support here.

Good luck!

I'm either great about food at work or the complete opposite. I'm not good with moderation of junk food, it is better for me to have none at all, but I don't mind that when that's how it has to be. If I need a little something sweet I may have a skim milk/ no sugar added pudding or a ripe peach. Sometimes I have the problem of eating too much fruit..thanks everyone, it's nice to have support, I know it can be done with constant effort