Howdy all --

I'm Emily, age 42, in northwest Texas. I've been lurking for some time, but wanted to intro myself. I've had yo-yo syndrome all my life -- from starving myself down to 108 pounds, to my all-time high this past September of 212.

For a lot of reasons this fall I decided it was time to take some responsibility and intiative, and so I'm happy to say that I've whittled my weight down to 187.8 as of this morning. Still have a long way to go, but I feel good so far!

Eating plan: I'm basically watching calories and fat grams. I try to eat between 1200-1300 cals per day, and have to be careful not to make that too heavy on the carbs. I avoid all processed sugars except two tsps in my coffee each morning, and I cut out all sodas some time ago. (Not easy, but I've been glad I did it.)

So far I've dropped two dress sizes, which is very encouraging, and I'm hoping to lose down to somewhere between 125 and 130 by my birthday next August. If I'm within shouting distance of goal, I plan to reward myself with a much-desired trip to someplace islandy and tropical. *grin*

In any case, my focus is on making smarter food choices, getting more bang for my calorie "dollar," and trying to learn portion control, moderation, and eating in a fashion I can follow for the rest of my life. My shortcoming right now is exercise -- aside from a lot of brisk walking in my hospital job, that is just about it, and I'm not happy with that. I plan to join our hospital gym this next week and get to work on the cardio side of matters.

I wanted to say how delighted I've been to find this forum, and how much I've enjoyed so many of the discussions here. Hope to contribute to them myself, and in the meantime I wish everyone a happy holiday season and the very best of health.

Em

Welcome!!!!

I usally post over in teh Dr. Phil or WW Slimmin' Sistas Thread, but I read you post and wanted to say WELCOME!! I too try to get the most bang for my calorie "dollar". That is an expression I use alot Best of luck I am sure you'll be hitting those sandy beaches by August!

welcome. I know all about yo-yo dieting, I have been doing it for like six years. I am slowly getting better, and closer to my desired weight. But it hase been a very slow process. I bet you will have no problem getting to go on that vacation. I don't even remember the last vacation I took.

A great motivator for that could be buying a swimsuit in the size you want to be, and hanging it somewhere that you can see it. I have an outfit like that for me that is hanging right in the middle of my closet so i see it everyday.

Thank you for the welcome! *dreaming of tropical paradise* I think it must be that cold wind that has me thinking of pina coladas....

I sure do plan for that vacation. It's been a while for me, too.

However -- I took that bathing suit out TODAY and put it where I'd see it often. Heee! I haven't been in that one for...um...years.

Thank you for the welcome!!