Hey everyone. I was so excited to find a site like this. My name is Shantel and I live in Missouri. In January, I slowly started to make healthy changes and it has really snowballed. I have lost 14 pounds and am feeling very positive and encouraged about life. I won't say that I haven't had some setbacks, but I just try to move on when they happen and just keep making healthy choices. I'd love to talk to anyone that's new to this too.

Hi Shantel, I am in Missouri too. I started my life change in January but have had a down hill spiral the last week or so. I used to Lurk and not post here but after my downhill lately I think I need to talk it out to get it out.

I am a food addict and binger (sometimes purge as well) and this site has so many topics on both problems. They really help I spend hours just reading throughout the day. You will never run out of suggestions or things to read here.

Welcome from a fellow Missourian and Good luck with all your goals

Hi, Shantel and

I also am a Missourian. This is a great site with a lot of encouragement and support in many areas. I'm sure you will find the support that you need here as I have.

Best wishes
Denise

Hi Shantel!

What a riot this thread is! I don't live in Missouri now but I grew up there and lived there until I was 29!!! Bunch of Midwesterners in here LOL. Now I am in the great Pacific Northwest and loving it!

Glad to have you in the forum and thanks for the intro. Great picture too! Looks like "down home."

Thanks everyone. It's cool that so many are from this area. It's exciting to be able to talk to and interact with others with the same goals and mindset. I know I'm going to like it here.

Hi Shantel! 14 pounds is an amazing start-- you're almost halfway done already! And don't worry too much about the setbacks. Life will always throw trip-ups in your way but you always can manage to get past them.

I love your icon too; it's very serene and refreshing. Ahhhhhhhhhhhh....