Hello there...

My name is Laura and I decided to implement some serious changes in my life a few weeks ago. I need all the help I can get so I figured I'd join up and hopefully gain some inspiration (and maybe impart some as well).

So far I've lost 17 lbs and I feel strong and good about the future. I've tried many diets in the past and usually wound up gaining more after I gave up. This time I feel much more positive and am doing my best to look at it as a life change and not a temporary thing.

Anyway, enough babbling...

I look forward to getting to know some of the people here and here's an advance "thank you" to everyone here for what I am sure will be a very positive experience for me.

Well wishes,

Laura aka Moonspheres

Hi Laura and welcome. You'll find sooo much here. Help, support ... even some posters you'll soon consider to be friends.
Tell us a little more about how you've lost so far.

Welcome aboard Laura. Lynette

Hiya Lynette & SusanB & thanks for the warm welcome!

As for how I've lost the weight so far, it has been a lot easier than I thought (which is surprising hehehe)

I installed the home version of "fitday" onto my computer and I eat about 5 times per day (sometimes only 4) and I keep my daily calorie intake below 1800. I've actually been averaging about 1300 and I don't seem to be hungry or having cravings too bad. Fitday seems to help a lot as I have to log everything I eat and for some reason, I really enjoy that.

I am trying to keep my saturated fat and cholesterol down to a minimum but I'm not putting any other restrictions. I'm finding that it is working well because there isn't really anything that I can't have in moderation.

I am learning to enjoy meatless burgers, bacon, sausage, etc. though (they are a really good alternative for me) and it helps me keep the calories down while still enjoying the trimmings and condiments.

Oh.. and I'm drinking about 120-130 oz of water a day and trying to get a bit more active.

whew... that was a mouthful!!!

Anyway, it seems to be working and I rarely (if ever) feel too hungry or deprived. I'm looking forward to keeping it up and shedding the pounds.

Again thanks for the warm welcome. I really hope to get to know some of y'all

Well wishes,

Laura

I love fitday! It has been my right arm as far as weight loss is concerned.
You sound like you have a good head on your shoulders and I'm sure you'll do very well.
Have you been exploring here at 3 Fat Chicks? There's lots of threads you'll enjoy. Just pop in and say a little something.

Hi Laura and welcome! Sounds like you have a good start on things, and that helps a lot. I was staggering a bit in the first 2 weeks but it gets easier once you just decide what you need to do.

I also have the PC version of fitday and it has been THE thing that is key in helping me stick to this, this time around.

You've lost 17 pounds so far, that's so awesome!! Congrats, only 3 more til you hit 20! woo hooo!!

Oh btw I love your avatar pic.. is that you? Neat shot (photo nut here).

~ Angie

Laura, how do those meatless meats taste?? I want to try them, but don't want no bland taste. I started back on my treadmill. I'm up to 40 mins. a day now & going to Curves also. I try to keep my calorie intake to 1500 a day. Need to get off at least 6lbs by Aug. 16th. I'm going to Florida. Lynette

Lynette, I've tried a couple of the meatless products and my opinion is that you should try a couple of different brands, but be really careful about looking at the labels, some have added 'stuff' in them that make them fattening, as with many other vegetarian or vegan products.

I like to try different stuff like that when I see it and I really like some, and not others. Also really it depends on what you cook them with, or add to them. I have tried the Yves ground meat (simulated hamburger meat) and wow it was yummy. Their hot dogs were ok too if you put some ketchup + mustard on em but ew they taste a bit bitter plain. I'm not sure if Yves is Cdn or American company tho ? since I am in Canada.