This is my first attempt at joining a forum and really going at it. I've always been over weight and I've tried several things to lose it but it's never worked. I know that I don't belong in this body at all and I need help getting down to the real me. I've browsed the forums for a while and have noticed how far so many of you have come and I can't help but want that for myself. I'm not even sure where to begin with this weight loss adventure. I hope that you all could please take the time to let me know a couple of things that have seemed to work for you. The absolute worst part of my body is my large "front butt" , so if any of you have tips on how to bring that down especially, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Well, I'm really new here and pretty much in the same rutt as you, so I'll leave the advice to the pros here, but I will say

WELCOMEEEEEEEE and you're going to love it here

This is a great bunch of people around here and there is no shortage of support... jump on in

Oh, and I heart Nashville. I'm jealous that you get to live there

Oh, and to answer your questions... no suggestion as for how to spot reduce because you basically can't. What plan are you following? Are you exercising at all?

And I know what you mean about not belonging in your body. I felt that way my whole life.

Welcome, apotter8. This forum has helped me so much, because it has given me motivation and drive to become healthy. There are so many diet programs and workouts out there that have helped people, so I know it's hard to find the right one for you. When it comes to food, calorie counting and smart choices can help the weight come off. Something as simple as replacing white rice with brown rice or steamed veggies as opposed to french fries, can help you go far. As for working out, cardio and weight training will do amazing things to your body. Junebug41 is right about spot reducing not working, but doing some ab work can help build muscle, while cardio helps burn the fat.

Good luck, and remember, there are so many people on this site that can help you if you need it!

Sadly, I don't have a plan as of yet. I'm trying to come up with one. For sure, I'm going back to my old days of water. I've kicked the soda before and I can do it again. As far as excercising goes, I tried walking but i think I did too much too fast and ended up sore for a week. Now it's getting cold and I'm afraid I can't really pick up on the walking now. I'd like to maybe look into some exercise videos. I'm also hoping to up the veggie intake and lay off the fast food. I'm just not sure what foods are "BEST" for me. There's a lot of figuring out I have to do.

Welcome!! Everyone is so sweet and encouraging...stick to the forums, and it will definitely help.

Best of luck hun...we're all right along side ya!

Welcome! I think it's very sensible that you look into how you are going to do it before you really start. If you haven't really exercised for a long time it might be a good idea to start very, very slow. Like, 5 or 10 minutes at a time slow. You should give your body time to adapt to it.

Good luck, and we're here for you!

you have came to the right place! you can find all sorts of motivation, inspiration, and advice around here. i know i am on here daily reading everything i can and trying to get some ideas of what i need to be doing. as far as the exercising goes, personally, i really enjoy leslie sansone walk away the pounds. if you want to start out with walking but the weather is getting too cold to go outside (like it is here in ohio) these are great videos! i love them! and it is a great workout! just a suggestion. there are plenty of other good dvd's out there as well.

Welcome! You will find your way.... don't worry

this forum is nothing but good news. everyone here is really supportive and knows a lot.

but yeah, i love nashville, too. my mom lives in murfreesboro and i'm trying to get an internship with the predators this summer.

Do it! I spent last summer interning for the Grammys and I had the time of my life. It's a great place to spend only a couple of months because everyone's so nice you don't have to try very hard to make friends.

Such a fun place.

interning for the grammys! that sounds crazy fun!!

It was! What kind of internship do you want to do?

Welcome!!