[aschoepke]

Hi Everyone!
I'm Annie, and I'm a 21-year-old college student from Wisconsin. I'm kind of intimidated to make a post, because I feel like people will "put me down" for complaining about my weight. Right now, I'm about 115 pounds...after seeing that number, I'm sure lots of people would stare open-mouthed at the computer screen, thinking, "Why is she, of all people, concerned with her weight?"

The thing is, I'm only 4'11. Three years ago, when I started college, I was only 95 pounds. So, when you really think about it, I've effectively gained slightly more than 20% of my body weight in 3 years. I've gone from a 26" waist to 31.5". Apart from being completely uncomfortable with my physical appearance, I can really feel the effects of the extra 20 pounds...and it scares me.

I never feel "awake". It's like I'm in a constant state of fatigue, and climbing even one flight of stairs gets me huffing and puffing. I'm sick of it! I've tried "dieting" for the past year, but I always seem to lose my focus and slip into old habits. Also, since I'm 21 now, it doesn't help that all my friends want to do on the weekends is hang out at the bar. I'm not interested in succumbing to a diet and depriving myself - I know I need to make more of a "lifestyle change" - but college life, combined with its stresses and the perpetual "Let's go get a drink" is really not helping.

I plan to eat 4-5 small meals throughout the day, ranging from 200-400 calories. I'd like to stick within the range of 1,200-1,400 calories a day. I also got myself a nifty little tape measure and a food diary, so I plan to use those. I have a scale, but I think I'll only weigh myself a couple times a week.

My main goals are to feel better and look better. I'd like to lose 10-15 pounds, but to me, the number on the scale is secondary. I'm really looking forward to meeting new people and taking control of my health once and for all!

Good luck everyone, and thanks for taking the time to read this!

Hiya and welcome onboard!!
It doesn't matter if you have to loose 2 or 200 pounds, you are welcome of course!

[elyseface]

I know just what you mean about the college life making it harder to be healthy. It takes a lot of willpower to eat better when junk food is so cheap and all your friends are going out for burgers and fries (not to mention that booze)! Your plan for small meals is the way to go, though. As long as you keep your body satisfied with small, healthy meals, it'll get easier to turn down unhealthy treats and oversized portions. Good luck!