[Seattle Mom]

Hello all! I've just signed up today on 3FC to find a place to share my thoughts and my journey with others who can relate. Keeping things inside for fear of embarrassment int working so why keep it up. On many occassions lately I've heard others say that you can't take care of your family unless you take care of yourself. Today I've decided to believe that statement. I'm a 34 year old woman. Wife. Mother to a 16 year old boy. Mother to a 3 year old boy. Hair stylist. Daughter. Sister. Friend. .... and stranger to you. Today I start taking care of me right along with my family. I want to live healthy along side my children and my husband. I want to feel good. I want energy. I want to care what my *** looks like in a pair of jeans... not just take them home because I am able to zip them up!

[Samantha100]

Welcome. I feel your pain, we all feel your pain. You have to make a lifelong commitment to take care of yourself by eating better. For me, its calorie counting (and I've tried many diets). You have to learn to eat regular food in portions that are appropriate. Get yourself a digital food scale ($25) and weight everything that goes into your mouth. Next, start using Fit Day (on line for free) and keep a food/exercise journal. You will soon learn two magic number, the number of calories you can eat and still lose weight, and the number of calories you can eat and maintain your weight. Please don't try to stave yourself - it will only lower you metabolism and delay your weight loss in the long run. Try to cut 500-1000 calories/day out and that will let you lose between 4-8 pounds per month. Don't think about dieting, think about making permanent changes in your life so you will feel better about yourself, look better, and live longer. Good luck Seattle Mom.

[size8]

Welcome Seattle Mom...

All I can say is you need to be motivated, committed and dedicated. And you have to be willing to put in the work to get results. We are all here to support each other so share your frustrations and happy times with us and we will do our best to support you....

Work hard and it will pay off...

[2behealthy]

Welcome aboard. You will find all the support you need here. Jump in and take off!

[mandalinn82]

You might want to check out any of our boards by eating plan (depending which you're following), the 300+ board or the 100 lb club, and the 30-somethings...all would be wonderful places to start.

Can't wait to get to know you better!

[Windchime]

Welcome, neighbor! I live over the mountains from you in Eastern WA. You have found a good place. If you haven't been over to the Goal! section, take a look. There are lots of stories and before-and-after pictures that are very, very inspirational. There are ladies (and a few gents) who have lost very impressive amounts of weight and have become so healthy and fit. Whenever I feel my determination flagging, that's where I go!

We have lots of forums here, so settle in and have a look around! Glad to see another Washington girl here!