[Jelma]

Okay, did I get your attention? My name is Jess, I live in Cincinnati, Ohio. I actually hate it when people call it the Nati, I just liked the rhyme

But anyway, I am 29 and have been overweight my entire adult life. Well except that few months when I did the Atkins diet. I stopped cold turkey and gained it all back plus a few. Besides that very short period, I don't remember the last time I weighed less than 160lbs. Over the past few years of eating too much, drinking too much and quitting smoking about 4 times I have gained an additional 26lbs.

Besides dreading having my picture taken (I don't really look like that do I?) I am really hoping losing this weight will help me have more energy, I am tired of being lazy. There is a whole world out there I want to explore and I want to be healthy and look good doing it!

I have been lurking the past few days and not quite sure where I fit in. I am not doing any particular diet, I guess the whole food approach is the closest. I don't have a list of unacceptable/acceptable foods as that didn't work for me in the past. I have imposed a no french fry rule for the time being though I try not to eat things from a box, all pasta/rice/bread I buy is whole wheat, I avoid high fructose corn syrup like the plague (organic ketchup is so much better!), I eat butter and full fat cheese (just not much) and only grass fed beef which is leaner than the grain fed ones (but I have more reasons than that).

I didn't begin the New Year with a weight loss plan but it was New Year's Eve that opened my eyes. My sister's Wii Fit told me I was obese. That was like a sucker punch. I knew I was close but never thought I would ever get there. So far I have started walking at lunch for a 1/2 hour which usually puts me around 1.5 miles 3x a week and I have been packing my lunch instead of eating out. That has saved my significant calories and funds (not that I can tell). This has helped my to lose 6lbs so far in 2010.

I hope to make some new friends and maybe learn a thing or two with you guys

[squishysquirrel]

Hey. My name is Crystal. I actually was in Cincinnati two weekends ago and ate at Haufbrahous. Yummy, but I gained some pounds and that's when I decided to stop eating out at high-calorie restaurants. Good luck on your weightloss journey!

[joys5]

Good to see another Ohioan on here! I also joined this week and I weigh 187. Maybe we could motivate each other. I don't have any specific weight plan either, just eat more health; and less, and exercise. I'm trying to walk 15 miles each week. (so far only 7 this week )

That's terrific that you've already lost 6 lbs in 3 weeks! You're definitely doing something right! Keep it up-you'll want lots of pictures in the not-so-distant future.

[midwife]

Welcome to 3FC! Surf around and settle in! You might check out the 20 something club.

[leeway]

Hi Jess!
Sounds like you're off to a great start - all those changes can add up to big results - how smart to focus on health and not a diet or a number - the support you need is here - we're all here to cheer you on.

Glad to have you join us! There are lots & lots of different groups and forums - I'm sure you'll find some that will keep you motivated and inspired. Try the 20 somethings and the weight loss support forums , they're active and very helpful - also the Success stories are a definite must for motivation.

There are bunches of people here with more to lose and some with less - the bottom line is that we all have to do it a day at a time. The good thing is that we'll have lots of company along the way.

I've only been here since last fall, having NEVER been part of an online forum. What has been so eye-opening is how much it has helped me. Whenever I feel overwhelmed or defeated, I just log on and read some of the success stories, complete with their before & after photos - or read about others still dealing day to day with their challenges - and before I know it, the time has flown by and so have all the thoughts of going off track or giving up. It has made all the difference in my success so far.

So welcome - you've found the right place - join in by inspiring us and being inspired!

All the best - good luck with your goals,
Lee

[Raichu]

Congratulations on making that decision! A no french-fry rule... wow! You've got guts girl! You can do it! Welcome!

[HealthierLori]

Hi, Jess, welcome, I am so glad you are here!

I am struck by the determination and honesty in your post, and I said to myself, "she is going to make her goal, no doubt!"

Congratulations on choosing to focus on getting to a healthier, happier you, and not focusing as much on a number on the scale.

Good for you, too, for exercising! That will really help you reach your goal, and also will make you healthier and help give you more energy!

Boy I was just nodding my head so much when I read your post, because seeing that I had wandered into "obese" instead of "overweight" was my wake-up call recently too. And like you, I was so darn tired all the time, I didn't want to get up off the couch for anything!

BTW, I lived for a few years in Beavercreek, near Dayton. I was thinking you probably know where that is! It was such a nice area, with nice people.

I was wondering if you might share your experiences on Atkins? The reason I'm asking is because I've just started the program and right now I'm kind of in that "infatuation" stage with the diet because this is the first diet that didn't leave me feeling like I was starving. But I'm very curious about people who have had less than ideal experiences with the diet, and what their views and experiences are. I guess what I'm curious about is, what the potential downsides/pitfalls are that I don't see yet because I'm still a newbie to trying it.

Again, welcome, and I'm so glad you are here!

[Jelma]

Thanks everyone!

Joys - We could definitely help motivate each other. My problem right now is the stupid weather here. Last week was decent but now we are back into numerous days below freezing, it makes it difficult to want to walk outside I know how I am, I will not exercise at home, well not for any extended period. I only have one TV in the living room and I don't really have the space to do my Pilates DVDs. Having a small house and 3 dogs makes it really hard to find space to workout. I guess I will dress warm and suffer through it

Lori - Honestly, there was nothing about the Atkins diet I really didn't like. I was on the induction for probably 3 weeks and after the first few days of feeling miserable I had so much energy and felt wonderful. I switched to phase 2 for probably 2 weeks after the induction. I think the problem was that I didn't look at it like a forever plan, just a temporary diet that once I lost the weight I could go back to my bad habits. I also think for the most part it is a healthy diet, I know alot of people may disagree with that. I didn't find that I ate tons and tons of meat or that just because I could eat cheese that was all I did eat.