Hey all,

I am new here and need to lose quite a lot of weight. I am 20 now and have always been big, though until recently i guess i was kind of in denial about how quickly i have been gaining weight. I have got down to about 10 stone before which is about a stone off my goal weight, but recently i have just expanded and its got to the point where my size 16 (uk) jeans are cutting the circulation off from my legs and waist and the zip wont even stay up! I have got all these nasty stretchmarks too now that i never had them before!
It's all gone wrong and i really dont know where to start, i have been just eating to try cheer myself up about the fact my jeans are popping off and as well all know that dont help.

So i looked about on here a bit and it looks like a brilliant place and you all look really friendly so im hoping someone can give me some advice and motivation!

CC x

Welcome,

I agree it can seem overwhelming at first. One bad thing about the internet is that there can be information overload. Here's how I would simplify it for you.

Motivation
1. Write down a list of the things in your life you feel your weight is a barrier to. For me one was it reduced my ability to play effectively with my toddler.

2. Browse the Goal forum on here. There's lots of great inspiriation there...

Where to Start

1. Constantly throughout the day (really constantly!) keep the following simple message in mind.... calories in < calories out = weight loss

2. Write down a list of behaviors that will help you reduce calories in and increase calories out. These behaviors should fit YOU, your strengths and weaknesses.

That's it, that's were I would start. There are many many other things you can do, browsing hundreds of threads and stickies on here will provide a wealth of information. There are many "flavors" that work for different people. Calorie counting works extremely well for me, not for others. The main message is to keep the simple formula in your head and to do behaviors that work for you. If your plan is miserable to stick to each day you are doing it wrong and won't stick with it.

Good luck!

Hello and welcome to the board!

You came to the right place for support! Randomcards is right - whenever you're feeling down, just take a look at the "Before & After" pics in the success stories and goal threads. People have done extactly what you're trying to do and they are succeeding! As long as you stick to a plan, you WILL lose the weight.

Eat less and move more. It really is that simple. Keep coming back here for motivation and inspiration, and stay on track with whatever eating and exercising plan you decide to follow. Pound by pound, you will see the weight dropping. Good luck and stay motivated!

thank you both I know with the support here i can do it! x

welcome!! the 2 pieces of advice i can offer are as follows.

1, DONT GIVE UP!! ive had sooo many plateaus and other times when i just wanted to say "F it" out of frustration. a lot of weeks i only lost like 0.4 lbs. some weeks i GAINED for no reason. when ur 200+ and you lose 0.4 in a week, it feels totally pointless and frustrating. but if you just keep at it, no matter how you're feeling, you will succeed!!

2. and this kind of relates to 1. for me PERSONALLY, i cant rely on motivation. sometimes i feel so unmotivated that i want to lay in bed and eat a bag of peanut M&Ms. i just have to remember that i *committed* to doing this. for me, motivation comes and goes, but after the initial motivation to get started, i just had to rely on commitment.

best of luck!! you can do it!!

Hi and welcome to 3FC.

If you are looking for inspiration and "motivation", try looking through our Success Stories here - http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/#success-stories

Here's my suggestions for getting started.

First decide on a plan. Calorie counting is what I do..it's simple and FREE. I track my calories at sparkpeople.com for FREE. You can find out more about calorie counting and other eating plans here at our Diet Central - http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/#diet-central

As for calorie intake, I don't believe there is any person(not even doctor, nutritionist, etc), website, book or device that can tell you the exact number of calories you need each day for your body to lose weight. It is about trial and error but you do need a starting ground and I suggest getting it from here - http://www.freedieting.com/tools/calorie_calculator.htm Input your info and take the number they give you as a place to start, work it for a few weeks then tweak as necessary.

Exercise - I do DVDs and hand weights at home for FREE. Running is FREE, walking is FREE. You can also join a gym. Numerous options here. I suggest reading through the Fitness section here at 3FC - http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/#fitness


Good luck with your goals and keep us updated on your success

Hugs
Michelle

thank yo everyone for the great advice i guess the starting is the hardest bit!
CC x