[tropica]

Hey everybody! My name is Lindsey and I just joined this forum last night. I am very pleased with what I see so far and think this is going to be just what I need to get my act in gear! I am very excited to get involved.

Over the past four years I have gradually gained more and more weight. It's true what they say about the college 15...however, no one tells you that if you aren't careful by the time you graduate you've gained much more! I am currently finishing my 1st year of graduate school and getting married, but I also want to get healthy!

I have been watching what I eat now for about 3 weeks. I weigh in tomorrow, but as of last Saturday, I had lost almost 8lbs! It seems like the first couple of weeks are always the hardest and I'm at least past that point. I also have an incentive...I'm getting married at the end of July! However, I will not be where I want to be by the time I'm married

At the beginning of the year, I started on a diet and did pretty good for about a month and a half (lost about 13 lbs). However, once I had lost that weight, I tried on my wedding dress I ordered and it fit perfectly (I even ordered it a size smaller than I was at the time I ordered it). So, I was told over and over again that I should not lose anymore weight and just stay where I am and that I looked good. However, deep inside I still wasn't happy with where I was, but listened anyway...altering my dress would cost a lot of extra money.

For about three weeks I maintained around 147, but was eating anything and everything I wanted. Therefore, after those three weeks, I quickly started gaining my weight all back. So, here I am, ready and determined to slim down and get healthy!

My mini goal for July 31st (my wedding!) is 135lb. This would be 2lbs a week, plus 1 extra lb (if tomorrow, when I weigh, I see that I'm at 148). I should still be able to fit into my dress without any problems and be that much closer to my goal. This may be a far fetched goal...but if I'm close, I think I will be a little happier and healthier than I am now.

I look forward to getting to know everybody and have a wonderful, healthy day!!!

[patchworkpenguin]

Welcome. Since Chicks can be overwhelming at first, I suggest you look for a support group or challenge to join; a small group of friends to help keep you motivated. Find one you like that fits your needs, or inspires you, and just post to join.

[motivated chickie]

Welcome to the board and it sounds like you are off to a great start.

I would suggest that you think about this as a lifestyle change, rather than a diet. Try to find an eating and exercise plan you can stick with over the long term. It might not make you super thin for your wedding, but it will keep you thinner for the rest of your life.

By what you are saying, it sounds like you will be happy with whatever weight loss you achieve before your wedding. That's a great attitude.

Congratulations on getting married.

[tropica]

Thanks guys!

You're right! I do have a tendency to think of it as a diet and I know that is not they way to be. It does need to be a lifestyle change.

[Onederchic]

Hi Lindsey and welcome to 3FC.

Good luck with your goals.

Hugs
Michelle

[DhaniCauldwell]

Welcome!

Dhani