[Claire25]

Hi everyone!

I'm so happy to be here--I think that the idea of an online weight-loss support community is a great one. I have just embarked on a weight-loss journey (and it will be a journey--I have a ways to go!!) and hope that this group can help me become a bit more accountable with regard to my eating and exercise habits.

I am 28 years old, very short, and currently obese. I find it hard to believe that only a few years ago I was a relatively fit ~135 pounds and was running 5Ks regularly for fun! I'm not sure what happened...I know that I stopped running when I returned to school and student teaching, and then I suppose the stress and long hours completely tanked my eating habits (which weren't good to begin with, but at least the running helped keep me trim).

Soo...now I am 192 pounds, have very low energy levels, and worst of all am having orthopedic joint issues related to my weight. I tried to start running intensively last summer but broke my foot almost immediately (again, probably because of the weight). I want to gain some patience with myself and commit to a long-term exercise/eating habit change...I'm hoping for no more broken bones as a result of pushing myself too hard, at least! Anyway, I didn't gain this weight overnight; it's not realistic for me to think I'll drop it overnight.

For my height, I should be somewhere in the low 100s, but I find it easiest to maintain myself at around 125 pounds (which is where I spent most of my early adult years). So, that's where i'm setting my goal. Really, I just want to be able to run again, and to fit into the majority of my quantities of size 6 and 8 clothes again!

I just cannot believe how heavy I am; 192 pounds is way more than I ever thought I could weigh, and obviously it's more than just "overweight," now. For my health and future athletic goals I sure hope I can succeed in reaching my weight-loss goal with the support of others on here.

Claire

[NiteOwlMommy]

Claire Welcome! You joined a great community full of all kinds of support. I wish you the best in your journey to better health!

[ShanIAm]

We are the same height and I unoffically started my journey when I was around 194 pounds. I made small changes at first but really started in January when I was 184. And I have learned so much from the wonderful gals and guys from this message board and I know you will too!

What is your weight loss plan?

Welcome to 3FC! And much luck to you!

[caramelkitty]

Hey ! Best of luck to you, I hope you find the tips and support you need on your journey!!

The girls here and the inspiring stories have helped me stay on track.
I do have a long way to go, but I know that if ever I feel down or about to cheat or binge, I come on here and read a little.

Look through the goal photo album. It's motivation on its own!!

BEST OF LUCK!!!

[Claire25]

Thank you all for the welcome.

I have started walking 2 miles a day, and hope to start gradually working in some jogging as soon as I get the "okey dokey" from my doc (follow-up appointment for a previous MRI I had done for a hip issue is this Wednesday, so I'm hoping to hear good news). My weight loss plan is definitely going to focus on me getting a better handle on healthy eating habits, as well as walking/jogging for exercise. I need to greatly cut back on both the general quantity of food that I eat, as well as to eliminate the junk food. It's tough to do this, especially because my husband is a Doritos and Oreos fiend! However, I eat fruit like it's going out of style, if I have it available, so having the occasional orange or banana on hand when I get a sugar craving will be a part of the plan.

Also...as a grad student, I push myself to go on very little sleep most of the time. Now that the semester's ending, getting decent amounts of sleep is finally an easily achieved goal. I think I am more stressed and eat more (junk) food when I'm sleep deprived, so maybe this will help!

And congratulations on losing ten pounds ShanIam!!! I hope I will be able to say the same in a few months. I find it's sooo easy to gain weight as a very short person...the quantities of food that my bigger, taller friends eat are just more than I need. BUT, it's so hard to limit myself. I feel I am going to have to re-learn what a "normal" meal for someone my size and activity level actually is.

Again, thanks for the kind welcome, and of course I wish you all well on your personal goals. I am so glad to finally be beginning this path for myself...it's about time!

Claire

[Lexxiss]

Welcome!

I weighed in at exactly 192 pounds today and I'm elated because I've never felt better...even when I was at a more normal weight. I find it's the power of healthy eating and regular exercising.

Best wishes!!