Hello everyone!

First off, I am REALLY GLAD I stumbled across this forum, so thanks for having me.

I'll try to make this short and sweet (I promise)! I'm a 34 (almost 35) year old mom of 4 who is TIRED of looking and feeling the way I do. I am wanting and needing to lose about 65 pounds and I am having one heck of a time doing it. I was one of the "lucky" ones who grew up thin, could eat whatever I wanted, and not have to worry about it. I easily lost "baby weight" after kids 1, 2, and 3....but after #4 came along, the weight stuck to me like glue and I have gained more as well.

I am a nurse, and I work full time on the night shift...it is SO HARD to try to regulate meals and I admit that I don't eat right. Sometimes...well, a LOT of the time, I only get in one meal a day, then it's snacking the rest of the time, which I know is not good at all. Plus, I am having a REALLY hard time kicking the soda/caffeine habit...I feel like I need it to function.

And exercise? I have little spurts for a week or so where I will work out at home for half and hour with a dvd, then I end up packing it all away and it stays there for a month or so. I just cannot find the motivation.....or, I'll find the motivation for that point in time, but don't have the will power to continue.

I am tired of none of my clothes fitting. I used to love going clothes shopping...I hate it now. Nothing looks good on me, so I've resorted to my usual scrubs for work, then elastic waist shorts and oversized t-shirts for home. Jeans? I would love to wear them again, but the ones I have don't fit anymore.

I guess I'm hoping to find some inspiration here, reading success stories, and maybe commiserate with others our feelings, thoughts, and ideas.

So much for the shortness Thanks again for having me here, and I look forward to sharing a successful weight loss journey with you all!

Welcome to 3FC!

Have you considered something like caffeine gum to replace the soda and coffee? Both Rock Star and Jolt brands are made with sugar alcohols and only something like 5 calories, but I find they really do work. Plus, having something in my mouth stops me from munching on other things. And of course, the mint flavor means I don't want anything else for a while after I've had the gum.

Consider bringing healthy snacks to work that you can slip in your pocket: a small bag of nuts, protein bars, greek yogurt, veggies and hummus (okay, not all of those can go in your pocket, lol). That way you can still snack with your hectic schedule, but be healthy about it.

Good luck!

I'll have to check into the caffeine gum, thanks for the suggestion! It's funny you mention hummus....I have never tried it, though my oldest son has and said it is awesome...so definitely on the list of "new, healthy things to try".

There are lots of different flavorings of hummus, so try a bunch and see what you like! It's also pretty simple to make at home.

Welcome and good luck !

Welcome and best of wishes!

Good luck with your efforts!!! YOU can do this!!!