You know I wasn't even sure I was "allowed" to join this forum because I saw a forum about UK support, haha. I didn't see any restrictions though!

My (nick-)name is Raine, and I'm from British Columbia, Canada. I'm 29 with 30 staring at me around the corner. I can't say I'm unhappy about to turn 30, I'm actually pretty excited about it. I know so many women who have had a better time in their 30's than they ever did in their 20's because they just know so much more about themselves.. I think that's going to be me.

I'm a married and child-free, with 2 dogs and 1 cat. I also suffer from a severe anxiety disorder and I'm on medications to control it so that I can live a relatively normal life.

I'm also a food addict, and sick to death of it and being over weight (currently 60+ lbs overweight).

I think the last straw for me was hitting 200 lbs on the scale (which is a lot when you're 5'4"). No more. It has to stop now, no more "tomorrow" or "in the new year".

So now I'm currently on a doctor-supervised Water Fast to break my food-addiction cycle which has had a hold on me for so long. Then I'm going to ease back in to eating GOOD foods instead of just eating the crap I used to eat.

I'm also purchasing an elliptical (a piece of exercise equipment I actually like!) for our apartment which I'm excited about.

Sooo that's about it.. kind of a long introduction I guess, eek.

The internet is my home away from home because of my anxiety disorder, so I'm just looking for a supportive community environment to try to get this done <3

Hey Raine! Welcome to 3FC! It sounds like you've got a thorough plan in place to get you started, which is good. Elliptical machines can be a lot of fun. There are a lot of awesome chicks here from Canada, among other places. I hope to see you around the boards.

Thank you I will certainly be around!

Hi Raine! Welcome to 3FC! Have a look at the different sections, I am sure you will find some weight loss buddies. There is a Canadian thread going but it quiet down a bit unfortunately. Anyways, good luck with starting your new life!

Hey Raine - welcome to 3FC Another Canadian here. Have you read The End of Overeating? It might be interesting if you're feeling addicted to food. I keep it nearby in case I need a boost and to keep focus. Good luck!

Hi Raine, I'm from Ontario. Welcome to 3FC. I read this forum every morning for inspiration and support.

I wish you all the best in your weight loss journey. I just count calories and I find I can maintain that no problem. Have some ups and downs weight-wise but that approach always gets me back on track over the long haul. The Beck books are a great support in developing long-term discipline in eating right.

My one tip to share with you: don't get discouraged if your weight fluctuates a bit from day to day; if you stick to your eating plan, you WILL lose over time. It's a marathon, not a sprint.

Lucky you, living in BC. I have visited there a few times and always hate to leave, it's so beautiful.

It is beautiful, but I would like a little SNOW in the winter instead of RAIN

I grew up back east! Nova Scotia to be precise. I miss it a lot.

Hi Raine,

You remind me a lot of myself! I'm also 29, and 30 in March and also looking forward to my 30s being great, hopefully more energetic and fun than my 20s. I also have social anxiety, although I do cope with it.

Good luck with your weight loss journey!!

Hey Neighbor! I am a BC'r too! =) Lower mainland! Welcome to 3FC! It's friendly and supportive here, helped me many a time over the past 9 months.

You CAN lose the weight! Just pick something indoors for your winter fitness! Nothing worse than having to go for a run when it's dark, windy and pouring with rain!

Hi Raine!

I'm from BC as well! Great to see another Canadian on 3FC! Good call on elliptical purchase, too! I've tried them at the gym before and I'm not quite coordinated enough yet..

Best of luck on your weight loss journey and congrats for being brave enough to start! There's a ton of support to be found on these boards.. be sure to have a look at the 20-somethings board, they've got some good threads going there

Hi Raine!
I'm a Canadian girl, too, and you remind me a lot of myself! I'm 31 (and YES 30's are better than 20's), and live in Saskatchewan. I'm curious to know more about this Dr. supervised water fast. I'm POSITIVE that I am a food addict. If this could help me, I'm DYING to know more. Can you fill me in? Also, whoever posted the suggestion of reading "the End Of Overeating", can you tell me who the author is?
Good luck with everything! I'll check in on your progress often!