[Kare]

'Ello all~!

Im new, 21, and named Karen. Looking forward (as well as a little scared of) the idea of losing some weight. For various reasons, as well. I was diagnosed with T1 Diabetes at age 16, something they think may have been caused both by illness and the bad habits I picked up growing up. I've been in and out of the hospital pretty steadily since then, sometimes for weeks at a time, others in and out every night for a few days on end. I suffer from seizures, chronic migraines and mass amounts of dizzy spells - and something is telling me losing some weight and getting on a healthy schedule for once in my life may resolve some of these issues.

It's been stressful, but life always picks up. My boyfriend and I have been together for almost 4 years now, and he's been ever supportive of me. On our ever growing list of things we'd like to do, getting healthier and in shape as always been on my list, but I never took the steps I needed to actually get somewhere. Here's to hoping that ends now.

I need to be held accountable, and this is where you guys come in! Can't wait to get tips, ideas, inspiration and hopefully lose some weight with all of you!

<3's Kare

[NEMom]

Welcome to the forum! I am sorry to hear about all your health problems.
Do you know what food plan you are going to follow? There is a ton of information about many different food plans on this site. Pick a plan that fits in your lifestyle and you can follow long term. I chose calorie counting because it is free and flexible. It allows me to eat almost anything I wanted as long as it fits within my calorie range for the day and there are ton of free apps out there to help you track your food.
Give up the sugary drinks and drink lots and lots of water.
Incorporate some exercise into your weekly routine. You do not have to join an expensive gym try to walk more, use the stairs more, download videos off of YouTube or Hulu.com to work out to. There are a lot of things you can to do with spending a ton of money.
Lastly, if you have a bad meal, a bad day, heck, a bad food week. Do NOT let this be a reason to throw in the towel. Get back on track at the next meal. You can do this!!!
Best of luck to you!

[Kare]

Thanks for the advice! I haven't had too much time to sit down and formulate a solid plan yet, but I'm working on it. My main concern is more the hours I work rather then trying to work diabetes into the mix. Its not that they're LONG hours, just odd ones. 1-8, which means I have to do everything in the morning because its dark by the time I get home, and I've just never been a morning person. :x

What sort of apps do you use for calorie counting?

[andrew80k]

Welcome.

There are a number of apps to use to count calories. I use fatsecret but there are a bunch of other good ones. Poke around with a few decide which one makes sense to you.

You have to start somewhere. Come up with a solid starting plan. Be willing to adjust along the way. It's a process. Stick with it and you'll do great.

[patchworkpenguin]

Karen, welcome, glad to have you join us. I suggest you look for a Challenge or Support group to join; small check-in groups make it easier to connect, get involved, and be accountable. We have groups centering around specific diets, themes, or age groups, find one that inspires you and just post to join! Be sure to check out the 20-Somethings and Dieting with Obstacles.

I used to get many migraines a week but when I started to exercise, the migraines slowed in frequency and intensity. Something to think about.