[Megan2006]

I'm noticing this is the hardest time! Between meals out at restaurants, and alcohol and socializing, it's so easy to slip of your diet! As much as I try to stay away, when EVERYONE else has it, it's hard to say no. I'm at the point though (I think), where I'm just going to say to everyone that I'm NOT having the bad stuff. If I don't do that, my weight is just going to keep going up.

Hey Everyone!!

I'm new to the 20 somethings, and I thought this was the perfect place to be! I'm 22, with a good 100 pounds to lose. I'm current at 254 (gained 4 stupid pounds lately and I'm 5'4.
My first goal is to lose 25 pounds by the end up september.

If anyone has any free time, feel free to let me know your weight loss secrets

have a great day!

[HarpoChicoGroucho]

The reason I think it's a *bit* easier to lose the weight when we are still relatively young is because our metabolisms haven't begun to decrease (they begin decreasing after age 25). And for those of us childless, we have a lot more free time on our hands as well (but not for those of us who work and go to school full-time).

I guess I'm an abnormal 20-something because I may only eat out a few times a month and I don't drink either.

But all age groups have their own obstacles: mothers have to deal with what their children & family eat and the middle aged gals have to deal with sluggish metabolisms and the menopausal gals have to deal with THAT, so it's a fight all the way up. I just have always viewed this time as the perfect time because I have no unavoidable obstacles. I can avoid the socializng (I'm out of college BTW) and the alcohol and such. And even when I do go out (a true rarity) I'll only sip & nibble.

As for advice, when drinking, alternate one alcoholic drink with a glass of water to keep your calories down and stay FAR away from the sugary mixer drinks, like strawberry daquris (sic). Those have TONS of calories in them.

Much luck!

[Megan2006]

you are totally right, everyone has obstacles, regardless of age. And yeah, we do have more free time when we don't have kids or as much responsibility as we could later on. I guess I'm just finding it difficult when none of my friends are dieting, it seems THAT much harder when you're on your own..

[junebug41]

I understand how you feel- every social situation is one more step back. I'm sure there are people that can go out and be surrounded by tempting cocktails and menu items and just say "no", but I just wasn't one of those people. I literally had to turn into a bit of a hermit for a while. My friends were really great about it. They understood why I wasn't at the bar on Friday night or out at dinner with them on Saturday. My activities with them became more of just that-activities (shopping for new clothes, swimming, hiking...but mostly shopping!). It sounds like a boring life, but I had a goal to reach and one day that was more important than some spinach and artichoke dip and a beer (I'm not saying that I haven't had either since I started this journey!) You may think of it as a huge sacrifice, but if you want it that bad it shouldn't be that way. It's much easier to say "no" if it's not staring you in the face from the menu.

It's so strange. I'm just thinking about how my friends and I would base our gatherings around food. I can't remember the last time that happened...

But hey, it's good that you're realizing what your weak spots and obstacles. I think that's something a lot of peope struggle with. I know I had (still have) a few reality checks along the way. I will say that these girls are fabulously supportive and can offer great advice- they are wonderful! So I hope you will stick around! Welcome!

[miss michelle]

I agree with June...I find this challenging at my office, where people go out to lunch every day. I just continually politely decline lunch offers and am known as the girl in the office who brings her lunch! Though I'm also known as the athlete so I don't mind
As I've come lots closer to reaching goal, I've had to master things like social situations and eating out in order to continue losing. It will come with time, but for now just worry about making bigger changes..they will pay off!

[House_of_Mirth]

I know what you mean about it being hard when none of your friends are dieting (especially when they are the naturally thin ones that eat bacon cheeseburgers and are still sixe 4s) and you have to make good choices, btut they are GOOD choices and worth it in the long run . Also, I bet if you told your friends about your issues they would be perfectly willing to go for smoothies instead of ice cream to support you.