From T :), Age 18 - 09/06/10 - IP#: 86.7.142.xxx  Click here to reply  
Ht. 5'6", Start: 235 lb, Today: 229 lb (BMI %tile: 98), Goal: 130 lb - Hi everyone! I'm so glad I found this place, I've been trying to go it alone but it's so hard, I've only managed 6lbs in the last 4 weeks. I think it's just because I've been obese for so many years, it's really hard to break the habit of eating ALL the time, and the wrong kinds of foods. I'm soo ready to turn it all around now though! I'd love to hear your stories, and any tips you might have :) Good luck! xoxo
Reply from Ally13, Age 23 - 09/08/10  - IP#: 74.92.246.xxx
Congratulations on taking the first steps towards weight loss and a healthier you!
My story: I come from a chubby family and I was a chubby kid who grew into an obese adult. At my heaviest, I was 204lbs. (for a 5'1 girl, that's quite a butterball, lol).
I remember the hard times I went through because of my excess weight: not getting dates, crying in fitting rooms because nothing would fit properly, the insults I would get - most not intentional, but they still hurt.
I always thought I'd have to be a size 2-4 to ever get a guy (which yes, was a major goal of mine), but then I met my future husband and he loved me for who I was and not how I looked. Surprisingly enough, THAT'S what made me want to lose weight - I wanted him to be proud of me (not that he wasn't and isn't, but I felt that was something I could give back to him). So, 62 pounds later, I'm on my way to being what I've always wanted to be =).
As for tips, I'm sure you've heard them all: eat lots of natural foods, veggies, fruit, lean protein; drink tons of water; get your body moving with cardio/aerobics/strenghtraining; don't eat late at night and basically be persistent with it all. Those are told over and over again because they WORK if you're looking to maintain the weight loss you achieve. Don't attempt crash diets because they don't last (believe me, I've tried almost all of them). The main tip, besides the above, that I can give you is to stay MOTIVATED....a light at the end of the tunnel, so to speak. Make a visual of your motivation (cutouts of fit people, cute clothes, overweight health risk articles, etc.) and refer back to that when you seem to be slipping (as we all do and will from time to time).
Anything's possible if you put your mind to it and by posting on here, it would seem you've put your mind to it =D. Good luck to you and keep us posted on your successes!