Here we go!

lauralouwho414

Hello everyone! My name is Laura, I'm 20-years-old, overweight, and I live in Wisconsin

Background story: I have always felt overweight for as long as I can remember. Even when I was at my most fit, I felt overweight and gross. Looking back--I WISH I could look like that now...but I didn't even notice it then. There's a good possibility I have an extreme self-image issue. I'm almost positive I do. I have tried losing weight before, but it always seems that I get sick right as I'm about to really get into the swing of things so then I stop working out, and then goes my diet. I want to get in shape because I dance, and I want to succeed and go as far as I can. I want to be healthy because I'm sick of feeling ill all the time. I want to lose weight so that I can set a good example for my younger sister who is overweight...but I really want to lose weight because I'm tired of feeling so depressed about myself. I just want to be happy and feel good and maybe this will help. At least that's what I'm hoping.

Here is what I've done today. I reduced my class load at school because I'm too stressed out about grades which makes me stressed about going which makes me not go to class. Stress is a never ending cycle for me. I joined a gym in the same mall as where I work so it will be easy to workout before or after work, along with other coworkers. I started a profile here which already made a big impact on me...you know--the part where you put in your weight, your activity level, and what you want to lose...haha, when it said I could lose 5lbs by Nov. 24th--I realized I have a LOT of work to do.

Even though I'm feeling very optimistic at this point, I'm also so nervous and scared. Because I get so upset with myself about my image, it can tend to be a reason that I stop working out. If I'm tired, I make myself think that I can't do it...it's messed up, haha, I'm not gonna lie about that. I just want to stick with it. I have a family reunion in 8 months in Clearwater, FL that I want to look great for. I have 6 months until I can compete in dance again, and I want to kick *kitten*. My birthday is in 6 months, and I want it to be a celebration--I want to feel confident! So there's time...I just need to commit. Sorry this is so long!! I'm hoping to get a lot of support here because I feel I don't get it elsewhere--everyone just tells me I don't need to lose weight, that I look fine. That isn't what I need, haha. Thanks everyone for reading, and I'm sure I'll be talking to you soon. :bigsmile:

Kminor67

You can do this! This site gave me hope after years of feeling hopeless! Seriously! You can friend me if you wish

AmberElaine84

Girl, you are doing EVERYTHING right!!! The fact that you joined the gym and started this profile..BIG STEPS!!! You are WORTH it a million times over, and what a BIG heart you have for wanting to set this example for your sister. I'm telling you, once you start hitting the gym regularly, you are going to look forward to going!! You are going to start seeing changes in yourself and FEELING those changes, more importantly. This website is FANTASTIC. From the people, to the tools, to the forums. We ALL know how you feel and what you're going through, and we are ALL here to support one another!!! :flowerforyou: GOOD LUCK!!

joannasamples

first, congratulations on your decision to become healthier! It is major decision and you've made the right one; super proud of you.
second, congratulations on finding MFP! sometimes seeing things on "paper" makes a difference and while you can cheat, it's not much fun when you have friends helping and supporting you.
third, remember that each day is a new start. You have a choice to continue your progress, even if you failed miserably the day before (which you won't)
lastly, feel free to request friends with people who respond to your posts, most likely they your success in their hearts.

YEA YOU!!!!!