Newbie here...

julie_a_griffin

Hi all!

I recently started with this site and counting calories and am just popping in to say hi. So, hi

Height: 5ft 8inches
Starting weight: 286 lbs
Current weight: 279 lbs
Goal weight: 238 lbs by August
Ideal weight: 196 lbs someday...


I've always been heavy, all my life. My mother is big also, as are many members of my family, and for a lot of years, I used that as an excuse. But I'm 27 now, and I have a very physical job working with adults with autism, and I just cannot keep up with them sometimes. I have to change that.

I'm doing a parachute jump in August to raise money for the RIchard Winters Leadership Project to build a memorial in Normandy for the soldiers of WWII. I am currently over the maximum weight for the jump, so I have to lose the weight if I want to do it. And I am doing this jump, come hell of high water. So, the diet began. That's my motivation.

I joined last week, and have already lost seven pounds! I've started walking everywhere, and have recently started swimming again. I've always loved swimming, and used to spend hours in the water as a kid. But when I got older, and started working etc, I stopped. I started again last week, and I forgot just how much I love it. So far, Ive managed 1700 metres in an hour, which is over a mile! I'm very proud of that

I've found MFP to be a brilliant site, cos I get a kick out of seeing how many calories my exercise burns, and balancing it against my food intake. I also love that you can add to it yourself, and that it has all the label and brand names. It really helps keep track.

And since I'm doing this, I might as well do this the whole way. Below are some pictures of me today, after losing 7 pounds. Here's hoping that it's the first of some good success pics.







That's it really. Wish me luck!

rosiedoes

Currahee! XD

WifedUpMartin

Congrats on the seven pound loss so soon! And on the swimming! That's great! I love your attitude about your parachute jump, you'll definitely make it! If you're looking for friends you can always add me!

julie_a_griffin

Currahee!!

julie_a_griffin

Thanks Melschaben. I'm really determined to do it. It's a life goal of mine

I've added you. Thanks!