OK with turning 40. Mostly ;)

smksapper

Hi! I've been using MFP over the last few weeks and have decided that using the forums is really helpful in a lot of ways from what I've seen (but posting a "Hi, I'm new here" message makes me nervous in a way I don't think I've felt since jr high.)

I will be turning 40 in September. I'm really fine with it and my age doesn't bother me for the most part.

I joined MFP because I have gained about 30 lbs over the last 8 months or so. It's not a surprise, I know how and why I gained and I want to lose the weight and get back in shape before it starts to feel like the weight is normal. I've always been fairly active and played sports in my very small high school and rec in college.

I gained a LOT of weight with my first pregnancy (Son #1 is now 13 1/2) and only 11 lbs with my second pregnancy (Son #2 is turning 11 in September.) But I joined Weight Watchers after I finished nursing Son #2 and lost the all of the weight from both pregnancies. I kept it off for 5 years, then was diagnosed with insulin resistance and PCOS. I've been on Metformin since 2008. My weight has been fairly consistent and I'm usually a size 8/10 until last winter. So I feel like these 30 lbs aren't "scary" and are definitely something I nkow can take off with discipline and common sense. Just frustrating.

Fast forward this year and with this new weight, my age, and the PCOS, my doctor (whom I really appreciate and is great) suggested cutting back on carbs, specifically starches and refined sugar. She is NOT advocating a strict "No Carb" diet, just that my carbs be natural and not man-made or man-altered as much as possible which sounds ok to me.

The other change after joining MFP is reading about The New Rules of Lifting for Women. My husband is really supportive and has been going with me to our YMCA where we've been doing the workouts from the book. I LOVE it! I feel strong and healthy and love seeing our bodies do what they're made to do.

So that's it. I'd love to have MFP friends that are trying to reach their goals in a similar way for the support and advice. And I do log every day and will try to check the message boards regularly. I've been really inspired by the stories here - you guys are AWESOME!!

P.s. My diary is a bit of a mess this week since we're all getting over being sick here at our house.