Introductions........

Our follow member "stayathomezoo" (Jen) made a great recommendation to introduce ourselves. So I've created a post on it.

Please feel free to tell everyone a little bit about yourself, for example, your age, goals, weight loss challenges, current weight, goal weight, term,hobby, location etc....

Replies

  • determinedhealthy
    determinedhealthy Posts: 199 Member
    Jocelyn here, I live in beautiful central Florida, I am 32 happily married and have 2 cats. I am Real Estate Broker and work part time with my husband helping people buy homes. I lost about 20 lbs on the SBD in 2008. I stopped smoking and gained it back then some. Exactly 1 year ago this week i was up to 230 this is when I started walking daily and counting calories by using MFP. I did the 30 day shred in Jan - Feb and by April I was down 80 lbs!!! I was at 155! Then over the summer I gained 12 lbs. I just can't seem to get back into it, hince the reason I started this group I need to try shaking my routine up a bit.

    Current weigh 167 @ 5'6" tall
    My 1st and original goal is to be 145
    My ultimate goal is 130
    I want to lose 5 lbs a month
  • margieyoumans
    margieyoumans Posts: 181 Member
    My name is Margie. I'm a SAHM of 3 boys. I was 308 on January 1, 2012 and I weighed in at 265 September 3, 2012. I am looking to loose weight and get in better health. I've been doing low carb but not high fat like atkins suggests. I really haven't followed a published diet per say. I think doing South Beach may help me get over the hump I'm on. I look forward to having others to do this with.
  • KimberErin
    KimberErin Posts: 66 Member
    I've been dong research on this diet just figuring out if I actually want to do it and if I actually can, and its absolutely doable.. I'm excited to join this group! Feel free to add me.

    I'm 5'10 and 170 right now but we'll see where I'm at on the 17th :)
  • I actually started SBD at the end of July. So, I am in Phase Two now. I am truly enjoying the program and although I have a long way to go, I think it is totally doable. Brand new to MFP. Looking forward to exchanging ideas with others who are living this lifestyle.
  • I actually started SBD at the end of July. So, I am in Phase Two now. I am truly enjoying the program and although I have a long way to go, I think it is totally doable. Brand new to MFP. Looking forward to exchanging ideas with others who are living this lifestyle.

    How great that u already started...you will be able to fill us in on how u did ...and help newbies...I only did P1 once...back in 2008 and I remember it a\s easy. I mean, I did look forward to fruit and oatmeal...but while on P1 I was seeing so many positive changes that I did not mind it...afterall, it was only for two weeks...and that is certainly doable.
  • 4given4life
    4given4life Posts: 81 Member
    Hi everyone! I just joined the group today. I've been researching options for me since I believe I could quite possibly be insulin resistent. I found the South Beach Diet book at a local discount bookstore today for only $3! I think this would be perfect for me. I know the first 2 weeks are going to be extremely tough for me.

    I am a full time college student at the age of 36 with 2 kids. I've been married for 9 years this Thursday and I'm looking to start the diet (or what's to become my way of eating lifestyle) on Monday. I've been working out 3-6 days a week for a long time now and trying to watch what I eat with no success. I weigh 211 at 5'5", this is WAY too much for my body frame. It's the most I've ever weighed. :-( My goal is to get down to 155 with an ultimate goal of 138ish. I'll just see how I feel once I reach my first goal. Can't wait to interact with some other people who are reaching for the same goals.
  • Welcome! You sure do have a busy schedule. I just know (from first hand experience) that following the SBD is going to give that blast of energy (not to mention good health and weight loss) to get you through your crazy schedule much easier.

    Today I made a pass through the fridge and tossed out anything not on the list of foods to enjoy Phase one. Now I am able to do that cuz I live with a four legged little girl. Just be sure you have the right foods ready to go on Monday that YOU can enjoy.

    That is my advice to everyone, actually. Planning ahead is going to be our best friend...Planning and Prepping will be our best friends.

    And Happy Anniversary ... you are giving you and your family the best possible gift...one of good health!
  • verptwerp
    verptwerp Posts: 3,659 Member
    Hi, there ...... I'm Mary Ann ..... live in lower NY with a grumpy husband & an even grumpier cat ...... my daughter lives in San Diego ..... I work part-time at an animal hospital, love to read mostly scifi, watch football & hockey & Food Channel ...... and go to the gym 5-6 days a week for cardio, weights and yoga.

    2008, diagnosed with diabetes, weight approx 195#
    2009, started South Beach, weight approx 185#
    2011, joined a gym, weight approx 155#
    2012, began MFP, current weight between 147# and 150#, depending on how much potato salad & cake I've eaten :laugh:

    My goal weight is 140# ...... Phase 1 will be a great kickstart to reaching that .....

    JUST DO IT !
  • eddysuchydvm
    eddysuchydvm Posts: 110 Member
    Hi, I'm Eddy! I'm 32, a veterinarian, and live in Oregon with my husband and our 2 dogs and 4 cats.

    I absolutely LOVE South Beach. Honestly, it's the only way I've ever been able to lose weight...carb-free is the only thing that works for me. Although I've never been diagnosed, I'm positive I have insulin resistance. We have a lot of people in my family with Celiac's, so being IR is not a surprise.

    I've been as high as 210 and as low as 123. I'm currently at 183 (although maybe higher since I fell off of the wagon about 10 days ago...). My goal is to lose 5 lbs a month.

    My primary reason for losing weight is that we have been TTC for a long time now with only one miscarriage to show for it. Being IR definitely affects ovulation, and that's my biggest problem. So I'm going this route both because I know it works for me, and I truly believe its what I need to do to have a baby :)

    I'm starting acupuncture for fertility on Tuesday, and I expect she'll want me to change my eating habits appropriately...likely in the direction of SBD, so I'll already be a day in when we start!

    Anyway, I'm a huge fan of this plan...can't wait to do this with you guys!
  • needmorecoffee
    needmorecoffee Posts: 8 Member
    have you run SB by your doc? I know that my husband is diabetic and when we talked to his doctor about it she supported it mostly but warned that phase 1 was not for him because he needs more carbs and fruit than some one who doesnt havent have issues.

    I did validate that it was safe and such with a physician and a nutritionist before i jumped in. Both gave it a thumbs up for someone w/ no special dietary needs to start out with. :smile:
  • needmorecoffee
    needmorecoffee Posts: 8 Member
    And an introduction...sorry. Sarah here born and raised in Austin TX. Still here with no desire to leave (except for when its super summer and its over 100 for 45 days straight) I am 32. Live with my 15 year old daughter, my husband, 4 cats, 4 gunnie pigs, and 1 dog.

    This journey started in April. I finally got up the gumption and will power to stop smoking. I slowly started to replace my smoking habit with a walking habit. It felt pretty good and gave me a confidence boost I guess I needed. About a month ago I decided it was time to get serious about getting healthy and taking control over my own life. I started at 286, about a month ago, my goal is to be 175. So I have just over 100 to go....this is going to be a fun journey.

    I initally started just counting calories but didnt feel like I was making much progress. A few years ago I did SB and lost 20 lbs and lost motivation....I am pretty head strong this time around about making some life long changes. While I am not diabetic my husband is and honestly I do not want to have to live like that. So here I am today 5 days into phase 1.

    Outside of the change in eating habits I have also commited to walking at least 45 min 3 days a week for an inital goal. The job I have allows me to sit for a vast majority of the day. So far I have been able to stick to my goals and exceed them, my end goal is to be able to actually jog with out feeling like i may die! Ill get there some day!!

    So for now here goes nothing, it will be a long journey for me but Im pretty sure that I can do this too! :smile:
  • liftingheavy
    liftingheavy Posts: 551 Member
    My name is Vickey, and I live in a far North suburb of Chicago. I am in a relationship, no human children and 4 canine children. I am a dog trainer from June-November and an Income Tax Preparer from December-April.

    I like the concept of SB because it is not as restrictive as Atkins, but I do feel better when I limit carbs. I am a big fan of NROLFW and just need to be a little more disciplined with my diet. When I'm good I'm really good. When I'm bad I'm pretty darned bad.

    5'6
    Starting weight - 155
    Current weight - 139
    Goal is to further define my body and reduce body fat

    I am happy to be a part of this group.
  • determinedhealthy
    determinedhealthy Posts: 199 Member
    And an introduction...sorry. Sarah here born and raised in Austin TX. Still here with no desire to leave (except for when its super summer and its over 100 for 45 days straight) I am 32. Live with my 15 year old daughter, my husband, 4 cats, 4 gunnie pigs, and 1 dog.

    This journey started in April. I finally got up the gumption and will power to stop smoking. I slowly started to replace my smoking habit with a walking habit. It felt pretty good and gave me a confidence boost I guess I needed. About a month ago I decided it was time to get serious about getting healthy and taking control over my own life. I started at 286, about a month ago, my goal is to be 175. So I have just over 100 to go....this is going to be a fun journey.

    I initally started just counting calories but didnt feel like I was making much progress. A few years ago I did SB and lost 20 lbs and lost motivation....I am pretty head strong this time around about making some life long changes. While I am not diabetic my husband is and honestly I do not want to have to live like that. So here I am today 5 days into phase 1.

    Outside of the change in eating habits I have also commited to walking at least 45 min 3 days a week for an inital goal. The job I have allows me to sit for a vast majority of the day. So far I have been able to stick to my goals and exceed them, my end goal is to be able to actually jog with out feeling like i may die! Ill get there some day!!

    So for now here goes nothing, it will be a long journey for me but Im pretty sure that I can do this too! :smile:

    First of all congrats on quiting smoking!!!!!! That is a huge health benefit in itself. My husband and I quit 4 years ago on the 11th and it was really hard, but like they say "if there is a will there is a way". After reading your post you have gotten me more motivated to do this. You are on day 5 and still with great motivation, I can see your "gusto" in your writting, if that makes any sense?!?!

    I am so glad you have decided to join the group, we all have to start somewhere, with over 100 pounds to lose you will be mighty proud and feel so much better once you get to your goal. I too started with a 100 pound goal. I was 235 when I started this last September and I have 30-35 more to go. Unlike you when I quite smoking I filled the void with food instead of a walk. Kudos to you and look forward to hearing more about your weight loss!!!!
  • determinedhealthy
    determinedhealthy Posts: 199 Member
    My name is Vickey, and I live in a far North suburb of Chicago. I am in a relationship, no human children and 4 canine children. I am a dog trainer from June-November and an Income Tax Preparer from December-April.

    I like the concept of SB because it is not as restrictive as Atkins, but I do feel better when I limit carbs. I am a big fan of NROLFW and just need to be a little more disciplined with my diet. When I'm good I'm really good. When I'm bad I'm pretty darned bad.

    5'6
    Starting weight - 155
    Current weight - 139
    Goal is to further define my body and reduce body fat

    Hey there Vickey! We were friends on MFP before you joined the group, you obviously got my invite and accepted!! With very little to lose the SB should get you started in the right direction, quickly. Phase 1, as you know will be the hardest for all of us, but will also get us feeling better and used to choosing the better food choices. So glad to see you in the group and look forward to hear updates of your progress.

    I am happy to be a part of this group.
  • Hi Everyone!

    My name is lisa. I am 41 years old, married with a 4 year old daughter! I live in Brooklyn, New York and I am a Middle School Guidance Counselor. I am currently 200 lbs and would like to go down to 160. I was diagnosed with HYPOTHYROIDISM by my Gynecologist! Imagine that! Anyway, I decided to muster up the courage to introduce myself. I needed to find something to help me to lose some weight. I have been kinda depressed because of this diagnosis. I figured something was off because I couldn;t understand the quick weight gain. I joined MFP earlier this year and was trying hard to be diligent. I fell off the exercise wagon and was beating myself up. Recently, I came back on board and was surfing groups when I came across this one. I was reading all the post and I noticed that all of you are very supportive and non judgemental of people. Another thing is that when I cam across the "SB Challenge", I was intrigued! I felt that I finally found a challenge that I can do. My birthday is on 10/21 and I want to make that one of the markers to see how much weight I lost. I know that 10/28 is the marker and I will continue up to that date and onward. I want to eventaully wear a bikini and just start enjoying "me" more.

    I can imagine most of you are saying that I am in a profession that encourages student to become more positive about themselves, yet I have none for myself. This is the reason why I want to start changing this way about myself by doing this challenge. This eating lifestyle is what i need to get myself off of this low self-esteem track that I am on....

    I just want to thank you guys for allowing me to vent and amping me to prepare for this journey. I am going to need all the encouragement I can get, LOL... Take care...
  • 4given4life
    4given4life Posts: 81 Member
    Hi Everyone!

    My name is lisa. I am 41 years old, married with a 4 year old daughter! I live in Brooklyn, New York and I am a Middle School Guidance Counselor. I am currently 200 lbs and would like to go down to 160. I was diagnosed with HYPOTHYROIDISM by my Gynecologist! Imagine that! Anyway, I decided to muster up the courage to introduce myself. I needed to find something to help me to lose some weight. I have been kinda depressed because of this diagnosis. I figured something was off because I couldn;t understand the quick weight gain. I joined MFP earlier this year and was trying hard to be diligent. I fell off the exercise wagon and was beating myself up. Recently, I came back on board and was surfing groups when I came across this one. I was reading all the post and I noticed that all of you are very supportive and non judgemental of people. Another thing is that when I cam across the "SB Challenge", I was intrigued! I felt that I finally found a challenge that I can do. My birthday is on 10/21 and I want to make that one of the markers to see how much weight I lost. I know that 10/28 is the marker and I will continue up to that date and onward. I want to eventaully wear a bikini and just start enjoying "me" more.

    I can imagine most of you are saying that I am in a profession that encourages student to become more positive about themselves, yet I have none for myself. This is the reason why I want to start changing this way about myself by doing this challenge. This eating lifestyle is what i need to get myself off of this low self-esteem track that I am on....

    I just want to thank you guys for allowing me to vent and amping me to prepare for this journey. I am going to need all the encouragement I can get, LOL... Take care...

    Welcome! I think we will all find much encouragement here. Glad you came aboard!
  • That is one AAAAAAAAAAAAAAdorable doll baby you have. So happy to have you join us. I am starting tomorrow. My name is Nanc (short for Nancy...lol)...I so believe in this program...it kicks the cravings OUTTA HERE...you will start to feel amazing by the third or fourt day.

    Ask questions at any time you need help! If you do not have the book, you can find it on Amazon.com South Beach Diet Supercharged...and there is a look inside part.

    The app for iphone is $1.99.

    BTW gang, I am starting tomorrow. Will open my diary for anyone that wishes to take a peek.
  • (I moved this over from another thread)

    Thanks so much to Determined for starting this group!

    Hi, my name is Nanc and I am excited as well to be in this group. I actually began Southbeach in June of 2008 ... I was 175 and did lose 40 pounds...kept most of it off...I am up to 140 (ugh, maybe a little more...afraid to look)....but for sure not more than 145.

    Just want to let u know, you learn new eating habits...well, I did, And if I am at 145 (I will weigh in on our first day), that is only gaining back ten pounds since my lowest of 135 just last June of 2011*.

    Phase one is tough...but it goes fast. And after the first couple three four days, you start to feel really energized. The supercharged book is still the "bible" if anyone is looking for the book. The app is good and will help out a lot. I have it also, but have not looked at it too much.

    It is not just sugar we will be giving up on P1 but also grains...no starchy veggies either. It pretty much is lean protein, veggies (no corn, or potatoes...and when potatoes are allowed it is sweet potatoes)...corn is a no no...I always fought that one...I was not a perfect Phase 2'r. Also, low fat and non fat dairy allowed...cottage cheese, FAGE yogurt is great and skim milk ricotta and skim milk. I was never a star pupil but I am going to do better..I will make sure I go over everything again in the days ahead.

    Getting your kitchen ready for the first day, September 17th, will be very helpful. Temptation should be gone by then, or locked up and out sight by your spouse. Or however u wish to do it.

    I will tell u this, it really gets rid of the cravings...the two weeks on phase one. So going without those two weeks is so worth it. If we stick together and know we are all doing it at the same time, it will be a snap.

    Ask me any questions and I will help out the best I can. I have the book and all the cookbooks put out by Southbeach. It is a healthy approch to weightloss and I believe the best program out there.

    PS Feel freee to add me as a friend if you are in our group.

    * Now that I think of it, that is actually a lot (possibly ten pounds in just over a year). I will weigh in on Sept 16...gulp.
  • c2111
    c2111 Posts: 693 Member
    hi everyone :) i love the itroductions and reading all your stories, thank you for having me along on this journey. My story is quite plainly 2 months ago i was obese (according to my bmi) depressed and on a spiral going down hill. So i started watching what i ate and joined a gym since then i have lost 6 kg (12 pns) and have bought the supercharged book. Very impressed with the diet so here i am, i was pretty sick of my boring menu and today my first sbd day, i have eaten so well i cant believe it, such varied and interesting diet, yum x other than that im a mum 2 great kids 8 & 6, a beagle (hes on a diet too) 2 cats a hubby and lots of other pets. Im a registered nurse and after working full time have just gone part time, which i need, so i can spend time with my family and actually look after myself. Anyway i have managed to input my data on the spreadsheet i had to convert everything lol as i talk kilos and cms as im an Aussie too anyway a big gudday from me and I'll see you all on the site lets do it girls !!! :happy:

    14614239.png
    Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Free Calorie Counter
  • verptwerp
    verptwerp Posts: 3,659 Member
    Nice to meet you, Claire !

    We're glad you could join us ........... great that you've taken charge of your food & exercise ....... nice that you are enjoying experimenting with some new meals too.

    I'd gotten into a bit of a rut ........ was eating ok, but had allowed some questionable foods to creep back into my life ...... but I'm whipping that back into shape.

    I've got a cat named Radar who wakes me up too early each morning ..... and a daughter who lives in San Diego ..... and a semi-retired husband who is sitting on the couch this very second complaining about everything under the sun ...... geez, they sure do get grumpy when they get old ....... but that's ok ...... I'll be going to the gym soon for cardio, weights & yoga ..... and beautiful peace & quiet :bigsmile:

    Hope you have a good time here ...... happy losing !

    Mary Ann in NY
  • jessica81993
    jessica81993 Posts: 1 Member
    Hi, my name is Jess, I'm 19 and I started the plan on Monday.
    I've been training since the start of the year, but never focused on diet so much as I didn't really have a goal, I just liked the way exercise made me feel. Now I've decided I need to tune my diet to help complement my training. It wasn't terrible in the first place, but I thought, with the help from everyone in this group, it may help steer it into the right direction.

    I currently weigh 66kg (145.5 lbs) hoping to get down to 60kg (132 lbs), but it's not absolutely necessary. I weight train 4 days a week, so I'm worried that during phase 1 I may be losing muscle and not fat. I need to start doing more cardio, but its not my ideal type of training, so If anyone is able to help make it fun, it would be great :)

    Thanks for reading, and have a great day :)
  • verptwerp
    verptwerp Posts: 3,659 Member
    Hi, Jess !

    Welcome to the wonderful world of SB ........Phase 1 just gives our bodies a chance to start over, sort of a "sugar detox" ...... and usually laying off junk food & sugary stuff, plus eating a few extra veggies, can jumpstart a round of weight loss ......later when you start SLOWLY adding in foods, you learn how those foods affect you ...... I found it to be a wonderful learning experience :drinker:

    BTW, good job with the training !

    Mary Ann
  • raindancer
    raindancer Posts: 993 Member
    When I found this group a couple of weeks ago I joined. I just have been looking in now and then.
    My name is Debbie and I am 57 years old and still struggle with my weight. I am trying to reach onederland by 1/13.
    I have 2 days left on my first week in phase 1. I am amazed that the cravings have stopped!
    I am down 4lbs since starting SB.
    I wont be doing the 30ds. But I will be doing Leslie Samone walk a way the pounds.
    Looking forward to being active in this group and getting on to phase2
  • verptwerp
    verptwerp Posts: 3,659 Member
    Debbie, sounds like you've got a great plan in action ..... and walking is a terrific exercise ..... I lost 40# just with walking !

    How lucky you are that the cravings have stopped already ...... mine haven't even after almost 2 weeks ..... and I know this because my boss said he's putting out Halloween candy next week ........ and I started drooling :laugh:

    Have a great day !

    Mary Ann
  • raindancer
    raindancer Posts: 993 Member
    Thank you for the welcome.

    I had a slow day I only logged 8798 steps on my Fitbit. I usually have 11-13000 steps a day. That is for my job. I just finished my food log and i was a little under on all my counts. I had 28 carbs?? This is still fairly new to me I have always counted calories.
    I am still reading the book.

    Have a great evening...baseball is on GO RANGERS:bigsmile:
  • Welcome, Jess and Debbie, our newest members,:flowerforyou: and of course Claire, our matey from down under. :flowerforyou:

    So happy to have you all join us...I do believe the SBD is the best program out there. It is meant for making the diet a lifestyle and not just a quick weight loss program and then go back to old eating habits and regain all your hard work.

    Mary Ann and I met on the SBD website...Mary Ann is a model student...not gaining back any of her weight.

    I had lost 40 (went from 175 to 135) but gained back 11 do to sloppy choices ... I am here to clean up my act.

    Today is day 14 for me on P1 and all the cravings are gone...just not sure how much I lost...sure do not feel like it is much. But I am ok with that since my main objective was to reset my body...and not be in search of sweets all the time.

    Anyway, ladies, great to have you along for the ride. Do post your questions and concerns. And someone will be by to help you out.

    Btw, my diary is open only to friends of this group, so if you wish to see it, just friend me.

    Wishing you all the success in the world living on the beach! :drinker: :heart: -nanc
  • chancegardner
    chancegardner Posts: 12 Member
    Hi

    Thanks to all who post here- it's good to work together on our fitness goals!

    I am finally taking time to introduce myself after about one week.
    I'm 57 years old, married, with 2 grown children, and work a full-time desk job (no exercise there)
    I like gardening and cooking (lots of fresh veggies - hurray!)
    My background - I've always been overweight.
    My last attempt to lose was with the a very low carb (like Atkins) eating plan - it helped me lose 15 pounds and that was good, but the carb allowance was too restrictive for me.
    As I understood it, I didn't need to worry about the amount of fats. So, guess what -- I didn't! So, I was too liberal with both carbs and fats - I wasn't sticking to it. I didn't gain back the 15, but wasn't losing either.
    My highest weight was 275. Stayed at 260 for a very long time.
    I had a wakeup call a month ago when I found out I was hypothyroid and pre-diabetic (don't know why I thought that couldn't happen to me)
    I saw a nutritionist who said the South Beach plan was an option for me.
    And I we discussed 3 goals:
    Track my food intake
    and exercise 3 times a week (building up to 5x/week)
    watch my portion size (she said I WAS making healthy choices, but overdoing the amounts)

    It's been one week, I've lost 8 pounds (hurray)
    I'm tracking (not hard with the food diary here)
    and I love the fall weather here, so I've really been enjoying bike rides and kayaking.
    I've had a few headaches this last week - don't know if its from SBD or the change of the season?
    But NO cravings.

    I may need an alternative exercise plan when it gets cooler (don't have funds for a treadmill or health club, maybe I'll walk the mall on lousy days?) Other suggestions?

    Kathy
    BTW, my husband lost about 50 pounds on Atkins (guys are so lucky!)
  • verptwerp
    verptwerp Posts: 3,659 Member
    Hi, Kathy ..... glad you are making changes !

    Four years ago I started eating SB-style & began walking each day ...... each week I'd up the mileage a bit ...... yes, I was lucky to have access to a TM on bad days ...... but would also walk around the mall once or twice BEFORE shopping ...... same thing at the supermarket ...... and I still do that to this day ....... (maybe I should get a life :laugh: )

    Finally, after my doctors urged me, I joined a gym ...... most days I go after work, or early on the weekends ....... I do cardio, lift weights, yoga, Zumba ....... whatever keeps me moving ......

    Happy losing :drinker:

    Mary Ann