And so a decision is made. Looking for support :)

selanrael
selanrael Posts: 32
in Introduce Yourself
Hello everyone! Warm greetings from the cold winter of Finland!

So I'm turning 21 in February and I've decided it's time for a permanent change. For the past ten years I've spent most of my time worrying about my weight and feeling bad about myself. I don't know exactly why, but until now I've not been able to hold on to my weight loss programs and lifestyle changes. It might be because of my low self-esteem, negative feedback, stress or total lack of support. Or perhaps it's because all of the above.
Anyhow, soon another year has passed and slowly I've come to the realisation that if I don't change my ways I'll spend the rest of my life in regret. I don't want that, I don't think anyone would. So I feel like this is my last change to make a better future for myself, like this is one of those "now or never" situations. But I will need help to keep myself on track, I have absolutely no illusions about that. During the past two weeks I've come to notice how supportive and positive the community here in MFP is, so I mustered my courage and started writing this post. Anyone else feel like they could use some support?

Gosh, this post wasn't supposed to be this gloomy. Please bear with me! ^.^

I'm 5'4" and my starting weight was 185 lbs. I lost 8 lbs during my first week, and my second weigh-in is due tomorrow. I have no idea what to expect since my weight has the habit of bouncing up and down. I know I have a long way to go in order to achieve a healthy life, but I want to start by proving to myself that I can lose weight. Then add exercise. Then eat more veggies. And so on. I think this goal is achievable, if it's only little by little. And it is much easier to accomplish if it's done together!

So any tips, motivation and support is much appreciated! Feel free to add me, maybe we could help each other out. :)
Hmm.. I'm sure I was going to mention other things, too, but it seems like I forgot them already. How typical.

(And please correct me if you find some mistakes in my spelling/grammar. I'll try to convey my thoughts as clearly as possible, but I may not be aware of all the necessary expressions used in English.)

Replies

  • primrosehill
    primrosehill Posts: 84 Member
    Hi lovely Finnish lady! I've found this site very supportive. Feel free to add me if you like, although I'll admit I'm struggling the past few weeks and have put a bit of the weight I lost back on over Christmas and New Year. You sound like you have a fantastic attitude xx
  • Helen6663
    Helen6663 Posts: 16 Member
    Hi there,

    You're off to a good start! I'm sure you can do it!
    I'll add you.

    Helen
  • liesevanlingen
    liesevanlingen Posts: 508 Member
    Good for you! Small steps are the way to go, many people try to do too much too soon and get discouraged. You are definitely starting out with the right attitude. Just one thought--weight loss should not be your only yardstick for success. Sometimes the scale seems to be stuck, or sometimes bloating can be a factor. Getting your measurements checked is a good indicator, also seeing how your clothes fit. Sometimes we can gain weight from exercising because of muscle mass--but our bodies are still shrinking because we're losing fat. Muscle is heavier than fat but takes up a lot less space. So, just a couple of things to remember when you aren't seeing all-over weight loss.

    Good luck! People can be very encouraging and motivating on here, and there are lots of good tips and suggestions available.
  • selanrael
    selanrael Posts: 32
    Sometimes the scale seems to be stuck, or sometimes bloating can be a factor. Getting your measurements checked is a good indicator, also seeing how your clothes fit. Sometimes we can gain weight from exercising because of muscle mass--but our bodies are still shrinking because we're losing fat. Muscle is heavier than fat but takes up a lot less space. So, just a couple of things to remember when you aren't seeing all-over weight loss.

    Thank you :) I'd like to get into a better overall shape eventually. Just thought I might be able to exercise more efficiently after losing weight first. Taking measurements is a good idea, I've never really gotten around to do it 'cause I was afraid what the measuring tape might reveal! *laugh*

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