Weight Loss Questionnaire

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Female

Age 38 years old

Starting weight 250 pounds
Current weight: 176 pounds
Goal weight: 136 pounds

My reasons for losing weight is to be healthy and become the athletic girl I used to be.

I didn't always struggle with my weight. my weight began at age 14 when my dad was diagnosed with brain cancer. my free time was spent taking care of him. many trips to the hospital and fast food on the go. it was come home from school and take care of my dad so my mom could have a break. he died a year later when I was 15 years old. so that was a difficult period to adjust to being without a father, coming to a single parent home. moving back to Indiana it was a stressful time. I didn't notice at first by bye age 21 years old I weighed 250 pounds and wore a size 26.

I am really not sure I undereat a lot since I was depressed and then would make up for the missing food and binge eat. I covered up my eating with excessive workouts. but I didn't purge or anything. in all honesty I am not sure what I would classify that as.

I don't feel pressured by the media to look a certain way but I do tend to pressure myself to look a certain way. I put to high of expectations on myself

as far as who has my ideal body inspiration I would say Jessica Biel. she has that atheletic build that I want to have
as to why I want to look that way? that was how I started to look before I gained all the weight

First to change things: I know it sounds simple but I eat more. I was eating way under my calories . I would eat between 1,000-1,100 but was lucky to even net that with the work outs. I also eat 3 meals and 2 snacks. I ditched my sedentary style and began stepping up my work outs. my main work out is 30 day shred day two level 1. I also use the Elliptical / stationary bike.

my problem areas: thighs that is where I carry most of my weight. I am not trying to hide them I just try to target my thigh areas
and work out.

yes my friend Jason is one of my biggest supporters, most of my family and my fitness pal friends
how do you feel about my weight loss? I feel confident that I can cross the finish and lose those last 36 pounds
has dieting changed how people see you or treat you? sometimes yes especially my step grandma she makes fun of my eating healthier and trying to make a positive lifestyle change. but for the most part the people support me.
as for what motivates me : I have the picture of me at my heaviest on the fridge and my determination never to go back to that girl is my biggest motivation.

When I fall off the wagon? I don't get upset but I just get back up and try again and press through it.

my goal is really close so I see it already and see each pound lost as one step closer
If I didn't feel this way? I would say don't look at how far you have to go but look how far you have come
my biggest worry is being someone who doesn't lead by example. I know people are watching me and they are looking to me as a role model. I want to teach them they don't have to take the easy way out to lose the weight. if they want it bad enough they are going to have to work for it. eat right ,exercise that is really the only way. that quick fixes don't work most of those you end up gaining weight with you haven't learned how to properly manage your food/ calorie intake.
my favorite quote" Don't look at how far you have to go, but look how far you have come."

• Gender: Female
• Age: 29

• Starting weight: 309
• Current weight: 295.6
• Goal weight: 180

• What are your reasons for wanting to lose/gain weight? (Please state which)
Health, appearance, wanting to participate in sports again.

• Tell me a bit about your past… (Were you always unhappy with your weight? Did it begin in childhood? Did a specific event trigger unnatural eating habits?)
I was always a skinny, sporty kid who played football, and I gained wait after PCOS diagnosisand some family upheaval in my mid-teens. Between the hormonal imbalance, home life imbalance and quitting sports my weight ballooned. Been unhappy about my body for as long as I can remember, and have a history of binge eating to cope with emotional stress.

• Would you consider yourself as having an eating disorder?
Undiagnosed, yes. I consider myself to be managing this now however.

• Have you ever had an eating disorder in the past? (If you are now recovered)
See above. I think once you've had it you always have it, recovery is a lot about management.

• Do you feel pressure from the media to look a certain way? (If so please elaborate)
Personally, no. I'm glad I don't meet certain societal norms and am actually quite nervous about the day I do meet them.

• Who has your ideal body/Who is your body inspiration?
Jennifer Lawrence (Although I know I'll never look like her)

• Why do you want to look that way?
Because she looks healthy, strong and real.

• What are you doing to change your weight? Please give as much info as possible (Specific diet/workout plan/taking supplements/surgery…)
Strict calorie counting and logging food. Working with a 500 calorie defecit per day. Watching my fat/sodium levels using my fitness pal. Aiming for 50% carbs, 30% protein per day. Eating 5 portions of fruit and veg a day, Preparing food from scratch at home instead of eating out. Avoiding (where possible) chocolate, crisps and sweets. No soda (even diet). Lots of water.
Exercise a minimum of 5-6 times per week (incorporating strength training, classes like body combat and pump, cardio machines at the gym and hillwalking)
No supplements. No surgery.

• Do you have ‘problem areas’ (please specify) or are you trying to change all over?
Every area is a problem area right now.

• How do you feel about your weight loss/gain? (Positive/negative/motivated)
Motivated. Positive about my progress. Satisfied that I've earned it.

• Have you got people who support you? (In real life/Online)
Yes. My partner and family are hugely supportive. I also blog and tweet with other people about my journey.

• Has dieting changed how people see/treat you now? (Friends/family/public)
Not yet.

• What motivates you?
Feeling fit and active.

• If/when you ‘fall off the wagon’ how do you feel? (Like giving up/motivated to do better/like punishing yourself/upset)
I've done it once, and I didn't have a negative emotional response, I just became very aware of how my body felt the following day. I feel better when I eat well and exercise.

• How do you feel about reaching your goal? (Is it close/far away/does it seem impossible)
It's far away, but I'll get there when I get there.

• How do you think you will feel when you reach your goal?
I don't know. I'm a bit scared of it. I don't know how people will treat me or what my body will look like.

• What if you don’t feel that way? What will you do next?
It doesn't matter. I'm not putting the weight on again because then I'd have to give up on being active.

• What is your biggest worry?
Loose skin (like everyone else really)

• What have you learnt on your journey so far?
That what I eat has a massive impact on how well I feel and how I sleep. That exercise is vital.

• What is your favourite (relevant) quote?
"It’s not whether you get knocked down; it’s whether you get up.” ~Vince Lombardi

• Gender: Female
• Age: 19 (20 next week)

• Starting weight: 152lb
• Current weight: 142lb
• Goal weight: 125lb

• What are your reasons for wanting to lose/gain weight? (Please state which)
To be happy and to feel confident


• Tell me a bit about your past… (Were you always unhappy with your weight? Did it begin in childhood? Did a specific event trigger unnatural eating habits?)
Can't say i've ever been happy with my weight. It's just i've always been young and my weight wasn't really a part of my life, I never got skitted on by anyone about my weight, I just knew I was bigger for my age.
I've never been skinny, always "normal" or "a bit chubby", ever since I went on holiday in 2011 with my present boyfriend, I knew.. It was time to make a change. I was walking around, holding my tummy all the time... So unhappy


• Would you consider yourself as having an eating disorder?
Definitely not. I think I obsess a little but I enjoy my food.


• Have you ever had an eating disorder in the past? (If you are now recovered)
No, never.

• Do you feel pressure from the media to look a certain way? (If so please elaborate)
Yes, who doesn't feel pressured by what celebrities look like? Then I remember, if we all had lots of money I'm sure we would look just as good. If we had the money to pay for top named stuff, a make up artist etc.... I remember that I'm real and most of what we see in the media aren't.


• Who has your ideal body/Who is your body inspiration?
No one. I don't look at anyone elses body and have it as my inspiration. I imagine my body the way I'd like it when I look in the mirror. That's my inspiration.


• Why do you want to look that way?
To feel happy and confident in clothes and without clothes. To be proud of what I achieved.


• What are you doing to change your weight? Please give as much info as possible (Specific diet/workout plan/taking supplements/surgery…)
30DS
Less sugary foods
Watch what I eat a little more
Healthier options
Calorie deficit
But don't stop enjoying foods I crave.... happiest way of weight loss.



• Do you have ‘problem areas’ (please specify) or are you trying to change all over?
I'm trying to change all over but my problem areas are the very top of my thighs and my stomach. That's what I try working on most.


• How do you feel about your weight loss/gain? (Positive/negative/motivated)
Positive because I'm aware I can do it. Everyone can. Seeing very large people who have got down to such a smaller weight is very motivating. I'm happy i'm not gaining weight and I'm less than what I was a year ago.

• Have you got people who support you? (In real life/Online)
Everyone supports me. Online support is the best support I get through my weight loss. But I do get support at home too.


• Has dieting changed how people see/treat you now? (Friends/family/public)
No, definitely not. My sisters are also dieting so we are in it together. Sometimes, they mess around with certain foods but just jokes :laugh:


• What motivates you?
Everyone, literally. Seeing people and their bodies. Seeing people and their stories.


• If/when you ‘fall off the wagon’ how do you feel? (Like giving up/motivated to do better/like punishing yourself/upset)
Unhappy and fat. I never feel like giving up.


• How do you feel about reaching your goal? (Is it close/far away/does it seem impossible)
It definitely seems possible but not in a small space of time. I've gave myself a good goal. (17lb to go) and to me, it's a lot less than a lot of people here.


• How do you think you will feel when you reach your goal?
OVER THE MOON, I WILL DO A BOOTY SHAKE :drinker:


• What if you don’t feel that way? What will you do next?
I will feel that way cos I achieved it. (SUCCESS) but if I am not 100% happy, I will keep going until I am.


• What is your biggest worry?
Not losing the weight, but I shouldn't worry too much as all I need is determination and will power.


• What have you learnt on your journey so far?
To be patient, very patient. Nothing happens over night and I wont always eat perfect.

• What is your favourite (relevant) quote?
The difference between NEED and WANT is SELF CONTROL

• Gender: Female
• Age: 24

• Starting weight: 143
• Current weight: 139
• Goal weight: 122

• What are your reasons for wanting to lose/gain weight? (Please state which) To feel better about myself and more confident


• Tell me a bit about your past… (Were you always unhappy with your weight? Did it begin in childhood? Did a specific event trigger unnatural eating habits?) I haven’t been happy with my weight since I was 15. I think that social media triggered my unnatural eating habits. I started doing crazy fad diets my freshman year of college and never lost any weight. Now I am trying to do it the healthy way.


• Would you consider yourself as having an eating disorder? Possibly – binge eating disorder. Although its much better now.


• Have you ever had an eating disorder in the past? (If you are now recovered) No


• Do you feel pressure from the media to look a certain way? (If so please elaborate) Yes, pictures of celebrities and friends online that are smaller than me make me jealous and want to have their body


• Who has your ideal body/Who is your body inspiration? I get my body inspiration from friends and celebrities that have lost weight on their own – before and after pictures of people I know inspire me most.


• Why do you want to look that way? If they were able to lose weight and they started out bigger than me, it gives me motivation that I can do it too.


• What are you doing to change your weight? Please give as much info as possible (Specific diet/workout plan/taking supplements/surgery…) Training for a half marathon, consistent working out and consistent healthy eating. Limit sweets. Taking supplements (enzymnes, 7 Keto, probiotics, vitamin B and D)


• Do you have ‘problem areas’ (please specify) or are you trying to change all over? My legs are much bigger than I would like


• How do you feel about your weight loss/gain? (Positive/negative/motivated) Weight loss makes me feel motivated, subsequent weight gain makes me feel depressed


• Have you got people who support you? (In real life/Online) Online: (My Fitness Pal), Real life: My sister and boyfriend


• Has dieting changed how people see/treat you now? (Friends/family/public) No


• What motivates you? My own weight loss, ‘pins’ from pinterest, pictures of my friends weight loss


• If/when you ‘fall off the wagon’ how do you feel? (Like giving up/motivated to do better/like punishing yourself/upset) depressed, like I need to work harder, if I really binged I feel like weight loss is impossible for me and as if I’m not worth it


• How do you feel about reaching your goal? (Is it close/far away/does it seem impossible) I feel as if I am consistent with healthy eating, it is nearby.


• How do you think you will feel when you reach your goal? I got to my goal weight once before and I felt as if I didn’t see many changes in my body and that I needed to lose more. This time, I hope that I find happiness.


• What if you don’t feel that way? What will you do next? Try to lose a few more pounds or really try to focus on other parts of my life.


• What is your biggest worry? I will never lose this weight b/c I keep binging.


• What have you learnt on your journey so far? That fad diets don’t work – consistency is key.


• What is your favourite (relevant) quote? “Running makes me love my body. Not because it’s perfect – it’s far from it. But because with every mile, I prove to myself that I can do something I didn’t know I was capable of”.

• Gender: F
• Age: 25

• Starting weight: 198
• Current weight: 175
• Goal weight: 140

• What are your reasons for wanting to lose/gain weight? (Please state which) I want to lose weight so I can be what I believe I once was - fit, healthy, confident. I also believe fitness and eating right are important to live a healthy life and I want to do my best in that. No excuses.


• Tell me a bit about your past… (Were you always unhappy with your weight? Did it begin in childhood? Did a specific event trigger unnatural eating habits?) I have always been satisified with my weight. I was average, not overweight but not as skinny as some girls I knew. Roughly a size 7 a majority of high school. When I graduated and went to college I got a job at kohls constantly walking/standing and then I got a job at the same time loading trucks for fedex. I only worked the fedex job for a couple months, but in that time I became really fit, the fittest I've ever been. After I quit I believed I was invincible and started to eat whatever I wanted. I started some very unhealthy eating habits and gradually quit exercising. Eventually I graduated and got a good job and my weight started creeping up all the more since I quit kohls and was sitting at a desk the majority of the day. It went up so slow it was almost unnoticeable, I just gradually started to wear bigger pants and looser shirts knowing I was gaining weight but not really noticing enough to do anything about it.


• Would you consider yourself as having an eating disorder? No.


• Have you ever had an eating disorder in the past? (If you are now recovered) No


• Do you feel pressure from the media to look a certain way? (If so please elaborate) It's hard to say. I feel like the media defines beauty in it's own way and does mostly present celebrities/models etc as being perfect, but I think even without them telling us what is what, we all have our own definition of beautiful. What the media does do is constantly give us options to look more beautiful, with 'non invasive surgery' and 'sculpting creams' etc. There is always some new beauty scheme out there that is telling us we could be better than we are because there will always be companies trying to make money off people's insecurities.

• Who has your ideal body/Who is your body inspiration? My past self. I don't believe in trying to make myself become like someone else, because everyone's body is different. I will become the fittest I can be, tone what I can tone, work on areas that need working on until I become what I am meant to be. I remember how I used to be and use that as my inspiration and I have a size goal. That's all I need.


• Why do you want to look that way? I don't want fat hanging over my pants, I don't want pudgy arms, legs and face. I want to know what I look like without all this extra padding, I want to be fit, strong and confident


• What are you doing to change your weight? Please give as much info as possible (Specific diet/workout plan/taking supplements/surgery…) I tried several things for years - flat belly diet, weight watchers, calorie counting...I tried a variety of different workouts as well - zumba, bootcamp, gym memberships, running/5ks, biking, home videos, p90x. I lost weight in small increments but most of what I did wasn't sustainable long term. I found myself hating to go the monotonous gym and the really intense boot camps, running was hard on my joints, home videos were losing out to netflix etc. Eventually I started a combination of yoga/pilates and that is a gentle stress relieving workout that I LOVE. I was doing that for a while and losing weight, but eventually I evened out and couldn't lose any more which I figure was because of my eating habits since I found it hard to consistently eat healthy (not eat out). Through different events I finally found myself deciding to go vegan, and that has been the best health/weight loss decision of my life. I have been eating that way for about 2 months while going to yoga and have lost 10 pounds so far.


• Do you have ‘problem areas’ (please specify) or are you trying to change all over? All over needs work, but i specifically need some tonage in my core.


• How do you feel about your weight loss/gain? (Positive/negative/motivated) I'm feeling great right now because I believe I have FINALLY found something that works and is sustainable.


• Have you got people who support you? (In real life/Online) My boyfriend of 6 years has supported me throughout this whole ordeal. He has seen my ups and downs and has been very encouraging. He's vegan as well and even comes to all my strange classes.


• Has dieting changed how people see/treat you now? (Friends/family/public) My family thinks the 'vegan thing' is a phase so that has changed their views somewhat. For some reason they don't see what I eat as 'real food' even though they have no idea what I eat or how delicious it really is. I might have thought the same thing a while ago, but now that I've done research and not been afraid to look up new recipes and try new foods I found that the food I eat now not only tastes good but it's actually much better than anything I had eaten before, I absolutely love it. My mother is just happy I'm getting healthy however it is that I need to do it. She has seen her kids gradually gain weight over the years and I know it frustrates her.


• What motivates you? Mostly myself. I have looked for motivation in others but really in the end it's yourself that will push you through, nothing else. Sure I want to look good for my boyfriend and family etc, but in the end its me that I'm doing this for.


• If/when you ‘fall off the wagon’ how do you feel? (Like giving up/motivated to do better/like punishing yourself/upset) I've definitely fell off the wagon a couple times and it is frustrating. I would 'give up' for a month or so but one day I would look in the mirror and firmly remind myself of why I was doing this in the first place and I would end up getting back on again. Sometimes I would just need to try something new so I would wait for an exercise groupon to pop up then snag it just to try something different for cheap. Looking back I feel that giving up actually helped me become better. I figured out through trial and error what worked for me and what didn't and through research and doing different things i finally found something I can do that works.


• How do you feel about reaching your goal? (Is it close/far away/does it seem impossible) I just want it to happen! I know it will take a while since I'm losing about a pound a week, but I know I'll get there eventually. It's like I see the present under the christmas tree, but I have to wait to open it. I'm anxious and excited, but trying to be patient.


• How do you think you will feel when you reach your goal? I'll feel like all my hard work FINALLY paid off.


• What if you don’t feel that way? What will you do next? If I'm fit as a fiddle, worked all my problem areas and I still don't feel that way, then its a problem with me and not my body. It's hard for people not to find something wrong with themselves, but I will do my best to feel confident.


• What is your biggest worry? That something will be super hard to tone or that eventually I'll plateau and nothing I do can fix it. I don't think that will happen but it's a possibility.


• What have you learnt on your journey so far? To not give up and to not be afraid of stepping outside of your safe zone and trying something new/different. It's easy to get comfortable in life and not have enough motivation to step out of it, but I decided to do it and I'm so happy that I did. Also to do plenty of research about everything, nutrition, food, exercise. Know what is in the food your eating and don't ignore it just because it's an uncomfortable subject, know what it does to your body, know what type of nutrition you need in a day, know the dos and don'ts of exercise. It's easy to pass by great foods in the grocery store just because you don't know about them.


• What is your favourite (relevant) quote? I don't do quotes

• Gender: Female
• Age: 27

• Starting weight: 157
• Current weight:152.5
• Goal weight: 140

• What are your reasons for wanting to lose weight? (Please state which) Be slimmer. Look and feel better and healthier.


• Tell me a bit about your past… (Were you always unhappy with your weight? Did it begin in childhood? Did a specific event trigger unnatural eating habits?) I was a really slim child, and used to be called a 'sparrow' cause I ate small amounts all the time and was quite picky. When I went to uni though I gained weight from eating too much fast food and beer! Ever since then its been a battle to get back to the way I was before! Although I was never a twig, I was really slim and toned.

• Would you consider yourself as having an eating disorder? No


• Have you ever had an eating disorder in the past? (If you are now recovered) No


• Do you feel pressure from the media to look a certain way? (If so please elaborate) A bit, but I am not obsessed, I feel the images are more encouraging that pressurising.


• Who has your ideal body/Who is your body inspiration? No one inparticular.


• Why do you want to look that way?


• What are you doing to change your weight? Please give as much info as possible (Specific diet/workout plan/taking supplements/surgery…) Using MFP daily. Averaging 1200cals, and excersing 3-4 times a week & lifting weights and eating my exercise cals. Not having takeaways, eating more fresh fruit and veg, upping my protein intake naturally with more meat, changing to brown rice and no bread most of the time. I do have weekends off occationally though!


• Do you have ‘problem areas’ (please specify) or are you trying to change all over? stomach, upper arms and legs (thats almost all of me I guess!)


• How do you feel about your weight loss/gain? (Positive/negative/motivated) I know I am not doing enough, as I have not had much of a result yet. I need to exercise more! So negative I guess! Lack motivation sometimes.


• Have you got people who support you? (In real life/Online) MFP friends, and my boyfriend is also trying to be healthy so he helps, although not always! People at my work are negative most of the time!


• Has dieting changed how people see/treat you now? (Friends/family/public) I try not to talk about it with many people, so no not really. People at my work always seem negative when I mention gym/diet so I keep it to myself.


• What motivates you? My holiday booked for the summer, and I am following lots of motivational groups on Instagram!!


• If/when you ‘fall off the wagon’ how do you feel? (Like giving up/motivated to do better/like punishing yourself/upset) Normally quite motivated because I feel worse after eating rubbish (like now after Easter, I feel sooo bloated!) so reminds me why its good to eat healthy! I do also feel guilty.


• How do you feel about reaching your goal? (Is it close/far away/does it seem impossible) Sometimes it seems impossible because I seem to get so little result, but I know I can try harder and do a lot more, so almost possible for my goal which is months away. PMA as I always say to other!! (Possitive Mental Attitude!)


• How do you think you will feel when you reach your goal? Probably feel like I need to loose more! But I will be happy to be back down at 10stone!


• What if you don’t feel that way? What will you do next? Try and loose some more weight, I guess it's how I look more than how much I weigh, so if I don't like the way I look still, I will try harder to get how I want to look!!


• What is your biggest worry? That I will quit and become content with how I look now.


• What have you learnt on your journey so far? It's hard work, and it's about exercise as well as diet!! I've learnt a lot about eating clean too, although I struggle to do it 100% myself I do cook all my meals from scratch no processed meals!


• What is your favourite (relevant) quote? A moment on the lips, a lifetime on te hips!!!

• Gender: Female
• Age: 42

• Starting weight: 165
• Current weight: 151
• Goal weight: 125

• What are your reasons for wanting to lose/gain weight? (Please state which)
I want to lose weight to feel and look good.

• Tell me a bit about your past… (Were you always unhappy with your weight? Did it begin in childhood? Did a specific event trigger unnatural eating habits?) I have always been overweight. I have celiac disease. I cannot absorb nutrition like everyone else. I didn’t find out until I was 40. I spent my whole life being uncontrollably hungry. My mom hated to cook, so she bought us snack food to eat whenever we wanted. Because of my illness I had a large bloated belly. I continued eat junk food, which only made it worse


• Would you consider yourself as having an eating disorder? No. I eat healthier now than anyone else I know.


• Have you ever had an eating disorder in the past? (If you are now recovered) No, I ate when I was hungry.


• Do you feel pressure from the media to look a certain way? (If so please elaborate) Yes, I have also had an ideal image in my head of how I wanted to look. It came for movies, TV and magazines.


• Who has your ideal body/Who is your body inspiration? There is no one particular person. It’s just a vision in my head.


• Why do you want to look that way? It is a look that I find attractive. It has nothing to do with want anyone else thinks of me. I want the look I have never been able to have.


• What are you doing to change your weight? Please give as much info as possible (Specific diet/workout plan/taking supplements/surgery…) Paleo diet (doctor said to) workout at the Y. Starting to run gradually. Strength training. Subliminal message MP3.


• Do you have ‘problem areas’ (please specify) or are you trying to change all over? Belly has always been huge, the rest of me is skeletal.


• How do you feel about your weight loss/gain? (Positive/negative/motivated) I’m very happy.


• Have you got people who support you? (In real life/Online) Yes my husband and kids.


• Has dieting changed how people see/treat you now? (Friends/family/public) Yes, I started dieting at age 12. My parents and sister often made fun of me. They said things like “you’re always on a diet and you still look like THAT”. My husband understand and tries to eat healthy too. My kids and my co-workers all encourage me.


• What motivates you? I think about looking good in a bikini for the first time. I think about living long enough to see my grandchildren and being able to still play with them.


• If/when you ‘fall off the wagon’ how do you feel? (Like giving up/motivated to do better/like punishing yourself/upset) I feel bad, but I get right back on.


• How do you feel about reaching your goal? (Is it close/far away/does it seem impossible) I know I will do it.


• How do you think you will feel when you reach your goal? Satisfied, empowered, safer


• What if you don’t feel that way? What will you do next? Find a hobby, help my kids with their goals.


• What is your biggest worry? I worry that my disease will lead to cancer. It does for some people. I worry about getting diabetes, because if you have one autoimmune disease you’re likely to get others.


• What have you learnt on your journey so far? No one really knows why some people are overweight and some are not. Doctors especially don’t know. Everybody seems to think that it’s calories in vs calories out. If it’s so simple, why are so many people overweight.? Many doctors looked at my bloated belly when I was a child and told me I was just fat. None of them tested me for anything. Everyone is responsible for his or her own health. We can never assume that any business or agency has our best interests at heart. They will sell us what tastes good , they will tell what they want us to think, and they will buy scientific studies to back up what they say.


• What is your favourite (relevant) quote? More die in the United States of too much food than of too little. ~John Kenneth Galbraith, The Affluent Society

• Gender: Female
• Age: 44+4....okay, 48

• Starting weight: 308
• Current weight: 251
• Goal weight: 190

• What are your reasons for wanting to lose/gain weight?
I am losing weight for ME! I am just tired of being stuck in a fat/unhealthy body!

• Tell me a bit about your past…
I used to be very much in shape. Was bedrest for ALLmy pregnancies...even the ones that never completed. I had some unfortunate medical 'challenges' that I have overcome; but the recovery caused a lot of weight gain.

• Would you consider yourself as having an eating disorder?
Nope! I have no problem getting food into my mouth!



• Have you ever had an eating disorder in the past?
In high school I was OVERLY concerned with my weight. Mostly for sports. But not really an eating disorder.


• Do you feel pressure from the media to look a certain way?
Oh yes. Have you ever seen an "unattractive" person in ANYTHING? Heavy, unattractive people are not accepted in society. Being in a "people-oriented" business, I have to maintain an exterior appearance...or show that I am attempting to improve the current appearance. It sucks!!! I should be accepted for who I am, and the character I bring with me.


• Who has your ideal body/Who is your body inspiration?
I have many inspirations; however, my ideal body is MY BODY! I just have to get to a point that I am accepting of it. I don't look at other's bodies or 'wish' I could have their bodies.


• Why do you want to look that way?
I want to feel better about myself. Stop being so defensive on my current appearance. I want to be able to walk into any shop and be able to purchase (not be glared at) anything in that store.


• What are you doing to change your weight? Please give as much info as possible
I have been working out 5-6 times a day for 5 years; not a lot of change. I went to the doctor and found that I am not just resistant to Carbohydrates; however, pretty close to ALLERGIC to them! I have cut my carb intake to 40-50 a day. I change up my workouts (still 6 times a week); added weight training, core training, and different cardio activities.
Basically, it all is about WHAT GOES IN HAS TO BE LESS THAN WHAT IS EXPELLED OUT!

• Do you have ‘problem areas’ or are you trying to change all over?
Carb changing.
Bettering my personal outlook. If I can't accept myself, I will not be successful!


• How do you feel about your weight loss/gain?
I feel good about myself. I am a more positive person. More energetic and active.
I also keep in mind that losing weight is not the COMPLETE answer. Diets fail!!!! Healthly life changes last forever. Those changes have to include the psychological change of who a person is, accepting the person, and changing what you don't accept of the person. If change inside isn't done....then the change outside is going to be just temporary.

• Have you got people who support you?
My younger sister is a big support! She even joined MFP just to keep me motivated. No, she doesn't need to change her weight, diet or exercise routine!
MFP has given me the best support. So many people, who are now my friends online, are my inspiration. I see how wonderfully everyone is doing, and it keeps me going day to day also.
I also have God! He keeps me on track daily!

• Has dieting changed how people see/treat you now?
I have had positive responses from some friends/co-workers/family by remarking how good I am looking and how I am happier and more out-going now.
I have also had negative from friends/co-workers and family. People who looked to me to be the 'fattest', now I am smaller than they are. Family members who like to sabbatoge my food changes. Always saying "you aren't eating enough", "try this..it's rude to say NO"....Now instead of taking it as Negative behavior; I consider it challenging behavior for me to conquer.

• What motivates you?
My sister. God. I motivate myself....daily!!!!!!!


• If/when you ‘fall off the wagon’ how do you feel?
Guilty...then I get over it and just start over. No one is perfect.


• How do you feel about reaching your goal?
Oh, I will reach my goal......I may be dead, but I WILL reach it! It took me 23 years to put on this weight. It is going to take some time for it to leave it's "happy home"!


• How do you think you will feel when you reach your goal?
WHOOPIE!!!!


• What if you don’t feel that way? What will you do next?
Just continue to live. Be happy and active. I am NOT DIETING.....I have made a health change!! I like what and how I eat and what and how I keep active.


• What is your biggest worry?
Not liking the end result.


• What have you learnt on your journey so far?
Eating all these carbs are not good...and I feel better without all the carbs I thought I needed on a daily basis. I have learned the difference between good and bad carbs and the right and wrong way for exercising.


• What is your favourite quote?
From Shawshank Redemption: "You need to get busy living, or get busy dying".
I have chosen to get busy living! It is so much better, and more rewarding!!!!!

• Gender: Male
• Age: 45

• Starting weight: 250
• Current weight: 162-165
• Goal weight: 170

• What are your reasons for wanting to lose/gain weight? (Please state which) Tired of being FAT


• Tell me a bit about your past… (Were you always unhappy with your weight? Did it begin in childhood? Did a specific event trigger unnatural eating habits?) 165 pounds until I got married. Slowly gained weight until I was pissed at myself.


• Would you consider yourself as having an eating disorder? No


• Have you ever had an eating disorder in the past? (If you are now recovered) No


• Do you feel pressure from the media to look a certain way? (If so please elaborate) No


• Who has your ideal body/Who is your body inspiration? Pamela Anderson LOL


• Why do you want to look that way? NA


• What are you doing to change your weight? Please give as much info as possible (Specific diet/workout plan/taking supplements/surgery…) Eat all the same foods. Weigh and measure EVERYTHING.
Started with ONLY cardio until I hit 190. Slowly introduced weights. Now, I alternate days of weights and Cardio


• Do you have ‘problem areas’ (please specify) or are you trying to change all over? No area in specific. All areas look pretty damn good now.


• How do you feel about your weight loss/gain? (Positive/negative/motivated) I feel fantastic.


• Have you got people who support you? (In real life/Online) Yes, my beautiful bride.


• Has dieting changed how people see/treat you now? (Friends/family/public) Not sure.


• What motivates you? Tired of being a fat *kitten*.


• If/when you ‘fall off the wagon’ how do you feel? (Like giving up/motivated to do better/like punishing yourself/upset) I don't fall of the wagon. I deliberately JUMP off the wagon when ever I deem it.


• How do you feel about reaching your goal? (Is it close/far away/does it seem impossible) Fantastic.


• How do you think you will feel when you reach your goal? Fantastic. I am there now.


• What if you don’t feel that way? What will you do next? I am there and feel fantastic.


• What is your biggest worry? Gaining it back.


• What have you learnt on your journey so far? Nothing is easy. Nothing is fast. I wanted it, I did it.


• What is your favourite (relevant) quote? There are many. I will go with the KISS Method. Keep It Simple Stupid.

• Gender: Female
• Age: 28

• Starting weight: 141
• Current weight: 135
• Goal weight: 120-125

• What are your reasons for wanting to lose/gain weight? (Please state which): I want to lose weight in order to look and feel healthier, have more energy, and regain my self-confidence!


• Tell me a bit about your past… (Were you always unhappy with your weight? Did it begin in childhood? Did a specific event trigger unnatural eating habits?): Two years ago, I got a good job offer - I accepted. The problem? It's a desk job. Before that, I had always done manual labor...landscaping, construction, etc. I NEVER had to watch what I ate, never had to go to the gym, and I was in fantastic shape. However, since I had no experience with eating healthy/working out, I quickly lost a lot of my muscle tone, and gained weight. My clothes weren't fitting, I didn't like how I looked, my chronic back problems were increasing in frequency/intensity...I had to do something. So here I am.


• Would you consider yourself as having an eating disorder? Nope.


• Have you ever had an eating disorder in the past? (If you are now recovered): No


• Do you feel pressure from the media to look a certain way? (If so please elaborate): Yes, and no. Of course, the daily bombardment of media with pictures/videos of ridiculously fit, gorgeous models doesn't help make you feel beautiful...but, at the same time, you have to realize that so much of that is fake. Plastic surgery, airbrushing, crazy diets, etc. I'm not interested in all that.


• Who has your ideal body/Who is your body inspiration? Well, ME several years ago. Lol. I keep a folder of pictures on my computer of me several years ago to keep me motivated.


• Why do you want to look that way? Because I was confident, happy with how I looked, and felt great.


• What are you doing to change your weight? Please give as much info as possible (Specific diet/workout plan/taking supplements/surgery…): Well, at first, I tried going to the gym, 3 days a week, but not focusing as much on a diet plan. After 3+ months of NO progress, I realized that diet is SO much more of it than I thought. So, now, I am trying to keep my food journal here on MFP, watching what I eat (macros especially - protein vs. fat vs. carbs, instead of just calories). I'm eating a lot less processed foods, but not going overboard about it. I found if I stick to TOO strict a plan, that's when I tend to be more tempted to stray. Between that and running several times a week, I'd say I'm making progress. My current goal is to be able to run/walk (probably more walking. Lol) a half marathon at the end of the month.


• Do you have ‘problem areas’ (please specify) or are you trying to change all over? Gosh...abs. Lol. I have a bad back (weak muscle, spasms, etc.) so I can't really do ANY repetitive ab exercises. It's frustrating. For now, I'm just working on my other less-problematic areas...thighs, butt, etc...and I'll work on that when the time comes.


• How do you feel about your weight loss/gain? (Positive/negative/motivated): Depends on the day...some days, I'm super motivated, feeling like i'm making progress...then, other days, it takes some serious self-pep talks to get me going. Lol. I think my problem is seeing other people lose weight so quickly...I don't have much to lose, so it's VERY slow coming off...and VERY easy to put back on!


• Have you got people who support you? (In real life/Online): Yup...here on MFP. Granted, that means I have to log in...but it is great to have people encouraging me. In real life..yes, people encourage me verbally, but they still eat all sorts of "bad" foods in front of me. Lol.


• Has dieting changed how people see/treat you now? (Friends/family/public): Not really...not a significant enough difference I don't think.


• What motivates you? Pictures of myself 3 years ago, and my wedding in June of this year.


• If/when you ‘fall off the wagon’ how do you feel? (Like giving up/motivated to do better/like punishing yourself/upset): Like giving up! But then I realize, I've already made this much progress, so, if I wipe the slate and start fresh, I'm still ahead of where I was!


• How do you feel about reaching your goal? (Is it close/far away/does it seem impossible): At the moment, it seems very far away...but, I'm still ahead of where I was!


• How do you think you will feel when you reach your goal? First...ecstatic. Then, a little nervous about keeping it there. Lol.


• What if you don’t feel that way? What will you do next? I guess i'll re-consider my goals, and adjust as necessary.


• What is your biggest worry? That I won't ever get there...and I'll finally give up.


• What have you learnt on your journey so far?: PATIENCE!!!!


• What is your favourite (relevant) quote? I mentioned it above...a friend of mine told me this. He said, "If you ever have a bad day, and feel like giving up...just think: If you forgot about the past, and decided to start fresh today...the progress you've made to date is just a bonus...you're already ahead of the game on your first day!"

bump for later

• Gender: Female
• Age: 19

• Starting weight: 190
• Current weight: 183
• Goal weight: 145

• What are your reasons for wanting to lose/gain weight? (Please state which)
Lose weight: to be athletic again after surgery. Feel healthy and fit.

• Tell me a bit about your past… (Were you always unhappy with your weight? Did it begin in childhood? Did a specific event trigger unnatural eating habits?)
Wasn't happy with weight since puberty, even though, looking back in hindsight, I wasn't fat. Depression/stress from family issues and physical injuries contributed to unhealthy eat (and fitness) habits.

• Would you consider yourself as having an eating disorder?

No
• Have you ever had an eating disorder in the past? (If you are now recovered)
No

• Do you feel pressure from the media to look a certain way? (If so please elaborate)
Sometimes, because of the way the clothes fit.

• Who has your ideal body/Who is your body inspiration?
Beyonce

• Why do you want to look that way?
Beautiful, fit, and curvy

• What are you doing to change your weight? Please give as much info as possible (Specific diet/workout plan/taking supplements/surgery…)
Lowering calorie intake to ~1500 calories. Working out ~4x/week. Doing both cardio and heavy weights.

• Do you have ‘problem areas’ (please specify) or are you trying to change all over?
All over

• How do you feel about your weight loss/gain? (Positive/negative/motivated)
Motivated

• Have you got people who support you? (In real life/Online)
Not really. (MFP friends, but to me, it's much different than in real life)

• Has dieting changed how people see/treat you now? (Friends/family/public)
No

• What motivates you?
Being healthy. Looking & feeling good, and powerful/strong/endurance

• If/when you ‘fall off the wagon’ how do you feel? (Like giving up/motivated to do better/like punishing yourself/upset)
Upset, but motivated to do better

• How do you feel about reaching your goal? (Is it close/far away/does it seem impossible)
It seems far away and a long and hard journey

• How do you think you will feel when you reach your goal?
Accomplished

• What if you don’t feel that way? What will you do next?
I don't know why I wouldn't feel that way...I'd probably go to a therapist...lol

• What is your biggest worry?
Giving up again

• What have you learnt on your journey so far?
Not to push through injuries and listen to your doctor and body...lol. And it's okay to treat yourself once in awhile instead of depriving yourself...if I don't I will binge. Also, heavy lifting for women makes you effing sexy.

• What is your favourite (relevant) quote? Oh god...can I list a couple, pretty please?

"A river cuts through rock not because of it's strength, but because of it's persistence"
"Strive for progress, not perfection"
"The food you eat can either be the safest and most powerful form of medicine, or it can be the slowest form of poison"
"Losing weight is hard... maintaining weight is hard...staying over weight is hard....Choose your hard"

Sorry, I couldn't choose

Gender: Male
Age: 23

Starting Weight: 260 lbs
Current Weight: 182-186 (Fluctuate throughout the day.)
Goal: 170 lbs

What are my reasons for wanting to lose/gain weight?
Avoid health issues, be more energetic, look good in clothes and feel better about myself.

I don't have an eating disorder.

I don't care what the media thinks since their bias anyway.

I don't look at anyone else only myself.

Because I want to be healthy, fit, muscular, toned and have more energy.

Look on my posts for more info on my diet/work outs.

Mainly right now I'm just trying to get rid of my loose skin and get toned.

It's annoying when I gain weight or don't lose enough weight but that also gives me time to look at what I've been eating and finding ways to improve.

A lot of people support me. Only support I care about is myself because I'm the one doing all of the work to get there.

Dieting/fitness have shown me that it's important and that you have to always pay attention if your remain healthy.

Over the years I've fallen off many times. 1st time: 287lbs-205lbs ; 2nd time (currently): 260lbs-182lbs [Just goes to show you it's important that you pay attention and must make an effort to change.]

I motivate myself.

When I reach my weight goal I'll be satisfied but there's always room for improvement on fitness.

I'll be excited/proud of myself once my goals are met.

I've learned that there's no quick fix. It all comes down to hard work, determination, motivation to improve and how bad do you want it.

Quotes:
"If you can't kill it, grow it or pick it don't eat it."
"Nothing is impossible when heart and mind are put to the test."-Spartacus
"A man can only give up in two if he quits or he dies."
"The only easy day was yesterday."-SEAL Team 1
"I came. I saw. I conquered."-Julius Caesar
(I like a lot of quotes. Hard to narrow it down.)

Gender: Female
• Age: 33

• Starting weight: 180
• Current weight: 143
• Goal weight: 138

• What are your reasons for wanting to lose/gain weight? (Please state which) I couldnt stand it that my size 10 clothes didnt fit and I refused to buy size 12. I didnt recognize my own face in the mirror anymore. I looked like the thing that swallowed Kelley so I decided to do something about it.


• Tell me a bit about your past… (Were you always unhappy with your weight? Did it begin in childhood? Did a specific event trigger unnatural eating habits?) I was always a normal weight. It wasnt until I stopped working out when I went back to college at 27 while working full time that my body changed. I had bad eating habits ( fried most things, cooked veggies in oil, didnt understand portion sizes) that without the gym to balance it I gained 40 lbs over 8 years.


• Would you consider yourself as having an eating disorder? No


• Have you ever had an eating disorder in the past? (If you are now recovered) No


• Do you feel pressure from the media to look a certain way? (If so please elaborate) No


• Who has your ideal body/Who is your body inspiration? No one has an ideal body. I dont look to anyone other than myself. You can find flaws in every body so Id rather concentrate on the one I have.


• Why do you want to look that way? see above


• What are you doing to change your weight? Please give as much info as possible (Specific diet/workout plan/taking supplements/surgery…) Calorie/portion control, walking as exercise. Started at 1200 calories a day to lose 2lbs a week, now eating 1430 to lose .5 a week. Just added more exercise this week to tone up as I have lost most of the weight.


• Do you have ‘problem areas’ (please specify) or are you trying to change all over? My upper thighs need to be toned up, as do my arms.


• How do you feel about your weight loss/gain? (Positive/negative/motivated) I am happy and motivated to achieve the end result. Im happy with what I look like now that it has motivated me to improve upon it.


• Have you got people who support you? (In real life/Online) My boyfriend is very supportive. I only recently obtained online friends. I didnt feel the need for other people to spur me along. Myself was enough. It is nice to have the recognition of others along the way but it wasnt a necessity for me to lose weight.


• Has dieting changed how people see/treat you now? (Friends/family/public) No.


• What motivates you? Me. I wanted to feel good about myself again.


• If/when you ‘fall off the wagon’ how do you feel? (Like giving up/motivated to do better/like punishing yourself/upset) I havent fell off the wagon.


• How do you feel about reaching your goal? (Is it close/far away/does it seem impossible) It was very reachable. It never seemed impossible. I tend to not thing about the finish line in any area of my life. I always concentrate on each step I have to take. Makes reaching the end easier.


• How do you think you will feel when you reach your goal? I already reached my first goal and was very pleased. I only added an additional 6 lbs to my goal so I wouldnt be inbetween clothing sizes anymore.


• What if you don’t feel that way? What will you do next? N/A


• What is your biggest worry? In the back of my mind I worry I will gain weight again. Even though I feel like MFP has taught me how to eat properly I'm 99% sure I wont but everyone has a little doubt.


• What have you learnt on your journey so far? Calories actual mean something. They are not some meaningless number on a label. You can still eat whatever you want and feel full and satisfied even though you are controlling the portions. I no longer keep eating because something tastes good. I eat my portion which always fills me up and learned how to fight the empty urges to eat when i am not hungry.


• What is your favourite (relevant) quote? I'm not a quoting type of chick