Changes Everywhere

Hi Guys, I'm Robyn.

I have been using MFP for about 11 days but haven't had the time to read any of these posts or do an introduction. Seems I have been missing out big time!

I'm 24 and a UK size 16/18 and have been around this size (give or take about 14lb) for about 8 years now. I have always been trying to lose weight and lead a more healthy lifestyle but it has never worked or lasted. I really enjoy exercise and in the past have usually managed to get to the gym 1-3 times every 2 weeks depending on life/work stuff. I have asthma and (stupidly) started smoking when I was about 14! I have at times felt very low about my weight, I am quite a seemingly confident person on the outside and close friends and family have always assumed that I was happy and not too worried about by weight. Not the case, over the years I have now realised that I was becoming more and more withdrawn and less confident, more wanting to blend into the crowd than stand out. Every year as the hot weather starts I feel even more low and depressed that I don't look good in those small tops and skirts, so opt for just being hot in my jeans and a tee.

THIS HAD TO STOP

40 days ago I decided things were going to change big time.

I stopped smoking! I have tried time and time again to quit smoking and it has never worked before but somehow I knew it was for good this time - the difference between this time and all the others was that I had masses of motivation.

I joined a new gym and devised a new workout schedule, wrote it down and told myself that the days and times for going to the gym were not optional and unless there was a very very good reason I had to go when I said I would. My schedule is three 30 minute cardio workouts before work and three minimum 30 minute cardio workouts straight after work Mon-Fri and one 1-2 hour workout at weekends. I have been slowly introducing more and more weight training into my gym sessions as something new to keep things interesting and to start toning. Sometimes this is hard working but generally the hardest bit about it is getting to the gym, once I am there I am love it and get a real boost when I see myself improving week after week.

So with my new gym programme in full swing I was trying to watch what I was eating but wasn't calorie counting, weighing myself every 4-5 days. Day 20 and Nothing! In fact I put on 1lb. That was a blow and I knew that if I didn't change something to help the weight come off my motivation would be hard to keep. So I did some research and looked at making an appointment with a dietitian but that would have cost a fortune, and for what, to be told to eat more vegetables. There had to be a cheaper way to keep track and get advice!

So here I am. 11 days in and I have lost 11lb MFP has worked for me and I intend to stick to it. I love that if I know I am going to be going out with friends or something that I will end up eating more than I would normally that I can earn more calories by doing exercise, eat a little of the things I like and not feel guilty. This is dieting at it's simplest, but it works, and it is so easy to stick to!

I have made a complete lifestyle change, I have taken control of my life and I feel so much happier for it. I am planning to walk up Ben Nevis in October and to complete a Triathlon in the spring next year, I am looking forward to the future, making plans and always on the look out for new goals to aim for. The one thing I wasn't expecting to happen so fast is that I have started buying brighter coloured clothes and more flattering tops, I don't think I look that much different but I feel so much more confident and sexy. There is no way I am going back to the old me!

I'm sorry this was so long, it wasn't meant to be. I guess I got a little bit carried away as I haven't really talked to anyone about this and it has been great to write it down and share it with you.