Greetings, and looking to give and receive encouragement!

Hi, I have been on MFP for a few weeks now after coming off another site that I found too cumbersome.

I'm a 43 year old female that needs to lose another 50 lbs, and I am looking for cheerleaders who will help me do that! I am also an awesome cheerleader myself, so participating with other users here will be a big part of my journey.

I am 5'3", weight 201 lbs, and have lost about 9 lbs so far (2 since joining here).

I am a scuba diver and am looking to improve my general fitness so I can get some more bottom time when diving, but most of all I want to just be healthy, comfortable in my body, and able to do the things I love.

In the past two months I have taken swimming lessons to improve my stroke and efficiency, and I swim at the pool at least three times a week along with two aquafit classes per week. I have worked up to 2000 meters in the pool and love this exercise! I walk at least three times a week with my husband, and was able to log 17K in the last weekend. I'm going to add some yoga to the mix in the coming weeks.

I am an adamant home cooker and very focused on eating fresh, home cooked meals without processed food. I rarely eat out. That said, I am an emotional eater and can overeat very easily, even if it is home cooking. I love to cook, especially ethnic dishes (Thai, mexican, indian, etc.)

My issue is falling off the bandwagon. If I don't exercise, I'll stop altogether. If I indulge in that slice of chocolate cake, I'll eat the whole thing. So really, I'm looking for that encouragement in my weak moments. That forgiveness for the small slips, and encouragement for the great moments is what I need.

As for what I can offer, I'm very determined and can help drive you to your goals through encouragement and suggestions. I give what I get and would rather be positive and friendly than judgemental and discouraging. I'd love to make some new friends here to both give and to benefit.

Peace.