Hi all, I'm so glad to find a group like this! So sick of hearing about all the extreme diets, etc. This is my kind of group, focusing on life changes. I have been up and down (mostly up ) in weight all my life, name a diet I've probably been on it. You know what I always gain it back and it brings friends back with it! I do have some significant health challenges I have to work around especially fitness, so that's an added bonus. For example I have had arthritis since I was 4 years old, and had to get both my hips replaced when I was 16-17. So ya things that don't help keeping me active. I have decided that this time I am working on steady life changes not fads. My main workouts are pool cardio, cuz its gentle on my joints. Recently I have been going to chair yoga. A modified yoga program, love it! Looking forward to doing this with you all!

Hi Everyone! I am Yagmur. I just joined mfp yesterday because I want to keep track of my food and exercise and stay motivated to be consistent. I lost 30 pounds 5 years ago and have been able to keep most of it off. I would like to get back down about 8 pounds, which is where I feel my best and most confident. I am 47, and I know I need to do more strength training to keep my bones and body strong. I just don't like lifting weights! So, that's my weak point. I just got back from a family vacation where my husband took this horrifying photo of me in my bikini. Instead of burying my head in the sand, I decided to force myself to look at the reality in hopes that it will keep me motivated. I look forward o getting to know all of you as we forge along toward healthier lives.

Hi everyone, my name is Nathalie and I am turning 40 in February. I've just joined mfp for the first time and have made some posts but am excited to be part of a group who I feel will help and support each other!
I gave up smoking earlier this year which was the first big challenge for me, it's gone well and it will be a year in September! I now feel ready to work on my health and fitness and am determined to enter my forties in a much happier and healthier position, like Deirdre, I look forward to getting to know you all and reading your posts! Good luck to all

Hello ladies. I am Kathy. I have been on and off of this site for a while but really need to get serious about getting healthy. I am a 57 years old and a widow who lives in Florida. I have 6 children and 12 grandchildren. My youngest son just recently moved out on his own so I am now an empty nester. It has been so long since I concentrated on myself it's like a whole new life. So it is time to make changes and get this process going. I appreciate all of the help and support.

Hi Everyone. My name is Lynnette and I am a Christian who believes the Bible is truth and Gods instructions through this life. I am also a 32 yr old Mom of 4. My oldest is almost 12 and youngest 5. I am a school teacher so I work full time 10mo. out of the year.

I started my weight loss journey June 2013 mostly because my Husband was diagnosed with osteoarthritis of his hips and he needed to lose 150lbs to try and prolong the life of his natural hips. Because I am the grocery shopper and chef of the house I needed to get on board for his sake. Fast forward 13 mo. and together we have lost 180 lbs. Him 130 and me 50. It hasn't been easy fitting in gym time or food prep into our schedules with for kids and full time jobs but by the grace of God he has held us together and given us the strength to persevere. I started a weight loss program at our church a few months ago and the 20 people who joined had lost 200ish lbs. in 8 weeks. I love helping and motivating others to start and continue their own weight loss journey through lifestyle changes.

HI!

My names Arylea, or Ary for short. Like many, I have struggled with my weight my entire life, and have lost weight with the wrong motivation and changes before, to only gain it back within a few years of slothfulness. January 2012 I got divorced, went through a bunch of life changes, and found myself in a very healthy relationship. I have been able to repair my self emotionally with him, and am soo lucky to have such a caring and supportive companion in my life. I have been on the verge of this new life change for a while, and finally started to kick it into gear in April of this year, shortly before this I left a very stressful job and kicked caffeine out of my life. Things have been awesome since, and I've managed to lose 42 lbs since February, when I started this mindset change and revved up the determination. I'm usually not one to reach out myself, but do love to support others, whether it through positive motivation, recipe ideas, or fun new exercises or sites and apps used to help keep it all together.

Right now, I just got back from camping and about 2 weeks where I wasn't able to hit the gym as frequently, but still lost 3.5 lbs! I'm kicking back into gear, and getting back into resistance training since the 2 week lull. Love that fresh sore feeling, it just means progress. Please add me as a friend, and hit me up if you want to chat, share ideas, and such. Looking forward to a challenge!

Hello all!! My name is Anna. I am 34 yr old, married and mother of a four year old son. I work full time and is a caregiver to my mother that is battling stage 4 lung cancer. The first six months of all of this I was having a hard time with keeping on track. Last week, I started to get my mojo back. Lost the 5-7 pounds I gained and ready to rock and roll (plus I have a vacation in two months). My husband is very supportive considering he lost 65 himself. Very proud of him (I was jealous at first). I have been walking a mile about every other day (have to start somewhere). So far I have lost 25 since Oct 2013. I would like to lose 25 more. I would be around the weight I was when I started dating my husband 10 years ago. I am thankful that I am able to help motivate people and help them reach their goals.

Question: Does anyone know why we can't read message boards on our cell phones? Very inconvient.

Anna:happy: