Scared. Fat. Embarrassed. 18.

LJCannon is correct. I was going to say the same. Walking is the simpliest form of exercise start there. Also if you can, pick up Prevention Magazine....they have some simple exercises in there. Also if you like dancing, download some music you like and dance for at least 30 min. that way it is fun, relaxing, and something you can do without it being such a chore. Good Luck!!!! Don't give up or beat yourself up if you slip up.

Also I really like this website because you can kind of work a plan of action based on the foods you eat. Seeing the goals will help you see where and what to make adjustments on.

Sounds like you have your aunt's support. That's great! Use it! Eat a healthy balanced diet, work some sort of activity into every day of the week--fitness walking for an hour can work WONDERS--and just keep at it! You didn't gain the weight overnight, and you won't lose it overnight either, so try not to get discouraged, and screw embarrassed! You're more in the norm than you think, high school just sucks for making you feel bad about yourself. The only reason you feel like 'the only one' is that so many other girls have given in and are hiding backstage. I'm sure that was an awful moment for you, and a real slap in the face, but don't let it phase you one bit. Just keep on moving along and improving. Progress, not perfection--what I always say ) Welcome to the bunch. I'm new here too, but I'm much (Much!) older, and I'm here to maintain all the weight I once lost and don't want to get back again. What I can't get back, but wish I could, were all the things I avoided doing when I was overweight. Take the stage, girl. Be great at any weight!

All I can tell is that This Works. Nothing else works. THIS works.

Why? IDK, possibly because it's really a user-friendly support network and it's simple to use unlike Spark People which was...*overwhelming* to say the least and a PIA (pain in the...a..) to use, with way too much on it.

This interface is SIMPLE. This is like a weight loss fb - simple, nothing extra, join in threads you want to join in - many are "group threads".....and that works.

So much about this site works. User friendly is always #1, support on the boards #2...it just works. I've lost 12 pounds since I joined. Counting calories works to lose weight....exercise is just the Reddi Whip (it only has like 5 cals per tsp) topping on top....

You're in the right place I'm sorry you had to feel like a "failure" in front of everyone. I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy. Everyone here is so supportive and no doubt you'll be flooded with friend requests of people who want to support you. Perhaps you could try talking to your parents about how you'd like to eat more fruit and vegetables or packing your own lunch. Could you use your allowance (if you have one) to buy healthy food from the grocery store? Can you walk / ride to and from school? Do a workout dvd in your room? You'll get there don't you worry!

Welcome! I've been a health and fitness buff for years. It's a chore tracking your calories/nutrients on paper having to write it all down and look it up manually which I've done for the longest time. This is a great program and I don't have to waste paper. What has helped me to lose the weight and keep it off are 5 things. Eating clean, eating 5 small meals a day (each meal consisting of carbs, protein, and fat), lifting weights 3 days a week and cardio 4 days a week, and lastly this awesome program to help keep me accountable for what goes in my body. It has saved me so much time. The best of luck to you and do these things in small steps.

Wow what a fantastic response you've had, I love this site! Welcome )

I spent a long time trying and failing to shift some excess weight, but I am now experiencing some sucess and will share my top tips of the things I found most useful.

1. Make SMALL changes GRADUALLY. The worst thing you can do is to do anything extreme (food or exercise), I can guarantee you won't stick at it.

2. Learn to listen to your body. Eat only when you are hungry, and stop when you are full. This might seem obvious, but you'll be surprised how often you eat without paying attention, and you'll be surprised at how little you actually need to fill you up.

3. Don't limit what you can and can't eat. Sure learn what the healthier options are and consciously chose them, but if you fancy a chocolate bar occassionally, and you're hungry, have one. If you limit yourself you will lose motivation.

4. Move. Every step you take, every move you make, you're burning calories. You're not going to run a marathon tomorrow, but you could get off the bus a stop early or park at the far side of the car park, every little extra thing you do is helping.

5. Motivation. Keep a log of your food and your excercise, it will keep your focus, and you will notice patterns. Also set short-term targets, e.g. this week I will walk for half an hour 5 times.

6. Last but not least, if you have a bad day, so what, don't beat yourself up! Tomorrow is another day, think of each day as a new start.

Good luck!

E )

Welcome to MFP, and hopefully you've been encouraged! We all want to succeed and and want to see you succeed too! Consistent exercise is important (I took multiple "fitness classes" in college to force me to start making it a habit) and once you start paying more attention to what you eat (such as calorie counting), it will get SO much easier. Calorie counting is so easy for me these days because of MFP and my dedication to be on here every single day logging them. Feel free to add me as a friend if you need more support. Good luck, girl!!!!!

Hi, I'm relatively new, too, and I know it seems like a lot of work in the beginning (and it is!) but it gets easier. I've found that I eat a lot of the same foods in a week, so while it's a pain at first to figure out how many calories are in a particular food, once I've found out I never have to do it again because it's already saved in my diary. I'll send you a friend request--I'm on here every day so feel free to message me if you'd like. :happy:

Tarah, I know your mom and your dad would both enjoy this site and if all three of you jump on board, it would really be helpful in your obtaining your goals. I can't remember if you have an Iphone...there is an app for myfitnesspal for iphones that helps you keep up with your calories, even at school. Also, try just taking your lunch instead of eating that cafeteria food. I promise this works, dear. Just getting a handle on what you put in your mouth, realizing what you are eating, that will help you lose. I was eating without even knowing it. You have my cell. Text me if you have any questions. And one more hint: CLEAN YOUR ROOM! Even cleaning burns calories...look it up under exercise! the more calories you burn, the more you get to eat! Aunt Lari