I'll go first! As I previously said, I started this journey back in January. At that point, I was at my heaviest of 265 (that was recorded anyway). Long story short, a person very close to me was brutally honest but not in the sense that they were being mean, making me think less of myself. They had just simply said that I was losing myself and my weight was the cause. I wasn't the person that I used to be. I was always complaining about myself and my wardrobe, which had dwindled to one pair of jeans, a few shirts and a few maxi dresses that fit. I was consistently negative about myself and I had zero energy to want to do things. Their words hurt to hear but they were right. However, I only agreed once I tried complaining to my mother and she sided with them. It sat me back and made me think. They were absolutely right. I was only hurt because everybody else in my life sugar coated it all. Trying to "make me feel better" about my size. That's not a solution! If you don't like your size and it's taking away your confidence and your well being, YOU are the only person that can change that. People can tell you you're beautiful all day long but if you feel down about yourself, their words mean nothing. It has to come from within. So I made that change.

I started "jogging", and I use that term lightly, a few times a week. Slowly but surely, my jog has improved. I started out only jogging about 1.5 miles in 35-40 minutes, hating it the whole way. My knees would hurt, my hips, my feet.. I wasn't sure I was going to be cut out for this but I kept pushing. I can now jog 3 miles in the same amount of time, pain free. I also started logging everything I ate. I never did "diet" because I know it doesn't work. I simply stopped purchasing prepackaged foods, sweet drinks were cut drastically (coffees are my weakness), and I tried to use simple, clean ingredients. We try to cook at home 98% of the time but we're a normal family and we go out from time to time as well. In those scenarios, I found myself doing research prior to. I look up menu's and nutrition facts online. But if I feel like I want to have a black and blue bacon burger with sweet potato fries then by gosh I will! Don't restrict yourself to the point where you feel like you're being punished! You'll never stick to it. Find an exercise that you love! Change things up! I now do all sorts of things from Zumba to HIIT workouts, Yoga and jogging. Sometimes I take things outside! You have to do what makes you feel confident and comfortable. And you have to make time! I made excuses for a short while when I started my schooling and reverted back to some of my old ways and I felt terrible. Not only mentally but physically I was just so tired and dragged down for a couple of weeks. But I didn't let it stop me. I picked myself back up and got right back on the wagon and lost 5 pounds that week! It's incredible what you can do when you set your mind to it.

A few helpful YouTube resources if you're an at home workout person like myself:
BeFit Channel has loads of workouts! Everything from beginner to advanced. They've even got some Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred videos.
If you're a Zumba junkie like myself, Live Love Party channel has great, modern Zumba dances with up to date songs.

KimmyLouie wrote: »

HI I am Kim. I have finally decided its time for me to get serious about weight loss. and this is my first step. I know being a part of a group can help keep me motivated and going in the right direction. Looking to get this thing started and lose the weight I need to keep my health up and my dress size down! LOL

Welcome! I'll consistently be posting in the group to help keep everybody on track! Best of luck to you!

natyack wrote: »

Hi Everyone,

I'm a (relatively) new mom trying to get serious for the third time this year about losing the 30lbs that didn't seem to want to let go after I gave birth last year. Over the summer I started to get serious about making a lifestyle change and after two weeks saw on my home scale that I had lost over 6lbs. I was so excited! However I went to the OB/GYN later that week and their scale had me right back at my starting weight. It shouldn't have upset me as much as it did, but I let that number just completely derail me. I was about 155 lbs at the time. I decided to stop beating myself up and just live my life.... well I went to my GP last week for my yearly checkup and I'm up to 164 - the heaviest I've ever been (not counting while I was pregnant, obviously). I knew then that I needed to change the decisions I make on a regular basis if I don't want to keep steadily gaining weight over the years.

I don't want to focus too heavily on weighing myself this time around. Instead I'm focusing on staying within my calorie goals and trying to find at least 20 mins per day to work out. I started C25K just today - the app helped me run my first 5k a few years ago so I know it works well for me. I'm also making recipes from blogs like Slender Kitchen, SkinnyTaste, and the Fit Girls Guide program. I'm looking forward to checking in with you all to stay motivated and positive!

That's a great start! Like I said in my "advertisement" post we'll call it lol.. It's not so much about the number on the scale as it is staying accountable and motivated and really just making this your lifestyle. It's amazing what the small changes in your life make once they start adding up. Since it's not such a huge, drastic change, it just becomes something you do without feeling like your missing out or restricting yourself. I'm glad you've decided to join us and I wish you the best! Feel free to post any yummy recipes in the recipe posts!

herreraek22 wrote: »

I have a desk job and a weakness for all sweets. I love to run and do crossfit but injured my back a couple of months ago and have been very lazy since then. I'm now feeling much better but finding it hard to get back into the routine of exercising and eating well. Nighttime snacking is my worst habit. I'm tired of my clothes not
fitting well and refuse to buy bigger sizes! I think this group will be a great motivation!

I'm right there with you! Desk job, HUGE sweet tooth! It definitely takes a lot of will power! I find alternative (less guilty) treats to feed my addiction when I need to! I'll be sure to post of the recipes I've made! Figure out your schedule and find what works for you! Start little if you need to, 10-20 minutes here and there until you get it balanced well and then you can add to it or just do more intense workouts. It took me awhile to get a new swing going once my classes started but I finally made it and that's what I had done to get there.

I really hope we can all hold each other up throughout the remainder of this year! Best of luck!