At what point did you decided you needed to change?

I was a skinny kid/young adult. Became a mom at 21 I was 120lbs. (After gaining 10lb freshman lbs). 3 kids later I was 37 and 160lbs. I started being around women that were smaller than me and I wanted that for myself. I yearned for a slimmer body. Learned about MFP and I have 15lbs to my goal. I know it sounds vain but it's my truth.

I am post menopause, have fibromyalgia and I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis about 14 years ago.

For the most part I have been able to maintain a healthy weight as an adult. I was heavy following the birth of my daughter (183 lbs) and through exercise only (a rowing machine and sprinting) I was able to get below 140 lbs. within a year of starting. And, I was able to keep the weight generally between 145-150 lbs. until menopause. Over time, the weight crept up to about 163, then 170 and then... gads 183... and finally 190. I carry my weight well so, my clothing sizes didn't increase by much until the last year or so. I had size 12 to size 14 suits in my closet and I buy them on eBay based on waist size inches ... so size is not really relevant in the US to gauge how obese one is because sizes are just a number.

I am going on my 6th year working as senior level manager in executive administration. It is a highly politicized environment and very stressful. Until recently I worked "balls to the wall" and pulled many 10 to 12 hour days, getting up only to go to the bathroom, attend meetings or walk to and from my car.

As a result of the work stress / sleep deprivation (I am at my desk at 6:00 am) I began to eat more and measured my stress level based on the number of Charms blow-pops I ate at work (in the place of smoking). Also, I began to eat more frequently in the cafeteria (the walk was counted as "exercise") and used to add carbs (fried rice and drunken noodles are my favorite) to my "salads" and I would treat myself once a week to the best steak fries and chicken tenders I have ever had (from a tiny hole in the wall eatery). Carbs are my comfort food. At home, I regularly added rice, potatoes and pasta to the meals that I was cooking. I found a great recipe for refrigerator pizza dough so I would make a 12” personal size pizza and eat half of that for dinner and take the other half for lunch the next day.

This time last year I was reassigned (the chief executive brought in his friends -- happens all of the time in government) and while I was still getting paid the same, my position in the pecking order now is way below what I was used to and at that point I decided that I didn't have to prove anything to anyone, so I gradually cut my hours back, "due to heath issues". The sad part was I don't think anyone noticed.

Suddenly, I was going home at the end of 8 hours, which just happens to coincide with the beginning of open "Express Lane" traffic control, so, now I can be home in less than 20 minutes. Not being in bumper to bumper traffic for 30 to 45 minutes twice a day every day, helped my stress level a lot. (I actually just call in to late afternoon meetings, which since the advent of tele-work is mighty convenient.)

Also, my daughter got married and left the country to live with her husband (an American who teaches abroad). She and I were always very close; and in the space of several months, she was married and then far away... she also left most of her stuff at my house and it's still sitting where she left it because I just don't have the energy to deal with any of it.

All of the women in my family died obese, with a myriad of health problems relating to disease after menopause; heart failure, diabetes, stroke, etc. This last October we buried my oldest (and "best") cousin, whose health followed in the footsteps of our grandmother, and, her mother. She was my mentor and my friend. I had to buy a sized 16 (37 inch waist) suit for the funeral and I realized then that I needed to do something to save my own life.

So, with that being the wake-up call... I began my journey on Calorie Count (which had a way better API platform, IMO) and switched to MFP in this past January when CC announced that it was closing down in March. So far I have been compliant about 75% to 80% calorie-wise (1400 calories) and I have found that the Paleo / Ketogenic meal plans (45% protein, 40% fat and 15% carbs/sugar) are helping immensely. I am generally not hungry and I don't crave sweets or carbs. To date, not counting what I lost in November and December on Calorie Count, I have lost 23 pounds. I don't weigh myself that regularly and rely more on which clothes fit.

When I can comfortably fit into size 12 clothes with a 32" waist I will declare success. The goal is to do this with meal management so that I can maintain this for the long term.

I can no longer wear my cute size 2 and 4 clothes and had to bring out my fat girl, size 6's. Losing weight is cheaper and easier than buying new clothes and feeling awful about my size.

after a year of exercising and not loosing weight. I decided watching what I eat needed to be part of my plan. MFP has been the answer.

I was tired of yoyoing. I'm still in the army and we have to meet weight standards or body fat. I got to where I'd be 5lbs over the max weight, do right before a weigh in I would crash diet to lose it, then just make it, and then not watch what I ate again. I never used to do that until after my 2ND child (who just turned 3 btw). I'm tired of it and I just want to be able to enjoy myself again. So I'm looking at getting to about 145 maybe 135, which would give me enough of a cushion. Plus, I miss all my clothes I used to fit into.