Starting my journey

Hey everyone! My name is Caitlin. Im 24 years old and weigh (last time I checked) 265 lbs. I have struggled with being overweight for a long time, and i am definitely an emotional eater. Im getting married next year and Id love to be around 200lbs by my wedding (May 26, 2018).

I lost weight before I got pregnant, but I gained 70 lbs with my daughter, and ive just continously gained over the last 3.5 years. I am ready to take control of my life.

Ill be starting to eat healthier, drink more water, and exercise. I joined a gym today with child care so theres absolutely no reason for me not to attend!

Share your routines, stories, and recipes to help me stay motivated to do better!

Replies

  • CaliMomTeach
    CaliMomTeach Posts: 745 Member
    I learned through this process (started on here over a year ago) that it is all what I eat. Exercise makes me feel better and healthier, and may earn me 200-300 extra calories, but the real key to losing around 50 pounds in about 8 months was to follow the calorie amount that MFP recommended. Once I met my goal, I started exercising (and eating) more and actually put on a few pounds. I want to exercise to be strong and healthier, but I don't find it the best way, for me, to keep the weight off. The focus for me needs to be on controlling how much I eat.

    Good luck! I think you will be able to lose the 65 pounds you want to lose in a year if you follow the calorie recommendations on here and weight and measure everything. It also will probably be easier than you think, if you follow the recommendations.

    I gained a lot of weight eating a diet that included many healthy foods, and a few unhealthy ones. I have learned that healthy foods can make me gain weight if I eat too much of them. That was very eye-opening for me.
  • dutchyswife92
    dutchyswife92 Posts: 6 Member
    I learned through this process (started on here over a year ago) that it is all what I eat. Exercise makes me feel better and healthier, and may earn me 200-300 extra calories, but the real key to losing around 50 pounds in about 8 months was to follow the calorie amount that MFP recommended. Once I met my goal, I started exercising (and eating) more and actually put on a few pounds. I want to exercise to be strong and healthier, but I don't find it the best way, for me, to keep the weight off. The focus for me needs to be on controlling how much I eat.

    Good luck! I think you will be able to lose the 65 pounds you want to lose in a year if you follow the calorie recommendations on here and weight and measure everything. It also will probably be easier than you think, if you follow the recommendations.

    I gained a lot of weight eating a diet that included many healthy foods, and a few unhealthy ones. I have learned that healthy foods can make me gain weight if I eat too much of them. That was very eye-opening for me.

    I am very much looking forward to this journey! I think its definitely doable to lose 65lbs if I commit myself to this 100%. Im going to be doing before/afters and doing measurments & weigh ins. I need to be healthier. Im stuck in a vicious cycle.

    Over the last year I have changed our diets. We dont eat processed foods, and we eat (for the most part) healthier. Now i need to work on portion control and eating more fruits & veggies!
  • awildwomanatheart
    awildwomanatheart Posts: 89 Member
    Hi Caitlin! You're gonna do great! I'm Alicia, 31, and after years of back and forth, I finally got my self together and have been going strong for 5wks now. I started at 262 and my first weigh in last week, I lost 21lbs. I use the Keto method and LOVVVVVE it! It's so simple, does take some getting used to, but simple. Feel free to add me, I'm all about support and whatever I can do to help you, I'd be glad to. Wishing you the best!
  • dutchyswife92
    dutchyswife92 Posts: 6 Member
    Did my first gym workout today and im definitely feeling a bit jelly-legged. But I feel fantastic. For the first time ever, I looked at others in the gym as motivation, as "that will be me!" Instead of "im not as good". Im so excited for this journey.
  • Lost 60 pounds in the last 6 months. It's totally doable get some weight training in there and some HIIT cardio along with a good diet and you're good to go! Just don't get suckered into those 30 day workout plans/diets/ cleanses etc. nothing worth having only takes 30 days.