Ready for a Lifestyle Change

Hi, my name is Rachel, and I'm here because I'm ready to change my life. I am 21 years old, 5'7", and 216lb. I have been overweight all my life. I was raised on Dr Pepper, Taco Bell, and Kraft mac n cheese. Add emotional eating issues to the way I was raised, and it's no wonder that I have a weight problem.

I've wanted to lose weight for years and years. When I was in high school, I dropped about 30 lb and got into a size 8. Then I met my now-husband and started hanging around with his family--who eats fast food for dinner, every night. I've put on more than 50lb since then.

Now we have a little boy, 1.5 years old, and I want better for him. While I feed him a great, healthy, well-balanced diet, I know I also need to be a good example with eating habits and physical activity. We have a park just a few blocks from our house, and yet I always drive there because I'm too lazy to walk. Not anymore!

What finally clicked for me and made me committed to losing this weight? I realized that my weight issues are all in my head. I have always made excuses for eating poorly and not exercising. I can look at my sisters, mother, and grandmother and say "well I have bad genes, I'll never be a healthy weight" but that's just an excuse. I am an overachiever, I am a highly motivated individual--and I know that if I get my head in the game, stop making excuses, and work towards my goal, of course I can do it!

There is literally nothing standing in my way. I am a great cook and I have an extensive repertoire of healthy meals. I work full-time but I can cook my lunch in the kitchen here, so there's no excuse to eat crappy fast food. I cook really healthy dinners at home, as long as I don't get lazy and order pizza instead. I have all the tools at my fingertips, I just have to choose to utilize them. I have to choose to stop bingeing, stop eating fast food, and stop drinking soda. I have to stop eating whatever I want, whenever I want, and making excuses for myself.

Reading all the success stories on this board have really motivated me. I hope I can get to know you all so we can support each other in our weight loss.

Sorry this has been so long!