So far, not a huge fan.

I am overwhelmed! Many of you posted very nice and an supportive things. I've friended several of you. If you didn't hear from me, feel free to friend me if you like. I'll friend anyone who isn't insulting... I don't find that helpful in fitness. I tried to go to Curves, and the woman didn't want to tell me about their program or answer my questions. She only wanted to lecture me and put me on the defensive. Forget that! Being called lazy, fat, and dumb in grade school didn't keep me from gaining more weight over a lifetime (fun fact: I've seen the pictures and I wasn't actually fat at the time, but kids can be mean).

That said, I need to defend myself a little here.

1) "The OP just posted a bunch of crap and then left us." No. I posted before dinner LAST NIGHT. I didn't leave. I fully intend to give the site a fair trial period. Based on the number of positive and supportive responses, I'll probably stick with it for a while. That said, I will not spend 24/7 on the site. That would defeat its purpose.

2) I'm not an idiot. I know exactly how I got where I am. I know that spending 3 years sitting in a library and then crashing when I got home was bad for me. I know that eating out all the time caused me to gain lots and lots of weight. I also know that any time someone said "eat this" I could have refused. I took control of it a year ago, and gradually got into some good habits. Then I moved. I'm trying to find my feet again.

3) I'm not a whiner. I was having a bad day, and I posted right before workout/dinner time. Someone above (and my spouse) suggested physical activity to help my energy level. I realized later in the day that I had not left my apartment all day. I spent it inside. I need to get out more and be busier. Bottom line: I was low. I felt much better after gym and dinner. I was hoping that by posting honestly about how I was feeling I would get a little bit of "give it some time" and "I really like this product." I just wanted to see if others have found it useful. I see that they have and I thank you all for your kind an encouraging words to a complete stranger.

4) I do not eat lots of processed foods. I actually really like healthy food. I would eat fish 3 meals a day if I wasn't concerned about mercury poisoning. Bell peppers are about the only veggie I don't like (Although I'm kind of allergic to tomatoes). I have never met a fruit I didn't like. My biggest problem is eating out and eating socially. My family has terrible eating habits and it's pretty hard to refuse their hospitality now that I live close to them. I'm doing better though. I have completely cut out alcohol, and I rarely miss it (even though I really enjoy good wine and beer). I mostly drink water (occasionally tea, coffee, or fruit juice.. but no soda) I currently eat fresh fruit and whole grain cereal with almond milk for breakfast (and I really like it, so breakfast is fixed). I don't snack or if I must, I drink 2% milk with carnation instant breakfast. It's filling and full of vitamins. I'm thinking about switching to 1%... I can't do skim. I need to work on lunch and dinner, but I have been doing better in recent weeks. I have made myself cook despite my tiny kitchen. I have fixed things like brown rice with chicken and veggies.

5) I'm not a quitter. I have been at this more than a few days. I really started in earnest around this past March. I only recently discovered the website/app, but before that, I lost 14 lbs all on my own without dieting, eating what I want (which was often healthy food, but not always) when I want (3 meals and a few snacks), exercising 2 hours a day on average. I know I need to stick with it. It took me 3 years to gain 60 lbs. It's going to take at least that to get to my goal weight. If I lose 6 more lbs by January 1, I'm on track for my 20 lb/year totally doable goal.


Ok... you know a little bit more about me and my journey so far. Continue to judge if you must. I will take advice posted above and fill out my profile more. There wasn't a way to do that on my phone that I could tell. I started using the app on a whim during a long drive (I wasn't driving). I just tried the website yesterday. Thank you all for your input. Thank you especially for the words of encouragement. I really needed it. Thank you even to the people who were pretty harsh with me without knowing anything about my life or situation. I know you meant well.

A lot of people find it really difficult to transition when they move to a new place. Since you're missing out on the gym, you might wanna try these ideas:

1. fitness videos - if you have cable, you can even check the fitness channels and on demand listings

2. find a park - some place that has a path with mileage listed, and do some walking or light jogging.

3. buy some fitness equipment - minor cheap stuff (dumbbells in different weights, a stability ball, a jump rope, resistance bands). You'd be surprised how much mileage you can get out of these inexpensive finds. I noticed that you can even find them super cheap at TJ Maxx or Marshalls. Then you can take them to the park, and set up some nice outdoor workouts.

4. Consider joining a team sport like volleyball, basketball, or soccer. You'll make new friends in your new city, and get moving without a huge monthly fee.

5. keep an eye out for some active neighbors in your area. Do you notice someone taking walks daily? Maybe start a conversation, introduce yourself and build rapport. Then you can do some fitness together, AND you'll have a new friend.

I do want to start using some videos. I have to be careful though. I'm in an upstairs apartment. I don't want to make the folks downstairs think the sky is falling, so maybe no step aerobics or Zumba. Some strength and abs videos are a possibility though.

There is a nice walkway not far from my house. When the weather is nice, I go there with my mother in law and we walk for an hour. When it isn't we go to the gym.

I do have some hand weights and a yoga mat. I have a stability ball, but it's a cheap one. I should really invest in a new one or a bosu. I really like bosus because I can use them to work on my balance.

I'm not very into sports. I used to dance, but the only local troupe I have found charges $60 for a 5 week session. I have started disc golfing with some friends from high school. It's not much exercise besides a lot of walking, but that's still something.

Great advice on all accounts. #5 I had not thought of. I have noticed some of the same people on the walk. I hadn't talked to them because I was with my mother in law, but I should try to do that. Thanks!

You sound like a Debbie downer trying to invite people to her pitty party. Self motivate or be prepared to fail. No one will motivate you as much as you can motivate yourself. Find a reason or purpose to reach your goals, nobody is gonna spoon feed you or force you to get it done.


enough said!