Heya! Dave here. I'm a displaced Newfie here in Ottawa since 1999. 5 years in the big smoke before that. I used to travel a lot for work and that added some weight, but I've always been a big guy. When I hit 40 I started to make changes in my life to increase physical activity... took up rugby and running. After running the Chicago Marathon in October, I finally acknowledged the fact that diet had to be a part of the solution.

I'm following the 17day diet, currently in cycle one after resets for US thanksgiving with family in Indiana and a trip to Hawaii for the Honolulu marathon last weekend (I didn't run that one, but my hubby did). Results so far have been good. Now to get back into the gym and add some strength training to the mix.

Hi,
I'm Wanda. Like Dave I'm a displaced Newfie, here in Ottawa since late 1998.

In a time, long past I was tiny and athletic. I played hockey, softball, figure skated, did gymnastics, played rugby. . you get the point. Since university I have seen the scale keep moving upwards. I take full responsibility, but did have some forces that were at work against me.

Food/eating/ dietary habits have always been a struggle for me, and have been treated for a few things over the years. Two years ago in January I was diagnosed with an under-active thyroid, so my metabolism is up and down - depending on my levels.

I joined MFP when my good friend Dave sent me the request. I figure it's time to seek support in fighting this battle.

Welcome Emma! You'll get lots of great support here from the Ottawa folks...

Hey everyone! I'm 24 years old and working a desk job. I love my job, but I know it's not my career path. I'm hoping to be a student again this September as I've applied with uOttawa's Education program. Fingers crossed!
I grew up between Dryden ON (North West of Thunderbay) and Port Perry ON (GTA). We were not well off, so at an early age I was already self-conscious about the way that I looked because my clothes weren't the newest and coolest. Moving around also threw off my feelings of familiarity and safety. My struggle with weight started in Grade 8. I was 135lbs and 5'7" already (basically the same as I am today). While for an adult these stats seem fine, as an eighth grader all the other girls were so much skinnier and smaller than me. I felt fat. I also started to become addicted to food. In Grade 9, I started to work at DQ. However, I also joined a kick-boxing aerobics course and I had gym class, so I never GAINED weight. I just had an unhealthy relationship with food. That was until Grade 12. I couldn't afford kick boxing class anymore as I needed to seriously start saving for University. I gained 30lbs in my final year of highschool. I think it was 30lbs. It might have been 40lbs+. I was too self conscious to look at a scale. And I was in denial. I just stuck with this mentality that I was "big boned". Thankfully, I didn't gain the Freshman 15 (actually I started to lose weight) primarily because my roommate ate super healthy and that I didn't work at a fast food place anymore. I even started using the gym at school. I met my future husband in 1st year and he's always been passionate about health and fitness. In 3rd year I weighed 155lbs. I decided to try weight watchers. I lost 20lbs! I went home one summer and found my eighth grade graduation dress.... it still fits. I broke the cycle of food addiction... for a long time. After I graduated University, my husband and I got married and decided to packback Europe for 2 months. What was a cheap, quick, light, and high energy food (since we did a lot of hiking)? Chocolate bars. Because of the physical exercise, I didnt gain any weight in Europe, but when we got back, I gained 15lbs in 2 months. I was addicted again to sugar. I also started to get depressed because the only employment I could find (in the depths of the recession) was as a cleaning lady. That sucked. A lot. Cleaning up after rich kids that get everything handed to them and disrespect their parents property (so gross) was not my idea of fulfiling work. 1 year later, I have lost those 15lbs and I have a job that I love. I want to get into shape again. And I still find myself being controlled by food. I eat very healthy meals so I feel like I have an excuse to eat chocolate, chips, bagettes, cheeses, ice cream (thats the biggy) etc. But pumping this sugar into my body is going to kill me sooner or later. I needed something that would hold me accountable!

Hi Tanya & amclean!

Tanya I love your profile pic - congrats on your accomplishment! I refuse to stand side on to any camera haha!

amclean, thanks for sharing your story! MFP is great for keeping yourself accountable :-)

I keep a "before" picture taped to my fridge. It is inspiring! Every time I go to the fridge it makes me think about my food choice, and to think about whether I'm *actually* hungry, or just bored, thirsty, lonely, etc.

I'm definitely not brave enough to post that picture here though. Maybe when I hit goal.

Hi everyone My name is Becka. I'm 34 years old and I'm originally from SouthEast Michigan. Long story short, I used to be incredibly athletic until I was about 21 and got that good old "bad relationship". That didn't last long thank goodness and I was then on my way to a whole new life. I met a Canadian boy, moved to Ottawa in 2001, got married, became a citizen and all that jazz. Life right now consists of chasing the 5 year old around, photography as a job, hobby and passion, bootcamp and looking forward to the next big race (which is in 14 days).

Hi everyone,
My name is Danielle. I am from Gatineau, I have traveled with my husband for a few years and now we have been living in Aylmer since 1998. I have been married for 26 years and I have 4 wonderful children. My son is 25 and my daughters are 23, 19 and almost 16. My 23 year old daughter is graduating in 2 months as a aerospatial engineer at Carleton and we are so excited. She has been the one that motivated me to start my workouts again and she is pushy, but that is what I needed:)
I work as a twin care specialist in Ottawa mainly. I am self employed and have been working with families of twins since 2000. I love it.
Looking forward to read all the posts and learning more about all of you and also encouraging you in your goals:)
Have a good day everyone:)

Hi everyone. I joined this group some time ago but I have never introduced myself. I am Buck and (like Dave & Wanda) I am also a displaced newfie. I was born in Sudbury but grew up in NFLD. I joined the military in 1989 and live in Halifax for about 18 yrs. Moved to Ottawa in 07 and still in military. Not really enjoying the desk job.

I am married with 2 kids, a dog, and a cat. Kids are 11 (boy) & 13 (girl). My wife is also on MFP and together we are trying to lose these extra pounds. She is a Caper (i say a lost newfie but she don't like that). It is good to meet everyone.

Hello everyone. It is nice to know that there are others in this area that are also part of MFP. It feels like to support is much closer. I am trying to lose about 60 lbs, I am currently 205. I don't have a time frame which I know isn't good. I am fairly active and enjoy spending time outside.