New to the forums, but had to share...

Hi! I joined in April 2011, but didn't really use MFP until April of this year. I still didn't start using my diary until the end of May, but I loved lurking on the forum. Last year I was at my highest weight (168) and had maintained it for about 3 years. I lost the first 20lbs over the summer through portion control and was pretty pleased. I maintained that for a couple of months, but found that I wasn't losing any more weight. This April I decided to work harder and take this weight loss thing seriously. I started by eliminating rice (which I ate huge amounts of everyday), bread, and other obviously high carb foods. I lost the next 8 lbs this way. I decided to start using my diary and I'm so glad I did. I feel so much more in control. I lowered my carbs even more, average was 50-70 net, and lost another 12 lbs.

So today I reached my first goal--20lbs this year, for a total of 40 lbs since this time last year. I am lighter than I've been since 2001, before my last three kids, and in a smaller size than I was at that time. I'm 5'2 by the way.

I am so pleased at my progress, not just in terms of my weight. I exercise more than I ever have. I never exercised and now I do at least 4 times a week--albeit very lightly. I learned I can live without rice and sweet ice tea everyday, multiple times a day. I only drink mineral water for the most part. I gradually eliminated sugar in my coffee and only take a splash of milk now. And I am eating more veggies which I used to hate.

Thank you for reading! I just had to share how rewarding I have found MFP to be.