ashlee2012

The first time that I decided to really take control and change my life, I used MFP to get me on track. I lost 65 lbs, at that time, and my now fiance lost about 80. I didn't leave MFP and gain a bunch of weight back (although I have let about 10 of those pounds creep back up in the last few weeks around the holidays!) but…

I have definitely dealt with this since I started working to lose. The most frustrating thing is going places with my boyfriend because EVERYONE notices that he lost weight (without even trying!) I just stand there quietly and smile. I know someday they'll notice I did, too. Hang in there :)

I agree with the poster above who pointed out that it is fine to use when you don't have time to prep meals, or you're travelling/on the go, but none of this stuff should ever become a lifestyle choice, a total replacement for real food. It may help you "slim fast" and it may have nutrients and vitamins, but all of this…

Any new bloggers out there? Blogspot, wordpress, MFP blogs- medium doesn't matter, share your story!

I started out doing what many have said: Just doing it. It wasn't that I was drinking a ton of bad stuff, I just honestly wasn't drinking much of anything. So initially, I just did it. I chugged, I'd set alarms to make sure I got a glass of water every x hours to equal my goal for the day. As it got easier and better and I…

I agree with the others- I'm SUPER jealous, but it does not have to be a huge setback for you at all! This whole journey is about making healthy, informed lifestyle decisions, and simply by using MFP, that's something you've been teaching yourself to do! Do what you know, but at the same time, don't be afraid of enjoying…

I had that same problem, but when I increased my water intake to where it should be each day, things started working out. I also started monitoring a lot more than just calories, carbs, and fat. I now look daily at my fiber, protein, sugar, sodium, and other vitamins and nutrients, make sure that I'm getting the right…

Congratulations, that is a HUGE accomplishment! There is no such thing as a small accomplishment in this game- you're working hard to make great changes, and you're seeing progress! Congrats to you :)

You are looking incredible! I'm a little over 20lbs in to my journey, I hope my changes are that noticeable when I reach 40lbs! (Side note: GO GATORS!)

For me, there is nothing special I do to stay motivated during PMS. Sometimes I can power through it and tough it out, sometimes I succumb to cravings in naps. For me, the only thing in my mind anytime I exercise is my end goal. I think that ultimately, if you want it bad enough, you will power through. That doesn't mean…

I definitely agree! I made the mistake of weighing myself a different time of day yesterday and almost cried. This morning I was right back where I should be :)

Welcome to MFP! I don't have kids (yet...that's part of the reason I'm trying to lose my 100+ pounds) but I can definitely relate about wanting to feel better about the way that I look, and also just to feel better! Good luck to you, feel free to connect if you need a little extra support

For me in my current plus-sized state, Lane Bryant's Right Fit Yellow is the way to go. They are part of a "jean revolution" they started a few years back, and they have three distinct styles. The yellows are perfect for me- more room in the belly, less bunching in the legs and butt.

Welcome to MFP! It has been a huge part of my success thus far! I hope you find the same supportive network of amazing, inspirational men and women that I have!

You look incredible! Thank you for sharing part of your journey with us, it is such an inspiration. Keep your chin up, we all go through struggles, but it is your determination to keep it going, your courage to turn to a support network that can help you, and your HARD WORK that are going to help you get to that goal! Keep…

I have never used a dating site and ended up actually dating someone I found there. That being said, I have plenty of friends who have. My general rule of thumb for dating sites (and their effectiveness...) is pretty much the same for most things: you get what you pay for. I joined Plenty of Fish in college, and definitely…

I definitely feel your pain! This is especially frustrating for me, as I have PCOS and didn't even have regular periods until I got back on track with my weight! That being said, I have TWO staples that I buy in BULK during that time of the month! To satisfy my sweet cravings, I LOVE dry cinnamon roasted almonds. Emerald…

Different blogspot users have their comment settings set differently, I think. One way is to connect via google friend connect, but I think this option is going away in March. I typically just sign in as a guest, or if that's not possible, try to comment via e-mail.

I definitely agree with everyone. It is definitely challenging, starting this program when you are still very out of shape, but each day you do it, it gets easier. I am 116lbs from my goal (down from 128lbs away when I started my journey!) and just completed my second day of 30ds. I feel my work out in my body. It's not…

I use the Yoplait 2x protein yogurt since I also don't like the protein additives. About a 1/2 container of that, 1 full banana, and whatever else I want (usually fresh strawberries or blueberries) and I don't need extra sweetener with all that fresh, yummy fruit. Add a little milk to thin it if you need to. I don't like…

I'm following your new blog! It looks great!

I am by no means a health professional, but I have definitely been in a similar boat as you. Try little things at first. The first thing I did was stop thinking I had to eat a salad AS my meal, and now pair a salad WITH my meal. Salads can be very filling, and they are nutritious, but they aren't exactly where you need to…

I will definitely check it out! Best of luck to you- I'm still too scared to do the P90x thing, but I'm starting 30 day shred Feb 1st! This first month I'm just slowly working into good habits, eating better every day, and walking throughout the week.

I do, too! And I think it is an excellent way to be able to support each other a little more outside of MFP! Good luck with your blog, I'll be sure to check you out!

Cogratulations! This is so inspiring, you both look amazing. Keep up the good work!

You can do it, Stephanie! I think we have all slipped up from time to time, but you never really fail until you stop trying! Getting support is a great thing- just remember not to rush it, not to force it, and to make lasting lifestyle habits! I have 128 pounds to lose overall, and am always here if you need a little extra…

StinkyBug: I can definitely relate! I am pre-diabetic and terrified of not making these changes quickly enough to fix the damage I have caused my body. But on a more superficial note--My family was planning a trip to the Harry Potter park at Universal, and I refused to go after reading an article about the ride…

For me I can't place a finger on the specific straw that broke the camel's back. It was a combination of things. I was diagnosed with PCOS, a condition that can greatly impede the ability to have children, especially when overweight. Along with that diagnosis came the pre-diabetic warnings. I still didn't listen to the…

Congratulations! Seeing your transformation is definitely inspiring! I have been avoiding the dreaded before picture, but I guess the first step to getting where I want to be is accepting where I am! Great job, and keep up the good work!