introduction

[Guest guest]

Hello everyone:

I am looking forward to being a part of this wonderful group. I

REALLY need a support network as I struggle to lose weight. I like

this avenue because I can be honest about my struggles without fear

of judgement, as well as see that I am not alone.

My highest weight was 250lbs, and I am now currently 205lbs. My goal

weight is 140lbs with muscle tone. (It used to be 130lbs without the

muscle tone) I am 5 " 3 and 31 years old.

I joined a gym and have been going since January. I have found the

gym to be an empowering experience for me. Since day one, I have

been working out for an hour doing the cardio circuit. Last month a

trainer put me on the weight machines and abs workout, so now three

days a week I do the cardio circuit for an hour and 10 minutes, and

the upper and lower body weights for 45 minutes, and abs for 15

minutes. I never EVER thought that I could work out for an hour at a

time, and I don't believe that I would have if it wasn't for the

gym. My major struggle is making time for the gym, since my life is

EXTREMELY BUSY. I am in school full time and I have my own business.

I have had setbacks including not going to the gym for two weeks at

a time and I have found that when I don't go to the gym I slip back

into my old destructive eating habits. I am a 'stress eater' and my

schedule creates stress sometimes as well as some people in my life

who don't want to see me succeed because of their limitations.

I have decided to set myself up for success and re-focused my

priorities. I cut out some volunteer activities that took up too

much of my time, I don't spend a lot time with relatives that are

negative and that have shown that they have a hard time supporting

my success, and I am determined to put ME first. I now treat my gym

time as an appointment, and as my dose of medicine. It really is

medicine for me because it reduces stress and depression for me,

which is very important in my life. My goal is to start going to the

gym 5 times a week. I also started a food journal at the request of

one of my personal trainers at the gym. This has really been key in

my eating healthier and dropping pounds, as well as recording my

water intake in it as well.

I am sorry that my post is so long. But you will hear from me often,

because I see how important this will be in my journey to living my

best life. I now wish I would have come to this group and posted

last night, instead of pigging out on fast food when my male friend

pissed me off. I need to find other outlets for comfort and support

instead of food.

Thanks for listening!