Another newbie here...

Hi, my name is Melissa.

1. My history with weight loss has been a rollercoaster my entire life.  The biggest I have ever been was almost 200 lbs back in 1999 when my dad was dying.  Then, I lost weight by eating right and getting into triathlons and half marathons/marathons.  I managed to keep the weight off for years and I even did an Ironman triathlon back in April 2007.  At that time, I weighed about 140 lbs.  Then, I moved from MN to OK about 2 years ago, got into a serious relationship, lost focus on myself and have now gained 30 lbs.  :-(  I'm very frustrated with myself since I had kept the weight off for so long only to gain it back again.  Now, I'm single again and trying to re-focus.  I really want the "old" me back again.

2.  My history with Calorie Count has been 1 day so far.  :-)  I have tried almost every diet out there.  I have been on ww, the zone, skinny switch, and on and on.  I'm needing something I can do for the rest of my life.

3.  I've joined this group because I need support and motivation.  I have been getting VERY easily frustrated lately.  I have been on a diet for 3 (almost 4) weeks now.  I lost 2 lbs the first week and 2 lbs the 2nd week.  Then, I lost NOTHING the 3rd week after exercising and staying on plan all week.  I need support during those rough times when I just want to give up and order a pizza.  :-)

4.  As I've said above, I'm currently single.  I have a little mini schnauzer puppy that is like my baby.  I'm an HR Manager and I'm still very interested in triathlons and half marathons.  I'm currently training for a half marathon in Tulsa, OK the weekend before Thanksgiving (if I can stay motivated...)

Well, that's pretty much everything.  I hope you enjoyed my mini-novel.  Thanks for reading and I look forward to being on this journey with all of you.

Hi, Melissa. I started CalorieCount in March. It's been a struggle but I lost 35 pounds and know I've discovered a healthy way to eat, something I can do for the rest of my life. The best thing is, once you get down to an average weight, you don't have to lose any more. You just have to maintain the weight. This means that once you reach your goal you can have more calories every day, just keep an eye on the weight.

It's the best feeling, having a decent weight. After the first month or so I wasn't as hungry so it was easier to stay low calorie. I also don't like fatty foods too much any more.

The other thing I did was to create a list of low calorie, lower fat, healthy foods. Its a long list, so I always can having something yummy to eat without going to the bad stuff. For example, Breyer's Double Churn Chocolate Ice Cream is on the list. 110 calories for 1/2 packed cup. When I really, really wanted ice cream I'd eat a whole cup and just cut back on other stuff that day.

I also recommend that you sign up for free daily emails from www.hungry-girl.com . See also their "Chew the Right Thing" archives for good low cal. foods.

Some good stuff isn't on their lists. I got some of my ideas from Calorie Count members.

I have to use the "food log" every day or I'll go over.

Eat lots of fruits and veggies, too.

Well, hope these few tips help. Good luck to you! Hope you reach your goals. Believe me, it will feel fantastic!

Hi Mellisa,

Wow, that is quite a "rollercoaster" ride you have been on, and from the sounds of things, you do tend to turn to food as comfort during times of stress/change.

I'm new here too, just joined up last week.  I joined because I am really just tired of having tried all the other stuff, and I want to feel good about myself again.  So far, I've found a number of great people here, and that support I think will make the difference this time.  I've always read that having group support is a real weight-loss advantage, and I'm starting to really believe in it.  Also, tracking my food intake  (I'm doing 1.200 cal a day), every day is really helping too.

The other thing I have been doing, for a little over 2 months now, is listening to a weight-loss hypnosis tape.  Seriously, I would have never thought it would be more than just mumbo-jumbo, but I really think it is what has led me to finding this site, and to having the determination to stick with it.  The tape, (which is only 25 min. long), just gives me encouraging words and helps me to relax.  I try to listen to it every day, and I usually just drift off to sleep, so a little nap is nice too for stress relief!  I think these tapes are widely available, you can check on line, maybe Amazon?

I feel really good about what I am doing for myself, and I've lost 5lbs. in the first week, so I am seeing results. Stick with this site, join groups, and chat with people here when you get time...it all helps.  I'll be your buddy, if you need!

Good luck!

Sheri

Ah, that reminds me. You might also want to sign on to one of the Calorie Count weigh-ins. I have to weigh in every Sunday. Its just the motivation I need---a slight competition, just enough to keep me going. After a while you get to know the other participants a bit and are pulling for them to stay with it and you feel like they are pulling for you.

I had given up on diets and figured I'd just have to go through life overweight, until I discovered Calorie Count. It works for me. I hope it works just enough for you, too.

Having a buddy will probably help, as Sheri suggests.

Thanks classyferret and simeimayor.  I really appreciate the support.  I AM AN EMOTIONAL EATER!  I know this about myself, but the problem is stopping myself from doing it when I'm in that emotional turmoil.  *sigh*

I appreciate all the tips since I'm still trying to figure everything out.  I'd love any suggestions on food.  I'm still trying to figure out how to start/what to eat.  The food "grades" are interesting and a new concept to me.

Classyferret - would you be willing to share some suggestions from your food list with me?  Per your suggestion, I have signed up for the hungry-girl emails.

Sheri - why did you decide to do 1200 calories a day?  Right now, I'm doing 1500 calories a day based on what the program suggested for me.  Without any exercise, I burn about 2000 a day which would mean a 500 per day deficit.   I think the hypnosis tape sounds interesting as well.  I may have to get one or two or three because I really need something to help me get into a good state of mind.