New to this

This is the first time I've ever really tried to diet.  Growing up I danced and ran track and was really active but now that I am an adult and I recently got married my old body has run away and left me with a larger, not as cool replacement.

So here I am looking for people like me a needing a little encoragement. My husband says, " oh, you look fine, you're obsessing."

But; people you know when you look in the mirror and don't feel right?!?!

So thanks to those who are doing this and are out there with me.

I gained all my weight about 10 years ago during a really challenging pregnancy (lots of complications). I never had to lose weight as an adult (I was a fat kid but outgrew it in my teen years, thank goodness). So I can somewhat relate to what you are saying, although I didn't worry much about the weight for 10 years (some unfocused attempts to lose, but not a lot of energy spent learning about it or following through) and sounds like you are getting right to it! Good for you.

I can't decide if this is easier or harder for not having done it before. Right now it seems rather "easy," that is, the math and rules are clear--but I haven't had to live it for any length of time, either. I'm conscious that I haven't faced any major challenges yet AND this is the best time of year for me to be really active (and I have always loved sports and exercise, even as a big woman). When school starts and I'm super busy again, I'll have a whole new set of challenges. I'm trying to think ahead a bit without worrying about it.

My mantra has been "changes I can live with." That means my initial plan, to lose 2 lbs/week and be done with this in 6 months, has had major modification! I COULD do that--for a few weeks here and there. But in general, I'm just too darn hungry if I have that 1000 calorie deficit, and I want to eat now as close to my maintainence intake as I can so it isn't a big deal to make the switch to maintenance.

sorry for the dissertaion! I wish you great luck on your journey here.

Thanks so much for your reply.

Sounds like you've got a great attitude and good plan going. It's nice to know that they're supporters out.

Good luck