New to Site

Hi, my name is karen and i'm just getting started here.

I never had a problem w weight gain/loss, so this is all disturbing and new to me....i always just ate whatever i wanted when i was hungry and managed to stay a size 6 - 8 - though i always was active w excercize.

I'm thinking turning forty did me in, that and slacking off on my excercise.

I gained 20 pnds over the last year and am NOT happy!!!! I have always been into fitness and nutrition so I know what needs to be done, but actually HAVING to do it daily is new.  I'm also a nurse, so i get the pro's and con's.

i'm taking this as a personal challenge and want to lose 20 lbs and tone up.  i only ate 1200 cals today and feel full - healthy choices.

my biggest downfall is that i like to "eat, drink and be merry" w my husband and friends, which basically means pigging out and having cocktails  at bars and restaurants.  I know i can make low - cal food choices, but i'm going to miss those martini's!!!!

any helpfull hints???

I think what I do is say, Ok tonight, im having 3 glasses of wine, so i put it on my CC as soon as i know what im having and then decide what im having for eat at the restaurant, put that on there, and then i base the rest of my day around that. This way, I dont eat too much during day and then cant enjoy night time. Load up on vegiies all day cause you can eat a lot with no guilt and then you feel full casue you have been eating all day. Its a great feeling to not feel guilty when you sip that wine.

I am 42 as well.  Seems like the older we get the less we can just "eat drink and be merry" without any consequence.   Starting to "keep score" on our intake is a major step in changing our habits. Welcome to CC.

Thanks for the great idea!   I'm also going to plan out my meals each day ahead of time on my cc so I don't end up over eating. 

I love the cc - I was shocked to learn how many calories are in steak and some other meats.  You make a great point about the veggies.  I love to cook and know I can come up w some great low-cal veggie soups.

Thanks!

Yeah, I always heard that - but never thought it would happen to me! LOL.

Keeping track of everything really does make a difference.  I used to just mindlessly eat whatever I wanted - not anymore.

I read some of your postings and am very impressed w both your weight loss and running stamina.  I'm making it a priority to get to the gym 4-6 days a week but am having trouble getting motivated to get there at times.  I just don't seem to have the same drive for exercise as I did a few years ago. (though once I get there I'm fine).  It might sound silly but Nike's slogan, "Just Do It", works.  And reminding myself of how great I'll feel after helps too.  Got any motivational suggestions?  What keeps you going.

Thanks, Karen