26 new..well kind of :-)

So, Ive been on and off here for like 2 years, but I want to get serious this time!! I figured the best way to do that is actually use the sight and support it has to offer!!!

My name is Crystal, I am 26. I am 5'7" 158 lbs.. GW:125 ish

A little bit about me: I am full time student working towards a degree in AODA counseling. I work full time in a group home for developmentally disabled adults..its a very challenging job, but I LOVE the people I work with!! I am a mother of 2 amazing children! an 8 year old daughter and a 3 year old son, They are my everything!!! On top of all that I am also in the process of planning a wedding for September 4th,2010..My main reason to get this weight off!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have always struggled with my weight and I have been bouncing in between 15 lbs for over a year now, and I'm ready to go down...and keep going down this time!! Look forward to meeting new people and getting some extra motivation!! Good luck to everyone!!

Hey!  Saw your post and thought I'd reply.  I'm kind of in the same boat you are.  I'm a bit shorter,5'4" to be exact.  I've been up and down the scale too!  It's not fun! lol.  I've been through a lot lately, i.e: divorce and a big move across country, and I'm trying to really focus on myself in ALL aspects with weight being one of those "aspects".  Anyway, I weigh 128 and ultimately would love to be anywhere between 110 and 115.  Mind you, I've NEVER really stuck with my guns and really worked super hard to reach those numbers but I'm tired of not being able to break that mold.  So I figured if there's someone I can relate to a bit, we can be motivators for each other.  I never took that route before so if you're interested let me know!

~Kelly

Hey, I think I'm trying to do the same thing! I've been up and down since I was a teenager, but I think my ideal weight is 115, although my goal weight on here is 120, as that may be more comfortable as I haven't been 115 since I was 18! I'm 5'5 and 130 now, and have crash dieted in the past to try and lose weight fast, I'm hoping the website will give me the support I need to reach a healthy weight slowly, that I can maintain. Fad diets only leave me tired and cranky, and the weight always piles back on before I know it! So with this website, I have my fingers crossed for 120 by Christmas! Anyway, if you're interested in any support or motivation let me know!

Hey! I'm also 26 and 5'7"! I live in York, PA. I'm on calorie count more for weight maintenance, but I would like to lose between 5-10 pounds in time for a friend's wedding that I'm in next May.

A little more about me - I work in government relations for a nonprofit association service network for people with autism and intellectual disabilties. I moved to York about a year ago after 2 years working for a Congressman in DC. Living in DC was great because I took public transportation which meant a lot of daily walking to stations and buses. Now I sit all day at a desk and sit for an hour each way in my car so I started gaining weight! I've gained about 8 pounds since I started the job a year ago and am trying to combat this trend by working out more. I've started doing a lot of running (4 times a week, at least 3 miles) but I don't feel like I'm toning up or losing weight so I've gotten back on calorie count to better monitor what I'm taking in. I'd love to chat with people in similar situations!

I'm married but no kids yet. I have a bichon frise dog and 2 cats. I like music, theatre, films and travel!

Kelly- Where did you make the big move from?? That's allot to have to deal with all at once!!! I commend you for staying strong!!!  I would love to help motivate, and have some extra motivation!!

Kristen86x- Its been about since I was 17 the last time I was at my goal weight. Ive had the same problem with fad diets. I think ive tried every one!!!! I have a short term goal to loose 15 lbs. by Christmas, so maybe we can keep each other in check and reach those Christmas goals!!

Kerway- What is all involved with your job? A couple of our residents have Autism, along with many other problems or disorders. I hear ya with the sitting all day, only mine is in class!!

I'm moving around allot at my work, but then at class I'm sitting ALL day, and on nights I am interning, there's not a lot of physical activity either. Most nights I don't get home till after 11, and by then I am exhausted and really don't feel like working out, or I have homework to do! Lol, So a big problem of mine is making time for exercise. I used to run EVERY night, no matter how late it was. also fast food, since I am never home I rarely don't eat out. I try to eat healthier options, but what is supposed to be healthy may not always be at different places! So I need to start like packing myself lunches and dinners if I have to,so I know exactly how many calories I'm actually taking in!!

How are you ladies about home cooking meals??

Sorry for the delay in responding! I couldn't figure out how to find this thread again until just now  My company is an association of providers like group homes and others who serve children and adults with autism and intellectual disabilities. My organization represents them with government officials mostly but we also do a lot of advocacy and awareness projects.

As for cooking, my husband does most of it which is very nice. We usually just have some type of meat or fish baked with seasonings on it so we keep oil to a minimum or don't use it at all. I try to avoid bread with every meal and our sides are usually just some type of frozen vegetable. When I cook more elaborate things I just try to switch to low fat when I can on the ingredients.

I just wanted to wish you the best of luck...

I go to school part time for social work and work full time as a supervisor for a group home with developmentally disabled adults, I got married last year(so had to deal with planning the wedding) and the year before my house was flooded...  The stress can really set you off and screw everything up...

I am 5'8" and dream of being 158 but I do know I will get there one day...  I have 80 or so pounds to go.  I do know that for me when I get stress I need to forget about food and just PLOW right through what im stress about, work, school, wedding, house whatever it is! 

Best of luck!