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I'm married, born and raised in Houston, Texas. I'm currently 25 and had a baby a year ago. I recently realized that I have become an emotional eater.  I depend too much on food for comfort, however, there are times that I feel like "I can do this" and there are time that I really just don't care.

 My husband tells me all the time, that if I do not take care of my body, no on else will, as a believer, I am convinced that my body is a temple, I wouldn't do harmful things to it, like tatoos, drugs, or any other kind of mutalation, so why destroy it from the inside out?

The pregnancy made me gain about 20 lbs.  I understand the weightloss methods and have been successful before, it seems like now I have lost all my energy (due to the weight gain) and feel as if I have not time (excuses).  I joined the group, because I need motivation, from other poeple who understand where I'm coming from.  My husband is a thin man, who I love, he loves me for who I am and not for what I look like. However, just like anything, I was not this way when we met. He does not understand the constant battle I go through day in and day out.  He can eat anything and not gain any weight, luckily for him, he seems to have a fast metabolism. I on the other hand, can gain weight really fast.

I want to lose weight, not only for my self, but for my family.  I lost weight once, in 2001 after a break up. Weight was not the issue, however I found stress relieving in exercising. Starting at 210lbs (and size 16-18), I lost ten pounds in one month, by just drinking water and no more sweet drinks, alcohol and sodas. Then at 200lbs. I moved on to lowering my carb in-take. I told my self, I'll try it for two weeks if i see results, I'll consider the change. I went down to 195lbs in one month with only those changes. My parents seeing the change and discipline I had, joined me and we got a family subcription to the YMCA. There I started out slow, with 30 minutes, on the treadmill and 15 minutes on the stairmaster.  This was in March of 2002. By June of 2002, I was down to 170lbs size 9-10 and feeling great! I went to the gym 2 times a week for two hours. 45 minutes on the stairmaster, 15 on some weights, and 1 hours in a very fun aerobics class! I was proud!

One thing I did not see coming, is the difference in the people around me. I have never been worried, if people liked me, no one had ever treated me bad. When i was in high school I always had  guy who liked me even at my 185 lbs, size 14. (I felt Fat).  When i lost the weight a more confident me, out of my shell, I quickly went back in! People around me were nicer than ever, and that hurt my feelings, when before, I was this indiependent strong woman, who did not need any one to open a door for me (simply because they won't do it for me) Now a more slimmer me was getting attention from those who often ignored me.

I want to make sure that I find the motivation to stay healthy, I have no desire to be slim, like I said, my husband loves me, and he is great, but I want to be healthy and be able to run around with my little one, who soon will be walking. I want to make sure I get the respect I deserve, and that malice does not come upon me when I reach my goal.

I slowly but surely started gaining all my weight back and them some. I am now at 220 and back at a size 16, i have joint pain, energy loss and just plain lack of motivation. I have a full schedule and have a sit down job. My back hurts from all the slouching all day, and my body just doesnt feel like me anymore. I need help!

SHORT TERM GOAL!
Currently at 220lbs, I want to lose 10lbs. (12/04/07) i have started on the calorie count, but I am determined to stay motivated, for me!

LONG TERM GOAL!
Live healthy, make a life commitment, not only to reach my goal, but to stay so I can live longer.