Welcome to the Group

Welcome! We would love get to know you, so please tell us a little bit about yourself. You can choose any format you'd like, but most of us here share some or all of the following details:

1. History with weight loss:
2. History with Calorie Count:
3. Reason for joining this group:
4. Some interesting details about yourself, such as your job, your family, your pets and your interests:

And now just go ahead and make that first post!

Ok, introductions.

Name: Rebecca, Becky, Beck, or whatever nickname you like as long as it's not mean.
History with weight loss: I've been  up and down my whole life (mostly up though) and I decided to take control of the problem in June of 07. I couldn't take it anymore. I was miserable all the time. I've lost 105 lbs since that time. I feel a lot better.
History with Calorie Count: I found this website while looking for somewhere to log my weight loss. I found this place and it turned out to be so much more than I was even hoping for.
Reason for joining this group: I live in "Boston and Surrounding Area". haha
Interesting Details: I'm 23. I work in merchandising for a smaller retailer based out of CT, but I'm getting my teaching license at night. I'm still living with my parents at the moment because I'm in school and I'm saving to buy a house in the spring. I have an 8 year old black lab and a 3 year old cat. Duke and Battle Cat respectively. I'm a reader. I'll read all day every day if someone would let me. I also love to talk/chat, whatever. I love meeting new people.

That just about covers it for now.

Hi!

My name is Barbara and I'm in southeastern MA.

1. History with weight loss:  Let's see...I've been battling weight problems all of my life - my pediatrician put me on Weight Watchers when I was eleven years old.  I've done WW, South Beach, Atkins, Slim Fast, Dexatrim...it's time I tried just eating sensibly and exercising!  What a novel concept!
2. History with Calorie Count:  My daughter actually found this website when she was trying to avoid summer-vacation weight gain.  I had been on My Food Diary, but didn't feel like paying the membership fee anymore.
3. Reason for joining this group:  Encouragement from other people who know how hard it is to get motivated to exercise when it's 10 degrees below zero outside!
4. Some interesting details about yourself:  I'm a 47-year-old single mom of a teenage daughter and son and a 20-year-old cat.  I have a full-time job (blah), I'm active in our community theater group, I'm a volunteer tutor of English for Speakers of Other Languages, and am going back to school in the fall to finally finish my Bachelor's Degree.  I'm hoping that all of these things will keep me too busy to eat!  In my spare time (ha!) I enjoy reading and watching "Scrubs" reruns.

Looking forward to talking with you!

 

Hi my name is Shantyana I am from Boston, MA.

1. History with weight loss: I've been overweight since I would say 7 or 8. It was hard going through school with all the teasing. When my parents split up I started gaining even more and then I went (and still dealing with) through depression. My highest was 215lbs give or take 5 lbs. To be honest I did it so I could look better but as I exercised and ate healthier I realized I also FELT better. I am now at 160lbs, which is still overweight but I am happy with my progress and I feel great. I hope to go down to 150lbs. I would still be classified as overweight as I am 5'3" but I think this is a reasonable weight for my size and if I feel good I'm all for it.
2. History with Calorie Count: I found Calorie Count for a decent support forum and way to track my calories. I also really like the tools that are available.
3. Reason for joining this group: I am from Boston, MA. :P Plus it'd be nice to meet different people.
4. Some interesting details about yourself, such as your job, your family, your pets and your interests: I am 17 and entering my senior year of high school very soon (Sept 4th. 08). I am Cuban and Puerto Rican. I don't work but I volunteer at the MSPCA. I love animals and have always had a lot of pets. Right now I have a dog, 3 hamsters, 4 parakeets and 7 fish. I am fascinated by the paranormal; I love the show "Ghost Hunters"! I love cartoons, Spongebob Squarepants is my favorite. I love the old sitcom Dinosaurs ("Not the mama!"). I love the "Facing History and Ourselves" foundation. I love reading and watching movies but I hate hate hate love stories/movies. I am more into horror and fantasy. But I do like documentary. Uhm... I pride myself in not having ever smoked nor drank. Basically I don't do a lot of the crazy things teenagers do. I like to have deep conversation and meet new people. :)

Wow Lots of New Englanders! Heres my info!

Name: Eric Grabowski, I just go by Eric ;-)

History with weight loss:I had a thyroid problem when I was thirty that slowly caused me to gain weight until I got to about 220 lbs about 1.5 years ago. At that point I had managed to get a 42" waist and look like a stuffed sausage ;-) On New years eve 2007 (2006 - 2007 NYears) I made a vow to lose weight. Since then I have lost 70 lbs and 12" off my waist.  I run ~ 3 miles a day, Hike, Kayak and swim and have never felt better

History with Calorie Count: I started calorie count right after that fateful new years and I have used it ever since as my total weight loss diary and as my chat support group

Reason for joining this group: Ahh well I was in the beta for the groups functionality and they made me the moderator. I think because I live outside Boston on the Seacoast of NH

Interesting Details: Im 43, a Security Architect for a fortune 100 insurance company, I love to play guitar and World of Warcraft. I also love to play frisbee with my 5 year old yellow Lab PJ (thats Pretty Jewel!)

Hi all!

Name - Maureen and I'm from Connecticut

1. History with weight loss:  Have lost weight in the past but always managed to put it back on.  My most recent excuse for putting weight back on was a miscarriage, leaving me depressed, followed by three successful pregnancies.  So, I'm now a proud mama of three little ones, ages 4 1/2, 2 1/2, and 20 months, and it's time that I got back on the wagon and back in shape so that I can be a healthy role model for my family.

2. History with Calorie Count: Joined cc in March and have lost 52 lbs. since then.

3. Reason for joining this group:  Wasn't going to join this group originally because the way they've listed it, it looks like a Massachusetts group.  What's up with that?  Why not call it a New England group?  Oh well, I joined for the extra support and encouragement.

4. Some interesting details about yourself, such as your job, your family, your pets and your interests:  As I already mentioned, I'm a stay at home mother to three beautiful children.  I was a physical therapist in my past life and plan to return to that once the kiddies go off to school.  We have two pet bunny rabbits.  I like to exercise.  I like to travel though that's harder now with a young family in tow.  Some of the most exciting things I've done in my life include going for a hot air balloon ride, bungy jumping, ice climbing on a glacier in Alaska, driving a dog sled in -20F weather and camping with wild horses and dingos in the Outback.  I also just ran my first 5K this past weekend and plan to run more races in the future.

Hi there!

Name: Karen

History: I've almost always been over weight, but with the birth of my two children (ages 4.5 & 2.5), my weight shot up well over 200#'s (at 5'2"). The "wake up call" came from my Dr who said I had to get it together or I was at increased risk to heart/sleep apnea issues. So, I came back to CC (had been here twice previously) and here I am, down 23ish pounds and working toward getting fit for a triathlon next summer and understanding my weight loss journey will be at least 1.5 yrs long, plus the road through maintainance.

History with CC: Joined some time ago - Nov 2006 several months after my second was born, left due to illness & non-commitment, rejoined and entire family came down with illness and did not rejoin until March of this year. I tell everyone I know about this place! I love the number/analysis bit of it.

Reason for joinuing this group: To meet more New Englanders online. I live by the NH border in the Merrimack Valley of MA.

Interestign Factoids: As my weight loss "treat" I also get to play Travian - got hooked off of a link from here. I play with numbers all day (number crunching geek) and day dream about bike rides. If I had a choice between sleep and exercise, I would likely choose sleep - if it was cool and the breeze was blowing - never enough sleep in my life (2 kids again).

I've been doing a lot of introductions already today, granted for most people I don't begin talking about my weight.

Name: Just call me Caitling.  I've been trasplanted to RI but I go to college in MA.

History with weight loss: Was always underweight until late junior high/highschool when I gained 40 or so pounds with no height change (amazingly I was still never techinically overweight).  I lost 30  last school year, then ended up gaining some back over summer.  Luckily I know that at least some of what I gained back is muscle thanks to my labor intensive job.  Now I'm back at school, eating a lot healthier and walking 2-10 miles per day (although one day just for fun I might walk more).

History with cc: Joined October 11th 2007 because I was in college and needed to take control of my body.  Over summer my computer died, the internet was broken and I rarely went on here.  Now I'm back!  CC is one of my favorite things to do while I'm in between classes. 

Reason for joining this group: I just want to belong!  Or rather, I like motivating people and being motivated. 

Interesting detail:  My normal walk is 4 mph, I can get up to 4.5 and I might try for 5...I walk because I hate to jog or run, but I love walking!

Hi All =o)

My name is Jessica, I've been living in Boston my whole 24 years of life.

My history with weight loss: Let's see - I was a normal teenage girl at a healthy weight when I was diagnosed with depression. I was put on paxil and gained around 20-25 pounds. I entered my freshman year in high school weighing 160 at 5' 7'' - My senior year in HS - I began hanging out with a rough crowd who did a lot of 'drugs' - shot right down to 135, size 6. Bones protruding and all - kinda gross...I went to college (which turned out to be my downfall!) I gained 50 pounds after 4 years at school!!!!!!!!!! I went from 135 in HS to 185!!!! When I graduated I decided something needed to be done. I joined LA Weight Loss and had a terrific experience. I learned how to eat right and am currently down to 150.

History with CC & Reason for joining this group: I joined calorie count to try and help me lose these last 10 pounds. I am getting a bit discouraged though, this summer has yielded unpositive results. Just looking for an extra push forward to get where I want to be!

Hi!

My name is Kathleen and I'm from the South Shore, MA! :-D

1. History with weight loss:  well well.  I have been over weight since about the age of 9.  I actually lost weight by the end of my first year of college but sophomore year i met my boyfriend and well... sometimes blissfully happy takes over and we both gained a lot of weight.  during my junior year i started going to the gym and decided i really needed to start doing something to better my health.  In highschool I was almost 200 lbs. i lost a bunch of weight in there somewhere, but by the beginning of junior year of college I was back up to 185.  When i started CC i was 174, I got down to 157, and now i'm back up around 165 after a long haitus.

2. History with Calorie Count:  Once i started getting into excersizing I started getting into how to take care of your body and trying to read about things as much as I could.  This consisted mostly of internet sources since I had no money to buy books. haha. A friend of mine (digdig) talked about CC so I decided to check it out.  I've been here since July 06! :)  Taking breaks here and there but the time i felt most healthy was when i was on here so I always come back!

3. Reason for joining this group:  It's always nice knowing there are other people who are in the same place as you.  literally and mentally. plus... who else will understand my love for the sox? :-D

4. Some interesting details about yourself: I'm 23 years old (today! woo!). I've lived on the south shore my entire life aside from my four years of college in CT.  I am a singer and graduated with a B.Mus in vocal performance.  My favorite form of cardio is the elliptical but i seriously need to start doing something else because my body tells me it's getting old REAL fast.  I work at a non-profit in cambridge. When i'm not singing or working i'm listening to music or watching the sox or pats game. :)  

Happy Birthday Kathleen!! And Welcome!

Hi Bostonians and New Englanders!

My name is Jennifer and I live with my wonderful boyfriend in Somerville.  I also joined the Depression group and the Hiking group...so I apologize if this post is repetitive and boring to anyone in those other groups.

1. History with weight loss: I have had ups and downs with weight over my 32 years.  I've been within a 20 pound range (from about 140 to 160) that I've gained and lost several times for about 10 years.  Recently however I am seeing the range creep up and up to 170, 175 (I'm 5'5") and I'm not happy about it.  I'm also conscious of my slowing metabolism and really really want to give myself good habits and good motivations before it's too late...

2. History with Calorie Count: I previously used Self.com and Weight Watchers online.  With both sites I found that I was always coming to Calorie Count to get nutrition facts.  When I saw they started CC plus, I canceled my WW and joined.

3. Reason for joining this group:  I know I am most successful with weight loss and weight management when I make the gym a part of my regular routine.  And I know I keep my promises and follow through on my plans when I share my intentions with other people.   So I'm hoping you guys will help keep me honest and on track!  And I promise to do the same for you.

4. Interesting details:  I love to eat and read and cook.  I have a big-ish family and most of them are in Mass and NJ.  I am an accountant for non-profit organizations (but before this I was a massage therapist and before that I was a stage manager).  I visit cuteoverload.com every day and I think it does wonders for my mental health!

Thanks for reading!!  I look forward to meeting new people here! 

Hi everyone. My name is Sarah and I live on the South Shore and work in the suburbs b/w Boston and Providence. My 29th birthday is tomorrow, so I'm trying to make it a mid-year resolution to try new things...so that's why I'm here!

1. History with weight loss: I never had trouble with my weight until I went to college. Since then I've been up and down and up again.

2. History with Calorie Count:  I've used this site for about 2 years (on and off) to get me on track when I feel like I've lost control of my portions and my eating habits.

3. Reason for joining: Because I live in the Boston area! Born and raised in MA!

Hi y'all. I'm Karen, and I'm a sophomore engineering student at MIT.

1. History with weight loss: None. I've got some history with weight gain, though. Ha. Actually, I've always been very small, and just started slowly putting on weight a couple years ago, amplified last year, and now, here I am. Like Eric, I also have a thyroid condition that I just found out about and am trying to overcome.

2. History with Calorie Count: I joined last spring, and was doing pretty well, but soon after joining became depressed (dumb thyroid), which kinda killed it, and I gained everything back and then some. But if I could overcome the depression, nothing's gonna stop me from defeating the weight gain as well. So now I'm back!

3. Reason for joining this group: I live here, you live here. In something as personal as weight control, support isn't necessary, but it can be nice sometimes.

4. Interesting Stuff? I row for MIT, and I absolutely adore robots. I also do a lot of theater stuff at school, both on and off stage. I'm a huge dork, but life's more fun that way. :)

Hi everyone, I'm Sarah!

1. History with weight loss: I actually have a history of pretty drastic weight loss... I'm a recovered anorexic.  When I graduated high school 3 years ago, I weighed 90 lbs at 5'5".  However, I went to college and gained some much needed weight- about 40 pounds freshman year and the summer immediately following.  My weight then slowly crept up to almost 140.  It's back down to ~126, but I'm really small boned and my doctor has informed me this is the high end of the healthy weight-range for my bone structure, so the aim is to get down to 115... 11 lbs is unfortunately a little harder than it sounds.

2. History with Calorie Count:  I joined at the height of my disordered eating as a means of keeping my eating REALLY under control... but now I just want to use it as a healthy tool, since I've started binge-eating.

3. Reason for joining this group: It's pretty easy to start feeling like you're the only person struggling with weight, especially in the city of runners (Boston), so it's nice to know and be able to chat with other people in the general area who are not amongst the hoards of tiny fit people in spandex.

4. Some interesting details about yourself, such as your job, your family, your pets and your interests: I'm a student at Boston College studying history and studio art... aka how to not get a job after you graduate.  I do a lot of volunteer work along the Gulf Coast and with mentally and physically disabled kids.  Just turned 21, but not really a partier... thank God, because Lord knows how much I'd weigh then...

Hi everyone.  My name is Joy and I'm here because I need to lose weight!

1)  History with weight loss:  I am 5'10" and during my high school years I constantly believed that I was fat, even though I only weighed 130 lbs.  When I look back at those pictures, I now realize that I was probably too thin for my frame and not eating enough.  Since high school, I have been on a slow path of gaining weight, to my current weight of 220 lbs.  It started with the college years and then after that I had jobs that had me sitting at a desk all day.  I lived with my boyfriend (now husband) who cooked most of the meals.  While he is a good cook, they are not the healthiest things to eat.  Over the years I have always wanted to work out but felt stupid and self conscious about going to a gym.  I thought I would endure stares.  I've always thought I was more overweight than I was (hence my fears), except now I actually have hit that point.  Last summer I finally got fed up with it and joined the gym at my local university.  I started getting into a good routine of working out 3x per week (losing 12 lbs!) and went home with a great plan for X-mas 2007.  I had it all planned out about where I would work out and how I would not overindulge over the holidays.  Then my world came crashing down when my father-in-law died suddenly on X-mas day at the age of 52.  My husband was devastated, as was I, but I put aside all of my own feelings to take care of him and his sisters.  All of my hard work fell by the wayside and I stopped going to the gym.  I put all of the weight back on and then some, although I got back down to 220 by the end of this summer.

2) History with Calorie Count:  Just joined today, but I like the format and the honesty it brings to my dieting.  Still trying to figure out a few things (like beverages?  I know that adds to your caloric intake, too!)  I also realize that I need to alter my eating habits in addition to working out more consistently.  I feel like the food diary will help me do that.

3) Reason for joining this group:  I'm here because I've hit my fed up point again.  I don't feel like I've gotten a lot of support from those around me, so I am trying to keep myself on task with a supportive online community.  I am also traveling to Fiji and Australia next summer and don't want to be embarrassed to put on a bathing suit.

4) Interesting details about me:  I'm a doctoral student at Harvard, so I live and work in a high stress environment.  I am also a licensed social worker.  I realize more than ever that I do a lot of things for other people, but not enough for myself.  I have an African Grey Parrot who talks and acts like a child.  I love improv shows, comedy, traveling, and trying new restaurants.

Hi! I'm Kat, just wanted to introduce myself to the group and see if there is anyone specific (maybe my age or my stats?) that wants to be buddies and we can push each other along because although this is something I really want I am having trouble staying committed. I am 23 5'2'' and about 115lbs of pure non-muscle.

1. History with weight loss: I am going to rename this section weight loss/gain/insanity. I wanted to lose about 5 lbs last spring and did so plus some, but then I got depressed and gained it all back plus some more (common story it seems) Now I dot fit into any of my old clothes and I feel awful. I wish I could have just been happy where I was!
2. History with Calorie Count: I started calorie count when I originally lose some weight last year and it worked wonders at the beginning. I kept up with it off an on since then but I really want to start being involved again because I think it keeps me more on track.
3. Reason for joining this group: I want to give support! You are all doing amazing just by trying to be healthy and I know we can get there! And I want to get some support too ... and a kick in the pants when I need it.
4. Some interesting details about myself: I am 23 and I live south of Boston but I go to School at BU Med so I am up in the city everyday. I enjoy dancing and walking. When I can get to the gym I either go on the cardio machines or take step classes (so fun!). I love to chat and meet new people so shoot me an email too if you would like!

1. History with weight loss: I have tried numerous times in the past to both start losing weight and exercising but just moved to the area and decided to be serious about it!
2. History with Calorie Count: new arrival to the sitel!
3. Reason for joining this group: New arrival to the area! maybe there's some people local who can give insight into healthy places to eat when necessary or places to go for a good run or walk. Meet new people!
4. Some interesting details about yourself, such as your job, your family, your pets and your interests: I am a 26 year old single guy who just moved to NH and want to slim up and I just started counting what i eat and exercising againi to lose the weight and get healthier and fitter! I hope to get close to or obtain a six-pack within a year. I currently weigh 255 but i hope to lose 2 pounds every week or so!

Hi:

I am a 52 yr old black man who is struggling with weigh which exaserbates my problems with high blood pressure and high cholestrol.  At one point this year  was up to 282 lbs.  Even at 6'5" that is too much.  My goal is to get down to 235.  I have never used an internet site for weight loss but this calorie counting seemed perfect for me.  So for I am doing quite well.

On of the problems I  have had is my absolute love of fine dining.  With so many great options in and around Boston it is taking a lot of discipline to keep on track.  My next step is to began an exercise program.  I am not a moning person but that is the best time for me to keep to a regular schedule, so I will buckle down and just do it.  It always help to get encouragement from and to hear of the success of others who are on the same path.  I welcome any replies.

Welcome to the group sackben.  I hope you are doing well with your weight loss and exercise goals.  I am a morning person so exercising in the am is no problem for me - just find a way to work it into your schedule and stick with it.  I usually go out to eat twice a week and pretty much have whatever I'd like off the menu but then I do try to be especially good the rest of the week so that it all balances out.  I kind of informally zig zag my calories and I think that has also helped with my weight loss (68 lbs. lost since March).  Lots of luck to you.

Name: Michelle

1. History with weight loss:  I have been battling my weight since my early 20's after I had my son. I have been over 200 lbs since I got pregnant with my son 11 1/2 years ago and though I had lost almost 80 at one time, I need to lose 100 more pounds to be at a healthy weight.

2. History with Calorie Count:I joined calorie count earlier this year and love the ability to track my eating and exercise as well as post journal entries as well as find group support.

3. Reason for joining this group:

I live just outside of Boston in Malden and wanted to find a group that is local to where I live.

4. Some interesting details about yourself, such as your job, your family, your pets and your interests:

I currently work for the Department of Mental Health doing case management. I live with my husband, son, and cat. I love to read, listen to music, dance, and photography.