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!

Okay I'll go first :)

1. History with weight loss:

I've been an over eater since I could remember. I was fat as a kid, fat in jr high, fat in HS. It just continued to get worse the older I got. Food equaled love to me. It was a sign of love in my family too. I'd turn to it for stress, a hug, a celebration, for anger. It seemed to heal so much.

I started my journey July 2005 - and that's a day I'll never forget. I was told by someone really close to me that I wasn't attractive.. not only my appearance, but my behavior. I took a close look at myself and realized I was becoming everything I didn't want to be. Quickly changed my ways!

16 months calorie counting, I lost 155 pounds. 9 months maintaining, I have gradually found myself at 120-125 pounds. I'm around here maintaining but still need the support all the same. :)

2. History with Calorie Count:

I came to CC in Dec of 05 after having lost 80 pounds quite rapidly. I didn't know anything about health, I just knew that reducing calories would help get the weight off. Making up my own rules I ate a 700-900 calorie diet. After I started feeling weak/sick/ and blacking out, I came to my friends on CC for guidance. Of course they told me to eat more, and it took a lot of pushing but eventually I decided to do this the right way and use the tools on CC. After learning I was way under where I should be, I boosted it up and low and behold my weight still dropped and I stopped feeling sick! It took another 11 months to lose 95 more pounds. Not too shabby. I've stuck around 9 months after for maintenance, support, and to motivate others.

3. Reason for joining this group:

I've conducted several meetups for people in Phoenix/Tempe/Mesa area. I love meeting new people in the area and doing things! When you are in the dieting boat, or even living a healthier lifestyle.. sometimes you feel out of place in standard social situations. Its great to talk face to face and with locals about what's going on.

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

I live in Scottsdale with my boyfriend and my cat. On the job front, I work for an amazing company (I'll disclose in person) that allows me to be creative, odd, and off the wall.

Hi there.  Up until I was about 25 (when I started having kids), I had a great body and was the healthiest I have ever been.  After my first child, I bounced back pretty quickly.  After my second, 3 years later, my body went down hill.  I am 5'5 and the weight that makes me feel good about myself is 135-137.  The most I have gotten while not having to do with pregnancy has been 164.  I felt miserable.  I went through a few very traumatic things over the last five years and had two periods of time where I dropped 17 pounds in 2 weeks.  I know that it was not healthy, but I felt I looked great (even though I was so depressed, nothing really mattered anyway).  I have attempted many diets, exercise regimens and my will power is the problem (I have none).

I found this site while surfing the net and so far, I have been using it for almost a week and I really like it.  It is helpful and although I have not been able to work out the way I want, I am definitely not eating as much and I have stayed below my calories all week long.

I want to get my weight down to 140 and I want to feel healthy and HAPPY!  I am engaged to a wonderful man who has broken my heart in the past and we are working through the trust issues which I am having a really hard time with right now.  I like having this to occupy my thoughts and it also means I am focusing on ME.

I have two wonderful children, I am a native of Arizona (although my heart belongs in the mountains or somewhere that is green or where there is water - I am so tired of the desert).  I love my job for the first time in my life.  I am a busy body who has to be doing 10 different things at once, so on my free time I watch movies, play on the computer, read, clean, exercise, spend time with family and do little projects around the house.

Thanks for listening and I am glad to be a member of this group.

 

 

 

 

Hi n2ativeone. My name is Melinda by the way :) We all go through trying times with family and our close relationships. I don't have the experience with being a mother, but I can only imagin the stress that puts on 1 human being. There are a lot of faces looking up to you right now :)

If you can't get in the exercise boat, that's okay. When I first started dieting (I'm sitting at about 2 years counting) the thought of both exercise and eating right would overwhelm me. It's only been recently I want to get up and going again.

Not sure how old your children are, but we do meetups sometimes around here and you're always welcome to join us. We've done lazer tag (that was a blast in itself), bowling, a hike (talk about sweating), and I've also met people one on one for lunch or dinner before. I love getting to know people around here, and I completely feel you about wanting more green and water! I grew up in Southern California, and the beach and cool grass in the summer was taken for granted. Wasn't until I moved to AZ a year 1/2 ago that I realized how beautiful it was.

Hi,

I have been struggling to loose weight for the past five years.  I have managed to loose 50 pounds.

My exercise habits are very poor.  I can't seem to stick with it.

My goals are to keep with an exercise program and continue to loose weight.

Hi I am Marianne I live in Cottonwood AZ moved up here from Tucson in 1998- moved to Tucson in 1984 both my kids are AZ natives.

I lost 55 lbs a few years ago then gained about 30 when I quit smoking 3 years ago. Its been very hard for me to shake these 30 off again - I don't know if its my stress in my life my old age ( I'm 48) or just not as motivated this time around. Its been a 2 year journey on CC of losing and gaining the same 10 lbs over andover and over again.

The reason I joined this group is I like Melinda and she motivates me!!! I hope we can plan some get togethers and support each other . I also think only fellow Arizonans really understand how hard it can be to "workout" in this state!! I'm personally not one for getting up at 4am to walk outside like I used to do.

Personal history- nothing interesting -- been married 24 yrs this upcoming Sept 1st. I have 2 daughters one lives in Phoenix with her boyfriend - she will be 22 in October. My youngest will be 19 in one month!! ( their pics are in my profile) The youngin is currently in a half way house so we have empty nest except for my "boys" The big dude is a Aussie mix he's very mellow and puts up with the Little dude we adopted from my oldest daughter - he's a miniture pincher mix and a spoiled little brat. His pic is in my profile too. Hubby is the program director for the fire science program at the community college and also works for a local fire dept part time. I do medical billing and just started working one day a week in Sedona. the other days I'm in cottonwood.  The only good thing about the drive ( only 20 minutes or so but living in a small town you get used to only having to drive 10 minutes to get most anywhere) but the scenery is great in Sedona. 

Since hubby works at the comm college I get to take classes for free so I do weight lifting and a cardio class - I can't afford a gym membership and the hours the classes are works great. 

So hi all you felllow Arizonans@!

Original Post by x17star17x:

Hi n2ativeone. My name is Melinda by the way :) We all go through trying times with family and our close relationships. I don't have the experience with being a mother, but I can only imagin the stress that puts on 1 human being. There are a lot of faces looking up to you right now :)

If you can't get in the exercise boat, that's okay. When I first started dieting (I'm sitting at about 2 years counting) the thought of both exercise and eating right would overwhelm me. It's only been recently I want to get up and going again.

Not sure how old your children are, but we do meetups sometimes around here and you're always welcome to join us. We've done lazer tag (that was a blast in itself), bowling, a hike (talk about sweating), and I've also met people one on one for lunch or dinner before. I love getting to know people around here, and I completely feel you about wanting more green and water! I grew up in Southern California, and the beach and cool grass in the summer was taken for granted. Wasn't until I moved to AZ a year 1/2 ago that I realized how beautiful it was.

Hi Melinda. Thanks for the response. I looked at your pictures and am really impressed, great job at your weight loss! This is the first week that I have been a member and so far, it has been a very stressful one. The good news, is that I have stayed way under my calories and because of how busy I am, I have not eaten anything I should not have. I have recognized that as long as I stay busy, I am fine

My kids are 8 & 11, and my ex and I split custody, so there is many a time I don't have them (so I get a break). Do you have kids? All those things you mention as far as meet-ups and activities sound wonderful and I would love to participate. Keep me posted, please. I have added you as a buddy, hope that's okay.

Take care,

Jennifer (n2ativeon)

Original Post by jo50:

Hi,

I have been struggling to loose weight for the past five years. I have managed to loose 50 pounds.

My exercise habits are very poor. I can't seem to stick with it.

My goals are to keep with an exercise program and continue to loose weight.

HI Jo50!  Way to go!!!! 50 pounds is a great accomplishment!  I know what you mean about the exercise.  It helps to just set one day a week and see about being strict with that.  If that works, try to add more time or days.  Good luck with your efforts.

n2ativeone

Original Post by dbackerfan:

Hi I am Marianne I live in Cottonwood AZ moved up here from Tucson in 1998- moved to Tucson in 1984 both my kids are AZ natives.

I lost 55 lbs a few years ago then gained about 30 when I quit smoking 3 years ago. Its been very hard for me to shake these 30 off again - I don't know if its my stress in my life my old age ( I'm 48) or just not as motivated this time around. Its been a 2 year journey on CC of losing and gaining the same 10 lbs over andover and over again.

The reason I joined this group is I like Melinda and she motivates me!!! I hope we can plan some get togethers and support each other . I also think only fellow Arizonans really understand how hard it can be to "workout" in this state!! I'm personally not one for getting up at 4am to walk outside like I used to do.

Personal history- nothing interesting -- been married 24 yrs this upcoming Sept 1st. I have 2 daughters one lives in Phoenix with her boyfriend - she will be 22 in October. My youngest will be 19 in one month!! ( their pics are in my profile) The youngin is currently in a half way house so we have empty nest except for my "boys" The big dude is a Aussie mix he's very mellow and puts up with the Little dude we adopted from my oldest daughter - he's a miniture pincher mix and a spoiled little brat. His pic is in my profile too. Hubby is the program director for the fire science program at the community college and also works for a local fire dept part time. I do medical billing and just started working one day a week in Sedona. the other days I'm in cottonwood. The only good thing about the drive ( only 20 minutes or so but living in a small town you get used to only having to drive 10 minutes to get most anywhere) but the scenery is great in Sedona.

Since hubby works at the comm college I get to take classes for free so I do weight lifting and a cardio class - I can't afford a gym membership and the hours the classes are works great.

So hi all you felllow Arizonans@!

Hi Marianne.  Sedona is such a beautiful place, you are very lucky to be so close.  I have to drive a few hours   I know what you mean about the heat and exercising, it is really tough.  I love the winters and the fall here.  I try to get outside and hike as much as possible.  I have never hiked in Sedona, have you?  My ex husband is a fire capt. in Scottsdale, I was a fireman's wife for 14 years - it can be tough, but sounds like you get to see your hubby lots with him only doing the pt thing.  Nice to meet you!

n2ativeone

Original Post by n2ativeone:

Hi Melinda. Thanks for the response. I looked at your pictures and am really impressed, great job at your weight loss! This is the first week that I have been a member and so far, it has been a very stressful one. The good news, is that I have stayed way under my calories and because of how busy I am, I have not eaten anything I should not have. I have recognized that as long as I stay busy, I am fine

My kids are 8 & 11, and my ex and I split custody, so there is many a time I don't have them (so I get a break). Do you have kids? All those things you mention as far as meet-ups and activities sound wonderful and I would love to participate. Keep me posted, please. I have added you as a buddy, hope that's okay.

Take care,

Jennifer (n2ativeon)

Hi again n2ativeon,

I will def keep you posted and I think CC making these groups is going to make putting on meetups a lot easier :) Now I don't have to hunt and peck for people in the area. In fact, I've met Dbackerfan :) She went to our hiking meetup.

No kids for me. Not in my life plans as far as I can see. I'm 24 years old, and my mom keeps telling me some day I'll change my mind about that one. We'll see. I really doubt I want to do that.

Maybe we'll all have to arrange a meetup to go to Sedona and hunt down a healthy restaurant and 'easy' trailed mountain to climb :)

There are tons of healthy restaurants in Sedona.  lots of vegetarian places and whole food, raw food and the like.

A easy hike is possible too- no hilly hikes either.  There is a real nice hike near a creek thats suppose to be very nice.  Fall and winter is the time to do it too!!

Hello! I live in the valley (Ahwatukee to be exact) and attend ASU. I also work full time and have many animals at home to care to every day. I am looking to lose the 30 pounds I gained since I quit smoking last August as well as more to get into better shape than I have been in in a long time. I dont think its difficult to eat healthy, theres just so many delicious things out there! But I am serious this time, I am unhappy and also need to make sure I am fit before I finish schooling since my career choice requires health! I look forward to learning more ways to take care of myself :)

Hi everyone! I hope everyone is doing well today and are dry from our rain last night! J I’m grateful to find this group; accountability and motivation are big for me. I hope to check in every other day or so…

So, I guess I will start with the four questions.

1.       History with weight loss: Well, I like others here it seems, have had a long struggle with my weight. A loosing struggle. My weight has gone up and up over then years. I always knew I was heavy, but I didn’t realize just how heavy I was getting. That was until, around Feb ‘08, my clothes again were too tight and I decided to step on a scale…Yikes…I could not believe my eyes…300lbs. I was stunned and I decided right there I needed to change my life…not just diet, I needed to change my life. Since them I have been taking small steps to make life changes. My diet/lifestyle attempts in the past have been unsuccessful because I made drastic changes. But this time I decided to make small changes over a long period of time so that I could keep the changes. So…since March I have lost 31lbs, have begun exercising regularly, and I actually ‘think’ about what I put in my mouth vs. eating whatever I think will comfort me or make me happy. I’m learning to find happiness in other ways than food…so far so good, but I still need to give and receive that motivation and accountability.

2.       History with Calorie Count: Started here in Jan ’07 but only used it on and off, it didn’t become a daily part of my life until March ‘08. Everyday…multiple times a day I come here to help make decisions on food and hold myself accountable for the choices I make.

3.       Reason for joining this group: As I said I’m here for and to support, be a friend, and accountability.

4.       Some interesting details about yourself, such as your job, your family, your pets and your interests: I am 31 years old, female, single, in the Paradise Valley area, love to watch movies, music, have great friends, a wonderful family I am close to, I scrap book, make greeting cards. No pets, although I love animals. I work in social work/mental health. My first weight (mini) goal is 250 by the start of Nov. I’m getting there, slowly…lol

I guess this is all for now. Have a great day everyone!   ~me

 

Hi MrThomas and Buddydafish!

I can relate to both of you. We are all here because we are at our wits end with weight. Even though I'm maintaining my weight, I HAVE been nearly 300 pounds. Its a trying journey, that's for sure.

We are all in the same area. Once it starts cooling off, is everyone game for planning a hike? Nothing too crazy, something everyone can do. Each meetup we've either done apple bees or pita jungle (which are both awesome healthier choices). Any other suggestions? Once it starts cooling off I'll start a group Meetup thread :)

hey everyone,

Im glad to have found a place like this.

1. History with weight loss:  I have been heavy since grade school. My parents divorced and my mom was a single Mom. So food became a comfort that I turned to. Not a great idea but what do you do. I am an emotional eater. Any kind of emotion equals lots of food going into my mouth.

2. History with Calorie Count: I only have been on here since July 2008. I wasnt diligent until this last week.

3. Reason for joining this group is continued motivation with others that know what true heat stroke is. I am an Arizona native. Born and raised all over Arizona.

4. Some interesting details: I live in Phoenix. I am 29. I work in the medical field as a medical biller. I have 2 room mates. I love to watch movies, read and sing.

Hi all!  My name is Renee (Or Nay for short).  I'm 30 (yikes! it just crept up on me), have 1 9 y/o old boy (who I love but is determined to push every one of my buttons)

 

1. History with weight loss: 

Well for me, I have pretty much been heavy my whole life.  My earliest memory of my weight being pointed out to me was when I was in 6th grade and I was already 115 pounds.  I didn't have a very supportive family, in fact, my 2 younger (and much slimmer) siblings would constantly pick on me.  My mother would always make comments about how nothing would ever fit, "You're pretty, you just need to lose weight" or "You would have a boyfriend if you weren't so fat."  What else did I have to support me except food?  I wanted to join gymnastics and sports when I was younger, but it was always "we can't afford it."  When my parents split and my mom had to work 2 jobs, we were not allowed to play outside when she wasn't home.  The only thing we became accustomed to was watching tv and eating.  I was being beat up by my older sister and picked on by my younger sibs at home, picked on at school, and picked on by my parents.  My mom wonders why I'm so shy and terrified to be in large groups without a friend or two by my side.   She said I was always so outgoing and friendly when I was little.  Hmm, go figure...

I've tried dieting since I was in High School.  I've tried everything anyone ever suggested or said worked for them.  Slim fast, diet pills, the reverse diet, 6 week body makeover, slim in 6, fat smash, you on a diet, the duke diet, atkins diet, souch beach diet, etc.  I've purchased a lot of gimmicky exercise equipment.  The ab roller, the total gym, thigh master, fitness ball, ab cruncher, etc.  Videos?  Yup, got them too.  (although I do favor my Turbo Jam workout, its the best infomercial product I've purchased thus far)  Eventually, these all made their way to the goodwill. 

I was always successful at losing a significant amount of weight.  It just never was enough, and when I would plateau... I'd quit.  I would just think that "this is the thinnest I will ever get." and be done.  Even today, I have people who are convinced that I will lose weight, but I will NEVER get down to 140-145 (the weight I would like) and I most definitely won't have a "thin" body (partially due to repeat surgeries in my abdomen (from sternum to naval) and the scar tissue restricting how thin my body will get.

Some support group eh?

So I figured, "what the hell?"  I mean, what have I got to lose?  I can try to prove them wrong and what will I get in the end?  A longer life span?  More energy?  Increased self esteem?  I guess it's worth the risk.

So a couple of weeks ago, I was searching for an interactive website that was low-cost, provided a solid community, diet and exercise tips, healthy tasteful recipes, and a huge database for nutritional info.  I stumbled onto Sparkpeople.com, which I also use because the recipes are AWESOME and the meal planners rock (especially when I just don't have the time to figure it out).  But sometimes I can't find what I'm looking for, then I found this site!  And I can access the calorie counter via my Instinct phone!!  I literally have NO excuse for not making smart food choices.  And the grading system is a bonus.  I try to maintain a B average! LOL

I am soooo on board with getting healthy and fit.  But I do have one thing I still worry about...  (I'm thinking I still need to see a therapist)  I'm afraid that I will still get depressed and discouraged because I want to be like anyone else that can just eat what they want and not feel guilty.  I think I still have an emotional tie to food.  I love to enjoy it!  I love cooking it!  I love experimenting with it and creating yummy dishes that my friends and family rave about.  Well, we'll see how things go.... I mean, it has only be a week so far...

 

2. History with Calorie Count:
no history really, I just joined a few days ago.

3. Reason for joining this group:
I like the food database and the grading system.  I'd like to have a 4.0 in nutrition and graduate top of my class! LOL

4. Some interesting details about yourself, such as your job, your family, your pets and your interests:
I have 2 cats and a dog.  I live with my son and Ronnie.  I am the major chef in the house, and Ronnie is my sou chef.  I enjoy shopping and movies.  I want to karaoke someday, I just don't have the guts.  People often describe me as "goth" but I don't REALLY dress the part (yes I wear a lot of black, but that's because it's slimming LOL j/k actually my fave colors are black and purple and everyone agrees that I wear reds well.)  I draw and write poetry.  I'd like to think that I'm an accomplished film maker, but reality is, it's just a hobby...

 

Whew... I better quit here.  This has become a long winded post..
I do hope you guys plan an activity soon, I would like join.  (yes most definitely)

Hey HotAZmama :) We can relate on a lot of levels. I was fat since 4th grade, and had to wear size 14s by the time I was 14. I was a chunky kid with 2 slim siblings, and a slim dad. BUT my mom was heavy, so I guess she turned into my eating buddy.

I have a 17 year old brother :) Kinda on par with your 19 year old son (but really not so much). Okay I tried relating. I can't sing worth beans, but it sounds fun!

I should really stumble through spark people and see what it's about. I use daily plate a lot when I can't find what I'm looking for on here and need a calorie count.

Welcome to the group! We're going to build this thing and all get together as eachothers support.

Thanks for the welcome.  If you do check out sparkpeople... look me up!

(hotazmama)

It's like myspace for dieters (I have a spark page and blog)... its a really neat site.  And I just found out they have mobile capabilities too!  Only I can log my food by phone instead of just looking it up!  Holy COW!

 

Nay

Hello!  Name's Lila.

1. History with weight loss:

I'm overweight but not obese.  I've been able to lose a little in the past, but I always put it back on.  Hubby wants me to lose weight to look and feel better.

2. History with Calorie Count:

New today!

3. Reason for joining this group:

Only been in Surprise, AZ for about 3 weeks.  I need to find a support here!

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

Been married for almost 5 months, just moved to Surprise for a new job with a school district.  I have a Mini Schnauzer named Buckel, and I enjoy movies, photography, and just discovered tennis!

17star17 - thanks for the welcome. meeting up sounds like fun! I dont know how much hiking I can do but I would like to try.

Welcome to Shavanica, Hotazmama, and idacota.

Well, I have not lost or gained anything in the last 2 weeks, which is good, but I really want to be loosing. :) I got some new shoes to walk in and went for a good 30min walk last night. It felt good to get out and I have really been motivated lately.

hope everyone is doing okay after our storms and you all had a wonderful weekend - boy it was beautiful, I swam all weekend...good exercise also! :)

take care everyone!

 

Original Post by idacota:

Hello!  Name's Lila.

1. History with weight loss:

I'm overweight but not obese.  I've been able to lose a little in the past, but I always put it back on.  Hubby wants me to lose weight to look and feel better.

2. History with Calorie Count:

New today!

3. Reason for joining this group:

Only been in Surprise, AZ for about 3 weeks.  I need to find a support here!

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

Been married for almost 5 months, just moved to Surprise for a new job with a school district.  I have a Mini Schnauzer named Buckel, and I enjoy movies, photography, and just discovered tennis!

Hi Lila.  Welcome to Surprise!  It's a great community with so much growth.  I have lived out here for awhile, I really like it.  My kids go to school in the Dysart District too.  So, you say you discovered tennis, does that mean you go over to the tennis center?  They have a great class called cardio tennis, it is such a good workout (and you learn about tennis).  Once the weather cools, I plan to take it up again.  Right now, I walk in my neighborhood when the weather is cool, but I look forward to the winter (I will be out all the time).

Nice to meet you.

Jennifer