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!

Hi everyone! Am I really the first person here to post anything in the Minneapolis Group, or am I missing something?

So where are you all at in MN? I have lived in Minnesota my whole life.. grew up in Coon Rapids, lived in Brooklyn Park for awhile, and we have lived in Elk River for about 7 years now.

I am 34, married, have 4 wonderful children, 2 dogs, and have been with CC since the end of April. I was probably teetering close to 200 lbs last winter, but when I joined CC and bought a scale shortly afterwards I was 186.. currently hovering around 164- 166.. I put my goal weight as 123-- oh I forgot to mention I am about 5'4"-- but, we'll see about the goal-- I am not really so concerned with the number, just want to be healthy and fit-- with a lot more muscle and a lot less flab!

I am currently a stay-at-home mom, and will probably get a part-time job soon here when the kids are back in school.. I would like to go back to school myself eventually, not really sure 'what I want to be when I grow up' yet ;) 

Look forward to meeting you fellow Minnesotans..

Hi Wendy,

I live in Plymouth with a husband, 8 month old baby and three cats.  I work two jobs for a grand total of 66 hours a week! So for me, eating was cramming Big Macs between work.  Now that I've added motherhood to the list (along with an additional 30 lbs), I've decided that my weight and healthy are just too important to not make time for.  Like you said, I just want to be fit and healthy - and jiggle less when I walk!

Hi Simolean! Plymouth isnt too far from me! Congrats on your baby, what a cutie pie! My kids are a little older- 13 yr boy, almost 10 yr girl, and 6 yr twin boys.. Ugh, 66 hours a week at work, plus a baby-- where do you find the time?? Sounds like you have a pretty rough schedule! What are your stats (height, weight, goals, age, etc)? 

Hey everyone!  My name is Sam (Samantha) and I live in St. Paul.  I've always struggled with weight / self image.  Now, as a new mom (8 month old tornado named Antonio ;-) I am more interested in living a healthier lifestyle for my son (and trying to get my hubby on board as well).  I am currently at 189.2 (was 200 pre-pregnancy, and 229 when Tony was born) so I've lost a little (mostly due to breastfeeding I'm sure ;-) but am now hitting a plateau and know that I need to kick it up a notch to get to the next level.

I started Calorie Count a few weeks ago and lost 2 pounds (but then gained them back on vacation last week ;-).  I honestly just joined this group because I saw it in a pop up when I was surfing the CC site (didn't even know there was such a group until then!).  It'll be nice to be able to vent with people dealing with cabin fever and MN winters right along with me ;-)

Nice to meet everyone!

~Sam

Hi everyone...My name is Anitha..I live and work in StPaul. I have always been a fat kid, but last year i put on 20 pounds because i was eating out more than i should have. I started on CC+ may this year and have lost 11 pounds...i feel much better about myself...i run twice or thrice a week now and i can actually do more than 10 man pushups...CC+ has opened my eyes to healthy eating and portion control of the bad foods that i just cant seem to give up!

I cant believe its already fall :( hmmm... i hope to lose another 20 pounds before next summer :)

I'm 5 feet tall and 160ish.  I work alot from home, which makes life a little more humane - except when the baby wants to play!  I started out at 170 lbs and my goal is to be 130 by July of 2009.  But more importantly, I used to run track and I loved it then, and now my main goal is to run 5k in 40 minutes.

Hello, my name is Maria...I'm 43, 5'2 139lbs right now. I live in the Eagan area. My goal is where i was in 4/07 which was 120lbs by Jan 09. I'm in an LTR, have been since 6/07.

I saw this site after searching for an online journal and healthy living support.

I have worked out and been active with running/walking and weight training off and on since my early teens. I do fine when i'm single. VERY disciplined and happy about the course i'm on. Then as soon as i get involved with someone my whole life revolves around that person and their needs. I HATE that about myself. I was doing great early last year. I worked out almost daily and was watching what i was eating. I felt GREAT! Then around June it all fell apart when i got into my newest relationship. I just don't feel very supported. Maybe in words (sometimes) but not by actions. I mean how can someone say one minute "I don't want to be with anyone overweight." and then the next ask me if i want another beer or pie?!!

Sorry, this is becoming more of a journal entry then a reply, lol.

Everyone stay strong. I will send some love your way...please send some mine.

Hi! My name is Miranda and I live in Crystal, MN.  I am 27, 5'1", and 127 lbs. My goal is to lose ~10-15 lbs (back to my normal weight; I am very petite).  I recently moved to MN from AL last year & gained some weight when I moved. My 10 year class reunion is next May, so my goal is to get back to my normal weight before then. 

I really do enjoy working out and typically eat very healthy. However, since I moved, I have been working 60-80 hours/week and I bought a foreclosed "fixer-upper", so I have been so busy this year that some of my good habits have been replaced with some bad ones, like eating pizza instead of fish & veggies.

My house is now in good condition, so I would like to return to my good habits and begin working out again. If anyone goes to the Brooklyn Park Gold's Gym, please let me know. I'd love to work out together.

 

 

Hi! My name is Theresa and I live in St. Paul.   I am 5'1" and 155lbs.  I have been battling a lung disease for around 3 years.  So due to the lack of exercise combined with meds that I have been treated with, top that with some bad eating habits and you have where I am today.  Overweight.  I joined this group with the hopes of maybe losing the weight I gained and some.  I am also a stay at home Mom, so like many finding the time to work out is hard to do.  Now that school is in I start my day with walking my son to the bus stop,  then I take my 2 Chihuahuas for a walk.  I don't know how long this will last due to our Minnesota winter just around the corner.  The cold weather is a hard thing for me to do.  But we do have a gym here so I will try to use the treadmill and weights at least every other day, at least I will try.  But my biggest problem is eating healthy and trying to plan meals that everyone in my family will enjoy and eat.  So if anyone has any ideas for low-cal dinners, please, let me know.  I can use all the help I can get.  Good eating everyone and I hope we all reach our goal!

Hello,

My name is Signe and I live in Minneapolis. It was great to read all of your stories. I wish all or you the best in your personal journeys. I am 44yr. old currently trying to lose 23 lbs. I recently joined Calorie Count plus and I am having trouble understanding the Burn Meter on "my account" page. I have read the info on the site but it still doesn't make sense to me! I entered the food on the Eat meter for today so far and it is correct. But when I entered my activity for today so far, "Walking my Dog" which equals 156 calories, the top of the meter says Total Estimate: 2020 and in the middle section it says 1045 calories burned. I don't understand where the Total estimate number comes from or the 1045. Can anyone please explain?

Confused in Minneapoli

Hi Everyone,

My name is Kristina and I live in Shakopee.  I am currently engaged and planning a wedding for next August 22, 2009.  My goal is to lose 20 pounds before the big day.  I am currently a member of weight watchers as well.  I am 27 (approaching 28 very quickly), 5'2" and 157 pounds.  I have been on this journey to lose weight since April of 2004, the "first" time I joined weight watchers. I started weight watchers at 172 pounds.  I was able to get down to 145 pounds but then got lazy and gained some back so here I am!  I desperately want to go dress shopping but won't let myself until I reach a certain goal.  I belong to Lifetime Fitness if anyone needs a work out buddy in the area.  I am currently training for the Twin Cities 10 mile marathon here in October but after that is over I plan to hit the gym regularly.  I love spin classes so let me know if anyone is interested! 

1. My history with weight loss... i haven't had a history i guess. I've put on weight after having my daughter and haven't been able to lose it. I'm 5' 2" and 145 lbs. My goal is to lose 20 lbs.

2. My history with Calorie Count... I just started up today :)

3. My reason for joining this group... I would like support and to support other here in the Minneapolis Area. I've lived in Circle Pines (by Blaine) my whole life and just moved to Ramsey, MN. My problems are eatting healthy and planning meals that are healthly. Sometimes I tend to become lazy during the winter month (I might just be more depressed during that time) I'm hope some of you will have some insight on those types of things. I found out this summer that skin cancer runs in our family. I have been checked and have a few moles to be taken out that are pre-cancerus. I'm 23 years old. It's been very hard to be in the sun this summer. I lather up SPF and try not to get too much sun. I use to tan a lot and miss those days.   :( 

4. Interesting details: Well I'm a mom! I love photography. I'm always taking picture of my daughter and nature. I'm in sales. I travel (drive) a lot. It's hard to be active when you're in a car all day driving...

Looking forward to sharing stories and supporting each other!

Good Luck on everyone's goals.

Make it a great day! 

 

Hi -

I just joined CC and it should definitely be an interesting ride - hopefully I'll be able to stick with it! I looked in the mirror the other night and saw the profile of my body - actually saw it for the first time in a long time. No longer could I kid myself that I was "not that bad". And that was when I knew I had to make a change. I'm 25 years old, 5'1", and probably close to 215lbs (it's been a while since I've stepped on a scale).

While my boyfriend and I know we need to lose weight and are going to work on it together, I also wanted the support of others out there like me - especially other women. I'm hoping that I can find encouragement through others' stories, trials, and achievements. Knowing I am not alone will help - I hope.

I just moved in with my boyfriend and I have a feeling that may take some getting used to! Together we have 3 cats - 2 of which are mine - and his younger sister living with us. I am slowly learning how to knit - something I never thought I'd do, but am actually finding enjoyable! I just signed up for a belly dance class and that starts in 2 weeks. I wanted to do something different and I think it will fit the bill! I love to read. I write for a living, so if I didn't do that, I'd probably spend my free time writing more. I also love to veg out and watch tv.

I'm looking forward to this new expeirence and hope that I can help others while they (sometimes unknowingly) help me! Good luck to us all!

-Melissa

Hi everyone,

I live in Oakdale, married, and have 4 kids, 2 cats and 1 dog.  I am a stay at home mom.  I was 135 after I had my 2nd kid, and with each baby  I had, I gained another 20lbs of baby wt.  So now hovering right  around +/- 190lbs, and little energy, it's time for me to lose it.  I want to be healthy and enjoy a long life with kids and husband.  Looking for some new friends who want to go thru this wt loss journey together.

My name is Noah and I live with my girlfriend and our two cats in Uptown Minneapolis, minutes from the lakes.

1. History with weight loss:  

I was always a skinny kid from the time that I lost my baby fat in grade school. In High School I was on multiple sport teams, active in the outdoors and weighing about 180.  I looked great, (I thought so at least;) bu when I went to college lost 30lbs in my first month there.   For the next seven years I weighed 150-155 no matter what.  I ate everything I could lay my hands on (amazing portions for someone my size) drank lots of beer and didn't really exercise.  In the last two years I somehow gained for the first time (ya slowing metabolism!) and was recently up at 195.  Now I am at 180 and I would like to get down to 170 and stay there.  I would like to lose most of the fat I have protecting my core from the cold Minnesota winters for reasons of vanity, and if I gain any more weight I would like for it to be muscle.

2. History with Calorie Count:

Just started a couple of days ago because I needed a calorie calculator and food journal, because I have decided to start competing in triathlons.

3. Reason for joining this group:

Saw the group and looked at some of your posts and this led to looking at profiles.  What I read amazed me, and I felt an overwhelming desire to belong to a group full of brave and determined individuals.  I know that sounds equal parts Disney and spastic, all at once, but that's how it went down.

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

My claim to fame: In the summer of 2006 my girlfriend and I canoed the entire length of the Mississippi River from Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico.  This summer we are going to Tanzania to climb Kilimajaro, the tallest mountain on the African continent.

I started in August of 2007 at 215 lbs. I now weigh 127 lbs. (small frame, 5' 2"). I weighed around 105 for most of my 30's and into my 40's until I "lost my focus" and allowed stress and other factors to derail me. I am finally in a healthy range and I'm ready to go all the way and stay there. I do count calories, but in addition to that, I've developed some tricks that work for me to keep my head in the right place.

Started with Calorie Count about a year ago, but was embarrassed to post--and fearful I wouldn't succeed. I'm here to stay motivated and to go into 2009 at my ideal weight.

Hi everyone!  I just joined CC yesterday and I'm really psyched to get things going for myself.  My aunt is also a member of this site/group and she has had great results! 

I've never been an athletic person nor have I "watched" my diet.  I'm 28, 5'6" and have a medium frame.  Right now I am 190 lbs. looking to get to between 135-140.  I have no disillusion that this will be a quick fix but I am hoping to get to this goal within a year and keep it off!

I live in NE Minneapolis with my wonderful boyfriend, which is a hub for great night life, not so great for those of us watching our weight!  Within the last year I've had a lot of factors that have contributed to my unhealthy state:  broke off an engagement, started an new job, moved to Minneapolis, started a new relationship.  So it's been a total non-winning battle until now. Things are leveling off and starting to slow to a managable level. I am a photographer, shooting mostly boudoir photography and hope to soon have my own session of sexy photos after my great weight loss achievement.

I do have a gym membership but with all this going on, I've barely used it.  I'm hoping to start with my diet first and then incorporate exercise. 

Hi all.  I joined a few days ago.  My name is Maya.  I'm 30, and I live in Minneapolis.  I'm 248 pounds and would like to get down to 148 eventually.  I found out in April of this year that I have type 2 diabetes, and I've come down from 280 since then, but my weight loss has plateaued over the last two months and now I'm maintaining instead of losing.   I have a real sweet tooth but need to eat lower carb now and I like junk food too much.  I usually walk for excercise but now with winter coming on I was thinking of joining lifetime fitness.  Any advice?  Thanks.

Hi All! Today is my first day and I'm ready to get started :) I just had my Fit Point test at Lifetime Gym (I Just joined a few weeks ago)...and talk about depressing! After hearing my results I am ready to get on board and quit just "talking" about it. After a horrible summer of feeling uncomfortable I REFUSE to feel like that again.

1. History with weight loss: I have tried and tried I few times but haven't really had the willpower to do it. I was always a little "thick" but never "fat" as to where I am now. I have never had an issue with finding clothes that fit or feeling comfortable in a bathing suit but now it's awful and I need to do something about it.
2. History with Calorie Count: I'm a virgin- today is my first day
3. Reason for joining this group: To gain a support system of like-minded people :) Helpful hints, motivation :)
4. Some interesting details about yourself, such as your job, your family, your pets and your interests:
I work at a Childrens Hospital as a coordinator and I'm also in college fulltime- I live with my best friend and I'm "dating" people but nothing very serious yet. I don't have any pets and my interests are shopping, camping, travel, trying new bars/restaurants (got me into this mess haha), comedy clubs, sporting events, my cabin up north :)

Oh I forgot to say my "stats"...How embaressing...

I'm 5'7" and 204 I'm a size 16-:(...My goal is 150 by June 1st 2009~