[muppet]

Hello. I an not new here.. an oldie, rather than a newbie. But I still thought it would be fun to answer the questions-- maybe get the ball rolling for others...


1) How did you hear about the site?
During season 2 I went to the NBC biggest loser forum. I didn't like it much. They seemed to be rather cliquish, and only wanted to talk about who was more in love with Matt ( who I didn't even like). So someone suggested this forum -- wish I could remember who -- I'd like to thank them.

2) Reasons for joining?
I wanted the opportunity to journal, because much of my over eating is emotional. I thought it would help me gain insight into why I do what I do. I also wanted to be able to share, and get to know people who are struggling like I am -- and people who are having success.

3) Current Weight
188 pounds

4) Current/Past Lifestyle Habits (do you exercise and if so for how long, what exercise? what is your nutrition like, what are you eating on a daily basis? do you smoke? drink?)
Past: Poor poor choices, overeating, and token exercise. That's the best way to sum it up. I have never ever smoked, and only drank much as a young adult. Totally over that now!

Current: I make smarter choices, but still over eat. I try to focus on whole grains and lean proteins, fruits and veggies. I do tend to eat a fair amount of frozen dinners. ( lean cuisine, healthy choice, etc..) I get a good cardio workout either by walking, riding my bike, or using my little mini stepper if I can't get outside ( usually 40 minutes to an hour, 5 times a week). I have also started strength training, and can really see and feel the difference that makes.

5) Things you have trouble with in losing weight
Eating! I love food, I love to eat. And I also have issues with emotional eating.

6) Things you have tried in the past for weight loss (did they work before?)
A few years ago, my Dr. told me I had high cholesterol. She told me I would probably need medication to control it. Well, I was determined to avoid that if possible, so I watched what I ate, and got more regular exercise ( just walking then) and I did manage to drop 20 pounds in a couple of months. High cholesterol runs in my family, so I didn't know I would be able to control it on my own or not. Sadly, I went back for a second blood test, but there was some kind of mix up, and I never got the results. I didn't redo it either. I wish I had. I have let old habits slip back in, but I need another physical this summer, and I'd like to do as much as I can possibly do to control this problem. I do not want to take medication for it. I am 43, and while that may seem old to a lot of you younguns, trust me, it's not. It's way to young to start taking daily meds, other than vitamins. At least I feel that way. And that was enough to get me motivated to do the right stuff. I just wish I could do that again.

7) What do you want to change in your life?
I want to change my eating habits. I want to change my relationship with food. I want to eat like a 'normal' person, who eats only what they need. Who eats an occasional treat, enjoys it and doesn't feel guilty. I want to stop thinking about it all the time. Or at least not as much as I do now.

8) What are your short and long term goals for weight loss?
I don't set a lot of goals. Goals don't seem to work for me. I know they do work for most people, but for me they seem to backfire.
I guess I could say my goals are to make smarter choices. To not beat myself up for occasional treats, and actually enjoy them. And to make sure that occasional treats really are only occasional.
My goal is also to not focus on the scale. I get too depressed when it doesn't move, even though I know why it doesn't move. But even though I'm not controlling my eating as much as I should, I am getting exercise. I am fitter and stronger, and if I get too depressed about the numbers, I might let up on the exercise, and then I really will be depressed. I figure I'm better off being positive, and not feeling like such a failure.