New to the Site? Ice Breakers

[Missy]

I thought this might be a fun way to get to know all you new members that are joining us here in the forums. Please feel free to answer as you see fit and not all questions need to be answered if you are uncomfortable with them. It's just a way for us to get to know you, learn why you want to lose weight and to help you get where you want to be!

1) How did you hear about the site?

2) Reasons for joining?

3) Current Weight

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?)

5) Things you have trouble with in losing weight

6) Things you have tried in the past for weight loss (did they work before?)

7) What do you want to change in your life?

8) What are your short and long term goals for weight loss?


Please feel free to add anything to this list that you would like us to know. We are here to offer support, encouragement, advice, tips and to keep you on track so you can be happy with yourself and live a long healthier life.

Also, don't hesitate to ask any of the members for help no matter what it is. We are like a big family here and there is no such thing as a stupid question.

Both Trying4Thin (Carrie) and I are moderators on the forums, so if you run into any problems regarding harassment from fellow members or any other problems, please feel free to come to us anytime.

[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.

[Missy]

I guess I'll answer the questions as well so some of the new members can get to know my struggles as well, good idea Carol.

1) How did you hear about the site?
I was flipping through the channels one night and came across the Biggest Loser show. I was in a really bad place at the time with my weight and found the show very inspiring. I decided to look the show up on the internet and came across this site. I read the site for awhile before joining to get a feel for the people here, then decided to join because everyone seemed friendly and supportive.

2) Reasons for joining?
I joined because I wanted to talk with other people going through the same things I was. I wanted to change my life. I wanted to learn and grow from other people's weight loss experiences. I liked the fact that everyone seemed so supportive and motivating here.

3) Current Weight
169....still, I've been stuck in this plateau for almost 4 months now

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: When I was younger I was always very active and into sports. I played on a couple teams and would always be in the yard playing catch or something with my dad. In high school, I hit depression and started taking diet pills or working out excessively. When I got to college, I fell into the party lifestyle of always drinking...I also went through bouts of not eating and starving myself because I was unhappy with the way I looked. I also had rough times with relationships and kept spiraling deeper into depression, ate junk, was put on paxil which also helped me gain 60 pounds in 4 months time.

Current: After seeing the show I decided to change my life. We hired a personal trainer and worked with him for 8 months. I learned about what foods to put into my body and how to work out to get results. I don't smoke or drink anymore, except for having a few drinks on special occasions. We don't eat any fast food except for one meal a week which we keep for a cheat day to keep us sane. I eat a lot of protein and vegetables, fruits, whole grains. I drink a lot of water. I workout at the gym 5 days a week lifting weights and doing cardio. I do weight training for about 40min a day and then 30-45 min of cardio. On the weekends when the weather is nice, we also like to get out for walks.

5) Things you have trouble with in losing weight
Carbs. I am a carb junkie. I crave them at the worst times which is at night. It's terrible to eat carbs right before going to bed because your body doesn't have time to burn them off so they get stored as fat. Night eating is the worst for me. I sometimes have trouble getting enough water in as well, I can't stand the taste of it. Right now I am having trouble losing as well because my body has hit a plateau. I hit them every 15-20 pounds or so and since I have less weight to lose now, it's worse. I only have about 40 more pounds to lose which is the most critical time not to give up.

6) Things you have tried in the past for weight loss (did they work before?)
Starving myself, weight loss pills, liquid fasts. None of them worked. The reason most diets fail (from what I personally believe) is attitude, and diet. When it comes to weight loss your attitude should be first and diet second in importance. Exercise is also important, but if you aren't eating the right foods, the exercise won't work. Changing my attitude from negetive thoughts (I can't do this, this is too hard, I'll never get where I want to be) to positive thoughts (I can do this, just one more lunge, it's not going to kill me, I am making myself healthier etc) really helped me. I challenge myself inside my head everytime I work out and tell myself that I can do 10 more...or what have you. Starving yourself DOES NOT work because it slows down your metabolism which in turn makes it harder for you to burn off fat. The faster your metabolism, the faster you burn fat which is why they recommend you eat 6 small meals a day every 2-3 hours apart to keep your metabolism going. It took me awhile to learn this and understand the concept...but it really does work.

7) What do you want to change in your life?
I have already made a huge change in my life by changing my lifestyle, attitude and outlook. I surrounded myself with people who could teach me how to lose weight properly. Right now, I'd like to change my foods and exercise around to shock my body since I've hit a plateau. I also want to get my certifications to be a personal trainer so I can help others and teach them the knowledge I have learned in weight loss.

8) What are your short and long term goals for weight loss?
Short Term: Get down to 160 pounds, be able to run up and down the stairs 30-40 times in a row (I can do about 20 times right now...up AND down counts as one). Increase my water intake.

Long Term: Get down to my goal weight of around 125-130 pounds. Be okay with the way I look in a bathing suit. Have a normal blood pressure and cholesterol, cortisol (mine were high before). Be happy with myself inside and out. Get certified to be a personal trainer. Live a long and healthy life and raise healthy active children.

[mrywtt]

Over a two years ago, I was looking for the biggest loser message boards online and found this one and I sure am glad I did. It has been a while since I have been here and I really like all the changes I see.

I need online support that I can access 24/7 to share my successes and setbacks and opportunities.

My current weight is 264.5

I go to the Y for deep water swimming, walking on the track and enjoy cardio-kickboxing. I struggle with consistency. I try to walk at least a 1/2 hour 4x a week. I do not smoke or drink. My eating is consistent for a while then I backslide. It seems to be all or nothing.(I am really trying to work on this way of thinking) I have been overweight my entire life and I can honestly say even though I am not at my goal weight, I am eating much healthier and more aware of my thoughts and feelings surrounding food and I am much more forgiving of myself most of the time. It is a lifelong journey.
I am a diehard soda drinker and I am trying to change to drinking more water and less soda.
I have lost 60 pounds with WW. However most of the time, I lose 15-20 pounds then I lose my focus and perspective, I want to be healthy and strong in mind, body and soul

Take each day as it comes and start each day anew

[Leila]

1) How did you hear about the site?
I was watching biggest loser season 4 and I did a search and found this site

2) Reasons for joining?
I'm doing the same thing everyone else on this site is doing. Changing my lifestyle to be a happier, smaller, sexier me.

3) Current Weight
178 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?)
I would eat ANYTHING that I chose to eat. i felt like my mom "controlled" what I ate as a kid so now that I'm in charge, boy do I prove to the world that I'm in charge. In goes the chocolate, ice cream, fatty foods! anything my hearts desire! But I don't like being this size so I prayed and asked God to help me lose weight. If God can care about my everything, then my overweightness is part of everything.

I went into a grocery store and I looked at all the labels of the foods I used to buy. HOLY MOLY! Those foods are BAD! high in sodium, high in fat, ingredients that I didn't even know how to pronounce!

So I decided to eat more raw fruits, veggies, whole wheat, and less chocolate and ice cream.

exercise: I was always picked LAST on the team. =( BOO FRIGGEN HOO!!! Well I've changed my activity. I MOVE 4xs a week. It's a life style change meaning I have to learn how to be active for the rest of my life, not for just a year. I lost a lot of weight once but it was bc I was jogging. Then i stopped jogging and the weight +SOME came back (typical story). So I'm not trying to be cosmo-exercise woman. I'm trying to be practical and move 4xs a week. My body is liking it more and more!!!

I also had an ankle injury and was on medication. It caused a 15lb gain within 1.5 years. BOO.

5) Things you have trouble with in losing weight
I used to over eat. God helped me see the ROOT of why i do that. Now I don't do it anymore. God is good. He's my personal trainer and supporter.
Not moving enough.
No control over what I was putting into my mouth

6) Things you have tried in the past for weight loss (did they work before?)
exercise. eating less. eating healthy. eating poorly.


7) What do you want to change in your life?
losing weight is not just about losing weight. I want to improve my LIFE in all areas and I want to take care of myself in ALL AREAS. My body is ONE of those areas.

8) What are your short and long term goals for weight loss?
Long term: 135lbs goal weight (i'm 5'6'', average body frame)
short term: keep exercising 4xs a week, keep eating well and just loving myself. We'll see if the pounds come off. heehee.. it takes time so I'm looking at a year or 2 b4 I see my body really change.

[wanttobefit]

1) How did you hear about the site? I was interested in watching this seasons show and get some tips i just researched some biggest loser sites and found this one

2) Reasons for joining? I need extra help losing weight and need the motivation!!

3) Current Weight- 175

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?)
I was exercising every morning until my husband had surgery a month ago, now i just can't get myself up in the moring (5am) to go. i get off work at 9 so its worthless going then and spending 30 min. im a stay at home mom so i do try and run the stairs at nap time. My nutrition is poor!! i eat according to stress I don't smoke and i drink occasionally

5) Things you have trouble with in losing weight
I have trouble keeping myself out of the kitchen especially when im stressing out or getting frustrated. I also have trouble drinking water. I havne't seemed to drink anything lately

6) Things you have tried in the past for weight loss (did they work before?)
I tried weight watchers and that just wasn't for me i tried it for 2 months and didnt' lose a lb was doing everything right including exercise, i finally went off by myself and joined sparkpeople and lost 10 lbs now im slowly gaining it back

7) What do you want to change in your life?
I want to change my eating habits and eat when im supposed to and now according to my emotions! I want to be healthy for my child and future child

8) What are your short and long term goals for weight loss?
short term goal is to get to 165 before i get pregnant which could be anytime but i'd like to be at that weight when it happens
long term goal i'd like to get down to 130 after i have my 2nd child


I hope i can meet people on here and get/ give advice

Kim

[chryssi]

1) How did you hear about the site?
I love TBL show and was looking at their website for a FREE support system.
2) Reasons for joining?

I am looking for an all-encompassing program--that deals with exercise (without having to join a gym or enlist a personal trainer), nutrition (without getting a personal chef or buying pre-packaged non-real foods) crappy moods (without yet another therapist) that I can learn about and work on at my own convenience.
3) Current Weight
Ugh...202 lbs...11 lbs more than I weighed when I was pregnant 4 years ago!
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?)
I quit smoking 13 years ago, drink socially, do NOT like strenuous exercise--OK well I guess I should admit that I don't think I have ever actually tried 'strenuous' exercise--I usually quit after 'moderate' exercise--I am embarrased by exercising in public, even around my children.
5) Things you have trouble with in losing weight
My issue is overeating--emotional eating--binge eating. I always used to call myself a 'failed bulimic'--I would overeat and puke, but I never did the exercise jags or the laxatives--I just ate and puked continually for 25 years. Then a year ago I had surgery to correct acid reflux, now it is impossible for me to throw up--I have always been overweight, but have gained 25 lbs this past year and am afraid of the future.
6) Things you have tried in the past for weight loss (did they work before?)
Metabolife worked for 15 lbs until my heart felt it was going to beat right out of my chest, so I stopped that. And of course the bulimia thing--kept my weight down more than it is now, but I wouldn't call it a success.
7) What do you want to change in your life?
LOTS. I want to stop being so petty--stop worrying about being embarrassed. I want to stop emotional eating and overeating. i want to learn to enjoy physical activity and make it a daily part of my life.
8) What are your short and long term goals for weight loss?
Short term I would like to lose 20 lbs. Long term I would like to lose 50 lbs and live a healthier lifestyle.

[hammer]

1) How did you hear about the site?
I love TBL show and just researched some biggest loser sites and found this one

2) Reasons for joining?
I love reading weight loss success stories and hopefully I can be an encouragement to others as others have been inspiring to me.

3) Current Weight
159 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?)
I began running pretty regularly this year 3 to 4 days a week and have altered my diet as well. I don't smoke and drink "light beer" only.

5) Things you have trouble with in losing weight
I have carried a 20-25 pound tire around my waist for the past 10 years (my 40s) and I will turn 50 this year (Nov 07) and I was committed this 49th year to not take my tire into the next decade.

6) Things you have tried in the past for weight loss (did they work before?)
I have tried (but not very seriously) to alter my diet and did the south beach diet once but my wife really was my motivation and she gave me some great pointers that I promised I would stick with this time. A little push from the doctor with my cholesterol numbers (250) didn't hurt either.
She helped me cut out all the white stuff: bread, rice, potatoes and mayo (I love mayo). I eat a banana and a yogurt for breakfast, an apple and a south beach bar for lunch and a normal dinner without the white stuff. Also, the only liquid I consumed was water. Any other liquid with calories was eliminated during the weight loss period.

7) What do you want to change in your life?
I hope to continue living a healthy lifestyle and maintain a consistent exercise program.

8) What are your short and long term goals for weight loss?
I was able to take the 25 pounds off in 4 months. However, I find the process of maintaining my current weight is almost as challenging. It seems more difficult when there is no clear goal to hang your hat on.

Keep up the great work everyone. The process of losing weight and living a healthy lifestyle is such an important venture. So many people need to do it but very few follow through with their commitments. You are an inspiration to me and so many others.

hammer

[Fl softshell]

1) How did you hear about the site?
I watch TBL and they have inspired me that I too can lose weight. I saw the web site on the show and finally decided to peek in and see what its all about.

2) Reasons for joining?
I find it very important to hear from others who are trying to do the same. An open forum such as this where we can all learn, encourage and be friendly towards each other with the same goal in mind is very useful!

3) Current Weight
192.5 - down from 204 on Oct 1, 07 = 11.5 lbs lost so far

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?)
This is my BIG downfall and I admit it. I dont exercise like I should. At work I walk about a mile a day in my job (plus any other normal walking after work) and I am conscious of my walking speed. I walk very briskly to and from buildings out in the fresh air. I walk my dog but he goes slow and has to sniff everything LOL...... but, the point is, I am still moving more with the dog than if I sat home. I quit smoking in July 07, dont drink or if I do its a sip of wine or 1 beer during holiday socials. I've met the smoking and drinking goals so now I KNOW I can meet this goal as well. Mostly Ive been doing the Slim Fast with a drink in morning, 9 AM snack bar with fruit, lunch -another drink with fruit and sensible dinner. I eat mostly chicken or fish... right now Im on a chicken/veggie home made soup kick... low fat, low sodium and just plain healthy.. I can eat tons and not gain.. heck I lost another 1.5 pounds since this past Sunday. With the weight I have lost, my blood pressure has dropped significantly and who knows, maybe one day I will get off the meds! My mom and all her siblings had diabetes, so I am a good candidate for it and I DO NOT WANT IT!

5) Things you have trouble with in losing weight
My stomach! We all know we lose from the top down but its so frustrating to see my face getting thin and my pants not feeling any looser. Also being older (whopping 53 now..eekk) it tends to be harder to lose, but Im not giving in or up! I got grandkids to spoil!!

6) Things you have tried in the past for weight loss (did they work before?)
I use to do Weight Watchers and it did work. I was thinking of rejoining now, but the expense is just to much for my budget now. I do the Slim Fast program and they have a free web site where I can keep track of what I eat, weigh and they plan my meals which I can switch around if I chose. I can weigh myself and I told myself I would not lie about my weight to myself because cheaters never win. So each time I lose 10 pounds I told myself I would get a new top and donate an old top to charity.

7) What do you want to change in your life?
Well I cant change the aging process, but I can grow old gracefully and more healthy. I dont think of this as 'dieting' to me its a new way of life and a chance to regain what I had years ago, my figure and my health.

8) What are your short and long term goals for weight loss?
I want to lose another 10 by Christmas, and be at my goal for my birthday in June of 08. No special reasons other than for me to feel better about myself.

In closing I would like to say, we are not failures we are future success stories. Look to the future and best to all of you in meeting your goals. I look forward to chat and make friends with all of you.

[cora888]

1) How did you hear about the site?
i found it by accident
2) Reasons for joining?
i need to lose weight badly
3) Current Weight
175
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?)
once in a while i feel like exercising for about a month or so, i do turbo jam videos, my eatting is poor because i eat eather too much or too little, i smoke
5) Things you have trouble with in losing weight
i can go down by pounds but not inches
6) Things you have tried in the past for weight loss (did they work before?)
ive tryed everything, diet pills dont work, water does, exercise works
7) What do you want to change in your life?
ill change what i have too to lose the weight
8) What are your short and long term goals for weight loss?
by my birthday in june i want to be 160 & then the next summer 130