Hello all.
Firstly, my name isn't annie - it's a reference to a Bob Dylan song (major points to those who get it). I am a 25 year old living in the Southeast and I am trying to muster up some serious gumption to shed my final 18 lbs, which have been the most difficult thus far.
I've struggled with my weight since childhood, which I sometimes feel is the absolute worst time in one's life to be overweight ( But by the same token, that came in handy when, after high school, I was able to lose weight rather than gain it, like many of my peers whose lifestyles finally caught up with their metabolisms.)
The 'baby fat' never did 'melt away' like everyone promised it would. This was such a harsh reality to wake up to as an adolescent: that it wasn't a temporary condition, it was my life and I had to accept it. At first, I punished myself with an eating disorder. Eventually, I developed a pretty active lifestyle, but the pounds crept back on in college. On my 22nd birthday, I looked in the mirror and just sobbed - I couldn't find any cute clothes that would fit to wear out to my birthday dinner. I think many people have a moment like this when they suddenly realize they have to make a change. So I buckled down and did a certain diet program- not sure if I am allowed to mention company names - and I went from 179 lbs to 150 lbs (5'4), and was able to start running and excercising a lot (previously, the extra weight made running painful).
I've been at that weight for the last few years, fluctuating somewhat, and I've been really happy. I am at the fittest and most healthy that I have ever been now, and last year I ran/walked/stumbled through my first half marathon.
But it's time for me to finish what I have started.
I have been gaining weight, rather than maintaining it. The harmful old habits are starting to creep back with the added stress of adulthood.
So I am here looking for support. I cannot afford to do that program again (but I would certainly recommend it to those who can) so it's just me vs. the weight this time. I am hoping I can do this with you strange internet-land people rather than all alone!
Firstly, my name isn't annie - it's a reference to a Bob Dylan song (major points to those who get it). I am a 25 year old living in the Southeast and I am trying to muster up some serious gumption to shed my final 18 lbs, which have been the most difficult thus far.
I've struggled with my weight since childhood, which I sometimes feel is the absolute worst time in one's life to be overweight ( But by the same token, that came in handy when, after high school, I was able to lose weight rather than gain it, like many of my peers whose lifestyles finally caught up with their metabolisms.)
The 'baby fat' never did 'melt away' like everyone promised it would. This was such a harsh reality to wake up to as an adolescent: that it wasn't a temporary condition, it was my life and I had to accept it. At first, I punished myself with an eating disorder. Eventually, I developed a pretty active lifestyle, but the pounds crept back on in college. On my 22nd birthday, I looked in the mirror and just sobbed - I couldn't find any cute clothes that would fit to wear out to my birthday dinner. I think many people have a moment like this when they suddenly realize they have to make a change. So I buckled down and did a certain diet program- not sure if I am allowed to mention company names - and I went from 179 lbs to 150 lbs (5'4), and was able to start running and excercising a lot (previously, the extra weight made running painful).
I've been at that weight for the last few years, fluctuating somewhat, and I've been really happy. I am at the fittest and most healthy that I have ever been now, and last year I ran/walked/stumbled through my first half marathon.
But it's time for me to finish what I have started.
I have been gaining weight, rather than maintaining it. The harmful old habits are starting to creep back with the added stress of adulthood.
So I am here looking for support. I cannot afford to do that program again (but I would certainly recommend it to those who can) so it's just me vs. the weight this time. I am hoping I can do this with you strange internet-land people rather than all alone!
