EXCITING!

SparkPoints: (6,706)
Fitness Minutes: (1,771)
Posts: 583
5/14/12 10:11 A

You've come to the right place to help you reach your goals!!

SparkPoints: (77,405)
Fitness Minutes: (47,510)
Posts: 9,872
5/14/12 10:01 A

Welcome to SparkPeople!

Are you competitive by nature? One of my daily goals is to hit 100 SparkPoints. When I do that, I've not only read articles, I've interacted with other members by reading and commenting on their blogs and writing my own blog. 100 points gets me here and gets me active each and every day.

When I started, I made the commitment to workout daily and write a blog about it. On days when I don't feel like doing it, I think about the blog I need to write and I certainly do NOT want to write that I was lazy and did not work out.

Maintain your goals on your SparkPage (that's what all the goal-setting gurus write about) and make the goals public on your page. Write about it on your blog every day.

Weight loss = calorie maintenance, cardio, and strength. Calorie maintenance is every day, cardio is at least five days per week, and strength is 3 to 4 days per week. I believe you need all three for a successful weight loss and fitness program.

Above all, be consistent. Doing something toward you goal every day will pay big rewards over the next few months. You can do this!

Posts: 9,360
5/14/12 6:36 A

SparkPoints: (75,129)
Fitness Minutes: (89,875)
Posts: 3,003
5/13/12 9:49 P

By joining SP you made the first step on your journey to better health!

Tracking your nutrition and exercise/activities on the "my Nutrition" and "myFitiness" trackers is key to success. Familiarize yourself with it and use it daily. Also, get active! Join a SparkPeople team of your interest for great challenges to get you started. Team members offer an abundance of support, encouragement, and advice. I invite you to visit my SparkPage. I'm confident you will succeed in reaching your goals!


Edited by: LUVS2BIKE101 at: 5/14/2012 (14:45)

Posts: 32,126
5/13/12 8:59 P

Hi Jess and welcome to Spark People where you will find lots of information and tons of support and encouragement from all our members. You will find that we also have fun along the way. Drink your 8-8oz glasses of water a day (If you only drink one now, add to as you are able until you are drinking your 8 cups or more a day), watch your portion control (measure everything in the beginning...guaranteed it will get easier) and walk, dance or do any exercise you enjoy (start with 10 minutes a day or several times a day and add to it as you are able or have time). Use your fitness and nutrition tracker daily (guaranteed to work if you use them consistently and honestly). Pick one thing to change...one thing at a time. Don't try to change to many things at once as that can be very overwhelming. Just try to take one step, one minute, one hour, one day, one week at a time. They honestly will all add up to the bigger numbers. These tips will definitely help in lowering your numbers and increasing your ability to enjoy life. Don't expect miracles right away...this is a lifestyle change not a diet. You will be much healthier in the long run. Post any concerns, comments or questions you may have and someone will respond quickly.
Start each day with a positive thought just for that day. Reading and reflecting on an inspirational thought or message before you start your day can put you in a positive frame of mind.
Your thoughts determine whether you have a good day or a bad day. Fill your mind with positive ideas, suggestions, and thoughts. You will find it will change your attitude and changing your attitude can change your life.
Sometimes just reading an inspirational quote or a short paragraph helps one see the positive in a situation. Sometimes as your day progresses you just need to take a break...Take a mental break and read or think about a message of inspiration.
Never underestimate your power to change and improve! You are a good person, with wonderful qualities, and you can reach your goals!
If I can be of any help to you, please let me know with a spark mail or a comment on my page. I am here for you.
God bless you on your journey to a healthier you.
Hugs,
Helen

SparkPoints: (331)
Fitness Minutes: (290)
Posts: 1
5/13/12 7:14 P

WOW. I'm pretty impressed with Sparkpeople so far and I've only just joined! I have issues with social anxiety so joining a "regular" weight-loss group was never an option for me and I've felt like I've been missing out! From what I've seen so far I'm hoping this site will give me a bit of motivation and support that I don't tend to get from my (all skinny) friends who don't seem to get what it's like feeling out of control of your own body!

Anyway. I have to get up tomorrow without hitting snooze. That's one of the goals I picked...regretting that one already! haha.

Best get to sleep!

Jess
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