trying to lose weigh

SparkPoints: (65,478)
Fitness Minutes: (54,521)
Posts: 19,188
7/23/11 5:10 P

Welcome to Spark!
I've been here since Nov. 9, 2009 and have really learned a lot about myself, food, and exercising. I truly feel joining Spark was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I've managed to lose over 100 pounds in that time, but I need to be honest and admit that I’ve regained 20 of those pounds the past few months. I was not consistent in tracking my food and exercising daily and it really made a difference! I’m back on track now and hope to reach the 100 pounds gone mark again by my second year Spark anniversary in November.
One of the best tools is the nutrition tracker. You will be shocked when you enter a typical day's food! Try to track everything you eat and stay within your limits. Don’t panic if you slip - we all do! Just put it behind you, you can’t change it, and move on. One of the main concepts at Spark is to take two steps forward for each step back!
The fitness tracker is also a great tool. You can track your steps, mileage, cardio exercise, and strength exercises. It will tell you how many calories you have burned.
Take time to make lots of Friends and tell them when you reach a goal or are having a hard time. They are here with praise and support all the time! Don't be afraid to ask any question, no matter how silly you think it is.
Take time to explore Spark. Read and respond to message boards, blogs, and other members' pages. Join challenges on teams. The help, support, inspiration, motivation, encouragement, and friendship you will receive is awesome!
The site can be confusing at times but just keep looking around. There is really a lot of valuable information here!
Feel free to contact me if I can help you in any way. Drop by my page to say hi.
Stay focused, determined, and positive - you will be successful!
Sheila

SparkPoints: (165,971)
Fitness Minutes: (74,278)
Posts: 21,066
7/23/11 1:17 P

Hi and congratulations on beginning your Spark journey!

There's so much here to help you along the way and excellent advice to setting and achieving healthy goals. With the thousands and thousands of fellow Sparkers you will always find someone you can connect with. I am always amazed how many lives have been changed for the better through the use of SparkPeople.

If you have not already done so, I suggest that you check out the videos in the "Healthy Lifestyle" section. Scroll down for the site orientation videos. That should point you in the right direction. I find that if you just start looking around Spark, you will quickly learn about the wonderful tools available for your use. After being a Sparker since 2007, I still find something new and very useful.

Welcome and best wishes!

SparkPoints: (11,969)
Fitness Minutes: (12,581)
Posts: 1,262
7/23/11 12:48 P

Hi Eddie, Welcome to Spark People. Congratulations on the 2nd baby. Make sure you check out the teams and see if there is one that will be a good fit for you. You'll find Spark People to be a very supportive community.

Also make sure you check out the food and exercise trackers.

Good luck and best Wishes

SparkPoints: (3)
Fitness Minutes: (0)
Posts: 1
7/23/11 12:42 P

hi my name is eddie I live in mpls mn any trying to lose weight after having my second baby,