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SparkPoints: (44,896)
Fitness Minutes: (28,070)
Posts: 6,356
11/23/09 3:44 P

Hi and welcome to Spark People!

If you haven't already, you might want to check out our teams section. There are thousands of teams full of nice, friendly, inspiring and helpful people who would love to have you join them. There are teams for every age group, health issues, favorite TV shows, ethnic groups, hobbies, stress eating, specific exercise groups, and a chance to meet people from all over the world!

And if you’re looking for a team that has friendly people, offers motivation and challenges to help you reach your goals, then you want to check out Spark Power. teams.sparkpeople.com/sparkpower

Feel free to read some of the team’s daily chat sessions to see if it's one you'd like to join, and then get to know the members by posting often so they can get to know you and help you when you need it, and congratulate you when you lose weight.

You've probably already heard of all the other great things this wonderful site has to offer: trackers for your food, water, and exercise, plus tons of recipes, a world of articles on health, exercise, nutrition, motivation...but you can explore the site for yourself and see what you like about it!

Check out these links for more help and tips to get you started on your journey with Spark People:
www.sparkpeople.com/myspark/get_started.as
p

The Top 10 activities for new SparkPeople members: www.sparkpeople.com/resource/motivation_ar
ticles.asp?id=571

Don’t forget to check out these wonderful resources:
1. VIDEO: Intro to the Power of Your Start Page:
www.sparkpeople.com/resource/motivation_ar
ticles.asp?id=

2. VIDEO: How to Use SparkPeople's Nutrition Tracker:
www.sparkpeople.com/resource/nutrition_art
icles.asp?id=1154

3. VIDEO: How to Use SparkPeople's Fitness Tracker:
www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness_artic
les.asp?id=1157

If you have any questions and need help, don't hesitate to ask!

Lucky

Pounds lost: 18.0

0 5.6 11.2 16.8

22.4

SparkPoints: (80,209)
Fitness Minutes: (90,124)
Posts: 12,123
11/20/09 11:51 P

Hi 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, watch your portion control and walk. Use your fitness and nutrition tracker daily. These tips will definitely help in lowering your numbers. 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 for the day. Reading and reflecting on a 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 help 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!
God bless you on your journey to a healthier you.
Hugs,
Helen

Pounds lost: 4.8

0 12.5 25 37.5

50

Posts: 7,290
11/20/09 11:50 P

It is nice to meet you Kerri! As someonewho was formerly serious overweight, don't plan on losing the weight overnight. Be patient and before you know it will see the results and when you take it slow and steady it increases the chance you will keep the weight off for good. Because this will be a long journey you may want to join a few teams for added support. Good luck reaching your goal!

Pounds lost: 87.0

0 33 66 99

132

Posts: 11,799
11/20/09 11:04 P

Kerrie. You do have a full schedule, don't you? You will have to figure out some "me" time so you can get in some exercise (which ends up giving you more energy as well as helping with weight loss...this advice...coming from a former exercise hater). You can develop a healthy lifestyle that is good for you and your family, too. You can do it. Best wishes on your journey.

Pounds lost: 84.0

0 22 44 66

88

Posts: 7,163
11/20/09 10:19 P

Hi and welcome to the SP community. Sounds like you do have your hands full, but you can do this. Just make little changes, and keep being persistent. Good luck.

current weight: 178.5

200 182.5 165 147.5

130

Posts: 4
11/20/09 9:57 P

My name is Kerri I am from Paducah Ky. I am seriously overweight and want to loose and keep it off. I am going on vacation this coming year and I refuse to look this way any longer. I am a mom I work full time and I am a full time student. Free time whats that