Posts: 2,620
6/23/12 10:40 A

Hi SARAHD130!

Welcome Back!

Though I've never gone completely "away" from Spark - I understand what you mean about being back and trying again. I've taken quite some time off from when I was at my healthy weight and feeling great and I want to get back there again.

I found the Teams to be instrumental in support for me. It's having your accountability circle but without them making you show up at times when it's inconvienent or a pain for you. You can hide your lack of progress, mistakes and anything you don't want to tell them, it but it almost makes it worse knowing you DON'T have to own up if you don't want to. It's just made me more honest with myself (even if I never outright admitted it though usually I did.)

Hang in there with the social situations. When I first started over 3 years ago the first day I tracked I went to a BBQ at a new friend's house. I felt uncomfortable, stressed and totally out of it. When I tracked what I ate, I ate over 2000 calories worth of chips!!! It was an eye opener. I've gotten better with it but I still plan for the anxious overeating with new friends since I haven't been able to squash it for good. Be patient and loving with youself - little steps. (For me it was put the chips into a smaller bowl - so it still wasn't screaming "healthy" but it was better than 2000 calories worth!)

Let us know how we can help and support you!!

SparkPoints: (119,057)
Fitness Minutes: (55,269)
Posts: 20,641
6/12/12 8:23 P

Welcome Back!!!

Pounds lost: 8.9

0 7.5 15 22.5

30

SparkPoints: (7,284)
Fitness Minutes: (1,788)
Posts: 232
6/12/12 8:08 A

Welcome to the team. This is also my second time using Spark. I saw some results the last time, but then I fell into my old habits...and I gained a bit as well. I'm back at it again. I want to get healthy for real this time. If you use the site right, it can be a big help. With me, it helps me tremendously if I actually count my calories. This site helps me hold myself accountable. Good luck with your journey!

June Minutes: 0

0 175 350 525

700

SparkPoints: (1,971)
Fitness Minutes: (982)
Posts: 1
6/11/12 11:57 P

Hello,

This is my second time using Spark but first time participating in the teams. I've been struggling with sticking with a a healthy lifestyle plan. I love to workout and stay active however my downfall is sticking to a healthy eating plan in social situations. That usually de-rails my efforts and then I fall back into old habits.

I originally gained weight when I was in grad school a couple of years ago. Before that I was very fit and had no problem maintaining a healthy lifestyle. My goal is to get back to that same lifestyle. I'm hoping this time around utilizing the tools and support on Spark People will help me get there.