SparkPoints: (1,154)
Fitness Minutes: (2,213)
Posts: 12
5/15/13 9:30 A

Hi to you recent joiners/posters and welcome. I've been on almost four weeks now and have lost my first five pounds as of today. Yea! To you "Pittsburghers," hey there. A little familiar w/ Pgh because I lived in Point Breeze years back, worked in Dormont and Wilkensburg and also taught jazzercixe at the Golden Triangle Y. I also took credits at Allegheny Community College and Point Park. But that's goin' back some years. More recently I took a son to check out the Art Institute of Pgh but he chose a diff. college.

And hiya to Philly folks, too. Took another son to check out Penn. He chose Ursinus instead, which also isn't that far from Philly. Have always loved the traiin station and have passed through there dozens of times. Love the historic areas, the art museum, and had a theatre there do a staged reading of one of my short stories a few years back. Yea Philly! Yea Pittsburgh, and Yea for every town and township inbetween. Let's go Keystoners! Eat healthy. Live happy. Have a terrific day.

Posts: 3
5/14/13 2:36 P

Hello fellow PA-peoples!

I'm AJ! I joined SP years ago but I never really did much until recently. Nowadays, I'm here pretty much everyday.
Also, I live just outside Philly.

current weight: 255.0

255 241.25 227.5 213.75

200

Posts: 43
5/14/13 10:15 A

Hello!

This is my first week, I hope I have a loss at weigh-in on Wednesday. How are you doing so far?

Pounds lost: 1.0

0 10.25 20.5 30.75

41

Posts: 12
5/14/13 10:06 A

Hi there!

I am in the Pittsburgh area too.
I am returning to the program with 30 pounds to lose also.

current weight: 210.0

210 205 200 195

190

Posts: 43
5/8/13 9:47 A

Hello everyone,

I am from the Pittsburgh area. I am retired and a grandmother. I hope to lose 30 pounds.

Pounds lost: 1.0

0 10.25 20.5 30.75

41

SparkPoints: (1,154)
Fitness Minutes: (2,213)
Posts: 12
4/22/13 1:02 P

Hi Karen. Certainly familiar with Mountville. Nice to meet you. Good luck on your fitness journey.

SparkPoints: (1,154)
Fitness Minutes: (2,213)
Posts: 12
4/22/13 12:59 P

Howdy. I'm from Central PA (but born and raised in Lancaster County) and have about 30 or 35 pounds to lose. I am hoping to zero in on a handful of fellow dieters also new to this site who I can adopt as fitness friends. I'd like to find people interested in chatting regularaly in order to encourage one another in our journeys toward renewed health.

Things you should know about me that might help: mid-fifties mom, aspiring author, athiest, former police officer, vol. firefighter for 20 years, has sjogren's syndrom with related low-vision issues, etc; wonderful hubby of 25 years, six kids, two boys in college and the youngest -- an adopted daughter -- still at home and in ninth grade.

We live on a small mountainside farm in central PA, quite remote, in a twp that is thinly populated. Hubby is firechief here. We have three horses, two goats, nine cats, two dogs, and are about to adopt a third -- a blind Australian Shepard, age 8.

Like walking, biking. Used to jog regularly. Drink too much wine and am too fond of chocolates. Re-gain weight every winter and long for that one year I finally learn not to turn into a slug, thus, don't have to return to dieting come spring. Obviously, this wasn't the year (2012) but hoping 2013 might be.

So, I am looking to lose between now and Thanksgiving, then maintain, and hoping to find some friends to hang with me through all that.

Oh, and I'm not into cooking so I'm not all about recipe exchanges, etc. I'm more about philosophy and hiking in the woods, a barefoot soul. I love travel but don't get to do enough of it. I'm college ejubacated -- small private western PA woman's (no longer) college in the 80's. Majored in acting. Now you may understand why I am unemployed.

Posts: 111
4/12/13 2:30 P

not a good day for the park today but tomorrow is going to be really nice , Enjoy

current weight: 180.0

195 186.25 177.5 168.75

160

Posts: 12
4/12/13 9:58 A

Thanks Flo! Yes, there's a park I try to go to a few times a week to walk around the lake! So happy to have nice weather now so I can enjoy it more!

SparkPoints: (48)
Fitness Minutes: (0)
Posts: 1
4/10/13 1:27 P

Hi all... I'm from chambersburg. New to the site. Have 50 pounds to go....
Looking for new friends to support. Feel free to add

Posts: 111
4/9/13 1:17 P

welcome Dawn, I love this area we have to best parks for walking. hope you get out today it is so pretty out.
I am Flo

current weight: 180.0

195 186.25 177.5 168.75

160

Posts: 12
4/9/13 1:09 P

Hello fellow PA-ers! My name is Dawn and I live in Lower Bucks! Looking forward to reading post :)

SparkPoints: (1,853)
Fitness Minutes: (509)
Posts: 19
3/27/13 8:23 A

Hi!! I'm a Steeler fan from Moon Township PA. (near Greater Pittsburgh Airport)

I'm 43 and have 5 kids. I would love to make some new friends here.

Pounds lost: 6.0

0 13.5 27 40.5

54

Posts: 111
3/26/13 12:23 P

hello from Morrell park phila. pa near Franklyn mills mall, we are new to the area / boring here
[lol] need a hobby

current weight: 180.0

195 186.25 177.5 168.75

160

SparkPoints: (3)
Fitness Minutes: (0)
Posts: 1
3/24/13 9:11 A

Hi Sandy,

My name is Angie. I am new to this site and was just reading some posts. I found an app on Iphone called couch to 5k. It is a great app. I've been wanting to do the same but have not got the motivation. However, I am here now and plan on working on the same goal.

Good Luck

SparkPoints: (4,247)
Fitness Minutes: (1,011)
Posts: 30
3/20/13 10:59 A

Hey everyone. My name is Karen. I'm a 37 yr old stay-at-home mom of 2 boys (9 and 5) from a little town in Lancaster County called Mountville. I was a member several years ago and lost weight just in time to get pregnant so up went the weight again. I've been completely slacking and haven't done anything since, which is why I weigh 188 lbs. It's not TOO bad considering I am 5'11" but it is not good. I need to lose the weight so I can watch my boys grow up and be a fun mom with them instead of out-of-breath with health problems.

current weight: 160.0

190 182.5 175 167.5

160

SparkPoints: (1,809)
Fitness Minutes: (189)
Posts: 41
3/17/13 1:15 A

Hi! I'm Rachel from Bucks county.

current weight: 216.5

220 197.5 175 152.5

130

Posts: 1,842
3/1/13 2:35 P

Hi everyone ... I'm from Erie ... lived her all my life! I originally joined SP in 2008 ... after a successful year I got busy with other things (family and work) and got away from it. I just recently retired and now I have to have my daily dose of sparks. I try to track all my meals and snacks ... that seems to be my lifeline when it comes to successful weight loss. I put on a few pounds from 2009 - 2013, but have already gotten back to where I left off and I'm hoping to finish the job this time around.

Edited by: LM.JACKSON at: 3/1/2013 (14:36)

Pounds lost: 13.5

0 14.5 29 43.5

58

SparkPoints: (772)
Fitness Minutes: (355)
Posts: 3
2/19/13 11:13 A

Hello everyone! I'm from Central PA (near Harrisburg) and I am nearing my 33rd birthday.

I had been on Spark about 5 years ago after my daughter was born and I had lost about 15 pounds (yay!). But, I've been slowly putting on weight over the last few years and didn't notice it much until my daughter asked me if I was having a baby at Christmas. I was mortified! When I asked my hubby if I had gained weight, he politely (and quickly!) dodged the question... which was all the answer I needed!

So here I am... trying again to lose about 20 pounds, make healthier choices when eating, and to get some energy back in this body! :)

SparkPoints: (1,654)
Fitness Minutes: (61)
Posts: 8
1/29/13 8:26 P

Hello everyone,

My name is Stephanie and I am a 30 year old married momma of 2 in the Duncansville/Altoona, PA area. I had previously been a member of SparkPeople several years ago, but I simply lost the drive to keep going.

The place I work began a "biggest loser" contest for the employees. I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to really get healthy, not just lose weight, but really create a wellness program for myself, so here I am.

My biggest challenge is exercising. I don't have a lot of room in my house, or a lot of time to do it either. If there is anyone else in my area that would like to be an exercise buddy, I'd be glad for the opportunity!

Keep on moving :)

SparkPoints: (1,768)
Fitness Minutes: (592)
Posts: 27
1/23/13 2:03 P

Hi all just joined today! Trying to get healthy here in York PA!

Pounds lost: 0.0

0 15.85 31.7 47.55

63.4

SparkPoints: (1,863)
Fitness Minutes: (1,494)
Posts: 27
1/16/13 10:50 P

Hello i am from Mt Jewett pa i am hoping to lose the weight makes me feel bad about myself.

SparkPoints: (12,265)
Fitness Minutes: (5,086)
Posts: 435
1/14/13 11:26 A

Welcome new members,

Things are going well. It is my first full week at Spark. Weighing in tomorrow for the first time. I will not let the scale deter me through. The fact that I have eaten under my guidelines all week and exercised has me psyched.

Sandy

Posts: 35
1/14/13 8:30 A

Hi!

I am from Harrisburg/Hershey area. I joined SP recently and started posting in the Depression forum, but for some reason I didn't realize that I was part of Keystone Slimdown as well. I am grad student at Penn State Hershey. Nice to "meet" you all! :)

Edited by: PLAINJANEDOE at: 1/14/2013 (08:31)

SparkPoints: (1,179)
Fitness Minutes: (491)
Posts: 22
1/9/13 3:29 P

Hello, My name is Barb and I have not been on SP for a loooong time. I live in Lancaster County and always have. I have been trying to stay active and live healthier but I found that tracking my eating and exercise are a HUGE key to my sucess and failures. So here I am again and making a better effort to stay on top of things.

Pounds lost: 10.0

0 12.5 25 37.5

50

SparkPoints: (12,265)
Fitness Minutes: (5,086)
Posts: 435
1/7/13 6:23 P

Hi
My name is Sandy and I live in southeast Pa. I am 51 years old and looking for support as I begin my journey to being healthier and lighter in weight. I am going to focus on me for once since i have always taken care of others needs over my own. My goal is be to able to run in a 5k by this summer.

Posts: 40
1/7/13 3:49 P

Hi! I live in Lancaster County and can identify with some of your thoughts. I'm currently going to PT for some shoulder issues. I wish I could just go to the gym everyday like my husband does so effortlessly. I too teach full time and time is precious. But I've made a habit of putting other people's needs ahead of my own and now I'm trying to change that. Maybe we can keep encouraging each other.

Pounds lost: 9.6

0 10.25 20.5 30.75

41

Posts: 499
1/7/13 3:47 P

Hi, I'm Dave and I'm back. I live in Bensalem, Pa.. I had good luck with SparkPeople before. Since last I was on SP I've quit smoking (5 Years) & retired (1.5 yrs). In that time I put on 100 lbs. Between May 2012 & Nov 2012 I lost 45 lbs.. Nov & Dec I've been a 10 lb. yoyo. Dieting alone won't do it anymore. 2Jan13 I started walking at the local mall. I'm up to 75 minutes every morning & getting more distance each day. My goal is 90 minutes and three laps around the mall. My best guess is it's about a mile per lap?

Pounds lost: 17.4

0 8.75 17.5 26.25

35

SparkPoints: (3,250)
Fitness Minutes: (1,144)
Posts: 58
1/7/13 11:04 A

HI! I live in Dover, PA and would love to find some local people who work out at the same level for motivation and support. I would love a walking buddy. I attend the Dover YMCA for now. I have a grade 3 MCL tear I am healing from so I am currently limited to walking, the incumbent bike, I do some gentle yoga and beginning tai chi classes also that I love. I look forward to moving towards some more challenging stuff. However, I have anhydrosis (born with no sweat glands) so I can not do strenuous cardio activities or anything that causes me to get too hot. Means I usually work out alone, or with an older crowd. It can be a little depressing sometimes, but I see people who have taken good care of themselves and how well they look as they age. I have a 2, 4, and 5, year old boys who I want to keep up with. As well as a 15 year old daughter and husband I want to encourage and be good examples for. So doing this right is important to me. I am a total yo-yoer and my intent this time to find support, good healthy friends, and make some real life style changes that will help me stop the rollercoaster. I look forward to meeting some new great people on their own journey. I teach full-time so don't always have time to check the board so if you want to chat sometime be sure to message me or post on my blog. Wishing everyone a great, happy day.

current weight: 175.4

192 179 166 153

140

SparkPoints: (6,743)
Fitness Minutes: (1,957)
Posts: 191
1/5/13 3:36 P

Hi everyone. I'm Vicki, and I've been a member of SparkPeople for several years and have successes and failures. This time I'm recommitting myself, and really putting an effort into the "learning" portion of a healthy lifestyle. I'm also not trying to overhaul everything at once, but make small changes here and there--so far, it seems to be working. I live in Eagleville Montgomery county and work in Exton (Chester Co). I'm not quite ready to take on going to a gym, but I wouldn't mind a walking buddy if anyone is in the area and interested.

Pounds lost: 16.0

0 20.75 41.5 62.25

83

SparkPoints: (3,988)
Fitness Minutes: (3,815)
Posts: 26
1/4/13 9:28 P

Hi I am Lisa I have lived in PA my whole life I am trying spark people again I haven't been on for two years and decided I needed a new name for a new start. Just wanted to say hi to everyone.

Posts: 17
1/4/13 6:41 A

Hi. I'm Anna. I just moved to the Harrisburg area a few months ago. I've been a member of sparkpeople for a long time, and my weight just goes up and down. Now I am determined to lose the weight for good.

SparkPoints: (5,160)
Fitness Minutes: (5,933)
Posts: 161
1/2/13 8:19 A

Hi, I'm Emily from western PA, looking to get strated back up after some time off! I have lost over 30lbs so far, but would like to lose about 50 more. Hoping to find some motivation and really get moving towards me goal! Good luck everyone

SparkPoints: (3,722)
Fitness Minutes: (0)
Posts: 2
1/1/13 9:58 P

Hi my name is Jane. I live in Montgomery County PA. I am ready to make a serious change in my life an I am very excited with joining this site and taking the first steps to reach my weight loss goals.

SparkPoints: (305)
Fitness Minutes: (75)
Posts: 16
1/1/13 7:54 P

Hi, my name is Aiden. I originally joined Sparkpeople 2 years ago, and had a lot of success. Then I fell off the wagon. This year I am determined to get back on and go, go, go!

SparkPoints: (6,299)
Fitness Minutes: (10,233)
Posts: 204
12/12/12 3:11 P

Just joined (again) today! Starting today I need to change my habits and my life! Looking to do a lifestyle change!

Pounds lost: 12.4

0 22.5 45 67.5

90

SparkPoints: (280)
Fitness Minutes: (30)
Posts: 9
12/11/12 2:46 P

Hi I just joined yesterday and hoping to jump start my weight lost. I have lost 83 pounds since March of this year and have 47 more to go to be at my goal. I was looking for a site that gives the motivation I need and this one looks great! I'm 44 and the weight is stubborn. Hope to hear from similar people. Thanks

SparkPoints: (1,965)
Fitness Minutes: (494)
Posts: 8
12/9/12 9:20 P

I'm 18 years old and I live in central Pa in Harrisburg. I was on Sparkteens and now I've transferred over to Sparkpeople. I just recently had surgery for the second time and I've decided that with my recovery I want to become healthy and I'm doing it right this time. I bought The Spark, saving up for the cookbook, and reading up on other articles as we speak. I can become a support system for anyone who needs one.

current weight: 134.0

134 131.75 129.5 127.25

125

Posts: 64
11/15/12 4:42 P

Hi everyone. I live just the other side of Bradford and yes - it's cold up here. lol

I'm new to this team, but have been a member of SparkPeople since 2007. I have lost most of the weight that I wanted to, but am having problems with the last 20 pounds. This site has helped me learn what I need with regard to diet and exercise which is why I'm back. This time around I'm hoping for someone to help hold me accountable - not let me backslide into my old lazy eat-whatever-you-want mindset.

current weight: 131.0

160 147.5 135 122.5

110

Posts: 100
10/26/12 12:07 P

Hello everyone! My name is Emily and I'm in York Pa. I'm trying really hard to find some motivation to lose this baby weight. It's been 5 months since my daughter was born and I have yet to lose any weight! but I'm trying and looking for some support! I look forward to hearing from the group!

SparkPoints: (223)
Fitness Minutes: (370)
Posts: 3
10/16/12 3:01 P

Hi, I am Vyctoria, from se east PA. I am looking for virtual walking buddies , or someone in the area to walk with.. I will say that hate regular exercise(such as going to a gym, etc.) But love to walk..Today on this fabulous Autumn day, I walked 3.6 miles in 90 minutes.. a few hills but a greeat walk..

current weight: 220.0

220 202.5 185 167.5

150

Posts: 3
9/30/12 10:49 A

HELLO everyone, just joined yesterday, hoping to make some changes in my eating habits, exercise and just feel better about myself. I live in Cumberland county and just need to get more motivated and committed to do this.

SparkPoints: (751)
Fitness Minutes: (697)
Posts: 1
9/29/12 11:05 P

Hi all, I am in Chester County. I lost my thyroid this year and have been struggling with an increase of weight, so far I have found it almost impossible to loose even a pound,I am hoping this program will help. I will be following it closely..

SparkPoints: (214)
Fitness Minutes: (0)
Posts: 2
9/28/12 4:59 P

hello, my name is missy i'm from jefferson county pa just joined spark people, i'm hoping to find my way around this site over the weekend and start the plan monday

SparkPoints: (69)
Fitness Minutes: (0)
Posts: 20
9/18/12 6:22 P

Hi Sharon,

I'll be your Spark Buddie for accountability. I need someone to bounce ideas off of and just to hold me to my goals and who expects the same from me.


SoHealthy,

I'll be a pal for you as well.

JJ

Edited by: JJMOM104 at: 9/18/2012 (18:22)

SparkPoints: (29,567)
Fitness Minutes: (8,708)
Posts: 710
9/17/12 11:51 P

Hello from central PA! My name is Sharon, and I live in Camp Hill. I joined Spark People a year ago, and am thrilled to finally find a Pennsylvania team! I lost 20+ pounds, then sort of took the summer off. Didn't regain the weight (thanks to the helpful information on this website), but now it's time to pay attention again...before I do. Anyone looking for a Spark buddie, someone to share accountability?

current weight: 147.4

150 146.25 142.5 138.75

135

SparkPoints: (395)
Fitness Minutes: (605)
Posts: 10
9/17/12 9:01 P

Hello everyone, I am from northeastern PA, and I am mainly here to lose weight. I need motivation to stay on a weight loss plan, and I need someone to talk to when I want to just give up on it. I have quite a bit of weight to lose. I do exercise, mostly cardio, everyday for atleast 30 minutes. I have no problem with the exercise part, but tend to really go overboard when I eat.

Pounds lost: 0.0

0 12.5 25 37.5

50

SparkPoints: (69)
Fitness Minutes: (0)
Posts: 20
9/14/12 9:49 P

Hi Everyone,

I just signed up with SparkPeople and can't wait to get healthier. I've been feeling rather alone in the weight loss fight and am looking for support and hope to be able to give support as well. I find I'm much better at encouraging others than I am at encouraging myself.

I'm from eastern PA. Thanks for having a team I can join.

Have a great weekend !

JJ

SparkPoints: (18,259)
Fitness Minutes: (19,401)
Posts: 205
9/1/12 5:58 P

Hello, My name is Karyn, mother of 5. Been on Spark people since March 2011 have had some success but I haven't been consistent every month. Have gained some of the weight back (currently 7 lbs above what my ticker says) and I seem to be stuck there. Have been increasing my exercising lately and hope to start losing again soon. Hope to meet some people from this great state that are doing this too.

current weight: 192.5

198 182.25 166.5 150.75

135

SparkPoints: (32)
Fitness Minutes: (10)
Posts: 1
7/29/12 1:43 P

Hi all. I'm Fran and I'm from a small town outside of York, PA - Red Lion. In the past three months I found myself detouring from a healthy lifestyle - big time! My bloodwork is all over the place, I've regained weight, and my exercise goals have suffered greatly. At my age, there's really not time for do-overs anymore. So, I'm hoping that with some help I can get back on track and stay there. Thanks in advance for your support!

SparkPoints: (341)
Fitness Minutes: (600)
Posts: 1
7/29/12 8:26 A

Hello everyone, my name is Steve and I live in northeast Pennsylvania in a town called Bloomsburg. I started my weight loss journey almost 2 years ago at 456 lbs and I am down to 355 lbs, looking to get to 250 lbs. I have been using a diet plan that I was setup with by a trainer at my gym but I have hit a plateau and haven't lost any weight for 3 weeks so a friend recommended this site to me.

Posts: 36
7/15/12 3:52 P

Hi all!

My name's Kat, I'm from bucks county and I just came back on sparkpeople after a 2 year hiatus (ugh). I'm excited to get to know new people and have some inspiration rub off on me!

current weight: 211.0

211 195.75 180.5 165.25

150

SparkPoints: (2,200)
Fitness Minutes: (4,109)
Posts: 26
7/8/12 9:58 P

nice place st marys we go there a good bit and to clearfield and make our stop at dennys beer barrel restaurant

SparkPoints: (142)
Fitness Minutes: (90)
Posts: 2
7/8/12 10:21 A

I live in St. Marys, PA.


Edited by: RBILLE at: 7/8/2012 (10:24)

SparkPoints: (2,200)
Fitness Minutes: (4,109)
Posts: 26
7/7/12 10:24 P

great that u took ur docs recommendation nice people on here where are u from rita

Edited by: PEACHSAND at: 7/7/2012 (22:25)

SparkPoints: (142)
Fitness Minutes: (90)
Posts: 2
7/6/12 4:51 P

Hi, I am Rita. I'm new to SparkPeople. I want to get healthier and my doctor recommended this site to me.

SparkPoints: (74)
Fitness Minutes: (0)
Posts: 2
7/2/12 1:49 P

Hi, I am Andrea. I have just joined SparkPeople again to try and get back into shape.

Posts: 10
6/28/12 4:18 P

Hi, my name is Jennifer and I am 29. I'm not new to this website or to losing weight, but its been a long while since I've tracked and am ready to get back into shape. :)

SparkPoints: (2,200)
Fitness Minutes: (4,109)
Posts: 26
6/27/12 9:42 A

hello and welcome

SparkPoints: (79)
Fitness Minutes: (80)
Posts: 3
6/26/12 11:13 P

Hi fellow Pennsylvanians! My name is Michelle and I am 23 years old. I am in the process of getting a divorce and I decided that it was time to focus on me!

SparkPoints: (26,024)
Fitness Minutes: (15,581)
Posts: 4,533
6/12/12 7:37 P

Hi, Stephanie! Welcome to the team!

current weight: 158.0

226 202 178 154

130

SparkPoints: (310)
Fitness Minutes: (255)
Posts: 25
6/12/12 12:28 P

HI all, my name is Stephanie~
Gotta luv the rain in June..good excuse to pop in a dvd and sweat! I went to the Dr.'s last week because i've been feeling fatigue & my weight's been stuck in the 200's, my blood work came back perfect. No excuses to fall on, my diet orders....good old fashion calorie counting & exercise above what I do at work. I work in in the ER & can easily walk 12000-17000 steps any given day. My challenge for june is to stick to my exercise routine.
Steph

Pounds lost: 0.4

0 10 20 30

40

SparkPoints: (26,024)
Fitness Minutes: (15,581)
Posts: 4,533
6/3/12 11:43 A

Welcome to the team, Brittany!

current weight: 158.0

226 202 178 154

130

SparkPoints: (334)
Fitness Minutes: (266)
Posts: 1
6/2/12 2:43 P

Hi Everyone!!!

My name is Brittany and I am a newbie to the site! I'm about an hour from Pittsburgh so I'm a western PA girl!!
I'm currently a student studying Commercial Music Technology, and am feature twirler for my University Marching Band. I also am involved in the choir and in the acapella singing group as well! I am also involved in pageants, and just recently competed in the Miss Pennsylvania Scholarship pageant.
My goal is to become fit and healthy for life and to lose about 20 lbs!!! I hope to help others on their journeys to weight loss as well!

SparkPoints: (26,024)
Fitness Minutes: (15,581)
Posts: 4,533
5/31/12 9:12 P

Hello, Team!

My name's Kathy and I live in PA, near Philadelphia, but not in the city. I have been here before, but after having tremendous success, I left SP and fell off the old SparkWagon. HARD!

I'm now almost back to where I started a couple of years ago and pretty mad at myself for letting this happen. Now I'm back and ready to rock again! This is my first full day back and so far, so good.

Some mind-numbing info about me: I'm married with an adult son who as Autism. I'm an amateur photographer and an avid dog lover. I work full time at an agency who provides services to people with intellectual disabilities and my goal is to retire as soon as possible, but not later than age 62. I love to read and carry my Kindle with me everywhere (Yes, even there!)

Biggest challenges: making healthy changes permanent and learning to love exercise.

My motto for this trip down the scale (and my last!):

It's never too late to live the life you love!!!!!!

I look forward to getting to know you and wish all of you success with your healthy lifestyle changes!

Spark and Sparkle, Team!

current weight: 158.0

226 202 178 154

130

SparkPoints: (431)
Fitness Minutes: (647)
Posts: 8
5/16/12 9:58 P

Hi All! I am 56 and am 5' 1"....I need support to help me get down to my goal weight. I joined SparkPeople yesterday and working towards building some goals and accomplishing them. I have tried many diets but I go up and down. I don't want to think of this as another Diet Plan, I would like to be able to express myself and in the same time as I conquer my goals I can help others with theirs!

current weight: 204.0

204 194.25 184.5 174.75

165

SparkPoints: (647)
Fitness Minutes: (1,190)
Posts: 10
5/14/12 3:37 A

I am a 27 year old woman, living in Pa, in need of friends and support to help me in this journey. Please read my blog post (Me) and send me a message if you would like to. I would love to help support others as well. I am new here and trying to “be involved”. Thank you

Pounds lost: 3.0

0 19.75 39.5 59.25

79

Posts: 27
5/10/12 9:18 P

Hello all,
I'm new to the team. I live in the BuxMont area of PA. I am a wife and mother of two (10-year-old girl and 2-year-old boy) and work fulltime as a school counselor. I'm thrilled to have found a PA team and am looking forward to connecting with some great people!

Posts: 20
4/10/12 12:22 P

hi Keystone slimdowner's . My name is Mary and i live with my husband of 24 yrs (yesterday) in Honesdale Pa I drive school bus and have 1 daughter (22) and one niece (24) that is like a daughter she lived with us for many years before she got married (and about a year after she got married) my daughter has a beautiful little girl who just turned 1 in February and my niece also has a little girl that turned 3 in February I am Ama to both , My daughters family also includes 2 boys 12 & 11 , and another girl 8 who we grandparent to also (love my kids LOL) up until last year my parents lived with my husband and myself also but my father got sick and passed away in October of 2010 and Mom followed him in June of 2011, this has taken a lot of adjusting on my part because i was never alone i always had some one home with me or ready to go when i went some where now i'm doing a lot of things by my self and it is taking some getting use to it is also hard losing both mom and dad so close together , one of the reasons that i want to loss the 100 pounds or so is because both my parents really died because of weight issues -dad had type 2 sugar and mom had Parkinson among other problems (her main problem was a broken heart )

SparkPoints: (6,398)
Fitness Minutes: (3,505)
Posts: 532
3/29/12 7:52 P

Hi ALL new members,
In answer to your question about finding a fitness partner,Yes, you can look for a fitness partner within this group.Simply state what you are looking for and where you are located and hopefully you will all connect with someone locally!
If not at first, keep trying!
Good Luck on your Spark Journey!
and a very big

WELCOME

current weight: 220.0

225 212.5 200 187.5

175

SparkPoints: (4,084)
Fitness Minutes: (1,901)
Posts: 267
3/25/12 2:03 P

Hello! I am Breanne. I joined spark on 2/2/12, but just found this team! I live in NW PA. I am on a journey to lose 121 lbs. I am getting married in 2 years. I live with my fiance & our 13 year old daughter. My daughter is all about eating right & exercising with me. My fiance on the other hand, is not. That makes it hard sometimes.

Good Luck to everyone! Looking forward to supporting & being supported.

Edited by: BREEBUGG77 at: 3/25/2012 (14:04)

Pounds lost: 7.0

0 32.3 64.6 96.9

129.2

SparkPoints: (152)
Fitness Minutes: (43)
Posts: 17
3/23/12 1:32 P

Hi Manda! Good luck on your journey- it makes life so much easier when everyone in the house is on board!

Pounds lost: 0.0

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60

Posts: 1
3/23/12 1:19 P

Hello all! I am a previous Spark user but sort of let it slide for quite a while. I am finally back and determined to reach the goals I have set for myself :)

I live in Enola, PA ( Harrisburg Area ) with my 12 year old daughter and also my boyfriend of 4 years..both of whom have made noises about joining me on my journey. We could all stand to lose quite a few pounds lol.

Wish us luck, please!! I hope to hear from locals and anyone else who would like to share ideas, advice, or just BS a little.


Manda

SparkPoints: (152)
Fitness Minutes: (43)
Posts: 17
3/22/12 4:14 P

Hi everyone. I'm returning to Spark- signed up a few years ago but never followed through with it. I'm in my late 30's, live in Quakertown and am married.

I'm not setting any number specific health/weight goals yet, because I'm trying to take things slowly. I am trying to make it a habit to check in on the site daily & keep up on a food & exercise log. Once I'm comfortable that doing that stuff is ingrained as a habit, I'll look at measurable goals. I do have a pretty substantial amount of weight that needs to go away, but I know that just by tracking everything, I tend to make healthier choices.

Pounds lost: 0.0

0 15 30 45

60

SparkPoints: (5,426)
Fitness Minutes: (3,704)
Posts: 385
3/19/12 4:16 P

welcome aboard!!

I wish you luck with your Zumba class.

current weight: 469.0

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330

SparkPoints: (43)
Fitness Minutes: (55)
Posts: 2
3/18/12 10:53 A

Hi Everyone !!
Day 1 for me here - looking forward to the support and info here .
I am from Northampton, Pa - looking to lose around 30-40 pounds. I am down 13 on my own, but wanted some interaction with it - so here I am !

Recently diagnosed with Fibro,Arthritis and Very high Cholesterol - at 46 - so, I am in a bit of a funk from all the news.
I have a treadmill at home and started Zumba last week - WOW- THAT was fun!
I just hope the medical issues wont keep me from that ....
Anyway - thank you for having this page and the input.
Enjoy your day !!

SparkPoints: (243)
Fitness Minutes: (184)
Posts: 7
3/14/12 2:29 P

Hi! My name is Lugina, I am just starting today. I am from NE PA, I just started working as a Sous Chef at a local Bed and Breakfast. Cooking is something I always wanted to do and I found someone to give me a chance at it! I am so happy there. I would like to make a difference in my life, I have had a couple of bad few years, the loss of my mother, went thru a divorce, lost a couple of jobs, having financial problems due to lack of work, addictions, bad relationships, horrible self esteem...
Today I am making a change and starting here! I am so glad I found this site. I am 252 lbs and my goal is 150. I know I can do this I just need strength, focus and encouragement and I hope I can find that here! Nice to meet you all!

current weight: 252.0

252 226.5 201 175.5

150

SparkPoints: (937)
Fitness Minutes: (1,086)
Posts: 17
3/12/12 12:31 P

Hello and welcome to all the newbies :) I'm just a baby on here myself but I can say it really helps you stay on track if you work the system. I get off track a lot as a mother of a CRAZY 13 month older running clumbing monster, so I forget to eat, I forget to log, and I have my own sick days or hers when I don't work out. Just remember, don't get down on yourself, don't blame, just move forward and do better. No one can make you feel inferior without your permission! That includes yourself! Anyone feel free to visit my page or contact me for for motivation or a cyber hug. None of us are perfect, we are all perfectly imperfect...

current weight: 150.0

191 175.75 160.5 145.25

130

SparkPoints: (5,047)
Fitness Minutes: (5,093)
Posts: 2
3/12/12 11:41 A

Hello message board! I'm JC and a first-timer that joined on 3/4/12. Haven't lost that first pound yet but I did get rid of the 2 pounds I gained right after weigh-in. My wife and I live in SW PA near Pittsburgh and intend on losing about 40 pounds. Any help or support greatly appreciated.

I do like the tracking methodism of both nutrition and exercise and seem to be staying on target so far. Have also learned how to add foods and their related nutrition labels and this helps me know more precisely what my daily intact is.

SparkPoints: (163)
Fitness Minutes: (0)
Posts: 20
3/9/12 11:19 P

Hi! I'm a Amanda, I'm 26 years old. My goal is to lose 63 pounds in the next year.
I usually rush to lose weight, so this is the first time I'm going to take it slow and healthy! :)

My big goal is to get in 10000 step/day (with my trusty pedometer), LOL. :)

It's nice to be here!

SparkPoints: (86)
Fitness Minutes: (60)
Posts: 2
3/7/12 8:22 A

Hello, I am from Camp Hill, PA. I am married with 2 kids; a 17 year old and a 7 year old. The 7 year old keeps me very busy. I gained the weight during my second pregnancy due to the death of dad and being put on bed rest. I have been having trouble losing it because I had started back to school because I felt that was more important at the time. I worked full-time and any free time I had was spending with my baby, child and doing homework. I started looking at this site back in December 2011 and haven't been using it, but now that spring is here and have baseball and soccer starting my son; I thought now would be the time to start. I have no motivation and really need to get some. So any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated. I don't have the time to join a gym because of all the running I will be doing for my son. So, thank you in advance.

SparkPoints: (96)
Fitness Minutes: (60)
Posts: 16
3/4/12 6:39 P

Hi,
I live near Scranton,PA and am very glad to have found this site.I am a newbie and have a long way to go-0ver 150lbs. I have a 21 month old grandson and I want to live to see him become an adult.I will do it day by day and the support here is overwhelming. http:\\www.micheleajones.com

SparkPoints: (200)
Fitness Minutes: (135)
Posts: 3
2/28/12 8:07 P

Hi, I'm a new member from the Poconos, almost 40 but feel like I'm 80. I'm hoping to lose a few pounds and relive some lower back pain, as well as having more energy and maybe meeting someone from my area to be a walk buddy!

current weight: 160.0

160 156.25 152.5 148.75

145

Posts: 20
2/26/12 1:18 A

Hello, I see I am not the only returning member. I currently live in Fairchance, PA and since I am now 54 years old. I am trying to get my weight uner control again. I am a over the road truckdriver and dont have much time to exercise. It is pretty hard to lose weight sitting behind the steering wheel all the time.

current weight: 213.0

218 209.75 201.5 193.25

185

SparkPoints: (332)
Fitness Minutes: (770)
Posts: 1
2/18/12 8:04 A

Hello. Brand new here, after seeing alot of positive feedback about this site I decided what the heck! I am a single mom, 2 kids ages 21 and 11. Live in the little town of Baden, PA, which is about 20 miles outside of Pittsburgh. Have bounced between 180-200lbs for the last way too many years. This time for me, this is a lifestyle and lifelong change. Don't get me wrong, I would love to be 110 lbs, but I am more focused on exercise, portion control, and healthy eating. I think everything else will kinda fall into place.

SparkPoints: (2,346)
Fitness Minutes: (1,278)
Posts: 36
2/16/12 11:53 P

Hello I just moved back to PA with a daughter and a lot of extra weight. I used to use spark people but have not since it has changed. I am excited to start losing the weight and to get healthy enough to play with my daughter and not be worn out.

Posts: 45
2/12/12 3:54 P

Hi All, Starting up with SparkPeople again. I just turned 60 in October and am so out of shape and overweight I don't enjoy doing anything anymore,. I need to get serious about this and hope to find some buddies and support on here. I live in Mechanicsburg, just west of Harrisburg.. Work off of 83 in Harrisburg. Would love to find a walking buddy; maybe tennis but a slow tennis partner as it has been years and as I said I am out of shape. Look foward to talking with everyone and having partners in this journey and challenge.

current weight: 227.0

227 207.75 188.5 169.25

150

SparkPoints: (58)
Fitness Minutes: (60)
Posts: 2
2/5/12 6:59 P

Hi my name is Nancy and I'm 27 in Northeast PA. I'm new to the site and just started implementing healthy changes. I joined the ymca and stopped eating junk. I'm a single mom, my daughter is 6 and she is a huge motivation. Hoping to make some new friends and support.

SparkPoints: (6,398)
Fitness Minutes: (3,505)
Posts: 532
1/26/12 2:29 P

Hi All new Member

Just want to welcome you to our team. To CHERY1960

I understand your frustration with your weight. I have been overweight for a long time too. I have a condition called hypothyroidism which not only causes weight gain, but the medication used to control it causes weight gain as well. But, I am doing the best I can, by exercising and trying a controlled meal plan. I wish you lots of luck.You will find plenty of support on SP. Welcome ALL!!!!






Edited by: HIGHONFAITH at: 1/26/2012 (14:29)

current weight: 220.0

225 212.5 200 187.5

175