Posts: 3,521
5/6/12 9:20 P

Hello & Welcome!
You really are at the right place...keep searching through the website as there is so much here...trackers, recipes (make a cookbook), articles, blogs, teams, and sparkfriends. Just dig in and start by making small goals...eat more veggies and fruits, drink water, try just 10 minutes of exercise a day...and build up from there. Track your food...that is one of the most important things. Also, the main reason that Sparkpeople worked for me is the change of my mindset...this is not a diet, it is a lifestyle. You do not go on it...and finish...you live it. I lost 41 pounds so far with SP and a total of 105 pounds from the time I was hospitalized in Aug of 2008 with pneumonia and breathing issues. I have health issues and need two knee replacements and want to still lose 100 more pounds, so I know what you are up against. Take it in 10 pound increments...that means you only need to do that 10 times..sounds easier that way, doesn't it? You can do it...and you are not alone. Let me know if I can help or answer any questions.
Good Luck!
Mary

SparkPoints: (70,468)
Fitness Minutes: (27,563)
Posts: 6,240
5/6/12 6:49 P

hello and welcome to the team!

Pounds lost: 36.5

0 24.5 49 73.5

98

Posts: 11
5/5/12 1:23 P

Posts: 11
5/5/12 1:21 P

Really appreciate what you wrote. I will really dive right into Sparks and I want to have lots of Spark friends to share my struggles and triumphs

Posts: 17,546
5/5/12 12:42 P

Hi. Welcome. The cookbook has all kinds of healthy recipes. I am sure you will love cooking and eating.

Total SparkPoints: 74,293

	60,000 64,999 69,999 74,999	79,999
SparkPoints Level 18

Posts: 3,471
5/5/12 12:05 P

76 Days until:  Rock ''''n'''' Roll Dublin Half Marathon

100 75 50 25

0

SparkPoints: (3,185)
Fitness Minutes: (186)
Posts: 499
5/5/12 10:13 A

to the team.

This is a fantastic site to gain resources and support along our weight loss journey. I am relatively new to this site and have found it to be invaluable to me. I started with following the menu plan option. I was able to print out the weekly menu (and best of all the shopping list!!) and I put it in a binder and knew what I would be having every day. Once I got more confident in serving sizes and self control I was able to stop using the menu and just create my own.

I still use the daily tracker (believe me this makes a HUGE difference) and I purchased the SparkPeople Cook Book. I haven't made a meal yet that I haven't loved, even my very picky children love the recipes in the book.

I won't lie and tell you that it's been a breeze, but I will tell you that being an active member with this team and others I have been able to stay motivated and to find support and advice whenever I feel my resolve waning.

Ask questions, make comments and participate as much as you can. You will reap benefits that you can't imagine.

I look forward to hearing your success stories.

Pounds lost: 17.4

0 28.5 57 85.5

114

Posts: 1,283
5/5/12 9:06 A

Welcome!

current weight: 310.8

315 269.75 224.5 179.25

134

Posts: 848
5/5/12 12:19 A

Hang in there. Just use the resources that are here and ask any questions you might have. We are all here for each other.

Posts: 10,184
5/4/12 9:40 P

Spark is a great resource. Welcome. The members have a great deal of insight and wisdom, and as we are on the same journey towards better health and well-being many have had similar experiences. My first suggestion, would be to explore the site. There are many helpful articles, and teams. It is natural to be depressed. My personal experience was to be literally scared healthy. I was a heart attack waiting to happen. Then I changed my diet, and became more active, and I am healthier than I ever have been. If I can do it, anyone can. It does not happen quickly. Slow and gradual is the way to go. Follow the instructions of your healthcare team,
and try and remain as active as possible. There are movements designed for individuals with physical limitations, and teams specifically to address their needs.
Most importantly, you are not alone.
Looking forward to knowing you better.

Posts: 11
5/4/12 9:27 P

Hi people, I am new at sparks. I need to lose 100 lbs. My Doctor is very concerned for me. I dream every day to lose the weight but when theres food in front of me I just need to eat it even if Im not even hungry. Im 42 years old woman and I need some ideas on how to eat healthy or food plans. Im clueless on how to eat healthy. I also need motivation too. Im so depressed. I have artheritis in my spine which is extremely hard for me to walk long distances. I work as a cook of all things. But my days of cooking is coming to an end pretty quick because of my back problems. Can anybody give me some freindly advice?