SparkPoints: (611)
Fitness Minutes: (1,058)
Posts: 9
5/20/13 8:51 P

Welcome, Tammy! Your goal is VERY doable. My motivation is wanting to be as active as possible on a cruise vacation I'm taking with my grandgirls in May 2014. One thing I have done is create reminders of my goal to help keep me focused. For example, as my computer wallpaper, I have an image of a tropical island we will visit. In my living room, hanging over the TV, is a framed poster/map of the Caribbean. And on the information screen in my car, I have uploaded an image of the watercoaster I want to be able to ride with my grandgirls. Maybe you can find some motivational reminders to help keep you focused on that wedding you want to be able to enjoy as fully as possible!

May Minutes: 1,058

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SparkPoints: (60,401)
Fitness Minutes: (16,416)
Posts: 16,495
5/20/13 9:50 A

Welcome Tammy! You will find many friends and support here. Welcome to the team!

current weight: 355.0

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Posts: 9,166
5/19/13 10:53 A

Hi Tammy,
I'm reaching my hand out in friendship and support. If you believe, you can achieve!!
Let's work together to become fit 'n fabulous. Even 20 pounds gone will buoy your spirits and make you feel lighter in so many ways!

current weight: 234.0

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SparkPoints: (8,326)
Fitness Minutes: (5,696)
Posts: 430
5/18/13 6:49 P

Hi, everyone. My name is Tammy and I am a 41 yr old single mother of 3. Joseph is 20, Joshua is 17 and Gabriel is 4 1/2. I started my membership on sp 2yrs ago and was very active for a little over 3 mos. but I hit a major set back and just totally gave up. I gained back all the weight I'd lost and then some and wallowed for a time in self pity. Since then I have slowly made it back to the weight I was before I gave up. My oldest son is getting married Nov. 15, 2014 and its has been a serious eye opener for me.. Looking at Mother of the Groom dress and being faced with not fitting anything really was a blow.. It really depressed me and it still does which is what prompted my return to SP. I have to admit I am not as gung hoo as before but I am hoping to find my spark again. I am 334.8 lbs and hope and pray to be 250 lbs by the wedding. All your friendship and support would mean so much to me.

Pounds lost: 0.2

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Posts: 9,166
5/10/13 5:17 A

Welcome to the First Step Club team! I love the steps you've outlined for reaching your goals. We'd love to support you on the journey! Come and join us on the threads.

Dee

current weight: 234.0

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SparkPoints: (60,401)
Fitness Minutes: (16,416)
Posts: 16,495
5/8/13 5:36 P

Welcome to the team!

current weight: 355.0

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SparkPoints: (611)
Fitness Minutes: (1,058)
Posts: 9
5/8/13 3:02 P

Hi all! Joining the team with the following goals: eat healthier, move more, drink water instead of any kind of soda, and...only have to buy one airplane ticket for myself when I take my grand-daughters on a cruise next summer!

May Minutes: 1,058

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SparkPoints: (60,401)
Fitness Minutes: (16,416)
Posts: 16,495
4/22/13 11:06 A

Welcome to the team Pam!

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Posts: 2,493
4/19/13 5:48 A

Get rid of the word "lose". When something is lost, one will mobe heaven & earth to "find". Language is important. We express our heart's desires even the unconscious ones.

You got this! Shame don't bring change! Get up & get to that gym if it was working for you!

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SparkPoints: (1,300)
Fitness Minutes: (208)
Posts: 12
4/18/13 11:59 P

Hello, My name is Pam. I have been losing and gaining weight since my senior year in high school. I was always good at taking the weight off. Just not good at keeping it off. I have been dieting for so long that it is hard for me a lot of weight. Last time I tried to lose weight, I lost 50 lbs and I hit a plateau. I kept trying but I couldn't get any lower. I had joined a gym and loved working out. I went 5-7 times a week. I was tightening and building muscle but it didn't help with the weight loss. Then I started having more health problems. I am just starting to be able to workout. But, where I have gained 40 lbs. back, I'm embarrassed to go back to the gym. Hopefully after a few weeks of dieting and walking I will get up the courage to go back to the gym.

I am glad I found SP. It helps to know that others are going thru the same things as I am. I look forward to meeting new people and to be able help encourage them.And, to receive encouragement from them. I have at least 100 lbs to lose. I am realistic. I didn't put it on overnight and I certainly won't be able to take it off overnight either.

SparkPoints: (60,401)
Fitness Minutes: (16,416)
Posts: 16,495
4/17/13 9:10 A

Welcome ladies! Glad to have you on the team.

current weight: 355.0

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Posts: 9,166
4/17/13 5:09 A

Lydia and Katie! The journey is more fun with good company. We'll support you, challenge you, and cheer you on!

If you'd like to join our April Foolishness Challenge, post on the official thread and Laura will add you to the teams. This challenge runs for 10 days so there will be another one starting soon.

current weight: 234.0

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SparkPoints: (21,989)
Fitness Minutes: (14,652)
Posts: 2,195
4/16/13 1:22 P

Hi..I'm Katie..live in southern Colorado..high plains desert. Been around Spark People for a while now. Get serious..then loose my motivation..then get serious again. Found that my b/p & body mass are a real reason to get REAL serious..so in for the journey now!

Pounds lost: 25.0

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Posts: 2,493
4/14/13 9:04 P

Hi! I'M new to the team but not new to Sparks. I live in New Orleans & an artist by trade.

May SparkPoints: 428

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SparkPoints: (60,401)
Fitness Minutes: (16,416)
Posts: 16,495
4/8/13 9:40 A

And here I thought you just had some dirt above your lip.

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Posts: 9,166
4/7/13 3:17 P

I've got foolishness written all over my face!

current weight: 234.0

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SparkPoints: (60,401)
Fitness Minutes: (16,416)
Posts: 16,495
4/4/13 5:45 P

Is everyone thinking about what foolishness they will do this weekend????

current weight: 355.0

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Posts: 9,166
4/4/13 5:35 P

Hi, I'm a boy named Sue. No, I'm a girl named Lou.

April Foolishness is here again!!

New members to the fun house! Laughing our way to better health and fitness!

current weight: 234.0

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Posts: 2,316
4/4/13 3:34 P

Back!

SparkPoints: (60,401)
Fitness Minutes: (16,416)
Posts: 16,495
4/1/13 10:07 A

Welcome (back) to the team!

current weight: 355.0

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Posts: 643
3/30/13 10:41 P

Hello again..I joined this team quite some time ago, but have been so busy that I have not been popping in as regular as I should. I have lost 180 pounds and want to lose 100 more. I am spending a lot of time at the gym trying to gain muscle and get control of my health.

Posts: 21,520
2/26/13 9:43 P

Robin

Donna

Jean

We're so glad you decided to join us! Please feel free to look around and join in where you are comfortable. And ask any questions you may have! This site can be confusing sometimes!

HUGS!

SparkPoints: (1,629)
Fitness Minutes: (930)
Posts: 168
2/26/13 6:53 P

Hello, Ive been around SP for a week and I just discovered this team. This seems to be a comfortable place with friendly members.

Pounds lost: 3.0

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SparkPoints: (5,164)
Fitness Minutes: (1,352)
Posts: 26
2/25/13 6:35 P

Hello everyone! I am new to SP and still learning the "how to's" on using the site. I've been on this journey to become a better "me" so many times before. It has been like a roller coaster ride with many ups and downs but I decided to get back on the ride again on Feb 13th to begin my final journey. I'm feeling pretty positive so far and I really need to make this change in my life. Looking forward to meeting new friends along the way and learning new things to help me reach my goals.

Pounds lost: 40.0

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SparkPoints: (60,401)
Fitness Minutes: (16,416)
Posts: 16,495
2/20/13 10:19 A

Welcome Robin!

current weight: 355.0

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SparkPoints: (38)
Fitness Minutes: (0)
Posts: 1
2/17/13 10:31 A

Hello All,
This is it! I so have to get this weight and eating thing in check. Today is my DAY ONE !! I will start my food and exercise today. The apt. complex I live in has treadmills and elliptical's, so there is no good excuse for me not to be in there at least 4 days a week. Its going to be hard to change my "lazy butt" ways, but I want to feel good and to look good again.
Looking forward to getting to know you all, and I know with support and effort I can do this! ! !

Posts: 21,520
1/30/13 11:34 P

Welcome, everyone!!!

Jessie, welcome to SP and the 100+ First Step Club! So glad you decided to join us! Make sure you check out the different threads and join in where you feel comfortable.

Annette, Welcome to you, also! And a BIG congrats to quitting smoking! We have several people on the team that have quit also!

Linda, welcome BACK to SP! It can be quite confusing first trying to absorb all the SP has to offer and many leave. But we are always glad when someone comes back!

Please, feel free to ask questions of any of us! And look for the new threads pertaining to our February line-up!

HUGS!

Posts: 35
1/30/13 4:30 P

Hi,

I'm Linda. I joined Sparkpeople in 2009 and really didn't get involve so I'm back to try again.
I don't have a scale that goes high enough to weigh myself at this weight, but I know I have more than 200 to lose. Currently unemployed, have trouble walking. Married, no kids, over 50.
I live in Oregon.

My first steps are to just start again, clear out, re-join and be faithful to the food tracker.

Thanks Honeylea for the welcome message and thank you all for just being here.

-Linda

SparkPoints: (1,192)
Fitness Minutes: (175)
Posts: 100
1/27/13 8:12 A

Welcome to the group, I'm glad you are here!!!

Pounds lost: 8.0

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SparkPoints: (6,932)
Fitness Minutes: (1,186)
Posts: 40
1/27/13 1:34 A

Hi, I am Annette. I have weighed greater than 200 pounds as long as I can remember. I have been married for 20 years and now weigh greater than 300 pounds with diabetes and lots of co-morbidities to go along with it. I have finally decided it is time to get healthy if I want to live longer and I definitely do. I quit smoking in Sept. 2010 after smoking for more than 36 years, so I know I can get some of this weight off. So far I absolutely love SP.

Pounds lost: 20.0

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SparkPoints: (1,192)
Fitness Minutes: (175)
Posts: 100
1/23/13 8:53 A

Hi Jesse welcome to the group!!

Pounds lost: 8.0

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SparkPoints: (4,377)
Fitness Minutes: (3,423)
Posts: 2,299
1/22/13 11:57 P

Hi I am Jessie. I joined begin of this year, so still fairly new to sparkpeople, browsing through the sparkgroups and came across this one and i thought i would give it a shot and see what it has to offer.

current weight: 249.0

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SparkPoints: (60,401)
Fitness Minutes: (16,416)
Posts: 16,495
1/18/13 12:45 P

Hi John! Welcome to the team. Let us know if you need any assistance!

current weight: 355.0

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Posts: 21,520
1/15/13 7:18 P

Hi, John! So glad you decided to join us! Hope to see you around the board!

SparkPoints: (1,192)
Fitness Minutes: (175)
Posts: 100
1/14/13 11:32 A

HI john...welcome!

Pounds lost: 8.0

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Posts: 7
1/14/13 11:23 A

Hi My name is John,

I can't believe I've been a member of Spark People for almost 4 years now. I would start on my "Diet" every morning, but by 2:00 it was out the window.

I decided to start living a healthier lifestyle in August of 2012 and so far it is working. I'm down 35 pounds since I recommitted. It hasn't been easy and I started to have the sme issues and make all the same mistakes. But this time I kept fighting.

I added support and accountability to my diet and exercise. That has been a big help.

I want to keep going until I meet my goals.

Posts: 21,520
1/6/13 11:21 P

Welcome, Michelle! We are so glad you decided to join us! Please feel free to look around and jump in where you feel comfortable!

HUGS!

Posts: 1,859
1/6/13 3:32 P

Howdy all I am Michelle from MN. I am looking forward to getting to know everyone and let go of all this excess weight. I am in a great place right now and am committed to actually working on myself and getting healthy. i am of course wanting a magic wand and waving it so it is all gone right now but reality is, small, consistent steps will make this journey a lasting journey and you won't have to double back to start over.

100 pounds+ is such an overwhelming amount but it WILL happen and so I am excited to get to know members of the team and find a wonderful support group.

Pounds lost: 5.0

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Posts: 21,520
1/5/13 8:52 A

Hi, Theresa! We're so glad you decided to join us! Feel free to look around and jump in to any of the threads that sound interesting to you!

HUGS!

SparkPoints: (12,684)
Fitness Minutes: (8,214)
Posts: 223
1/5/13 7:39 A

Hi, everyone my name is theresa 44 y/o from missouri.Started to change my life sept 2011 start weight was 265 lost 62.5lb to date(202.5lb) with alot of ups and down. Really like walking outside but to cold so i got a treadmill which is different. Last year i did a Marnie 10k which i didn't think i could finsh but it. My goal is to get down to 180 ( at this time) and to start running which is hard for me but i will continue to work on it. My down fall is the calories mainly on weekend. I's so ready .

Pounds lost: 55.5

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Posts: 21,520
1/2/13 5:04 P

Welcome! Glad you joined us!

There are other threads you can participate in, if you aren't ready for the challenges yet! Feel free to look around!

HUGS!

Posts: 195
1/2/13 12:01 P

Hello everyone. I'm a newbie to this team, though I've been on SP for about a year. Truthfully, I haven't had much success up to this point....MY fault....but I am jumping back on the weight loss wagon. I need to lose about 120lbs and to get my diabetes under control.

Not ready to sign up for the challenge yet, but I do want to say that it looks like fun....maybe I'll join next month. Good luck to all 3 teams. I'll be here to offer whatever support/encouragement I can.

Best wishes to all....hope you have a happy and healthy 2013!!

Posts: 1,490
12/18/12 6:24 P

WELCOME, WELCOME, WELCOME So happy to have you join us.

Pounds lost: 39.0

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Posts: 21,520
12/13/12 12:24 A

Welcome! We all have those kind of days! And most of us probably started here feeling the same way! Please jump in and join us when you can. We really love newbies and hope to see you around!

HUGS!

SparkPoints: (1,917)
Fitness Minutes: (944)
Posts: 62
12/12/12 6:59 P

Hello, I wish I could type something motivational but its been one of those days. I guess this may not be a good start, but we all have to start someplace. My gaol is to loose 126lbs. I'm not new to this site. I have tried and given up more times than I can count. I am back again though to give it another shot. Before I forget, I dont have daily access to a computer so dont feel that that Im ignoring anyone who may leave a comment and I dont respond right away. Well......................... here goes a new start

Pounds lost: 38.0

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Posts: 21,520
12/1/12 11:01 P

Hi, Ann! So glad you joined us! Please feel free to look around and join in where you are comfortable!

I understand how you feel when you say your back is against the wall and there is no cavalry!!! I think I'm there myself!

Hopefully, we all can provide some backup for each other!

HUGS!

Posts: 3,482
12/1/12 8:02 P

Hello, just joined your team.

I am a mum of 3 grown kids and grandmother to 4 grandsons. Love my boys but I really want to knit something pink instead of blue!!!

I have over a hundred pounds to drop. ( I am trying not to say loose, as it keeps finding me, so my new word is drop!!) My health is not good, just got put on insulin and it is all from overeating and no exercise. I have been told for years this day may come. I can't out run it, my back is against the wall and the Calvary is not coming......................so I am the one who puts the food on my plate and the fork to my mouth so I am finally ready to do something.

Looking forward to getting to know you and have some fun while on this journey to a healthier me!!!!!!

Pounds lost: 54.8

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Posts: 1,490
11/26/12 7:41 P

Hi Catherine and welcome to our family. I'm Debbie aka Pebbles706. I'm so happy to have you join us. I look forward to your posts and getting to know you a little better. Welcome again

Pounds lost: 39.0

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Posts: 9,166
11/23/12 6:37 P

Hi. I'm Dee. I've been on FSC for a few years now. I love this team. The leaders are T-errific!!

One of our leaders is celebrating a birthday today! Let the party begin...

current weight: 234.0

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Posts: 21,520
11/23/12 3:53 P

Hi, Catherine! Glad to have you! You are in the right place. Feel free to jump in and join us. If you have any questions, ask and we will answer as best we can!

HUGS!

Posts: 2
11/23/12 2:58 P

Hi there,
I just joined and am a complete newbie. Recently lost my job and determined to concentrate on getting healthy with the newfound spare time I have now! Any help is greatly appreciated. I have ~165 to shed in total which is a long way off. Hoping the support of my new group friends will spur me on toward my goals.
Catherine

Posts: 1,490
11/13/12 1:19 P

Welcome kelly, I'm so happy to have you here with us. enjoy your stay with us and keep a positive attitude. You'll do great I'm sure.

Pounds lost: 39.0

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Posts: 378
11/12/12 8:48 A

Thanks. I think support is so important and if you don't find it at home, this is the place to find plenty of it.

Pounds lost: 8.8

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Posts: 21,520
11/11/12 11:15 P

Welcome, Amy and Kelly! So glad you decided to join us!

HUGS!

Posts: 378
11/11/12 6:19 P

Welcome to the team. I think you'll find a lot of support here.

Pounds lost: 8.8

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SparkPoints: (2,146)
Fitness Minutes: (481)
Posts: 81
11/11/12 1:41 P

Hello everyone! My name is Kelly and I'm new here and to SP. I'm 24 years old and have about 160 pounds to lose.

My husband and I just moved back to Florida from a short stay in Chicago and are getting ready to start a family. I would like to lose weight and get myself fit and healthy so that I can be as physically and mentally prepared for our future as possible.

I look forward to getting to know you all as we take on our goals together!

See you on the boards!

~Kelly~

current weight: 321.7

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Posts: 378
11/11/12 9:04 A

Thank you.

Pounds lost: 8.8

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Posts: 1,490
11/10/12 10:04 P

Welcome Amy, you came to the right place. I think we all have a lot of weight to lose. This is a great group with wonderful supportive members. We welcome you with open arms.

Debbie aka Pebbles

Pounds lost: 39.0

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Posts: 378
11/10/12 9:55 A

I have a large amount of weight to lose and any added support is appreciated.
Thanks, Amy

Pounds lost: 8.8

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Posts: 21,520
11/5/12 9:05 P

It could have been saved in your favorites or in a cookbook - just depends on where and how you saved it.

The first thing I'd do is check your favorites list - go to your start page, down the left hand side second from the bottom is a box that says "Personalized programs" - the first thing is "My Sparkfavorites." Try that.

If that isn't it, do you remember creating a cookbook? If not, I'm not sure where it might be!

HUGS!

Posts: 339
11/5/12 8:49 P

Hi !How is everyone? I found a recipe I wanted to try and clicked save. Now where is it saved to? I cant figure it out.Apple cider glazed carrots. Anyone try it?

Posts: 21,520
11/3/12 1:08 A

Good luck!!!

Posts: 339
11/2/12 8:00 P

Thank You. I added the exercise, and I still can not locate my friend but I am sure I followed the correct links etc. Perhaps I spelled it differently or perhaps she changed her name.
Hope she didnt quit already. lol

Posts: 21,520
11/2/12 7:47 P

For your friend - got to the COMMUNITY tab and choose SPARKPAGES. Then on the left hand side - in the large orange box titled SPARKFRIEND SEARCH/BUDDY FINDER - under USERNAME - type in their name and hit enter. Even just a part of their name will bring up all the usernames with that letter combination in it. Then click on their page when you see it displayed.

Then for your walking, go to your Homepage - which is under the tab MY TRACKERS. Click on the box on the left hand side that says TRACK MY WORKOUT (on the top left). Go down the page just a little way until you see the box with the light gray lettering that says WHAT DID YOU DO TODAY? Click in that box and type "walk" and "enter" and you will have a list of different speeds you can choose from. Click once on the one that best fits what you did and a box will appear below that asks how many minutes you did. Enter the minutes and, if you want to keep that particular workout as a favorite, click the little box next to ADD TO MY FAVORITES. Then click the ADD EXERCISE TO TRACKER and it will figure out the calories burned for you and add it to your tracker for the day.

Clear as mud, right??? LOL! Let me know if I can try to make it any clearer!

HUGS!!!

Posts: 339
11/2/12 1:51 P

Thank You for the warm welcome
I invited a friend to join and she did. How do I find her on here? I know her username .
Also where do I track ten minutes of walking. All I see is a report that wants me to do thirty minutes of cardio three times a week.

Posts: 1,490
11/2/12 9:45 A

Laurie- I'm sorry some how I missed your post. Welcome to FSC. You are right, this is a great team. Every member is special in their own way. I look forward to your posts and welcome you to our family.

Pounds lost: 39.0

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Posts: 21,520
10/29/12 9:19 P

Congratulations on the new little one!!! They are such amazing beings! And so glad you are back! Take things easy as you get used to adding things back into your life!

HUGS!!!

Posts: 1,490
10/28/12 9:44 P

Welcome back MOMMYOF3_1983, I'm Debbie aka Pebbles706. I'm so glad you decided to come back and rejoin our happy family

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