I'm glad you're getting active with SparkPeople - it's a great community, wonderful resources and fantastic support.
In my experience, SparkPeople is like a in some ways - it's lots of fun and easy to make friends because we're all in this together. I like the way a HEALTHY LIFESTYLE is emphasized instead of a 'quick fix wonder diet' - it's about waaaaaay more than 'just' losing weight so you have definitely come to the right place!
If you ever need any help using features of the site, there are tutorial videos under the HELP section that can show you how to use the features of the site. You can also find them on the START page and several other places on the site.
If you haven't discovered The Spark book and/or the SparkDiet linked at the bottom of the START page, check them out - the program is simple but extremely effective. There is a TON of information on this site - so much it might even seem overwhelming but fortunately we don't have to 'digest' everything at once! The FastBreak program is a good way to start.
Another nice thing about SparkPeople is that we have permission to be human - we don't have to change everything at once or be in a hurry to reach our goals. Take a few baby steps and then a few more and before you know it, you'll have completed a long journey - I hope you enjoy this community as much as I do - it teaches us how to make positive lifetime changes because that's the only thing that will work over time!
JHADZHIA to Spark People! So nice to have all that space for you and your clumbers to roam in!! Should be good for keeping up the exercise! The goal of this website is to teach people to live a healthy lifestyle, not just a 'diet'. That means exercising regularly and eating healthy nutritious meals for the rest of your life in order to lose weight and then keep it off! Spark's tools and program encourages you to learn healthy living one step at a time, working on good habits until they become second nature. It is not easy, and it will take time getting used to it, but will be rewarding in the end to stick with it. Tracking calories is the key. Accurately weighing and measuring everything you eat is vital, as guessing can too easily go over. I was good with exercising, but had never tracked my food before and that made a huge difference and opened my eyes to just how easy it is to consume more calories than your body needs. You must also make sure you set the Fitness Tracker to how much exercise you do in a week so it can give the Nutrition Tracker the right calorie range to stay in to lose weight. I actually really enjoy juggling my food choices to make sure I get the right nutrient ratios and stay in the calorie range, its really quite challenging LOL. But getting them right means your metabolism will be fueled properly, important to make your exercise pay off and burn those calories! Well done making up a Spark page! Its how we interact. We comment, blog, send goodies and most important, add friends on our Spark Pages. The support on this website is overwhelming and is what keeps us sticking to the program even through the toughest times. I still remember the thrill of the very first blog I wrote and getting responses to it. I have met so many nice people on here. I lost 78 lbs with Spark People and am keeping it off thanks to diligent tracking of my food and fitness! If I can do it with all my health problems, so can you! I wish you all the best with your goal!
PEPPERMINT06
Welcome to SparkPeople - glad to have you here!
There's so much to see on this site. I'd highly recommend using the food tracker - it's a great tool. If you're looking for encouragement and/or accountability your decision to join some teams is a great one - they provide tons of motivation!
WELCOME to the.........SPClass Dec.19-25, 2010 TEAM.
You will LOVE THIS TEAM! It's amazingly positive and supportive. The members here are always willing to lend a hand, an ear, or a shoulder. They have done it for me and they will do the same for you!! We are here to support and encourage you on your journey to success. All the best to you on reaching your goals.
Leader: World's Best Grandmas and Grandpas Team Leader: Angels Amongst Us Team Leader: Warriors In Pink Team Leader: Strengthen and Tone Your Body Team Leader: SPClass of Dec. 19-25, 2010 Team