So I've already introduced myself in the appropriate thread but I just wanted to say more without taking up space in that one.



Again, I'm Denise. I'm 19 years old and live in Austin, TX where I go to school at the University of Texas. I also work part-time at the Campus Computer Store.



I had downloaded some episodes earlier but had never gotten myself to listen to them. That changed about three days ago when I finally decided that I needed to actually listen to the podcast. I was hooked and felt motivated to change the way I live.



Now I've been on several diets before, but while I was still in high school, it was tough, especially once they told me I couldn't eat my home-made lunch in the cafeteria with my friends. I also usually started diets in summer but once school started I would do well at first but then it was over.



My mom was always pushing me to lose weight, exercise, take care of myself, and so on. I think that may have made me want to go against it, especially using exercise machines, which I still am not a big fan of.



Now, I'm starting to change things. I went walking/running for fifteen or twenty minutes this evening, didn't time myself well. I just heard the podcast that mentioned Couch 2 5k and I'm going to start that program. I will start incorporating weight lifting sometime soon since I plan on rejoining the women's rugby team here and that would be useful. I'm glad that there are gyms available here for students.



I've started eating better. It's tough since the cheaper ways to eat are either the buffet cafeterias and the Wendy's that happens to be just 5 minutes away from my dorm, but I know that I eat well. I've also done some grocery shopping and am going to start making my own meals but they're things that don't require cooking since the kitchen in the dorm room. Lots of tuna, which I love.



Wow, I'm going on and on. Thank you for reading if you went through everything. I hope to give and receive support to/from all.

Hi Denise,



It sounds like you are well on your way to making some positive changes. It is always going to be tough to stick with lifestyle changes, but it does get easier with time - so don't give up! Momentum is the key to really get started.



Most people make changes in University like the "freshman 15" where they say that the average person puts on 15 lbs in their first year, but you can take this opportunity to make an opposite change. Good luck!

Hey Denise,



#1, does your avatar say "Math is delicious". That's awesome!



#2, like Jeff said, lifestyle change is hard. Remember you won't be perfect, you can't be perfect. Preparing your own meals is a great start.



#3, I remember in junior high school that I couldn't take my home brought lunch into the cafeteria as well. I just transitioned to eating the chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, with cherry-rhubarb sauce with a dollip of whipped cream on top.



Yeah, no wonder.



Thanks for listening to the show and don't be shy about posting or commenting.



Russ

Yes, Russ, my avatar does say "Math is delicious", and it is awesome.



Thanks for you replies!

Almost two years later...

I am now 21 and have reintroduced myself on the thread. I wanted to take the time to post something here.

I have a blog called Go, Denise, GO!, which I will use to track my progress and more. I also have something else.

I call it my "Transformation Journal". Well, it's full title is Denise's Transformation Journal: From 230+ to a Healthier, Stronger Fitter Me!. I wrote a little letter to myself on the purpose of the journal. While not the best writing (in rereading it I find it kinda silly), I felt pretty inspired by myself, so I wanted to share it with everyone.

"This notebook/journal is the beginning of a serious commitment to becoming a healthier, stronger, fitter person. I'm not sure what exactly I weigh at the moment, but that's not all I'm worried about. This transformation journal is about just that, transformation. I want to change my lifestyle and transform into my ideal. The transformation will be a slow one, but with dedication to this/these goals, I will achieve this. This journal will follow my path to transformation. This may be the first transformation journal but it will certainly not the the last."

Hey Denise, great journal entry!
Making a public statement like that is awesome, its tough enough to admit that to yourself, but to a group of strangers is really tough! I can guarantee that if you keep posting here, we'll keep you motivated and offer any help we can, we're all looking for the same thing here, to transform our lives! You know that by posting it here we can hold you accountable, so don't let us down!
A compete lifestyle change is possible, but understand that its going to take time, you want to make sure that you ease into instead of shocking your body into something completely different overnight. I like to think of it like a burger, take small bites so you don't choke, just just try to swallow it whole.
Good luck, and keep us posted, remember, we're all counting on you now!!

I've NEVER heard of such a thing as not being able to eat a home made lunch in the school cafeteria. WHAT???
Anyone mind humoring me with what the rationale was? Because I can't make sense of it. Apparently it doesn't rain or get real hot where you live(d).

Terry, everyone in my hometown's school district qualifies for free lunch. I don't really know what their rationale was. I get the feeling that because I wasn't eating that lunch, I wasn't helping with the program funding or whatever. I don't know how exactly they counted how many students ate the lunches. By my senior year, we had school breakfasts as well. Not very good ones either. Oh and I live in South Texas, so it can get pretty hot here.