Hello from the humid South!

[Jubileey]

Hello to everyone! My name is Leslee -- I am a 21-year young female from Natchitoches, Louisiana ("Steel Magnolias", City of Lights Festival). I've lived here in Natchitoches (nak-a-tish) for three years now, attending Northwestern State University as a student of Fine Arts with a concentration in Studio Art.

I'll get right down to business: I've been overweight for as long as I can remember. You know how most females are too shy to admit their actual weight? Well, this one's not. I weigh in at a whopping 310 lbs. And believe me, it STINKS! The weight "number" isn't the real issue, though. (Besides: weight is defined as being "a unit measure of gravitational force". So my weight is simply the amount of force gravity uses to keep my feet on the ground. Therefore, my weight "number" is gravity's problem. :yes )

No, the weight "number" has never been the real deal. I'm sure a lot of you can relate: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, leaning closer and closer to diabetes, heart disease, sluggish movement, getting short of breath from a brisk walk. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. Personally, I deal with all sorts of other issues: depression, anxiety, tiredness, low metabolism, low self-esteem, and low self-worth. Again, it STINKS!

I've spent many'a years being ashamed of who I am: I am even bold enough to say that I hate who I am -- at least, the outter shell. On the inside, I'm a vibrant, beautiful girl. I'm somewhat smart, artistically inclined, interesting, funny (hah -- and I bet I sound quite arrogant, now!). But... it's very hard for the inside to shine through when the outside blocks the light.

Today is a new day, though. I'm finally coming to terms with who I am. Take a look at my avatar -- "No longer ashamed of who I am." The image in the background is of a girl -- a timid girl cowering, covering her face so that others cannot see her. That was me. In a way, that still IS me. I'm not yet fully acceptable of my being. In fact, I am content with who I am on the INSIDE, but not with who I am on the OUTSIDE. Life is too short to munk around, to be "weighed" down with extra weight. I'm tired of being held hostage by my body -- I'm ready to set myself free!

So here's the gameplan:

First things first: GET THE WEIGHT OFF. As stated earlier, I'm at 310 lbs. -- my all-time goal is 200 (I'm a 5'11" amazon, by the way).

Get a move on: FORGET THE WHEELS, I'VE GOT FEET. Another key to my gameplan (to ANYBODY'S gameplan) -- EXERCISE! I'll have to start off small because of my lack of exercise over the past few months... but I'll definately start off walking/jogging at least three times per week.

Get rid of old habits: A NEW LIFESTYLE IS A MUST. I am horrible at doing the whole "comfort foods" thing. What makes it worse, though, is that "comfort" foods have turned into "bored" foods, or "I have nothing better to do than eat" foods. Have you ever snacked on a full stomach? Have you ever gone back for seconds when you're no longer hungry? I'll be the first to admit that I have. And now, because of my bad eating habits of the past, I am suffering the consqeunces. Am I accepting defeat, though? Not any more.

New beginnings: I CAN'T CTRL+Z, BUT I CAN PRESS THE RESTART BUTTON. For me, it's about purging myself of the demons that haunt me; all of the emotional connections I have with food... it's time for them to SCRAM.

So... here's hoping I'm not just full of talk. :nono Nope. Not me. I've tried Atkins before -- and I was losing weight at a fairly good pace. Sadly, circumstances got crazy and I honestly had to put off my good eating habits. This time is different, though. I'm READY for change. I'm READY to become the shinning star that I know I am. I'm READY for my inner self to benefit from my outter self. I'm READY.

-Leslee

[Lady_Hawke]

Hi Leslee! :wave Welcome to the ADBB!
You might be interested in checking out the Century Club, its a wonderful group of people who are more like one big family then anything else. We are supportive and understand what facing a weight loss of 100 pounds or more is like.
The entire ADBB is very supportive and full of super great people who will help you, encourage you and celebrate your accomplishments!
Congratulations on your decision to change your life with Atkins! It sounds like you have a great game plan!
Again, Welcome! :joy

[jroche5998]

Welcome to the board, Leslee!

What a great intro post! It sound like you are coming to terms with things. Good for you for taking the step. Use this board for motivation and support whenever you need it. The people here will support you, help you, and even dish out tough love when necessary.

Good luck!

[ztachick]

Hi there,
im so glad that you decided to start atkins
and that you found this great board,
im sure you will find it very helpful,
as i know all of us have come join us in CC

[Mary-chan]

Welcome to the boards! I found your post very familiar, as that was pretty much my lifestyle too, and I also felt trapped inside of a body that "wasn't me" (I think most of us here have felt that way)...

But I am sure you'll be setting your beautiful inner self free any time now, it is possible!!