Looking for Newbies with a large amt of weight to lose..

[Darby361]

Congratulations on getting out there! I can relate to where you are. Two years ago I lost 100#s through proper eating (not diet!) and exercise. I had to start slow, but each week I saw improvements in both my body and my strength. It can be frustrating and you will have ups and downs, so I suggest you journal your weight loss and exercise amounts - this will help so much when you hit a slow time and you can see your progress on paper over time. "So I haven't lost any weight this week, but look, I lost 4lbs over the last 3 weeks!" The rewards are worth the work! I am with you on losing weigh this summer. I have maintained for 1 year, and now I am ready to take on the last 25#s! This is our summer to become the fittest women we can!
Whoo Hoo!
Trish

[Tuckervill]

www.sparkpeople.com for your journaling and keeping up with your exercise and nutrition. Free eating plans and SHOPPING LISTS, which is what I love.

I have at least 50 lbs to lose--so far I have lost 14. I just got back from vacation so I have to catch back up.

Good luck. You CAN do it. Remove all doubt.

Karen

[F8th637]

I second SparkPeople. I love that site! I don't have 100s of pounds to lose but I am definitely overweight and looking at losing as well. That's part of the reason I took up cycling. Best of luck to you!

[polliwog88]

Thank you for all the supportive words and advice!

I am a Weight Watchers online user. I agree that it is a great way to lose weight sensibly.

I really look forward to sharing and learning from all of you!

[ShubieGA]

I hear you Polliwog...I am starting to ride more frequently to lose weight - along with tracking my calories. I too have a lot to lose, but I still wear the bike shorts. My philosophy has become "if you don't like the view, go around me!" My friends have been very supportive - that helps me stay positive. That, and all the positive vibes on TE.

[mudgirl]

Hey Polliwog!

I've got about 100lbs to lose, too! I lost 92lbs doing WW about 2-3 years ago, and I used to road bike a lot. Then, for too many reasons to get into, I quit riding and gained back all that weight But, I joined WW back in January and have lost 16lbs so far. It took me 2 years to lose it before, 2 years to gain it all back, and now it'll probably take 2 years to lose it again. OH well!

I'm sure I share the same concerns you do. We have tons of hills around here (Fingerlakes area, upstate central NY). There's absolutely nowhere to go where it's flat. Hills were a big struggle for me even at my lightest, and they're even worse, now. My recommendation is to get really big gears on your bike and don't be afraid to use them! It just started getting nice enough to ride around here a couple weeks ago, and I did a four mile ride that seemed like torture. Hard to believe I used to regularly ride 50+ miles!!! But, it will get better. We just have to keep at it!

Brenda

[polliwog88]

Thanks for the reply mudgirl!

I had a realization yesterday while riding my bike. I have to constantly work on not feeling self conscious on my bike, but yesterday I thought about the inspiration I may be giving to other women in my situation.