Hello to all, I would like to introduce myself. My name is Courtney and I am 22 years old. I just finished college and I need to change my lifestyle. I've tried diets before and exercise, this time Im trying them together. My goal is to lose 45 pounds and keep it off for my sister's wedding next summer. I joined the forum to get advice, tips and share my experiences. I know I can do it this time.

welcome. i'm sure you'll be able to do it to. this is a great place for everything you are looking for.

hi courtney, welcome and im sure you CAN do it this time

Great to have you here.

Welcome !
You will find alot of great tips from everyone. You will just have to figure out what works for you. We are here to give you motivation, and to let you know we are struggling with the same thing...losing weight. I think out of EVERYTHING...exercise is the main key......so tell me...did do you have an idea of what u would like to do?

I have a membership to the gym, Im starting out at 3 days a week and I hope to increase that. Im monitoring portion size, and going cold turkey on the sweets, carbonation and caffeine. I am also trying to eat small balenced meals throughout the day. Its been hard, it seems like Im always craving sweets. What do you use to beat the cravings?

I dont know if there is anything! LOL
Alot of junk-food aholics here. Just quit cold turkey. Everyone kinda develops their own system cause they know themselves.
There are alot of yummy sugar free fat free things out there, like jello and pudding and stuff like that!

Boy... sweets are my tough issue! I use lots of sugar free stuff too... I love sugar free pudding..one of my favs...also having sug free choc in the house..or go to a choc shoppe and get sug free ones there..you can hardly tell the diff!
I use alot of fruit too which seems to help my cravings...or allowing myself a small piece of choc..but Ill have it w/ peanuts or another protein to help my body process it better... Good luck & welcome!

I love sweets..chocolate mostly....I try to drink three 8 ozs of chocolate milk a day...it really helps me with my cravings....I like sugar free jello,..and they make sugar free ice cream .....one time when I cut down my sweet intake...I found that the sweetness of an apple, or other fruit was even better...and I actually craved more fruits!...