Hi everyone,

I go by Jingles online. I'm a 19 year-old female college student (in my second year) studying illustration. I'm 5'4" and weigh 167 lbs -- I have a curvy figure and most of my weight goes to my butt. I love my body, and I think I'm beautiful (not in an egotistical or overly-prideful way, though!) but I'd love to shave off this little pooch that has developed on my once-flat belly. I used to weigh 120 lbs, and I looked great. Now I'm significantly curvier at this current weight (167), which I suppose I don't mind, but I miss my perfect little stomach! I know I can get it back.

I think.

I hope.

I am feeling frustrated due to these intense carb-cravings (I'm doing a casual low-carb diet and exercise a couple days ago, as of August 29) and just wanted to find a place where I could come at the end of the day and chat with people who are also interested in feeling healthier. I initially wanted to try the Atkins program, but it seems very intense. I'm trying to adhere to the Induction period as best as I can, but it's hard for me down at college.

So, how about all of you? Any diets, programs, or exercise you like to do? Is this forum pretty active?

-- Jingles

hi. im new here on this forum too. i am also following a low carb diet. its pretty much atkins...but i dont go as hardcore as some of the atkins rules do.....like as far as diet sodas/caffiene/sweeteners. but other than those things..i follow it to the book.
ive lost about 19 lbs so far in 2 months. so im excited. your goal is pretty similar to mine and i know how you feel about wanting your old body back. i miss my little stomach i used to have also! but we will both get our bodies back! best of luck to you! never give up!

Welcome.

I'll offer an alternative to low-carbing it. I personally count calories and work towards eating HEALTHY carbs instead of cutting them out entirely. I eat whole grains, oats, that kind of thing, and try to keep them to 40% or less of my daily intake.

Something that has helped me a lot is tracking my food online at a site that shows me how many calories I ate and how it breaks down nutritionally. You might try fitday.com or thedailyplate.com ... either one is free and works pretty well.

@Mindy: Ah! Thank you so much. It's super inspiring to hear that you and I have such similar goals, and to see how you've already shaved off 19 pounds! Congratulations! I hope I am that successful, too.

@KaraCooks: Thank you. I have taken what you have suggested to heart, because it coincides directly with how I feel a diet should work. Thank you very much for the links to those websites, I think they'll prove invaluable to me!