Hi all! I have about 15lbs to lose - gained it about three years ago and have not gotten up enough motivation to lose it.

I'm hoping that public accountability will help - if anyone has tips, let me know!

Motivation seems to be different for each of us. I know that for me, I can't just hang up those summer pants on my closet door, because I stop noticing them after a while. I can't just go by the scale, either. The best one for me seems to be trying to get to the gym every day -- something about self-esteem and empowerment. Even if I only end up there every other day because of work deadlines, I still am making progress. But the main thing is not in losing the weight, especially if you're working out. Go by pants size. That is a much better indicator of whether you really need to lose weight, since muscle weighs much more than fat.

As far as accountability, I think going regularly to a class with a friend/group often works. Whatever works for you, good luck with it. It sounds like you're off to a good start.

Why does this site list everyone as "female"? (Even the males are listed as females)

I've found several things that help me lose my spare tyres! On the beside table I keep a photo of me from when I was the size I'd like to be again - now be honest wouldn't we all like to be nearly 20 years younger? It's the first thing I see when I wake up and the last thing I see at night and reminds me of my goal.
I have discovered a whole bunch of clothes in my wardrobe I forgot I had - and they fit! So I don't need to buy a whole heap of new clothes along the way and can save for some really nice stuff when I'm nearer my goal.
I weigh myself everyday and keep a graph! It shows that I'm making progress even when it doesn't feel like it.
I get out and walk whenever I can - the aim is to exercise for at least 30 minutes a day building to longer periods.
Just commit anyway! If you want to rediscover life and your trimmer self then go for it!
Best of luck!

When losing weight make sure that you do cut back on the unhealthy fats and sugars. But don't allow yourself to go hungry. Or get bored with what your eating. If you skip meals your metabolism only slows down. Especially if you do this regularly. The body thinks it is in starvation and slows down the metabolism in order to reserve for later. I actually starting eating breakfast something I skipped for years. And because I am not really hungery in the mornings I just eat something like a weight loss shake, a breakfast bar or a yogurt. Just something so that I have food in my stomach. I have found a great product that works nicely for me. It comes in shakes and bars so they are convenient and easy. If your interested the site to get the information on it is www.dreamfollower.fourpointwellness.com. They have protein foods, fiber foods. All easy to take on the go, filling and taste great.

I also slowly cut my milk from 2% to skim. Did it gradually so that I could adjust to the taste difference. And if you mess up and eat something you shouldn't, its ok. Just keep going. I lost 35 pounds last year with these tricks. I still have a ways to go but I am lighter than I was. Good luck.

I have been struggling with my bellyfat.Which I look like I'm 5 months pregnant.I hate it.When my boyfriend touches me,I cringe.And I hide or cover myself as I hear him coming into the room.
I workout 3 hrs a day.I do 1hr of cardio per machine.Elliptical trainer,treadmill,stairmaster and the bike.I also am trying to curb the fats n sugars.I did very well,last year.(Until car accident).Point is now I'm presently unemployed,living with my boyfriend.We are under some financial strain.We just can't afford to buy the groceries we need.As well as for me to buy the xtra things I NEED TO survive.And making sure I don't eat the wrong things.We also have an xtra adult with us and 2 teenagers.So it's hard for us to buy everything that is needed.****What to do????***.Does anyone have any suggestions.Sounds silly have thought just consuming myself on occasion,to suttle the hunger pains.I know I can't do that.But what I try to do is make small things like tuna salad with veggies ,with what we have in the fridge.Running out of ideas.Would love some ideas if you have any,for a fixed income.

THANK YOU,
Jubileerose.

i like the computer, so i took a picture of myself in my bikini loaded it into my photo editing program, made it black and white, then erased the bits of me i would like smaller then copied it back on to the original to make sure its not ridiculous. it just reminds you of you goals and lets you see your actual results. i do the same thing with monthly photos, i line them up with ones of similar angles. it just show you that just becasue you havent lost WEIGHT your shape has changed. :)