Well, it's a new year.

[HeyThereDelilah]

Anyone need to lose weight? Quit smoking? How about quit biting your nails? Start drinking more water and less soda? Make exercise a daily habit? Eat more veggies and less chocolate?

You can start a thread and you're sure to get accountability here. I will personally bug you every day and ask how you're doing, if that kind of thing motivates you.

[workn mom]

Gen, as soon as I finish my chocolate covered cherry, I am gonna ask for accountability while I lose my final 15-20 pounds Seriously, I need to get back at it, but this last cherry is just calling my name, and I hate to waste food

[HeyThereDelilah]

Oh man, the funny thing about wasting food....

When I was little, my mother/grandmother would tell me, "Oh you have to eat this last little bit or else it's gonna cry!" and of course, being so soft-hearted, I would eat it so it could be with its friends in my belly.

Yes, I was a strange child, LOL!

I've continued this little game with my children.

[Bridget]

Yes, I want to lose 10 lbs.

I know that doesn't sound like a lot to some, but I have never been on a diet in my life. I am blessed with my mother's metabolism and to some extent, her slim frame. She's 5'4" and 96 lbs, which is exactly what she weighed in high school. She is very slender, but not scrawny. I'm not that small by any means, but I'm only 5' tall and the extra 10 lbs I've put on have made a big difference in how my clothes fit and how I feel.

So, I'm trimming fat and carbs and upping my veggies. Wish me luck!

And pester me about it please!!

[HeyThereDelilah]

I guess I can't smack you for only having to lose ten pounds. That would be so un-moderator-like of me. We are strictly forbidden to smack other Swappies.

But I will cheer you on! You can do it!

[Bridget]

I'm glad to know there's a "no-smack" rule around here.

[workn mom]

I chickened out yesterday ~ I decided I was going to get serious about getting rid of my last 15 pounds, so I was going to join a local gym. I got there and sat in their parking lot for 15 minutes becaus my phone rang. The longer I sat there, the more intimidated I became, and never went in. They were soooooo crowded! I couldn't believe how full they were, and I couldn't believe I just left without even talking to them. There is another local gym I think I'll try, that seems less "popular". I'd really like to hire a personal trainer for a month to get me on the right track, since I really have NO idea where to even start. Any ideas?

[HeyThereDelilah]

Sherry, I think it's great that you want to join a gym. I think getting a personal trainer at first is a good thing, too, that way you'll know exactly what to do. I don't have any suggestions other than to dive right in. How about scheduling a tour of the gym where they can take you around and show you all they have to offer? That way you can get a feel for whichever gym suits you more. When you find the one you like, remind yourself of why you're doing this...for YOUR better health and well-being. Try not to be intimidated by anyone else at the gym. Everyone has to start somewhere. I know you can do it!