hi from The North

[expecto.patronum]

Hi everyone! I'm completely new here... never posted on any kind of discussion board before, but here goes.

 

My name's Alissa, I'm 23 years old, and I'm a student in Toronto, Canada (any other canucks up in here?). I've been struggling with the same 20-30 pounds for about six years now. I've "started" trying to lose weight probably over 100 times, but always managed to slip up, get frustrated & angry at myself, and lose control. 

 

Anyway, I discovered Nerd Fitness a few weeks ago, and it made me realize a few things - 1, by focusing so hard on results and not on the small steps I needed to take to get there, I have been trying to do too much too fast, which explains my repeated failures. 2, I have been fighting this war like a lone [dire]wolf with absolutely no support team. While people in my life have been supportive in the past, I think they've all watched me try and fail so many times that they really no longer believe I can do this.

 

So, I guess this is why I'm turning to the Nerd Fitness community, and hopefully I can find some allies in here. (Shoutout to any other sci-fi/fantasy literature nerds)! I'm tired of having a meltdown in my closet every time I try to get dressed for an event. I'm tired of feeling too uncomfortable in my own body to have fun in a bathing suit, approach a hot guy at the bar, or join in when my friends are playing sports. I have so much to offer but I've managed to let my insecurity and shame keep me from living my life to the fullest. It's time to stop holding myself back.

 

Any advice or tips would be more than appreciated! Especially about how to eat better and move more when you're living a sedentary university student lifestyle, surrounded by people with equally poor health habits. 

[Tanktimus the Encourager]

Welcome to the rebellion! You have as many allies here as we have nerds. This is a very friendly place. You have some good self awareness about what hasn't worked and what you need. So now my question is, what are some short-term, measurable goals you can achieve in a few weeks?

 

Good luck.

[Sunandstars]

Hey there! Welcome to Nerdfitness! Happy Canada Day! (Lived in Vancouver area for 7 years.)

 

I can't figure out how to quote from your original post, but from the sound of your middle paragraph, I think we are in the same boat.

 

The biggest advice I have is take things slowly, one step at a time. Don't try to do everything at once. My only goal right now is establish meals and stop snacking between them. I'm not even really looking at the fitness side at the moment.

 

But I know you can do this. We'll make it. Anything and everything is possible.

[Jammer]

Hi.

 

I'm further north (few people realize that Minneapolis is north of Toronto, and colder...).  Welcome to the rebellion

 

It is hard to stay healthy as a student but there are steps you can take, and it is important to realize that it is a transitional time and not a lifestyle.  Make changes one at a time

 

Appearance wise, celebrate the body you have even while making improvements.  I would imagine that men find you attractive just as you are.  I seem to recall marrying a woman who thought she shouldn't wear a swimsuit until losing 20-30 pounds, in fact, and after 20 years and 3 kids she had put on another 50.  ::shrug:: 

[sterre]

I'm a fellow Canadian... though I currently live in Japan. Setting reasonable goals and sticking to them is definitely a challenge and I think a lot of people here have struggled with that so it's definitely a good place to get support on those points.