Shape Up advice for first timers

Secondly, tell the board that you're feeling down and, I promise, you won't be down for long. Someone is sure to come up with something to make you think about how much you have gained from the programme.

Thirdly, don't forget the tape measure. I have been pleasantly surprised on the weeks when I haven't lost the pounds to find that I have lost inches. It may be as small as ¼ inch, but it's a loss all the same.

Lastly, remember to do exercise that you enjoy and you will find yourself looking forward to your workout. I know I do, and I never thought I'd be saying that.
-iVillager Terry

Ten weeks ago, I went through the rollercoaster emotions of being fat. I had gotten to the point of really hating myself - my body, my weight, just about everything. It doesn't help that we live in Blackpool, the haven for every skinny woman in the UK. So, I stopped feeling sorry for myself and I found the Shape Up Challenge. More importantly, I found the Shape Up message board. I find myself thinking of the people on the boards constantly. You really do end up 'carrying the board with you'. I had a crisis in the supermarket, and planned to buy wonderfully fattening foods to binge on. But when I came to it, I suddenly thought of the board and how I'd confess my 'sins'. I thought of all the love and support I would receive from my fellow dieters. I decided I couldn't do it. I wanted to, but I couldn't let them down. So, I binged on healthy food instead, had around 600 calories for tea and hated every minute of it. Until I'd calmed down and thought about it, that is. And that's the power of the board, if of course you are prepared to make the true commitment to yourself to get healthier. You can make some really good friends on the board too. All I can say after 10 weeks and losing two stone, is that I'm so glad for the Web, for iVillage, and for all the members of the Shape Up Challenge.
-iVillager Jules