FitDay Discussion Boards - Here I am again... lol

Hello to all! My name is Sandi and I'm 27. :)

I've been here before, and lost all the weight before.
I thought I'd never be where I am again... but...

I gained it all back because I lost it for all the wrong reasons.
Before it was all about looks and boys, and now I just want to be healthy.
I also expected that when I reached my goal weight, my life would be perfect.
Unfortunately, that was not the case and life will never be perfect.
I was devastated when I found out happiness didn't magically appear and I gave up.

My weight holds me back from some of life's greatest things.
I avoid socializing with new people because I'm fat and think everyone is judging me.
I do not want to be this way anymore, or think negatively about myself anymore!

For the past year I've been suffering with leg pains that only go away when I exercise a lot.
Annoying as they may be, they make sure I walk 2 hours a day. Blessing in disguise, perhaps.
My doctor said it's just vericose veins.
I could make a long list of other health issues I have collected simply because I overindulge in food.
When my weight is down, the health problems ALL vanish, and that is all I want now.
I want to be healthy.

The plan that works for me is 1500 calories a day starting with a 300 calorie breakfast, high in protein and fiber.
Often that is egg whites and Whole grain toast, or oatmeal and fruit, turkey bacon... etc.
Low cal healthy snacks (grapes, berries etc) throughout the day but ONLY when I'm hungry.
Lots of water. Nothing white, NO trans fats, and NO candy or soda.
Lunch is usually some kind of sandwich on whole wheat with lean meat, lettuce and a side of fruit or veggies.
I had to give up real mayo and use honey mustard instead. I also gave up cheese for the most part.
I eat dinner at 8pm because evenings and nights are when I struggle the most with overeating.
I make sure to save at least 500 calories for my supper so I can fill up and get through the night without hunger.
Half of my dinner plate is veggies, 1/4 is usually lean protein, and 1/4 is either brown pasta, brown rice or a potato.
It also helps me to save maybe 200 cals for after dinner sometimes. Then I may have a granola bar, yogurt or something healthy.

I lost over 80 lbs the first time around.
This time I am taking it 10 lbs at a time and my goal weight is HEALTHY WEIGHT.

If anyone needs a "lifestyle change" buddy, just let me know. I find they help tremendously in motivating one another.

Have a great day everyone!!