Hi.  I regret to say that I am a "returner"; ten years ago, when I first
went on-line, I had just lost 3 stone (42 lbs, or 19 kg), and then gave
up smoking.

Since that time, the weight has gradually crept back on.  I am an
ice-skater, and have just seen myself on video in my favourite skating
dress. Suffice it to say, I don't think I can wear it again until I have
lost quite a bit of weight - my 2nd favourite dress still looks fine!
Moreover, this year for the first time we are struggling with lifts, and
if my husband is to lift me, I'll need to lose weight.  Thirdly, my
daughter is engaged to be married, and although she has not yet set a
date for the wedding, it would be nice not to be a blimp in the
photographs if and when it happens! Fourthly my sister, who was fatter
than me, has been on Atkins and lost a lot of weight, and, of course, my
mother is now going on at me.... quite why I am not acceptable to her
just the way I am is a puzzle, but let's not go there!

So all in all, the time has come for me to make a real effort to lose
weight.  When I lost it before, it was on a low-fat regime; I don't have
a sweet tooth, and am reluctant to give up cheese altogether, so plan to
cut down on carbohydrates (but not get rid of them completely) and be
more stringent about the amount of fat I eat, and generally try to eat
less all over, while keeping to a well-balanced diet, probably slightly
heavy on fruit and vegetables.

I skate for approximately 8 hours/week, but I expect I could do more
aerobic skating - and plan to.

My goal would be to get my BMI down to about 24, and then take stock. It
is, alas, nearer 30 at the moment.