Long time lurking member introduction

[Guest guest]

Hi Everyone,

I have been lurking for a long time and leaching a lot off all your

wisdom. I have now decided to join in - sorry for the delay!

My name is Tara and I am 27 from London, UK but living in Cardiff. I

have struggled with my weight for many years and although not as much

of a prolific diet follower as most, I have tried my fair share. I

came across intuitive eating principles about 6 years ago, but I

obviously wasn't ready to get out of the diet mentality at that time.

I have read Overcoming Overeating but mostly I am trying to use

Mckenna - I am presuming the group is mostly made up of Americans so

I am not sure if his system is much out there in the US?

I am not entirely sure why I have put off introducing myself, but it

may have something to do with the fact that I have been struggling to

stop eating when full and feeling a bit embarassed about 'failing'.

I know rationally that it is a journey, but it hasn't quite filtered

through to my thinking yet. I have found it hard to separate my long

term goal of happiness with my eating and with myself and my want to

lose weight. This has been made harder for me as I am getting

married in May 09 and am battling with all the internal and external

pressures to lose weight for that. Every time I have panicked

however I have realised, 'y'know what, diets don't work, keep

going'. So I am still following the principles and my weight has

stayed much the same - which is great as I have been for the first

time truly enjoying my food!

I did have a little lightbulb moment the other day. I bought my

wedding dress last week and I now feel that if I don't lose a pound

by the day I get married that I will still look gorgeous and be

happy. Sounds small but quite a breakthrough for me!

I want to thank you all for the support you have given me without

even knowing! I have found your posts so helpful and attribute them

to really helping me out of my mini rut. It is so good to have help

from people who understand IE, instead of raised eyebrows and

sceptical looks!

T