Upset with myself..

Don't start a "diet" - think of it as a lifestyle change. Eat healthy food and exercise. Log everything you put in your mouth. If you want it, you'll do it. Don't think you have to completely change EVERYTHING at once. Start simple - drink more water, log your food, move more. As you log you'll see where you should make other changes in your choices.

I'd suggest thinking about the foods that you really like, and what you can reasonably cut down on, then find an eating plan that works with this. For me, I love carbs, so any low-carb diet would be doomed to failure. On the other hand, I can live without most fatty foods. So a low-fat diet works - and the one I'm following has enough leeway that I can have the occasional chocolate/crisps/whatever without it being a problem.

As said above, too, try not to think of it as a diet. A diet is usually a temporary method of losing weight. A change in your eating habits can stay for life.

The other side of it is exercise. Do you get much in your daily life? Can you find a way to increase it a bit? But if you find it hard to keep going with the major changes, I'd recommend changing either your diet or exercise levels first, and getting used to that change first before introducing the other.

I'm not expert at all - this is just what's working for me so far!

Don't start a "diet" - think of it as a lifestyle change.

Bingo!

"Diets" don't work! You may lose weight initially but this will not stay off as it can't be sustained for long.

Change your habits for life and you will be successful. I've lost 50lbs+ and i still eat chocolate, eat out, eat whatever i like basically. The difference now is i have the knowledge of how to do it all in moderation.

Add me if you like and i can support you.
Jx

as was said by others - dont think of it as a diet - most diets fail. Make a lifestyle change - I started with calculating my numbers, here's a great link to help with that.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/654536-in-place-of-a-road-map-2-0-revised-7-2-12

I log EVERYTHING that goes into my mouth and I increased my water intake. I also really watch the sodium (thats a hard one since its in everything) - Then I eat within my numbers (or macros) making sure that I keep my protein up (45%)- carbs low (25%) and fats at about 30% - I know this sounds like a lot but I break it down to 10% each saturated / monounsaturated / Omega 3's

and I work out 3-4 times a week minimum at the gym and try to get at least 30 minutes of at home exercise (like cleaning) / walking in every day. So far Im down 5lbs and 6 1/2" in about a month. But I've already got more energy then I've had in forever, am sleeping better and clothes are definately fitting better.

Food wise the biggest thing that I've changed is that I try not to eat things that come out of boxes / cans / bags - the less processed food you eat the better. I've also figured out how to make the things that I used to buy premade myself so I can cut out a lot of the fat/sodium and get in some extra flavors that I really like. Anything that is designed to have a long expiration date will be full of things you dont need that will pack on the weight. Once in a while is ok but we all pay the price for that convenience.

As a life style change this works for me because I can eat whatever I want as long as I keep within my numbers - I dont to 'cheat' days or meals because I dont feel deprived of anything - and as long as I keep my proteins up I dont ever feel hungry either - unless it's getting close to lunch or dinner...lol...so I'll be able to keep this up forever.

Find what works for you - if it doesnt fit you then you wont stick with it regardless of what you call it.

Good Luck!!

First, avoid the term "diet"!

If you are not willing to make a lifestyle change you will continue the weight roller coaster for ever.

You want a beach body? Well I hate to be the one who breaks this to you but a beach body is the result of a low fat / carb, high protein / fibre eating regime along with regular exercise (cardio & strength). There is no quick fix or magic pill to accomplish this goal!

To get on track, start logging everything you eat. As you get a sense of the "cost" of what you eat, start modifying to get to a balanced and healthy eating regime. Say good-bye to as much processed foods as possible. Especially things like , Colas, fast food restaurants and bagged, boxed and frozen foods.

Then as you are re-adjusting your eating, start exercising. Start slow if you do not currently workout regularly. Try different things if you are not sure what to do. Running, biking, swimming, yoga, weight training, pilates, martial arts, dancing, etc, etc. etc. There are lots of great classes to get a start and to start learning about your body and how to improve it. If you are shy, there are lots of great home workout programs, Insanity on DVD and BodyRock on the internet. The point being that with very little research or commitment, you can find a lot to chose from and try.

Lastly drink lots of water! As you start on changing your diet, plan your daily food. When you are hungry between "meals" go for a glass of water.

And, most important, have fun!!! If you look at this as a chore or as something negative, you are bound to fail.

All the best on your journey!

Just as a for example on what I was saying. My hubby just messaged me and said he really fancied pizza. I managed to talk him out of it for tonight (he has lost over 120lbs over 4 years so didn't take much convincing) but instead we now have a movie and pizza night planned for Friday night.

We are both going to save our exercise calories for the next few days and have pizza on Friday night with a movie. I will eat lighter during the day and although will probably go over calories on the day, over the week I will still be at a calorie defecit and should still lose weight.

So this kind of "diet" I can deal with. I'm not missing out and totally cutting things from my eating plan, just been sensible and planning more and making adjustments to allow to eat certain things as occasional treats instead of 3 or 4 times a week.

You can do it! x