About 600lbs, Time to Lose a Few

I'm not your size, but I'd love to add you! I'm fairly sensible, and not drastic with anything. It's a daily effort. Add me if you like! :flowerforyou:

Hi Dani...I'm not in the same boat as far as the amount of weight loss goes, but I'm in the same struggle you are just to be healthy. We're all in this together, so please feel free to add me as a friend for that extra support. All the best!
Jen

Dani....You CAN, You WILL, you MUST! Choose life and stay in the moment of now.....just keep thinking that only this second matters, and for this second I can make the decision that is right for me. Love yourself enough to keep making those life affirming decisions.....and remember it is not the goal but who you become as you are reaching that goal that is significant.

We are all bound together by a common cause - weight loss - you can do this for yourself, one day, one hour, one minute at a time!! Add me, having friends on this site really helps. I didn't think it would help me but it has. Good luck on your journey and I'm glad you are willing to share

Way to go for taking that first step!

In terms of keeping your calories under 4000, your best bet is to start filling your pantry and refrigerator with healthy foods that give you good fiber, minerals, and vitamins. If possible, throw out any of the processed stuff that is not good for you (chips, frozen snacks like taquitos, etc, cookies, ice cream). I like to keep 1 or 2 unhealthy options in my kitchen, but not more because otherwise I get too tempted!

If you are eating healthy foods like chicken, fish, vegetables, whole grains, and fruit 75% of the time, you can give yourself a little leeway and have some calories for the not-so-healthy stuff. I find that when trying to change how you eat, it's better to make small steps that you can sustain. I know that for my mom, who started doing this a few months ago, she made changes in week increments, adding on like this:

1. Week one: cut out all sugary drinks (soda, juice, etc)
2. Week two: get at least 3 servings of vegetables.
3. Week three: Try to get at least 100 grams of good protein.

Maybe this would be a good step-wise way for you to start making changes? I suggest cutting out soda and sugary drinks first if you drink them normally, because they are the biggest source of empty calories. If you need a substitute, try buying the 0-calorie drink powder options.

Good luck!

Sweetie! You have made the hardest step! Well done. You will find a lovely supportive community here. Build up your MFP friends with those who will understand your situation and you will be amazed at how much it makes a difference. I was about 300lb when I started so not as big as you, but I do have excrutiating knee problems (bone on bone) so I know what it is like to have to try to exercise when even walking a couple of yards is a challenge. I will accept your friend request if you would like to send one.

It might seem a huge mountain to climb, but one step at a time will get you there slowly but surely. Find yourself a goal or several small goals that you can achieve in the next week, four weeks, month etc and work out how you are going to get to each one. Don't try to look at the bigger picture yet because it might seem overwhelming at first. As your small goals are ticked off and completed you will be closer to your big goal before you know it!

Good luck and welcome.

Congratulations for taking control of your health, you will find that (most :]) people on here are very kind and supportive.

As for eating, I would say reduce your intake by 500 cals every day until you are at your goal caloric intake (track literally everything you put in your mouth) veggies are a great way to fill up without adding a ton of cals. don't drink your calories ! Tea and water are delicious and refreshing.

As for exercise, diet is 80% of the battle but moving is a great way to get rid of extra cals. Until it is comfortable for you to get seriously moving I would suggest looking up "sit and be fit". There are tons of ways to get your heart rate up without using legs (lifting weights, etc)

Good luck on your journey!!

Dani....You CAN, You WILL, you MUST! Choose life and stay in the moment of now.....just keep thinking that only this second matters, and for this second I can make the decision that is right for me. Love yourself enough to keep making those life affirming decisions.....and remember it is not the goal but who you become as you are reaching that goal that is significant.

Congrats on beginning your journey! My goals are not the same as yours, but feel free to add me . We could all use support!

As for keeping your cals under 4000 try changing little things over a period of time. You didn't gain it in one day, it won't come off in one day. The most important thing is that you have patience! Eat a little healthier, move a little bit more, and the weight will come off!

Never give up!

I'm so pleased and proud of you for taking that first step!

Welcome to MFP - it's a good bunch on here, willing to help out when you need encouragement or an answer to a seemingly silly question.

If you'd like a friend feel free to add me

Here's to a successful journey! :drinker:

Hi Dani! Glad to see you have joined the community here..u are on the right track for sure! I have struggled with my weight all my life..I was almost 300 lbs when I started this..now Im less than 2 pounds to being under 200! MFP is the best way to start! I too had a hard time excersing when I started..but start small and push hard when you do even if its only for 20 mins,...believe me once u stick with it u will find it comes easier and easier each day! U will find all kinds of support on here. Feel free to add me as well..we are all in the struggle together..u can do this girl!

Dani,

The first step is the hardest. You've done that. Now it's just dedication. I'm not in the same boat, but will definitely be supportive and encouraging. My first words of advice are - if you have a set back, do NOT let it stop your progress. We all have slip ups, we all have bad days. Do not let it start making you beat yourself up, or make you think you can't do it. You CAN do it. Every meal is a fresh start. I would definitely talk with your doctor about how to start this process, see if they can refer you to a nutritionist to help get you started.

Just remember you CAN do this!

Feel free to add me.
Brandy

Welcome!!! You made the right decision to take control of your health. The best advice that I'd give you is to start with small changes in your everyday life. If you can walk as far as you can, maybe to the end of the drive way, work your way up until you can safely walk to the end of the street. With food, make small changes as well. Dont go cold turkey. I tried that and only gave into tempation.

One of my friends Mollie1037 was in the same range as you. I think she started at 611 and is down below 388 now. She is very positive. You should check out her profile. I felt like the 120 lbs I needed to lose was huge, and she is an inspiration to me. You can add me if you like as well.

Hi Dani! I commend your bravery for posting your feelings for all to read. It takes alot of strength to admit where you are and how you feel about it. Its not easy at any weight to get started, but once you do, you will be happy you did. I have to say, there are alot of people on MFP that will motivate you and lift your spirits when you feel like you " just dont want to do it today".
I have found that I drank alot of my calories in the form of soda, iced tea and even frappes from McDonalds. I had to switch to diet drinks and if I do have something with sugar, I decrease the amount Im drinking. I dont like feeling like Im on a diet! I still eat what I want, but less of it.
Please give yourself a chance to succeed. You can do it! Add me as a friend if you want.
Also, you might like resistance bands. There are plenty of different moves you can do-especially arm exercises-from a chair. All it takes is getting started! I hope you continue to log in. Dont be ashamed of who you are. what you look like or what you eat. You are human and have feelings. Be proud that you have decided to make a lifestyle change!