Help!

Just using MFP every day helped me really see what I was eating and how many calories I was consuming. It's really hard to see it all in one place. If you can commit to logging in (I use my phone app, much easier) and entering all your food for every meal, including snacks, that might help you. But the number one thing is that you really have to want to change. You really have to decide on a plan that you can do and stick with it. It takes motivation and willpower.

If you are hungry all the time, keeping healthier choices easily available is a must so you are not eating snack foods all day. Try to shop for healthy snacks, instant oatmeal is a great, easy breakfast and keep plenty of fruits and veggies for snacking. Don't limit yourself from eating sweet snacks, just limit the amount or size of the snack. I have a sweet treat every day but instead of eating a huge bowl of ice cream or giant candy bars, I carefully watch the portion sizes. Eating meals in smaller bowls and plates has helped me a lot. I limit myself to 1300 calories per day but if I exercise 30-45 minutes a day, I allow myself an extra 300 calories. Oh and booze is an easy way to add up calories and sugars, so maybe limit any booze if you drink it.

As far as exercise, take it slowly. Walk as much as you can! The faster, the better. And if you are going to add exercise to your daily routine, start slowly, 10-15 minutes per day and then work your way up to say 30-45 minutes. That's what I did. I walked a mile every day the first two weeks and then I started walking two miles a day every day. When i felt healthier, I started using an elliptical (that I already had in my garage). I only went 10-15 minutes a day, 5-6 days a week in the beginning. By the end of one month, I was up to 30 minutes per day. Now I exercise 4-5 days a week for 35-45 minutes each time. I also find that exercising right when I get up is best for me. If I put if off, I won't do it. I have heard of people that sleep in their exercise clothes so they're ready to go when they wake up. I do not do that but I keep my exercise clothes right on my dresser so I can grab them easily.

I have been on MFP since late April 2012 and have lost almost 40 lbs. You cannot think of it as a diet or anything like that. A diet is temporary. You need to think of it and treat it as a life style change. It will take a lot on your part to keep yourself motivated and lots of willpower to make healthy choices. If you have any friends on MFP add them so you can motivate each other thru the app. I wish you lots of luck!!