Maybe I am not ready??

You're right. You have to be ready. You have to decide to make a change and jump feet first.

Only you can answer that question. But I'm with di1428, choose a date and prepare yourself. It's the same as quitting smoking. I needed a challenge from my gym to get started. I've thought about it for a year and a half. But they posted a Biggest Loser contest and I am highly competitive. Doing what I can to win! Even if I lose I'll be a winner because I will have lost weight and become healthier and stronger. (But I will win!)

I have found that taking it slow and not getting over zealous has been the key for me.

No point in trying to lose weight if your diet is horrible. no amount of exercise can reverse what you put in your mouth.

I have found that taking it slow and not getting over zealous has been the key for me.

I couldn't agree more. I've tried over the years but did it too fast. I wanted instant results. I wanted to lose two stone in two months, run 5K in the first run. It's not realistic, and that's what we must be.

By taking it slowly, I've been able to lose 28lbs at 2lb per week and get to running 5 miles by doing the C25K program, which getting you running slowly.

Take this slowly and it will happen, I promise. 8-)

At least you're exercising regularly.

I realize for many people a number on the scale or the size of your jeans is more important than fitness but my personal belief is that fitness should be your first priority. You can be fit and healthy while still carrying some extra weight (it's not ideal but it's better than being a skinny couch potato).

In respect to your diet being "horrible" try making a series of small changes rather than overhauling it all at once. I suspect that many people feel deprived and overwhelmed by trying to fix everything all at once. Think in terms of baby steps.......it may take longer but you still get to your destination.

When will you be ready? It's the main question to ask yourself. I use to think that i'd deal with my weight maybe after university when I wasn't so stressed studying and then I put it off till after I found a good steady job and was financially secure. I just kept procrastinating and not happy with the way I looked.

Small changes help but really soul search and determine when you'll be ready. When will you put your health first? When will you put YOU first!

OR, maybe you just need a new perspective or a different approach. It's hard to give specific advice without knowing exactly what you've been doing but I think you posting this means you might be ready and you're just looking for some input.

If your calorie goal seems too low and you're always struggling, how about increasing it by 100-200 calories per day?

Or you could take a week's vacation from logging and have a better attitude about it when you get back.

If you've been eating a lot of sweets, I find that's a vicious cycle. The more of them I eat, the more of them I want. It's a tough habit to break but if you plan your meals and snacks really well, you should be able to avoid the hunger and after a few days those cravings will subside. I like snacking on steel cut oats with craisins. It's sweet and very filling so I'm not tempted to grab sweets in the afternoon.

P.S. I hope you don't decide to give up. Even if you're just exercising, you're still doing something good for yourself!

I am working through this at the moment. Have lost 11 pounds over the last few months but I have started to sabotage myself since new years. I am now between 3-4 pounds heavier. I know it is because I am eating crap but I can't seem to stop eating it. I have got into a pattern now and I need to focus and get past this hurdle. The annoying thing is that I was really looking great and I know it's only 4 pounds but it does affect your confidence.

You definetely have to make up your mind. Throughout 2012 I started and stopped many times, but this time it's like something has clicked and my mind is set. Maybe you could try changing one thing at a time instead of everything at once. (cut back on sweets,skip dessert, no soft drinks, etc) The good thing is that you are already exercising which is a big plus! Hang in there and dont try to figure it all out at once. One day at a time....

I started with getting daily exercise fixed into my routine. Took me about a month. Then I got on MFP and started logging my intake. Didn't set dates to get started, didn't plan to change things by particular dates. Just did it.

My take on it is that if you plan to do x by date y, you can also find enough excuses NOT to do it. Don't plan to start tommorow, start today. Doesn't matter if it isn't perfect, just get used to one change at a time. Start tracking your regular intake, take an apple for afternoon snack instead of a bar of some kind, drink diet soda instead of regular, have your coffee without sugar etc. Next year you'll be amazed about the effect of all those small changes combined.

Go for it!

Edited to add that enjoying the good life isn't a bad thing. Just enjoy in moderation. I for sure didn't say goodby to cheese, chocolate and wine! ;-)

you have half of the battle done. you exercise. What i did was come here and try my best to log..even though i wasn't ready either. But i knew it would click and finally i'd be ready to just do it.

I started last week..and now with one week done..it is getting easier..and i'm starting to exercise too. keep coming here and trying...you will do it.

Just remember that you don't have to drastically change everything at once. That in itself may be overwhelming. Maybe you should try incorporating small changes to your diet and progress as you feel comfortable. Small changes can really add up!