A lot of weigh to lose, just starting out

I'm about the same as you! I'm 18 and have always been overweight but I hope that I can lose the wieght and get this behind me. I'm sure you can do it but it's overwheming at first I know. I like to set small goals and they are less intimidating that the big number.

We have very similar goals Added!

If you want an old crazy cat lady for a friend, feel free to add me!

Set small goals for yourself, I have/had over 80 pounds to lose, and honestly maybe more beyond that. Focus on logging EVERYTHING and learn, make small improvements even weekly and the results will follow. I would set a small weight loss goal, maybe 8-10 pounds by Valentines day, that is very do-able. Take measurements and start finding recipes you could make that fit your lifestyle and shop for foods to suppor that. It can be done, but it won't be done all at once, in fact it will take a long time, but little by little you can do it. Best of luck!

I have also stuggled my whole life and this time it will come off and not be a diet but a lifestyle change. Make your goals smaller and remember one step at a time. Anyone can add me

Added!

I'm in the same boat - wanting to lose 100 pounds, a majority by my 30th birthday in December. Was previously a member but then gave up and I'm trying my hardest not to give up this time. I'm limited on exercise for the next few months (2nd Wrist surgery scheduled for 2/11/13) but am trying to get food routine in now. Feel free to add - together maybe we can do it!

Took the words right out of my mouth! Couldn't agree more.

The subject says a lot about what I am dealing with. I have over 100 pounds too lose to be into the "normal" weight range. I signed up last night and kind of wanted some friends on here to help me that had a lot of weight to lose too. I just don't even know where to start I am just feeling like my goal is so hard and I just don't know. I am only 20 years old and tired of always being fat. Some words of encouragement would be nice.

Linsey

Here are my tips for those getting started:

1) Determine your BMR/TDEE (or whatever you want to call it) so that you know what amount of calories (on average) you should be eating to lose weight at a healthy pace. If you use the MFP tools, they'll compute this for you.
2) Log everything. Don't eat it if you can't log it. Take a multivitamin everyday with food.
3) Don't drink your calories. Try to get to a point where all you drink is water.
4) Walk or jog or run... alot! Then start strength training when you're up to it.

Forget the scale. Don't obsess about daily changes in weight. - they don't mean anything. What you should be focusing on are long term changes to your lifestyle. The weight WILL come off. You CAN do it. The math works and it doesn't lie. It just takes time.

This is not a diet and you don't have to deny yourself anything you crave, you just have to eat in moderation and be accountable for what you put in your mouth. For example, if you go over on Monday by 300 calories, then go under on Tuesday and Wednesday by 150 calories each day. Be honest with your log. Be accurate. Be accountable. You can lose the weight and it will happen faster than you realize when you make this a lifestyle change.

First, don't concentrate on your "normal within range" strive to make baby steps, and remember the "normal range" is old and was for insurance purposes (life insurance). So...here is my story and then advice. I lost a lot of weight the year after my mom passed the first month or so was depression and when I saw I could do it...continued...kept it off for 4 yrs...then perimenopause hit...I gained back 25 of the 60. So....here are some tips...get a scale at a store like Bed Bath and Beyond...measure portions, follow the serving size on packages, eat on smaller plates, eat good protein, fish, chicken...good carbs fruit...not breads...log in every day. DO NOT DENY YOURSELF...it only gets worse...if you allow yourself a little treat daily..it doesn't snowball.
Good treats:
Sugerfree pudding
Cereal high protein bars ..Nature Valley, Atkins
A portion of dark chocolate.

And my last piece of advice...exercise...if you did step it up...if you didn't ...start slow...walking at a nice pace...good luck and keep me aware.