getting into this too fast?

You're doing great, you've taken the most important step and addressed that you want/need to be healthier.
I really think you should get on those scales though, then you can get a good idea of what's what. If it seems too daunting, measure yourself, or take a photo and then after a couple of weeks re-measure/take another photo.

Good luck and well done!

Hi, congratulations for taking the first step! :flowerforyou: For myself, I only try to change one thing at a time... like first add exercise, then add changes in diet. However, if doing both at once feels comfortable for you, then I'd say go for it!

I would also try starting to replace some of those negative self statements with positive ones. Every day, find a SINGLE thing that you're proud of, satisfied with, something you did well. Negative self talk is a terrible habit we get into, but positive self talk can also become a habit if you practice at it.

I'm sending you a friend request; accept it if you like!

Hi Amber. My name is Pam (Texasokie). I know exactly where you're coming from...I've been there more times than I can count. I started out by making small changes in my eating habits. It wasn't easy and I've had a few days where I'd slip back into old eating ways and would be down on myself but then with the help of friends from here I've learned that when that happens to just tell myself that tomorrow is a new day and start over the next day on a positive note. I'm 5'2" and started out at 230 lbs 3 yrs ago. I got down to 170 then thought I could do it on my own, next thing I knew I was back up to 198! I joined MFP and love all the support here, the friends on this site are the best!! I'm now working on getting motivated to start a workout program, not for sure what yet but have been experimenting with different kinds of workouts. I'm going to take it slow and easy so I don't get burned out, I figure if I start with 3 days a week (20 - 30 min) each time I will eventualy work my way up to every day. That's how I'm getting started...just find what works for you and start out SLOWLY. You CAN do this, we all can! Feel free to add me as a friend if you want.

Congratulations on getting started!

20 g of carbs is really low and requires cutting out entire food groups - no grains, no dairy, no fruits, no beans, limited vegetables. Most people do not find this sustainable. In the long run, it can be detrimental to your health if you are not conscious of getting a variety of nutrients. Please consider looking into eating a more balanced diet.

^Very strongly second this. To start, I would focus on moderating your regular diet (portion control) and limiting/cutting out a few really high impact indulgences (e.g., soda, fast food). I still eat bread and pasta, but not with the gusto I used to. I'm having pancakes this morning.

Feel free to add me, and good luck!

Hello.You can feel free to add me if you'd like to.

I agree with those who said that you should be PROUD that you are taking the first steps in becoming healthy. You're doing the right thing for yourself, for those who you love, and who love you. That is nothing to be ashamed of. At all.

I agree if a scale is not an option for you, then do get a cloth tape measure. However, the sooner you are honest with yourself, the better. I was 278lbs when I started making changes, and that was not something that I found out from my weighing myself.I had to go to the doctor and HAD to step on the scale! I *thought* that I was 180.Yeah, try 98lbs heavier than that. So it's not that I don't understand! Good luck! :drinker:

Hey amber

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I think you,re doing it just right. I wish I would do the walking an calorie watching like yore doing. I,m disgusted with myself at 167 lbs and only 5.0 feet tall. Anyhow , hang in there and maybe you,ll inspire me

Congratulations on making the decision to make a change in your life. I read through the other comments and would add a few thoughts that I did not see verbalized. I do my best to eat foods that are as close to the way God provided them. Eat fresh vegetables (frozen if fresh is not available), eat the best meat you can afford, avoid the manufactured foods that come in boxes and other packaging. Along another line, personally, I do better if I weigh-in every day. My weight can fluctuate several pounds from day to day, but I know that happens due to water retention, the time of month, etc. Measuring is a terrific way to gauge your progress. Ditch the negative self-talk. It is a BAD HABIT to get into and a hard one to break. I wish you all the best. Hang in there, nothing will change until you make the decision and stick to it. Friend me if you like...

The first step in weight loss is accepting you want to change. I suggest buying a scale, but don't use it as a way to judge yourself or speak harshly about your weight. That will just make you feel worse.

Use it as a tool - like how you use myfitnesspal - to hit your goal.

Next, set realistic goals for yourself. If you weigh 200, make your first goal losing 10 pounds. Work up from there.

Most of us on this website are either trying or have done it. We're all here to help!

Hey! I'm 5 ft 2(ish) and 201, so we have similar stats.
I'm doing the same sort of thing as you but cutting down to 1200 a day. You don't have to rule out carbs completely, i've found. I have a sandwich every day for lunch and I still manage to make my goal. I've made little changes, such as having a sandwich on brown bread with only a few slices of pieces of meat and a lot of salad in it, as well as a lot of fresh fruit such as pineapple, berries and grapes. If fresh fruit isn't available to you, frozen fruit it pretty easy to get a hold of and can be cheaper than buying fresh, plus it lasts longer if that's a worry. I also have worked on my portion control - I used to eat huge a** meals, which contributed to my huge a**, haha.

Anyway, I think you're doing this at a very steady pace but mainly you need to stop putting yourself down. The key to losing weight and positive body image is to be happy with yourself - instead of being annoyed that you weigh that much, be happy that you've decided to move on and lose that weight. It may be a struggle at first, but you'll start to see results soon.


Good luck with your journey!

Thanks to all you kind people. I feel very welcomed here - and guess what? I decided to give your suggestions some thought and you are absolutely right. Going on a strict no carb diet isn't for me. It isn't for anyone. I feel like barfing after eating all that bacon, chicken, and fish today. I DEVOURED an entire cup of pineapple because of it! I saw that can in the pantry and went for it.

From now on its balance, balance, balance. I'm literally nauseated from all that meat I ate today and I LOVE meat. But I want to cut most of it out to make room for tasty green beans, spinach, pineapple, cabbage, oh and my favorite and the biggest low carb no-no ever, GRAPEFRUIT!

Thanks friends!

That's really good to hear. I think you are on a great start to sucess. I wish you the best of luck!