Lost my first 20 lbs!!

I'm so happy to hear about other people's experinces and successes on this site.. I too, suffer from hypothyroidism, but I do blame myself as well for eating to excess and not exercising. 20lbs. is a lot of weight to lose since January--CONGRATS. I was wondering if you implemented exercise and changed your diet in order to achieve this success. I'm currenlty, walking a couple of miles a day-and meeting the caloric intake recommendation. Does anyone have any additional suggestions to make the weight come off?

Thank you! I should have probably specified that I lost a few pounds in November but didn't start trying until December. At that point I mainly focused on changing my diet and eating habits, started doing some light work outs at home. In January I found MFP and towards the end of the month joined a local gym. I go to the gym at least 4-5 days a week. I do about an hour of weights and an hour of cardio. I hate cardio with a passion, but love weights. Next month I will probably start taking some of the Zumba and Body Pump classes also. I really want to get into the 5x5x5 weight program because MFP has taught me how beneficial strength training is for women. Exercise has honestly become the thing I look forward to most everyday and is a huge stress reliever in my life.

As far as diet, I come from an Italian and Hispanic background so I was basically raised on a high carb and calorie diet. Now, I try to eat lots of protein, it helps me stay full. I drink a lot of water, eat lots of fish, baked or grilled chicken, vegetables, fruit. I hardly eat sugar and try to stay away from prepackaged foods. I suck at logging my food but am trying to get better because it does help you! I try to follow the dietary guidelines that MFP has set for me. With the hypothyroidism, my levels have never been regulated - my doctor had no clue what she was doing and due to insurance issues I have been off meds for a long time. The only thing she ever told me was to watch my carb intake and from what I have read on the boards here, that seems to be true. I will be seeing an endocrinologist in April though to get that all sorted out.

I'm not on a crazy restrictive diet. I don't do hours of cardio a day. Just going the tried and true route of watching what I eat and being more active... if I can do it, YOU can do it too. Good luck!

Thank you everyone! I didn't expect anyone to care really, just needed to share with somebody besides my toddler who just doesn't understand why we were having a crazy 6 AM victory dance party this morning lol.