Im embarressed of myself.

any tips would be appreciated ....

Take stock of your positives. You're 20. That is a big advantage.

I have been on maintenance over a year. Here's what I recommend: If I were starting out now, knowing what I know, I would not go straight to "the recommended daily calorie allowance". I would benchmark my existing habits first. In other words, just eat like I always have and keep track of it. I don't care if it's 5,000 calories a day, that's fine. It's not good or bad, it's just present reality. Then I would drop gradually. 4,500 per day for a week or so. Then 4,000 a day, and so on.

The problem is, and I've done it myself, is that we overeat and then try to go to something like 1,200 calories all at once. It's like driving 90 miles an hour and slamming on the brakes. It's pretty rough.

Here's the best news: You don't have to be perfect, you just need to be better at eating than you are now. If you are committed, you'll be successful. Don't be overly hard on yourself and don't be overly lenient. Be calm and be steady. You'll get there. Promise.

I'm similar to you in stats - 5'8", started at 252, now at 198 after 5 months. Just start slow and build consistency. It sounds silly, but even little things help. I started by going for 20 minute walks, slowly adding time... once I got bored with that I tried an elliptical, I figured out boredom during working out meant I wasn't pushing it hard enough. With food, at first I didn't "cut" anything, I just tried to focus on only eating fruit when I was hungry in between meals - no more junky snacks. I focused on apples and bananas and fruits with fiber in it. It slowly gets easier, just keep going. You can do it!!!!

Don't be embarrassed, lots of us have been there. I definitely know I have! I lost my job and was sitting at home for 3 months. I'm pretty sure all I did was eat, because by the time I starrted my new job, I weighed 277 pounds! I remember getting on a scale once and see that number and I just burst into tears. I was inching closer to that 300 mark!

It was that day I decided it was time to make some changes. Some of the first steps I took: I literally threw all of the sugary, salty, snacky stuff out of my house. I told hubby that was just going to be the way it was. I replaced it with healthy fruit, lower calorie treats and salad stuff. I quit drinking soda -- cold turkey. I would plan out my day's food in the morning, and post it on the fridge. If I knew I was going to have something high in calories for dinner, I would have fewer cals for breakfast and lunch. I logged EVERYTHING that went into my mouth on my food diary.

In about 3 months time, I lost 20 pounds. I think just cutting down my daily calories is what made it happen. I'm sure I was eating between 3500 -4000 calories a day! Just cutting it down to 1500-1700 made all the difference! With those extra 20 pounds off, I was able to start adding some exercise. Even if it was just a walk about the block, or around the office.

Don't set your expectations too high. Don't set a goal of "I'm going to weigh xxx, by xxx time." If you fail, you will be disappointed. Instead, set goals like "I want to stay under 1500 calories for three days in a row." Or, "I will log all of my food for 5 days in a row." Those are easily attainable goals. Once you accomplish them, you can then start lengthening them and even add some tougher ones.

Congratulations on taking the first step - ask for help, ask for support and remember: Strive for persistance, not perfection!