I am overwhelmed with losing weight

Weight loss doesn't have to be so complicated. MFP is simply a tool that will help you set up a calorie goal and it is your responsibility to stick to that goal with your daily intake of food. With that, stay active. Don't be overly stressed or obsessive. This is a new lifestyle change and it will seem difficult in the beginning, but with time it will get more routine.

What's to stress about? If your diet is already healthy and you simply need to cut back a little on calorie intake, it sounds like a grand slam to me. Remember: this isn't about depriving yourself with a quick fix diet. You make small changes that can be done for life, so it becomes a normal part of your daily routine. Keep a positive attitude.

To the OP: We may be somewhat alike except I'm pushing 60 years old. I did well maintaining a reasonable weight until I hit my late 40s then for next 10 years or so got a little more "overwhelmed" each year as I gained about 6 pounds a year for each of the next 10 years. Yep...that adds up to 60 pounds I needed/wanted to lose when I finally decided I had to make a change. I've not come close to goal yet but I've been monitoring my calories and getting some exercise for only 6 weeks. I'm down 12 pounds and equally important (with so many more pounds to go) I'm starting to fit into my closet-full of too small clothing. Some sort of exercise is important. All I'm doing at this time is walking or going to the pool and treading water. About an hour a day.

Some days can be a struggle. I much prefer to sit in my recliner at watch the Food Network or Cooking Channel then cook up a storm. When you make your mind up to make a change, you'll make a change.

At first trying to learn all that I needed to lose the weight and then maintain, I was obsessed too. There is nothing wrong with it. To cut down on the stress of it all try planning your day's meal ahead of time. I stressed myself out unneccesarily by asking myself what I was hungry for at the meal time, then when I logged it, a lot of times I was over or under on my counts and I definitely didn't have the macros correct. I started planning a day at a time and it's alot less stress.

Not eating fast food doesn't necessarily mean you're eating healthy or that you're not eating too much. Once you start tracking your food - and for your own sake, be honest and weigh/measure everything you can - you'll see exactly how much you're eating and where you need to make changes.

Try not to stress yourself out. Come up with a list of changes you need to make, new recipes to try, etc and set at least one goal per week. There's no need to revamp your whole diet and lifestyle TODAY - make babysteps that will stick.

I also agree with bcattoes (as I do frequently) about exercise. Don't think of getting active strictly as a weight loss tool because technically you can lose the weight without it. Instead think of it as a way towards a strong bones, stronger muscles, better balance, better flexibility - all leading to better contiued mobility and longevity as you age.

Most importantly, it's good for your cardio health and with heart disease being the #1 killer of women, that's a pretty big deal.

I get this way too. I feel overwhelmed or feel dieting is oppressive. This is when I go simple. Take it back to doing one thing and doing it well. I go back to exercise. Make sure I'm getting a good 3, 4, 5 days a week. Doesn't mean I go hog wild with my food, but I ease up on the restrictions. I use the Tosca Reno eat clean books. I find it to me much more relaxing to try and get good food into me rather than restricting what I eat.

Don't throw up roadblocks before you even get there. Worry about today, and make good choices for yourself. You will get there.