Don't Know Where To Start Help :(

I have the same, but a little different advice.

The same... Start simple and baby steps. Changing everything at once for some people can lead to system overload and they shut down and revert back to where they started.

The different... For me, I took a walk. I didn't change anything other than on a pretty day I went for a leisurely walk. I liked the way it made me felt, so the next day I went for another walk, and so on. I started putting more effort and energy into it as the days went on. The walks made me feel better and as a natural progression my body wanted me to eat better, so that led to a healthier BALANCE of what I put into my mouth and that led me to here/MFP to help with portion control.

We are all different so find what works best for you and it'll be easier to stick with. Good luck! You'll do great! :happy:

First off, feel free to add me (any of you)...the first step I took was the decision to get healthy. Then I cut out all sodas, or any drinks that had "calories", at this point I drink coffee and water with lemon. Yes, I do have the occassional treat at Caribou but without the soda...big difference. Add in any kind of physical activity...walking has been HUGE for me. Lastly, I would say that you are definitely in the right place here at MFP, find people that you connect with, whom motivate and inspire you.

Good luck to you!

Support is number 1! Also, start small. I know that I have been back and forth and yo-yo dieting for years. The point is to not stress yourself out or start big. Take small steps and those will lead to bigger steps. If you have not worked out start with 10-20 minutes per day with cardio and strength and work your way up. Or, start with walking. My first step was to take out soda and fast food!

Sounds lame but YOU have to REALLY want it. That being said MFP has been my best tool. Another lame statement is that if I did it (or am doing it) so can you.

Definitely look at things in terms of smaller objectives and goals. Thinking "I have XXXlbs to lose" can be very overwhelming so break it down into smaller goals that are easier to obtain like cutting down on soda, eating at least 1 or 2 servings of fruit or veggies a day, walking for half an hour 3 times a week, etc. Take it slow! Soon, things will start coming together and you will see yourself choosing healthier options, being more active, and feeling great!

Feel free to add me! I've lost a total of 123 pounds so far and have an open food journal. Good luck and keep your chin up!

Just take it one day at a time. And take baby steps. Add one healthy food, habit, or whatever into your life and just keep at it for a week or so before adding something else. I find that by adding the healthier things, I naturally gravitate towards healthier things and the more unhealthy things sort of just slip away to the back of my mind. Best of luck!

My biggest piece of advice is to take measurements of your body when you start. The scale isn't always your friend, especially if you're starting an exercise program. You will start to look and feel better even if the number on the scale doesn't move for a bit. I've lost about 11 pounds, but have lost 2 belt holes worth of fat around my belly. That is more motivating to me than the numbers on the scale. Congrats on taking the first step!!

Without reading all of the responses, here is what I have done and what has kept me on track for *soon to be* 100 days already!

My goals, besides weight:

I'm here to learn HOW to eat normally. I have a bad relationship with food, I LOVE IT! I don't know when to say enough.
I don't want to eat only salads and grilled chicken breasts for the rest of my life. I want to eat "normally".


Soooo....

I have decided to enjoy my "normal" food with a serious eye on portion control and what is a portion. I eat salads occasionally, but not daily or even weekly. I eat CAKE, cookies, etc also. I watch how much I eat and don't over indulge or make a habit of eating it just to eat it.

I stopped drinking my calories, this was a big one. I was drinking MANY soda's, lots of sweet tea, etc. Those drinks taste great, but are full of empty calories, they are not an asset to your diet.

I do double up on vegetables at dinner in place of more mashed potatoes.... You can eat more broccoli for some much less calories!

I work out daily (or close to). My exercise of choice is walking. I also run now, I'm on Week 9 Day 2 now. I highly suggest finding an exercise that you like and start slowly.

If you mess up, eat a higher calorie meal than you expected, just regroup and push forward. Don't let one bad day turn into a week, month or year.

You CAN do this!!! I'm looking at the long road also, I'm already 66lbs into now and still have about 100lbs to go still. It isn't impossible. It will be a slow, long road, but you *we* can do this!!!!

I just want to add my encouragment to everyone else's! I've been on a weight loss journey for years, sometimes with more success than others. Key is being honest with yourself. Many people have encouraged you to track your food, and that's essential. When I don't track, I don't lose and I do gain.

Good luck to you, dear! Keep going.....

Worry about yourself. When you do that the pounds just melt off.