i have absolutely no will power..

Start with small goals, for week one, try to eliminate something like chips and replace it with a 20 minute walk. If that works then add to it the following week. Remember only to focus on the small goals - otherwise it can be overwhelming.

You've made the first step in admitting you have a problem and a desire to change it. Now you need to put a plan in place. First step IMHO is figuring out what changed. It's there in your mind somewhere, you just have to keep thinking about it and identify the reason. And it might be rough because it probably has something to do with why you're sad but you have to face it. Maybe even consider therapy.

For me, one of my big hurdles was figuring out why every diet attempt I'd made had failed. It took a few months of thinking about it but it finally hit me that I was a foodie and trying to avoid certain things just wasn't going to work. I had to change my thinking to what I can't have vs what I could have but in a healthier way and/or in smaller portions. Once I started experimenting with favorite recipes or finding new versions of old favorites, it became easier.

Keep a journal, write down all your thoughts, goals, etc.

I've definitely been in the same boat as you. I call it the "EAT ALL THE THINGS" mentality. Kind of like I'm looking to fill a craving, but I don't know what that craving is?

First, do you like popcorn? Because if you do, even if it's not what you're craving it's a great filler and fairly low calorie-wise.

Second, if you're not sure how to start making a plan, have you tried seeing a nutritionist? They can definitely help with that. I was worried when I first saw one that they'd be judgmental and pushy like the doctor, but she ended up being great. I can't wait to see her again next month.

Third, the thing that helped me the most when I started was planning out my day the night before. Log everything you're going to eat, snacks and all. Make sure to include some things in there that are things you can't live without. Mine was pop. I have to make sure to add pop into my calories, or I'm sure I wouldn't have made it this far. Don't spend time in the kitchen or even go to the fridge unless you're going to get the things that are on your list. If you have someone else in your house that makes things for you, or can help to support you, ask them for help in controlling your eating. I know I had a roommate once who just gave me all her trigger items (when I wasn't dieting) and had me hide them in my room.

You can do this, but you need to find something that really hits you. Think of something you want to change, and why. A few months ago I had to ask for a seatbelt extender on a plane -- I never want to do that again. You can do this. If you'd like to add me as a friend for support, feel free

I lost my way also but I have begun to do the baby steps back. I'm drinking water a little more even if it just four ounces at a time. It was more than I had previously done which was nothing. Change is just that.....It doesn't happen instantly.

Unfortunately there's no secret source of will power. Every single person on this site who has been successful had to make the decision to become a healthier person. It's incredibly simple, but that doesn't make it easy. You have to decide that becoming healthier is worth your effort (believe me, it is), and then you have to just hunker down and do it. No tricks, no gimmicks, no pills, no "kick starts" or whatever else.

Look at every decision you make as a chance to make yourself healthier. Watch TV or take a walk? Eat a side dish of french fries or fresh vegetables? Drink a large Coke or a bottle of water? One decision at a time. Sometimes you'll make unhealthy decisions, but that doesn't mean you're a failure. It's just a detour, you can always get back on track.

Start small, making one change at a time. It's easier to get long-term, sustainable results if you don't try to drastically change your lifestyle all at once.

And develop a healthier relationship with food and exercise, and with yourself. You may want to seek counseling if you feel that there are fundamental psychological issues that are causing you to overeat. For me personally, I didn't develop a healthy sense of self-esteem until I stopped worrying about how I looked and started worrying about making myself healthier and stronger. Maybe that's what you need as well.

Good luck!

This is my experience as well

You have done the hardest part, the first step is recognizing you have a problem and you are searching for a solution.
This tells me you love yourself enough to reach out. Most of us at MFP have been in this journey for a long time.

Stay with us at MFP, read "Success stories", inform and educate yourself. Take it "one day at a time"
Today is the first day of the rest of your life.

Good luck with your journey to health.:flowerforyou:

I would, but I don't know where to find it.. where do I get that from?

how do I get started?

I don't even know how to make a plan.

A great way to get started is just to log what you eat (and any exercise you're doing) every day for a week. It's a really good way to find out where you can make some changes.

Once you've gotten in the habit of logging consistently, identify your biggest problem area (soda, salty snacks, etc.) and try substituting something healthier for a week. It may also help to keep a diary of when you experience the biggest cravings.

For example, I always crave chocolate in the afternoon. I think it's the result of being given cookies with my lunch every day when I was a kid. Now I make sure to leave room for a chocolate protein shake in the afternoon. It satisfies my chocolate craving and is healthier than cookies and brownies, which always seem to be around in my workplace.

I've been there, done that. I know this is hard, but get everything "bad" out of your house. I was told to do this and it helped A LOT! slowly but surely I broke this cycle. you can do it girl. I know you can. feel free to add me if you need. XX

I am so with your sister. Today is the first day of sooooo many tries but I WILL NOT GIVE UP! My strategy is baby steps. Today I will concentrate on my water -- hopefully this will fill me up and I won't crave as much. My huge problems (besides portions) is eating late at night. My husband goes to bed early and I am left on my own to cheat. I haven't created a strategy for this yet -- and I would love to hear some thoughts -- but right now I'm planning on munching on carrotts or just going to bed. Lastly, as a start, try to recruit a friend to take a walk down to the end of the street with you -- it's beautiful outside this time of year and the walk goes so much fasting when your chatting. Do whatever you have to do to start a habit. YOU CAN DO IT!

Sounds like you are a very emotional eater. You eat something because you are feeling a certain way and then you regret it later. How about trying a food diary. Log what you eat and why you are eating it or how you feel. If you find a patter of events you can start to change it. Like every time I talk to my Mom she hounds me about my weight, I get upset and go for the ice cream. Then you can talk to your Mom about it or learn to keep the conversation with her short. This is just an example and you have to try and find what it is for you. But don't just give up. You are depressed because of your weight and that just doesn't go away. I have totally been there and can hear myself in what you wrote. I have my husband as a workout partner and that has really helped me. He is a constant inspiration to me and drives me to get my butt to the gym and try harder every day. A workout buddy could be super helpful for you. The biggest thing is to try. So today cut out one bad thing you would normally eat and try to find something better to fill it with. Sugar is super addictive so it's going to be like cutting out a drug and you have to get used to it not being in your life. Stay strong!