Need to do something but don't know where to start

I completely understand what you are going through. I think that I gained 75 lbs through emotional eating and not getting the same exercise that I was getting in the beginning. I just started using this program a couple of months ago and I love it! My friend told me that losing weight is mostly from watching your calorie intake. This tool has helped me make better decisions concerning portion sizes and healtier alternatives. I haven't lost a whole lot but I defiitely have seen results. Just start little by little and don't beat yourself up on days that you got a little bit over. Feel free to add me for support

WELCOME!!!! If you want ANY information on the "way of life" that I am doing. I will be glad to email you all the documentation that I have. You are Beautiful. You have a WHOLE life ahead of you as long as you get that health under control!!! You can do this. Good Luck. And like Crisi said, you just have to start moving. BUT 80% is food intake in my opinion. You have to be ready to go through with it. My breaking point was when my daughter kept calling me soft, and shaking my belly. Also when NONE of my pants fit and I refused to by anything larger than a 12. Good luck and stay focused. Like I said, we can email if you'd like. I've lost 17lbs in 40 days!!

Hi

The first step is done: you're here and you asked for help!
You'll get loads of support on MFP, that's for sure!

Where to start?
Well, I did it this way:

First week or so, I only logged in my food and drinks, without any pressure, without any goals, other that "getting started".
I didn't manage to stay within my calorie limit. It was mainly to check what I eat, how much it actually is, and how many calories it is.
Then I started to cut back on my breakfast, as that was the easiest for me then ( now not true anymore).
Then, next step was cutting back on dinner.
Only this last week I started with some exercise, and only then I managed to stay under calorie goal, but not every day, just once or twice...
I'm loosing weight since week 1. I guess that's mainly because I am aware of what I eat and how many calories that makes.

So, first thing: no pressure! Take it easy, with pressure you might fail!
Second thing: slow baby steps: don't change everything at once, that might just be too much to handle!
Third thing: do allow yourself everything you crave, cut back in portions though.

I've read so many times: you didn't get that weight over night, so you won't loose it over night.
Everything takes time, and every little thing you change, does have an effect, you might need some time to notice it though.

Stick with this site!
Wish you success!

MM

I think you've already started. You are here and have decided to change your life. Congrats! that's the hardest step!
As for suggestions...track everything that goes in your mouth and all movements you make. Then you will know where you stand.
Reduced your sodium and carb intake. Up your fiber and water intake. Get some multivitamins in ya. Ask doc if there are and special things you should focus on or avoid.
The get up. Move. there are so many movements you can make little by little until you are ready for something more intense. Walk. Walk. Walk. Walk in place while watching tv. get up and move. The more you move and the healthier you eat, the better off you will be.
there are TONS of supportive people here to help you out. The tools are helpful. Roam around the site and check everything out.
You will get there if you put in the effort!
Congrats on your first step to a better you!

Start out slow! You dont want to burn yourself out or injury yourself by jumping into it too fast. Start out walking for a little bit each day, & add time onto that walk when you feel like you can. Leslie Sansome makes workout dvd's "Walk a mile, walk two miles, etc". I would see if you can find this program. It is good from beginners & she makes it more fun than just plain walking. Anything to do to get a little extra movement throughout the day can be a big help!! I also heard that if you take a walk right after eating, it helps to boost your metabolism.

Also LOG ALL OF YOUR FOOD EVEN IF YOU HAVE HAD A BAD EATING DAY!!! This helped me tremendously. You have to log to get an idea of really how many calories you are eating. I would start out by logging a regular "non-diet" day of your eating, so you can get an idea of where u are starting off at. I did that my 1st day and was appaled at how many calories I was taking in. That was a good motivation to stop eating so much.

DRINK WATER, WATER & MORE WATER!!!~I use Propel powder packets to flavor my water when I get tired of it plain. You can find it at walmart.

Take it slow, day by day, meal by meal. You'll probably be really hungry at first, but I promise it gets better. Your body gets used to the amount of food you feed it. Also find healthy snacks/meals that you REALLY LIKE for when you do want a snack/meal. They are out there, you just have to find what you like!

Last, relize that this is a huge, long process...Its a marathon, not a sprint. You didnt gain the weight overnight & its not gonna come off overnight!!! I would read the newbie links on the community board as well. They are a big help and teach u the basics! Hope this helps you out. Good Luck!!!

Oh and turn up the music and DANCE!! One of the most fun exercies & burns tons of calories!!!

start with tracking EVERYTHING you eat. measure your food. get a scale if you don't have one.

do some kind of movement every day. if you can't do 30 minutes straight. do 4 10 or 15 minute walks. it WILL work. while you are watching tv, do 3 sets of 10-15 reps of bicep curls and arm exercises. (check fitness magazines online for tips and techniques) you don't have to purchase weights at this time...start out with soup cans. water bottles. soup dish bottles. work up to laundry detergent bottles!

don't try to "eat the entire elephant in one bite" ...start out with the basics. track your eating. move. rest at night for 7-9 hours.

from there, weekly look at something in your eating that needs to be removed. we all have them. is it the crackers? boxed cereal? soda (even the diet is as bad as smoking)

look at what you need to add to your diet daily to make you healthy. variety is the key! fruits and veggies are soooo full of goodies for your body. it's not just a calorie, it's what that calorie has in it.

cheering you on!!!
Jane

Hello, read your post and I can completely understand your dilemma. I myself could afford to lose at least 100 lbs but I've decided that I should start with a goal of 50lbs so I do not become to overwhelm thinking about losing so much weight. I am here to offer support and encouragement. I think this is the best weightloss website so far. Good luck and Happy losing!

my doctor gave me 4 things to do to start....they were so easy and now I love to share them

1 do not go anywhere that has a drive thru
2 eat off a salad plate no return trips for more
walk 5 minutes today and add a minute or two everday
line up your 8 glasses/ bottles of water the night before and make the line go away durring the day.

Easy peasy , Hope this helps