I keep falling off the wagon...Here we go again..

You lost weight pretty fast back then. If you set yourself up to lose half a pound a week on MFP, it will not feel so harsh to your body.

Take baby steps. Start by just being honest and recording every bite you eat, every time. That will help get your brain's attention. Soon you'll start to choose foods based on what makes you feel better and doesn't fill up the calorie chart.

Exercise is good for a million reasons, but not for weight loss. It tones you, gives you a better attitude and more energy, and helps reduce stress, but it takes a lot of exercise to "work off" a cookie or candy bar. Better to go for a nice walk and feel like drinking clean water instead of eating that cookie.

Once you get yourself eating in a way that maintains your weight, then you'll be able to take off a few calories here and there. Eating just 100 calories under what you actually need (barely creating any hunger pangs at all), you'll lose a pound a month that is more likely to stay off than if you embark on some crazy calorie reduction.

This is forever, right? Be gentle with yourself. Get some friends here, enjoy the networking, and you will gain motivation.

I'm 28 and I would like to lose about 60-70lbs.

I lost 35lbs in 3 1/2 months about 2 years ago. I felt so good! I was getting so many compliments and my clothes fit better. I felt really great. Then I hit a plateau. I had also just quit smoking, which my doctor told me slowed my metabolism down drastically. I slowly lost interest in the gym and starting going out to eat more and made poor choices. I just gave up completely. Gained it all back.

I've been on and off with eating right and going to the gym and I just can't stick to it after a few months. It's all on me! I will hit a plateau and I'll get bummed out. I just end up quiting.

Like I said, I'm 28 and I want to enter my 30's in shape. I want to be comfortable in my own body, which I haven't been in years. I would like to eventually settle down with a family, and I know that after having kids, I'll probably gain even more weight and it will be hard to get rid of it. I want to enjoy myself! I want to enjoy the beach! I work in the fashion industry and I can't even wear the things I want to wear.

I just need some motivation....

Amanda, here comes the motivation! I got amped when I read your post. You said "Here we go AGAIN". You're like that kid in the school yard that the bully picks on, but no matter how many times the bully pushes you down, or knocks you down you KEEP getting back UP! You are frustrating the HECK out of the bully! No matter what he does, he can't get you to QUIT! Eventually, he'll leave you alone in favor of someone weak and timid! The reason you KEEP falling off the wagon, is because you keep GETTING BACK ON! Some people might view that as a negative, but I look at it completely different. People give up ALL THE TIME. They get knocked down and simply stay put. They sit there in the disappointment and failure and never get up again. There is something to be said for the person that will get up again and again. It means you can't be stopped and you will not be denied. I am GEEKED! I have a GOOD feeling that you are going to get over the hump and get the body and fitness levels you desire. Just take your time and trust the process. This is the right place and the right group of people to keep you encouraged and motivated. I am on every day spreading love!

I am not even concerned that you won't make it. You are a survivor and a true grit champion. I have no DOUBT that you'll enter your 30's looking and feeling like a million dollars!

Never say never! You can do it and we’re all here to help cheer you on. Feel free to add me.

i am sort of a similar situation. i have been ignoring my weight. gained some back. paying for a gym i haven't been using. i fell off the wagon...and i don't even see it in the distance. but i am going to try to stop this nonsense before is escalates any further. right now start a new path. first thing, figure out your eating deficit and do that today. nothing preventing you from that. that is my goal for today.

I think you're smart to want to enter your 30s healthy and lighter. Take it form someone who is well past her 30s ... it does not get easier. Get it under control now, while you are young! Think about me -- an old lady on the boards -- telling you that this side of 40 makes losing weight so much harder. Now is the time to get it together. You can do it!