Help! I can't do this :(

I would suggest joining some groups of people doing the same kind of thing, they understand and give the best support.
Take it one day at a time and don't be too hard on yourself. This is going to take awhile, accept that and go with it.
Good luck!!

A healthy weight loss is .5–2 lb. per week. There's no need to eliminate any foods. You lose weight by eating at a deficit. Period.

Read this: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants

I use MFP's protein & fiber goals as minimums. That helps keep me full longer. It will take trial & error to find what works for you.

I think you will have more long term success if you are more moderate in your approach. There is no need to cut out large groups of foods. Food is not bad or good. Yes, you will be healthier if you eat primarily food full of nutrients (lean protein, dairy, fruit, veggie and whole grain) but you can find room in your plan for some treats that meet your emotional needs. If you read the message boards for very long, you will notice that the folks who have lost a lot of weight and kept it off made small, sustainable changes. They did not do a drastic, draconian plan that left them hungry and miserable. They also did not set deadlines. Face each day as a new opportunity to lead a healthier life.

I'm not a fan of any plan that eliminates food groups. Any changes you make need to be something you can live with for the rest of your life. The reason why we tend to yo-yo diet is that we eliminate foods, and then when the diet is over, we add those same foods back in that helped us get fat in the first place. I have a daily calorie goal. Anything that fits within that goal is OK. I do focus on my macro and micro-nutrients, but beyond that I can eat what I want. Over the holidays I planned my day and exercise to allow a special dessert most days. Last weekend I planned for some pizza. I believe we invest forbidden foods with extra power that creates cravings.

Slow and steady is the way to win this race. Rather than drastically cutting your calories, eat at a moderate deficit. If you decide you want to go lower, reduce your calories gradually. Logging everything you eat is very important. Measure with a scale whenever possible. You need to be as accurate as possible on tracking the calories you consume.

Don't just focus on the calories in side of the equation. Figure out a way to incorporate exercise into your routine. Believe me, as large as I am I can make a walk into an aerobic workout. Start small and work your way up to at least 30 minutes per day. Also, you can make yourself move more by parking further away from the store or walking up stairs in buildings.

I firmly believe in taking the journey one day at a time. I get up each morning with two goals:
1) eat under my calorie goal for the day
2) exercise at least 30 minutes each day

I know if I do those two things I will be healthier and the weight will also come off. You can do this too, but you have to have a plan and stick to it.

Hi. No, you don't need to cut that stuff out unless it makes you binge.

Looking at your food diary I would suggest a lot of protein in the morning to stop your nonstop hunger. It really helps a lot. Those instant oatmeal packs are like throwing gasoline on fire in terms of hunger! Hodgson mill oat bran with some egg or ham and whole fruit would probably do the trick.

I'm sending you a friend request. You can lose that weight, but you probably need more calories dear. You'll still lose like mad, and you'll be more comfortable. No need to torture yourself. :flowerforyou:

I'm not a fan of any plan that eliminates food groups. Any changes you make need to be something you can live with for the rest of your life. The reason why we tend to yo-yo diet is that we eliminate foods, and then when the diet is over, we add those same foods back in that helped us get fat in the first place. I have a daily calorie goal. Anything that fits within that goal is OK. I do focus on my macro and micro-nutrients, but beyond that I can eat what I want. Over the holidays I planned my day and exercise to allow a special dessert most days. Last weekend I planned for some pizza. I believe we invest forbidden foods with extra power that creates cravings.

Slow and steady is the way to win this race. Rather than drastically cutting your calories, eat at a moderate deficit. If you decide you want to go lower, reduce your calories gradually. Logging everything you eat is very important. Measure with a scale whenever possible. You need to be as accurate as possible on tracking the calories you consume.

Don't just focus on the calories in side of the equation. Figure out a way to incorporate exercise into your routine. Believe me, as large as I am I can make a walk into an aerobic workout. Start small and work your way up to at least 30 minutes per day. Also, you can make yourself move more by parking further away from the store or walking up stairs in buildings.

I firmly believe in taking the journey one day at a time. I get up each morning with two goals:
1) eat under my calorie goal for the day
2) exercise at least 30 minutes each day

I know if I do those two things I will be healthier and the weight will also come off. You can do this too, but you have to have a plan and stick to it.

Love it!

Hello,

I won't offer too much in the way of diet , others can and will do that but I can say this .......losing weight has to be a selfish act. I don't believe you can do it for anyone else....it has to be for you.....YOU.
I didn't really understand that for years I wanted to lose weight for so many reasons and the reasons were always for someone else ...a boyfriend, my parents, my friends, my sisters but when it’s all said and done I finally realized I have to do this for ME.

Losing weight is a very personal thing and each person will have many different feelings about it. Don’t allow yourself to feel guilty about boasting when you are successful…shout it out loudly and be proud.


Draw the motivation you need from knowing that you are worth it. No one can say that you are not worth it even if they say things that make you lose your resolve. Stay strong and let that strength come from loving yourself and being proud each time you make the right choice.
Weight loss is about one choice at a time. Sometimes we all miss step the important thing is to love yourself enough to realize that you can do it just get up and start all over again and keep going choice by choice. That's not even one day....just one choice.


If you need a friend who has walked and is still walking the weight loss path then shoot me a note. My journey has not been easy but entirely worth it in the way I feel….and yes I made it all about me to everyone. My journey has been entirely personal for no one else just me.
So stand tall and make it about YOU!

What persists will exist - keep building your motivation, finding ways to switch habits. Do not underestimate the power of cumulative effect of many smaller changes. You can do this - you have already shown yourself - you have already shed some weight?

I recommend to be very cautious of rapid weight reduction these tactics generally do not build long term habits and you can shrink faster than your skin - not to mention other potential side effects. Replace your "unhealthy" habits with ones that will support you on your journey.

Learn - MFP is great place to measure what you are doing - you would be surprised how many CALS can be in grazing and how they stack up. Set short term goals and rewards (generally non-food based but they can be) when you achieve a goal - this could be anything even small things could be a bubble bath, get your nails done, massage / day spa, a new pen, theater show or anything you generally put off you know those things that you say "one day" to.

You will most likely get a lot of different suggestions. Here is the first one from an old lady who has done this many many times with the same result (gained it back + ).
First don't cut anything from your life except extra calories.
Second don't set yourself too low calories -- feeling hungry only leads to being hangry which can result in over eating (states the queen of over-eating while hangry).
Third - move just find a way to add (at first) an extra 20 or 30 minutes a day of extra moving, just walking is a good start
Fourth - LOG EVERYTHING - E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G.
Fifth - get yourself a core group of MFP cheerleaders and be a good cheerleader too.

I want you to succeed, just make sure you figure out what is best for you. There I am done.
Joanne

This!!!!