I am in need of a major overhaul!

My first step was just recording what I was eating, with no judgments, just so I could tell what I was really doing. I then decided what was the most important thing to do first. The first week was less sweets.(My first few days, just on a notepad, was mostly carbs...) The second week my goal was more vegetables. Now that I've been looking at what I've been doing since July (yes, it took me that long to really get ready) I realize that the best way to go is celebrate every victory, every meal I choose well. My measuring stick is, "Good, better, best". Nothing is on my "bad" list, everything is on my "have" list. Every meal when I've eaten better than before and I still feel light, energetic, and ready to go, I celebrate! I am happy now, I am living now. I'm not waiting until I get to my goal wait to be happy. I'm doing it now. :happy: You can do it!

BIG KICK in the tush , LOL. You need to make up your mind that now is the time you are going to do it. And start out small. Like I am going to exercise for 15 mins , 4 days a week this week, I can do 15 mins, then the following week do 20 mins and so on. And try replacing your foods you eat now with similiar lower cal versions. Like I love ice cream so now I replace it with skinny cow ice cream sandwiches or weight watchers ice cream bars. I love starbucks, but now I order nonfat. I hope this helps. If you want you can add me. We can do this. It is easier to do it when you have someone who is doing it with you. Where do you live ?

Lots of good ideas expressed to think about; I have a few more to add:

1. Making a list of every reason why you want to lose weight. A friend of mine did that, and for example, on occasion she's out in the woods with a forest health committee. One of her reasons was "to be able to pee in the woods and stand up after!". In other words, list every little thing. Once you review that list, it's hard to rationalize why you DON'T want to get going to lose the weight.

2. Have one or two BIG incentives. Not some of the above listed reasons, but big ones; ones that don't involve food. For me, one of my main hobbies is knitting/crocheting. Being able to attend a national workshop that goes on every year in California is one of my dreams. I will "let" myself go to it once I lose my weight. Think BIG. And these don't have to be expensive.

3. The process of losing weight is one of the BIGGEST boosts to self-esteem; you take control over your eating/food habits. Once I committed to losing weight, and when I started MFP, counting calories, documenting my exercise--I was in control of the food I ate, and it felt WONDERFUL. You know how it feels when you overeat, eat things you shouldn't, etc.--you feel lousy. It's the exact opposite when you're committed to losing. Even when I had only lost a few pounds (you really couldn't tell I had lost weight), people remarked that I just had a different, more confident air about me. That boost may also help you in your other life issues....very important!

4. Make the commitment. Seriously. With no firm commitment, #3 won't happen and you'll end up slipping here and there and getting bummed out about it.

5. I've found listening to podcasts on my MP3 player on weight loss helps me stay motivated. Search the web for podcasts, there are a bunch out there; listen to them on your computer or put them on an MP3 player. Exercise while listening to them.

6. Tell people you're on the road to losing weight. I told just about everyone. Now you're stuck--lose it or look silly.