Starting a 200+ pound weight loss journey

I wish you the best of luck! While there's no one size fits all method to this, here's a few simple things that helped me initially. I lost 30 pounds in 3 months and have a new goal of another 30 pounds. Maybe a few of these tips can help:

1- No added sugar. Ever. No sugar substitutes. Nothing. Nada. I get my sweet fill from strawberries and blueberries.
2- No refined or processed carbohydrates and no grains. The only exception is real steel cut oats in the morning (not the quick cook). I will have half a sweet potato a few times a week on the days I have long cycling rides planned. The rest of my carbs come from vegetables and limited portions of fruits.
3- Eliminate the beaten into your head idea that every meal should have a meat, starch, vegetable, and bread.
4- Create meal plans and shop for the week. Shop on a full stomach. No "maybe I'll try some of that as well" at the grocery store. Stick to your meal plans.

5- this one isn't as "simple" but it was a necessity I had to do: I disassociated myself from people who weren't going to be supportive or led a lifestyle that was counterproductive to what I was trying to achieve. I told my family and friends what I was doing and asked for their support. I gave up alcohol which meant happy hours and social gatherings were limited. I've lost some friends while inspiring other friends. I joined a few MeetUp groups and made an entirely new set of friends.

6- Lastly, I went and saw a therapist to deal with the mental side of this. I know most don't like to open up but I wanted to get to the root of my emotional eating. It opened up deep wounds I had blocked out but boy, did I begin to feel happy who I was and it helped tremendously.

I wish you nothing but the best!

Be sensible. Be consistent.

Find some support. This thing you are trying to do is so much easier with a few like minded folks who get the proverbial "It".

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/15651-let-s-lose-100

That group has people at all stages of BIG loss...from daunted "Befores" to some fairly amazing "Afters", and lots and lots of "Durings", like me.

Good luck.

Log every day. Drink water. Sleep well. Move as much as you are able. And we will see you in the After pictures before you know it!

"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now"

Get it girl!

I'm just getting started this week. Feel free to friend request me (or anyone else getting started as well). We can start together!

You can do this and dont be afraid to lean on those here for support!

Include me... I'd love to take this journey with you. I can use the support as well. I had a terrible time quitting smoking but
you can't stay away from food. With smoking I say to myself "just say no" It's easier to not do it than it is to try to quit again.
We can't say no to food. I love food!! I love vegetables and all the good stuff but I love sugar as well. It is so hard... But we can
do it if we are here for each other. I wish you well, lets just take one day at a time.One meal at a time.

Your post is very inspirational. Always put yourself first!! I made the mistake too many times in the past that I wanted and needed to lose weight for everyone else in my life, but what is working this time is, I am losing weight for myself. You can do this!! It is not going to be easy at all, but in the end, every struggle will be worth it!

I am new as well and also tired of being tired. I started out at 357 and am slowly taking it off, 8 pounds so far. The important thing is that we are here and are wanting to become healthy. Looking forward to our journey!

Jen

Congratulations. Deciding that you want to change is the most important part. My advice is not to focus on the 200+ pounds. Just focus on getting things going in the right direction. You don't want to make things any more daunting than they need to be. There will be obstacles. There always are (for everyone). Be happy that you are now on the road to being fit and healthy.

Good for you!!! You are an inspiration. I just started myself. Have to lose 100 lbs. This website and these kind and smart people who contribute here are the most help I have ever had in trying to lose weight. I can't imagine that you have any experience or feeling on this journey that someone here hasn't had and can relate to. You are definitely not alone. Let everyone help you. I suspect you haven't done much reaching out over the years, I certainly haven't, for all kinds of reasons. But now I get it that we are all in the same boat. All human hearts are the same. We all want the same things. So join the family. And welcome to what will probably be the greatest success and learning experience of your life. Looking forward to hearing more from you.

2. Stop drinking soda. All soda. Not trading regular for diet because that always brings me right back to regular somehow.
4. Start walking each day. Stop asking others to go get the mail. (I like to act like it's too far to get the mail. It's not, I'm just lazy)
5. Stop asking others to do stuff for me an get things for me.


I'm not giving up this time.

I am quoting your words back at you because those are some of the things I decided to do that really helped me. Another one was to walk. I started out just walking a little, just a few minutes. Then more, a mile a day, maybe 6 miles a week. Now I weigh under 200 and I walk 5 miles 5 days a week. It has taken more than a year to work up to that!

My max was 300. But I lost it in fits and starts over years. I am so impressed with you. I think you are so brave! Good for you for getting started!!!

I'm sending a friend request. I hope you'll accept it.