Hello! feel like this is my last shot

If you don't enjoy walking you might want to look into chair exercises or moving using a stability ball. Be consistent and start slow gradually building up your endurance

I started in the same spot. I stared slow. Just walk, get moving! It does not have to be intense to be effective. I love to cook, bake and eat! I just turned that love into making new things that were healthy for me. There is a lot of support here. Take it a day at a time and figure out what is going to work for you. Good luck!

Okay. Yeah. It's easy to feel like all the "right" stuff is too hard. But if you take a deep breath, look at what others have suggested about exercise - take it easy. There are plenty of successful folks here who haven't put themselves through 3 days of pain each time they exercise (or 2 or even 1). Heck, I didn't even count my walking at first, because it wasn't "exercise" and I hated even the idea of walking as exercise. What I *did* do was amble slowly and taking in the fresh air and take a mental break from work/home stuff.

Also? You could start even EASIER, and just log what you're eating. So you like eating out. Big deal. Figure out how *you* want to log that easily - this isn't supposed to be a life-consuming thing. Give it just enough thought to work out how you're gonna do it simply, and move on.

Why? Because often people notice a small change or two they can make pretty painlessly. Go for the low-hanging fruit so you can feel encouraged by the success! You'll also benefit from having a factual starting point - currently my macros look ~like this. Calories are ~that. Knowledge is power!

I'm not calling you obese - so apologies for the title of this article, but it's got some great info and encouragement for you:
http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/fat-loss/training-the-obese-beginner.html

And of course the MFP classic (someone had to post it!):
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants

If nothing else, read those to feel a bit inspired. You can do this! :flowerforyou:

We have all been there and it feels like s*it sometimes. But you have to believe in yourself ; after a few attempts, it seems that it's slowly working for me. Calculate your TDEE (maintenance calories), eat about 10%-20% less than that, eat in moderation (no restrictions of what you like required), log / weight all the food you eat and stay within your goals. Adjust as required. Sport helps as well. Trust me, it really works! Start moving as well. (It's Sunday and went for a walk to complete my 10000 steps goal).Also start to lift weights if possible. Set small goals. Try intermittent fasting.

Use the forum, there is a lot of support in here. See what works for others as well.

Good luck and I know you can do it!

It's never your last shot! For me, dieting and eating well has taken years of practice, over and over again, still practicing. I LOVE fresh foods, but for some reason (always in a rush typically) I tend to go back to processed things that make me feel bad, inside and out. I was on a fried chkn kick for months. Let me see who does the best fried chkn sort of thing. Also, I can eat. Love to eat. I eat when I'm not hungry OR was typically starved all day and then eat everything in sight at night.
For the last year I've been thinking about "dieting" again, but just didn't feel like I had it in me; I didn't want to be hungry, lose 10lbs, and then go back to the norm and gain it back plus 5. Nope, not up to that again. Not injecting myself with HCG again to starve to skinny, but still be fat.
I shop Amazon like its my job and a couple weeks ago came across a book through a process of review reading and thought, huh, I'll give it a try. Had about 5 stars from hundreds of reviewers which seems hard for any product to get. So, a few days later I had "Burn the fat, Feed the Muscle" in my hands. Once I actually picked it up and began reading, I could feel things changing in my thinking, believing it! You mean I can actually EAT and not starve on 1200 calories a day? It really helps you understand WHY foods do what they do, understand what YOUR body needs to lose fat, and is just plain inspiring. I love it so much I've sent out 5 more copies to girlfriends of mine who also struggle with their bodies. I'm so far eating pretty much to the book , LOVING my foods (esp since its summer and so many yummy fruits are available...stuffing myself on watermelon & eating pints of blueberries at night!!). I've been on for about a week and a half, actually used my "Free Meals" having BBQ last weekend with friends and pizza last night at a meeting, just not going crazy all day. I've lost 4lbs, found myself thinking that's not enough...what the heck! That's GREAT! I cannot recall losing 4lbs while eating quantities I WANT and NEED to eat to feel satisfied. I should note that generally I'm fairly active, up until 2 months ago did a Pilates class 2x/week, but due to a herniated disc in my back and severe leg nerve pain I had to stop everything...was seriously laid up on my couch for almost 2 months. As of today, I have not had any exercise other than stretching for over 2 months. I followed the book and made weekly & every 3 month BIG goals for myself, and followed suit with a REWARD chart to coincide with those goals. My first reward is tomorrow...going on a day trip Whale watching! So excited. I had to put a lot of thought & research into my rewards to make them things I would love, not normally do on a weekly basis. I came up with a great list and I find myself thinking about them, not wanting to let myself down on the agreement I made with myself. As my good friend says, "be impeccable with your word..to yourself!" We are often impeccable with our word to others, but not often to ourselves. If I don't adhere to my plan and make my goal for the week, then I don't get to have my reward, and I REALLY want my rewards.
Just something to think about. I'm sure there are other books and things out there to provide some inspiration. Just sharing what has really changed my process and been easy. For once.
I'd like to sign this from : Not starving.

CHEER UP. I am in the same boat! This is my third time trying MyFitnessPal. The first time I lost 10 lbs. It took less than 2 months to gain it all back and then some.

My weight is more than ten times my age, which I think is a bad sign for an adult.

Here is what I am doing to make this round more successful. (I am sharing in the hope that one or more of these activities will resonate with someone out there.)

1) Set My Goal to 1 lbs per week to make the change manageable. I will try to undereat by about 200-300 calories every day. (That will bring me closer to the goal for losing 2lbs a week, but will leave me cushion for those hard days!)

2) Focusing on non-food related activities. Instead of going out to eat, going out to window shop or see a movie. I like books....buying some of those instead of food might be nice...Also, opting for less fast food joints. If I am going out to eat, I want something I cannot make at home for 1/3 the price.

3) Keeping portions down by pre-portioning my meals for the week on sunday and Wednesday (or Thursday). This will include cooking several dinners and dividing the meal into individual servings and making tiny mason jar salads, which is exciting for me since I do like preparing attractive meals.

4) Spending my precious few grocery dollars on fresh, fragrant, (expensive) ingredients so that there is literally LESS to eat in my house. This will also ensure that what food I do have is healthful. (e.g., more fruit, vegetables, fresh herbs, fish)

5) Weekly weigh-in.

6) I tried to join the gym to workout with my bf and failed. (I blame him...because I can.) But I have had REALLY great success joining a martial arts class at the YMCA. The class I attend is run by two nice guys. They teach Cuong Nhu, a Vietnamese martial art that combines several "soft" and "hard" styles including tai chi, wing chun, aikido, and american boxing to name a few. I don't go often (maybe once a week). It can be a very intense OR a very relaxing workout depending on the day and how everyone feels. The instructors ALWAYS take the time to ask how everyone is doing so that no one gets hurt. The goal is always, "participate as much as you can, safely stretching your mind and body based on YOUR individual abilities." I found that the other members of the dojo are just super cool and supportive. It helps...I may still be gaining weight, but I know that my roundhouse kick could probably rip a door off it's hinges----I am not going to put this to the test.

7) Become more familiar with my "danger times" and "uncontrolled foods." No food is good or bad, but there are DEFINITELY some that I just cannot control right now. Pasta. Pizza. Fresh bread. Cake. Cookies. I will ensure that I have set portions and limited access to seconds if I opt for one of these treats!

8) I did not want to end on an odd number.

My exercise bike is my friend. I do 10 minute bursts on it . It's easy on me but still gets my heart pumping. I do arm exercises while I pedal, (thinking about adding hand weights). I don't do much else yet except for walking once or twice a week and a few stomach crunches/sit ups. I log all my food/calories and have been finding some recipes to try. It's actually getting funner. Oh, and I'm 44.

Please please add me I will do my very best to help and I can relate

I am nearing 40 and I feel sicker and more tired every day. I lose and gain weight weekly. I have a very active career, and people think I'm so successful and have my life together. I have a wonderful significant other who is nothing but supportive and loves me no matter what. But I just feel so very, very defeated that it would be so easy to give up! It's pretty hard to read "go do something you like, like taking a walk or playing sports." Well, if I liked walking and playing sports, do you think I'd be in this shape! Ha! I like to eat! I like to try restaurants, I like to cook new foods. I HATE hurting and feeling sick and having pain for 3 days from trying to exercise!! I would appreciate anybody out there who has felt this way to respond and hopefully that will help me stay on track. I have a good sense of humor and am a good listener also. I would especially appreciate any help with SERIOUSLY beginner exercises (other than walking). I used to love tennis, hiking, rock climbing, geocaching, horseback riding, swimming and basketball. Now, none of that makes me do anything but cry.

Thanks!!

You're 39 and you think it is your last shot?

I will be 62 this week...I still have time left to get it right. It will also be my 1 year anniversary with changing myself. I have lost 80lbs...started exercising...I am not too old to change the rest of my life.

You're 39 and you think it is your last shot?

^^This. You make not like walking or sports (anymore) but you need to get moving again. Start slow; find a friend. Sorry, but you're coming across like a whiner. 39 is way too young to talk like this! I started on my journey last year at 52. It's NEVER too late.

These are the threads that make me so proud of our community! You can do this and there are so many people here who can help support you.

A little more about the exercises.

When I started. I couldn't do more than 15-20 minutes. So that's what I did. As my fitness improved, I ramped up the workouts and really started enjoying them. I look forward to them now. In a busy life, they are the time you invest in yourself. Know that you're worth it.

Check out this website. Walkathome.com. Its not like walking at all. She gets your *kitten* moving.

This. And....it is NEVER too late. I am 49 in a couple of months. I have been "on a diet" since I was in my early teens. I have gained weight, lost weight, regained weight, but I will never give up. My ticker is in Kilos, but I have lost over 50 pounds since January. It is NEVER EVER EVER your last shot unless you are dead! You've got this. C'mon.....you CAN!!

ETA: I do not consider that I am on a diet now. This is my way of life. Permanent change. I see you have so much that is positive in your life, a great job, a great partner...just keep adding to your positives. You are a successful person!

18 months ago, I was 50yo, 232lbs, and got winded walking up the three steps to my front porch. I was sick and tired of being sick, tired, sore and fat! I was ready to make a change.

Not huge change, mind you. Little change, like walking around the block, about .3 miles. It probably took me 20 minutes, but I did it. I did it again the following evening. In a short time, I was walking 1/2 mile, then 1 mile. About 4 months in, I was walking 2 miles/day in 30 minutes. And I had lost about 20lbs.

I now walk 4-6miles 2-3x/wk and I started to lift weights. I have lost 54lbs (have 20-40 to go). I am healthier and HAPPIER than I have been in a very long time.

All it takes is a decision to make some (small) changes, then "Just do it"!

ETA: And when I was so sore those first couple of days, I just remembered what my brother told me long ago. "Pain is weakness leaving the body." I no longer wanted to be weak; I wanted to be strong, fit, healthy.

This is not your last shot , but if you choose to start slowly it could be the last time you say that. The advice here is sound. Get in the pool, walk, do water aerobics. Everyone has to start somewhere.
We have all been stiff, sore, tired whatever. The bottom line is you will feel those things, you are challenging your body. Think of those feelings as good...your body is changing.
You can complain and whine, or you can be proud of yourself and smile
It sounds as if you'd rather be proud.