Hi I need to make a change

Me too. Been here 2 weeks and the calorie/meal log is a god send. Already lost over 2 pounds. The first two weeks it was about controlling hunger and staying motivated to exercise. I hope it is like quitting smoking where the first 2 weeks are the most difficult. I'm reaching out wherever I can to stay on track. Good luck!

Welcome to MFP. We all have those moments that tell us that's it, I've had enough. Mine was about 40 days again when I saw a picture of myself and just cried. I managed to put on 30 pounds overnight and couldn't wear any of my clothes. This is a great group for support. Try not to think about how much weight you have to lose and focus on small goals first. I do better thinking I want to lose 5-10 pounds this month and try for that goal first. Take small steps like eating healthier, cutting down on carbs and sweets, and moving more whether it be exercise, cleaning house, gardening, or whatever. Also, drink lots of water. I gave up diet drinks and artificial sweeteners and was shocked how fast the weight started coming off. You can do it! We believe in you.

Congratulations for being smart and brave enough to do something about it! This is where it starts, welcome.

Do you have a specific diet or preferred type of exercise you'd like get started with?

Make sure you take pictures and track your progress (sometimes a picture will show you what you aren't seeing in the mirror). And measuring is just as important as weighing!

Bust out that determination and prepare to impress yourself and defy your limits!

This (below the break) is completely plaigerized from bwogilvie.
It was in response to one of the many "help, I'm new & I'm not losing weight" posts.
If you're not losing weight it's because you're taking in more calories than your body needs.
Doesn't matter if you just like to eat junk food or your thyroid is wonky, you're eating more than you need.


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Rather than reinvent the wheel, I'll refer you to three excellent posts here that will lay out an effective way to lose weight and discuss some of the pitfalls to which people are prone:

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/819925-the-basics-don-t-complicate-it

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

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/872212-you-re-probably-eating-more-than-you-think

After you've digested those, some of the other links on this page are useful:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/833026-important-posts-to-read

Save so that I can look up those links

Just started using MFP about 3 weeks ago myself. So far so good. The mobile app. makes it easy to keep your food log going. I was just like you, I had reached a point where I said enough is enough, I've got to do something about this. Good luck to you!

Hi, I've never been heavier. I need to something to change my health now. I have so much weight to lose. I'd sure appreciate support from you, and I'll do my best to give support in return

First - you must be prepared to be very, very patient. Losing weight can take a lot of time. If you're like most people, the weight will go up and down, seemingly with no rhyme or reason, or it will plateau for weeks at a time, even if you think you're being good.

Secondly, with the first point in mind, learn what works for you. There are MANY ideas on how to loose the weight: calorie counting, carb counting, Paleo, Atkins, Nutrisystem, Weight Watchers, fasting, Ketogenic, and on and on it goes. Don't be afraid to experiment to find out what you can handle and what works for you. This isn't a temp thing - you have to treat it as a lifestyle change.