305 lbs and tired of living this way. My life begins today...

My highest was 303lbs. It's not fun being that overweight. With a little support and daily motivation, you'll be able to do this. Myfitnesspal is a great tool. Plus, Pinterest has a million healthy recipes and exercises. I use both in order to stay healthy. I'm already down about 13 pounds. You can do it. If you get stuck just remember why you've chosen to live a healthier life style.

Also the message boards on MFP can be really helpful and inspirational.

Good Luck!

I think the best advice I ever got on here was to be in it for the long haul and focus on health rather than weight. Weight is a number. Health is how you feel. If you make healthy choices weight comes off. I started on a different calorie counting site and ended up here. When I started I was 223 and 5'3" Now I'm 190. I'd like to get to 145. I've been doing this now for 16 months and I have had so many days where I failed to stay under my calorie goal. I'm not quitting. If it takes 10 years then whatever.

However, since joining I can now run several miles without stopping. I'm back in a size 12 which I haven't worn for 7 years, and I'm making better choices for me and my kiddos.

Before jumping in at 110% with a big calorie deficit and exercise maybe just take a week to log what you normally eat so you can see how much you eat and what. That was kind of eye opening for me. I thought I "ate healthy but just ate too much." Yeah, that was a lie I was telling myself. I was eating poorly and too much.

Feel free to send me a friend request if you like.

This journey is not an easy one to be quite honest with you but guess what nothing good comes easy.

First step is definitely realizing this is the journey you want to go on. Find a supportive group of friends and family that will help you eat and exercise. Remember you will have days will you won't want to move off that couch and eat all the bad foods you can find, and just remember that is okay! We all fall off the wagon from time to time but just make sure you stay committed in the long run. As long as you approach this journey with positivity and actually try you will lose weight! Remember don't trust the scale, this is all about how you see yourself and making yourself feel better!

I know its silly to say "don't be nervous and scared," but don't be nervous and scared. You're going to be better than all right, and its all in your own hands. Read some of this stuff if you haven't already: http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10177910/most-helpful-posts-general-diet-and-weight-loss-help-must-reads#latest

Don't feel the need to eat the fewest possible calories that you can, and try never ever to feel defensive about anything you do to create and support your healthy habits. That's be best I got.

Start off and find your "WHY". It will make a difference knowing why you are trying to change. And take it one day and one meal at a time. Smaller goals are better and celebrate each and every victory and brush off the mess ups and learn from them. It's hard work but the end results will be well worth the effort. Tap in to the success stories too. I get motivation from reading about other people that are similar to me who have made it to their weight loss goal. You have the power and you've already taken the first step!

We all have to start somewhere... I started at 294, after 8 months I've lost 66lbs.

For me the biggest thing was the emotional part of weight loss, figuring out why I felt I needed to hide my horrible eating habits and dealing with that... still dealing with it in fact. This is a long process and there will be bad days but DONT EVER QUIT because if you keep with it you will feel better and you'll see your weight start to go down. Don't under eat, and don't deprive yourself of foods you enjoy. No matter how low your calories are set there is always a way to fit in a small treat and savor it in peace and quite.

Find an exercise you enjoy, something that leaves you feeling good... something you want to do, not something you force yourself to do.

I came across this on the net one day... I have it printed at home and at work.

I Promise Myself I Will…
1. Care for my body in a loving way, always remembering I treat those things I love, well.
2. Maintain a balance in my nutrition and exercise, allowing my body to be healthy, strong and the right size and shape for me.
3. Listen to my body and respond to its needs.
4. Exercise for the 4 F’s: Fun, Fitness, Friendship, and improved Function.
5. Treat myself as well as I treat my best friend.