Newbie

Here are a couple of tips that have helped me transition into a healthier lifestyle:

1. Before you eat anything, check how many calories you will consume. In this manner, you will not make the mistake of ordering something that is too caloric and high in fat.
2. You will realize that every restaurant, whether fast food or not, has something healthy for you to eat. You just have to find out what it is. Once you do, you won't feel as if you are deprived. As an example, I am a Starbucks fanatic but I no longer order the Mocha Frappuccino (Grande). Instead, I order the Mocha Light Frappuccino (Tall). It's only 100 calories rather than 300 for the non-light drink.
3. On the topic of drinks, avoid drinking anything other than diet sodas or, better yet, water. You will be amazed how easy your calorie count is consumed by drinking non-diet drinks.
4. Be active! If you don't have workout equipment, simply start by taking the stairs rather than the elevator. Trust, it kicks your *kitten* after a while.
5. I believe you already have one but, if not, definitely invest on a good elliptical. If I had to choose one thing that has helped me the most is this machine. It works out your entire body without putting stress on your knees. I became obsessed after a while. I started by doing 15 minutes at an easy pace and soon enough I was doing 60 minutes at a moderate to medium pace, seven days a week! Now that I am working out, I only do 30 minutes after working out to loosen up.
6. DON'T WEIGH YOURSELF MORE THAN ONCE A WEEK! This is important. Your weight fluctuates almost on a daily basis and weighing yourself more than once per week is counterproductive. Weigh yourself on the same day, at the same time, on the same scale and at the same place. You will find that you look forward to "weigh in day" and will work hard to lose more weight.
7. That being said, there will be times where you will go weeks without losing weight (especially after you've lost the first 10-15 lbs. This is natural as your body adjusts to your new lifestyle. Give it time and you will continue to progress.
8. Lastly, as helpful as the weigh scale is, don't let that be the ultimate goal factor in your progress. Rather, focus on clothes and how they fit since that is a more reliable measure.

As hard as it is (and it will be), I can assure you that you will never feel bad after a workout. Soon enough, you will see a major difference in your clothes and then you will have no choice but to buy new ones. I started at size 36 (tight fit) and now am down to a 32 (loose). Anyway, thought I share this with you as you begin to better your lifestyle. I will leave you with one personal thought . As I mentioned to you, my visit to the doctor was the catalyst to begin to change. However, the truth is that after I left the doctor's office, I realized that not taken care of myself was irresponsible and, more to the point, a lack of parental responsibility on my part. After all, I owe it to my wife and kids to do everything I possibly can to be around as long as I can. Now that you have Natalie, l hope that this also becomes your most important motivating factor. Good luck!