I think I need help

Do you make drastic changes to your diet? or do you gradually reduce the junk food? Bing eater?

There's a really good book called 'Mindless Eating' by a psychologist (Brian Wansink) who talks about ways to eat less without even noticing. It has helped me very much.

I agree with helloburger - if you're under pressure to lose weight for your parents' sake then it all becomes incredibly complicated and very difficult. I've had a lot of experience of my parents nagging me, and they're still at it even though I'm in my 40s! Believe me, you have to decide to live your life for you and no-one else. Try to get a bit of distance and perspective on what they want - even though they're your parents you don't have to take their desires to heart.

Yes, it's true that often our parents want the best for us, but it's equally true that sometimes they are inappropriately involved in our lives. Maybe you just need a bit more space to work out what you want and to get to know yourself better. Extra weight goes on easily enough, especially with the student life, but if we have trouble losing it then that can be a clue that our unconscious motivation is out of line with our conscious desire.

Good luck!

Take every day as a step nearer to your goal, the old saying softly softly catchy monkey applies. Diet because you want to feel better for yourself, and with a little determination and willpower you will be able to do it. I could not do it without the help and support of MFP being able to calculate my calorie intake, using the food diary to add everything I eat and drink has been fantastic.

Look at what other people are eating and you will be surprised how good your diet could be, and how varied. It doesn't have to be boring because you're on a diet.

If you want to add me as a friend please do so the more support the better.

Let's take this one step at a time. You can't change the past. Do you still want to go to your graduation? Attending a graduation ceremony has never been important to me, but it is to some people. So, do you want to go?

If you do, will you be wearing a gown? ie Do you need to find something to wear, or will your clothes be covered by a gown? If you need to find something to wear, I'd would suggest going for something simple. Remember that this is a celebration of what you have already achieved, it is not a fashion contest.

Second step is to work out what is important to you. Do you want to lose weight? If so, why? Why is it important? Are you already in good health? Do you feel well? Do you enjoy exercise? What do you like doing? Spending time with people? Spending time alone? Walking the dog? Going for bike rides?

Have a think about what is important to you.

Then break down your goals into little steps. When I joined MFP I knew that I wanted to lose 10 kg (about 22 lbs). I knew that it would be better if I could lose more, but my first goal - the one I was committed to - was to lose 10 kg (almost there!).

Picture what it will be like when you've accomplished this first step, and remember why you want to achieve it. Write it down. Share it with MFP and/or your friends.

Now you need to plan on how to achieve it. I make sure that I eat a proper breakfast. For me, it is a choice of low-GI cereals with yoghurt or possibly some low-GI toast.

Before I go to work, I take my dog for a walk. This means that before going to work, I've already done 30 minutes of exercise. Work out what the best exercise is for you. Are you a morning person? Can you walk to the station? Go for a walk at lunchtime? Go to the gym or a swimming pool after work? Join a walking club? A ten-pin bowling club?

You see, you have to make this work for you. You know what you like doing. And if you're not sure what would work for you - what an opportunity to try out new things.

Then promise yourself that you'll stick at this for a month. Starting today until the end of November. What day is "weigh-in"? I weigh in on Monday morning (in case I get tempted to go off my diet at the weekend).

I know that some people have a "break day". I don't. For me going over my calorie limit, means that I'm less committed to my weight loss, and more likely to stray in the future. But everyone's different. If I think I am going over my limit, I take my dog for another walk (lucky dog!), or clean the house.

Whatever you decide, I hope you will keep us informed of your progress. We want you to work out your own goals, and work towards them.

All the best

And I want to look decent for photos!

It does sound however that you want to lose weight more for your parents sake than your own? Losing weight is about doing it for yourself and yourself only!

Dont think about long term goals as they will just over whelm you. Just take the week day by day, meal by meal.
Try and exercise in the morning to motivate you for the rest of the day.

Perhaps even stick up pictures of what you wish to look like on the fridge or around the house to motivate you to continue eating well.

I Hope you manage to stay on track. Every one slips up sometimes, its all about starting again and not giving up.

I completely agree.. she said everything I was thinking. You really do have to do it for YOU. Making little, reachable goals helps tremendously and thinking of it as a new, healthier lifestyle change for you will also help. Don't think diet - customize it to what you like. Change little things, baby steps. Park a little further away from the door... take the stairs, etc - all of those little changes will help. You will not stick with it until you have the motivation for your own reasons. I love to think about wearing new outfits - think of the holidays coming, fitting into those jeans that are a size smaller. All of the little NSV's (non-scale victories) that everyone talks about on here - they are huge in keeping my success. Don't let a bad day get you down, you'll see we ALL have them. Keep little snacks with you - planning ahead is huge. I also highly suggest the phone app if you can - it makes all the difference when out in a restaurant, etc. I really hope you like this as I do. You can do it, and there are a ton of supportive people on here... good luck in your journey!! :flowerforyou: