Where do I start???

Everybody is different but I'm slowly getting back on track. I've now successfully gone to the gym 3 times this week, tonight being my 4th. Before this, I was sedentary and didn't do anything. I'm a full-time student, part time worker, military/extracurricular obligations, etc. I kept telling myself that I had no time to spend an hour or two in the gym until I shortly realized that there's plenty of time to get things done.

It's all a lifestyle that acts as one big infrastructure. Each part of your change supports another. For example when I lift heavy at the gym, I will feel more inclined to eat healthy in an effort to not ruin all of my hard work.

It all depends on where you want to start though, as you asked. I just dropped everything on myself at once. Some people don't know how to do that and end up failing. Alternatively, you can start with either easy cardio, healthy eating, weight training, fitness classes, or whatever you want. The hardest part is starting, the next hardest thing is keeping motivated, but once the ball starts rolling it will all get better (assuming your routine doesn't change drastically).

By the way, I know how easy it is to go and buy McDonald's. They're only open 24/7 and offer full meals when everywhere else is closed. Even junk food, because there's no preparation involved when you need something the most during those late cramming nights. I guess to point you in the right direction; I'll tell you what I do when I get cravings. As always, things vary from person to person.
A can of tuna raw tuna is cheap and takes no prep time other than opening the can itself. It has enough protein in it to keep you feeling full. I’m usually stuffed from the protein shakes that I consume after the gym. Due to my schedule, I’m usually at the gym pretty late at night.

I completely understand where you're coming from... tracking everything is overwhelming, especially when we aren't eating things that are too good for us My weakness has always been fast food so what I do is allow myself to go once a week at most and order a sandwich or burger and get a salad with dressing on the side. I usually eat the salad first so it fills me up a little. I also make sure to tell them to keep the fatty stuff off like cheese and mayo, but I still keep some extras on it....You shouldn't have to deprive yourself and you will be more likely to stick to something if you are able to enjoy yourself a little. Hope I helped good luck!

I agree just logging on here is the first step but you must be honest or there's no point. You need to log every tablespoon of mayonnaise, the butter on your toast and weigh out portions of potatoes and pasta for accuracy.

I think to begin you have to get back to basics, we all know what types of foods we should be eating but getting it all in is easier said than done. What I do is make sure I have lots of fruit in, I have to also sit down (usually on a Sunday) and plan all meals for the next week, I make a list and go to the shop and I know what I'm going to be eating every day. This way there is less room for me to go off track. Cut down on salt and sugar, get rid of microwave meals and start cooking. It can be a huge effort but you can keep yourself motivated by trying new things each . Allow yourself one takeaway a week if that's what you enjoy, you don't have to deprive yourself.

Start small, don't cut your calories back right away. I have mine set at 1500 a day, it feels like a lot but I'm still seeing results. Good luck!!

I agree, start with cutting out the junk food.

If you have so little time, start pre-making lunches to take with you.

Pack snack of fruits and veggies.

Keep up on your logging no matter what.

it *may* seem like A LOT - to keep track of everything- but the more you begin to realize how it ALL adds up, the more aware you become of the choices you make....

it's kinda like tracking every penny you spend- and you're shocked to find out that $1 here, $2 here adds up to 25, 30, 50 you were spending without any thought....


As everyone else has suggested...take it slow and steady....set mini goals.....
and although 60 seems more doable to you......don't discard your Dr.'s advice.....
My guess is you'll see results........and drop off more than 60.......
it's not a race to get to the finish line the fastest....it's a lifestyle change.......
one that will affect your choices later on.......and you won't put it all back on again!
aim for a healthy BMI/Body Fat/good lab work.......those are good indicators of overall health....

And BEST WISHES to you-
Gather a great deal of MFP friends' support- they will cheer you on @ the times when you get discouraged-
and you can share your ups and downs with them- and cheer them on as well!

One thing that has really helped me is to plan my meals. I am also very busy, so I will cook a meal one night, and portion it into a few containers. As long as you have access to a microwave, you're good. Also, before I go to bed, I make myself a healthy sandwich or salad for lunch at work to go with yogurt, or fruit. Pack healthy snacks, and when you grocery shop, stay out of those "bad" aisles (chips, pop ect) When I am in a hurry for breakfast, I will eat a protein bar (special k) and grab an apple. You CAN have conveinence and health all in the same package!