It really IS all about the numbers.

I am Larry from Oklahoma, 45 years old and bigger and less healthy now than I have ever been. I can't say I am new to MFP, but I am "new again." I used MFP back in 09-10 and loved what it did for me. To me, the very concept of losing weight and getting into better shape had to be based in reality. I had to learn to ignore the people on TV pushing their magic sprinkles, or pie charts showing me a "healthier' way to eat fried chicken and chocolate cake. Worst of all, they try to tell us that the :numbers" have nothing to do with a successful overall health improvement. I am calling BS on that.

What I have learned is that it is ALL about the numbers. At least it is for me, because without them, I have no idea what I am putting into my body, or how much OF it. For me, it's all about awareness. I am back at square one again and I NEED this structure. I've done it before and I can do it again. It's not that hard. People say it's hard but it's not. Maybe it's not fun, and it can be a pain in the *kitten* to form new habits, or to get up and move, but it isn't hard. It's as simple as knowing what needs to be done and just doing it because it's necessary.

Here's now simple it was for me, (and will be again): I put myself on a strict 1800 calorie a day diet, consuming several small portions throughout the day, and nothing but water to drink.. As for exercise, it was gradual. At my heaviest, I started out walking. Slower pace, shorter distances, and a gradual increase on both. After a while I was able to introduce other forms of exercise. Believe it or not the Gazelle was the best thing I ever bought. Yes I actually used it LOL. The best thing about my diet is that on the weekend. It didn't exist. I ate what I wanted, and as much of it as it took me to be satisfied. But trust me. The weight melted off of me. I am not sure what that TYPE of dieting does for the body, but I didn't complain, because it worked for me. And it worked WELL. Pigging out on the weekends on anything I wanted really kept me from falling off the wagon.

So here I go again. Wish me luck!