Hi and welcome to a fellow Michigander
When I reached my highest weight of 298, I knew I had to do something. I started small - I started doing workout DVDs (I really liked the first Biggest Loser DVD because they had modified moves for people who couldnt do certain things yet) and I found the WW info online and was following WW - which basically amounted to portion control for me. I kept eating the same things I was eating - we were big on Hamburger Helper back then. But I would have just A portion and would add veggies to it. I eventually switched to counting calories just because without joining WW it was hard to follow the plan exactly.
I get overwhelmed sometimes and when I fall off the WL wagon (because I have) I will sometimes go back to starting small and focus on either just eating well or just exercisng and add in the other later.
You can do it. It is hard and it sucks sometimes but it's so worth it. I became a runner, which I never thought was possible. I think it also helps to not think of it as a "diet" - it has to be a lifestyle change. Find whatever plan works for you and what you think can work for you long term. Counting calories works for me because it's free and no food is technically off limits. But others find other plans work better for them because it works into their life better. But all those who are successful at keeping it off usually do not look at it as a diet or temporary thing. It's for life.
Hi
