Hey everyone! I'm new here and new to the whole weight loss thing. I just have no idea where to start. When I was in high school, I was pretty active. I loved gym class, I did track, cross country and soccer. I was able to even motivate my mom to start running; so we went running every other day in the evenings. But since then I haven't done much. I walk every once in a long while...which isn't enough. I want to take losing this weight I have gained more seriously but I just don't know where to start. Everything you can find just seems so overwhelming to me. Right now, I have no way of getting to a gym. I don't have any equipment at home but I do want to get some weights. I know I need to start out easy and only do what I can handle. I thought about listing everything I eat too. I'm not a healthy eater. And I'm not the best of cooks. I do a lot of stuff out of the boxes, not from scratch. That's one of my biggest problems. I never feel full. I can eat and eat and eat. I have actually gotten better with my portions. It wouldn't seem like much to someone looking in but for me it's huge! My mom helps me but she kind of forgets sometimes. She doesn't need to lose weight like I do. I need someone that will hold me accountable and encourage me; and maybe do this along with me. I'm not someone who can do this alone.

It sounds like you know that you have to make changes. It's hard but you can do it! Start with little changes: If you buy your lunch, start making it. Fresh fruits, lean protein and veggies are not hard to prepare. Take a little time and do it for yourself. As for the exercise, maybe you could take a walk or two a day. Squeeze in some time for yourself. You can do this!!!!

I'm going through the same thing. I'm just starting back at it, I'm also looking for someone to do this with me, maybe we am be buds during this and it sounds like your in track with what you need to change!! Good luck

I can do the fruits/veggies and proteins. That should be a good easy start for me. And I'm all for being buds through this Kfrazier! Right now one of my biggest problems is soda...I love soda! So I am working on cutting it out completely. I've tried cold turkey and I can do it for about a week...then I go crazy! So I'm going for a small can allowed a day, for now. Whatever is given to me is what I eat/drink. So if I buy the small cans that's all I will drink...if I buy a liter, that's what I will drink. I don't have very good control I guess is my problem...

And thank you for the encouragement nomorejellybeans!

If you are working on portion control AND just starting out (not really sure what to eat, not an accomplished cook, etc.) perhaps Weight Watchers or Weight Watchers Online would be a good place to start.

It teaches you portion control and that foods aren't 'bad'... you can eat what you want AND lose weight if you do it in moderation.

You would also get that community feeling and support you are looking for. I haven't used it myself but I would recommend it as a great beginner program!

Do not worry; losing weight is easy when you understand the whole concept of weight gain and weight loss. The reason why you started gaining weight probably after your high school is due to your muscle mass and metabolism. When you grow older, your metabolism and muscle mass will decrease. In order to maintain your metabolism and muscle mass, you have to carry weights and eat healthily.

I understand that you are in the beginning stage, but try to carry a weight which is a little heavy and not like 3 kg dumbbell. Probably you can increase your weights and reps gradually. Walking is a great start, try to walk and then move on to jogging.

I am just like you; I need someone to accompany me for workouts. Try asking your mum if she wants to play either badminton or you can cycle if you can. Jogging and walking are not the only cardio activities; you can spice it up according to your needs. Take more vegetables, proteins, water and good fats as these foods are filling and it will stop you from eating and eating. Try to get a food journal which will be very useful for you if you cannot be disciple with food.

Thanks for the tips! I will check out WW for sure. I have before and it looked like a good idea...guess I just wasn't ready yet. Thanks guys! And I'll try out the weights too!

Girl there's nothing like a nice fizz going down the throat. Ahhhh coke. Sugar. Empty calories. Nom nom nom.

I feel your pain on this one. I love sprite. I love love love love sprite - especially at restaurants because of love the carbonation.

My good friend who's lost 40+ pounds mentioned that he got a Brita jug filter (ask for this for Christmas - it's a cheap and wonderful gift you can find at Target or Walmart). I just fill it up every morning and drink drink drink because I have enjoyed water a lot more because it's GOOD water. Also I fell in love with crystal light packets. SO good. So so good. They taste like koolaid when added to my water! Yummy!

So, you say after a week you can't handle it anymore. Why? What goes through your head? Have you thought about writing down the emotions you go through? Keeping a journal has helped me a lot. I did the small can route for a time, but I found myself going "oh I'll just have one more" or I'll go buy the larger cans the next time. Take control! You can do it!

I used to drink huge amounts of it and I cut back but I couldn't give up on it entirely. A while back I saw a documentary about how the company treats workers who pick oranges in Italy and I stopped for a while, but then my brother lured me back and I started drinking two small bottles a week or so. Then I saw another documentary about how they've helped paramilitaries in Colombia who then murdered at least 470 unionists in Colombia since 2002 and I'm done. I can't in good conscience give money to greedy ****ers like this, especially not for a freaking toilet cleaner.

So, my advice is to look coca cola up on youtube; it might help.

Omg!! Marniadec where did u get the pic of your profile its so cuteeeee