Hey everyone,
I'm 23 and finally getting out there for some moral support. I've been on a downward spiral for the past 3 years or so. Everytime I try and get myself together I hit a speed bump that just sends me backwards. Trying to get things together to do it the 'right' way, but for some reason can't get motivated enough to get started. I try and exercise but it only happens once a month. So thats my story, been reading everyone's threads and seems as though this type of thing is just what I need for suggestions and motivation to get on the right path. Starting today...

Welcome! You've found a great group of people to help you out with motivation and any questions you may have. Losing weight is really tough and I think we all can use all the help we can find! Exercising really needs to become a habit, not something you just "try" to do. Go for a walk after dinner and say you'll just go around the block or so and if you don't feel like it come back home. Most likely you'll want to continue. I suggest getting a couple good books on tape (or CD) and listening only while exercising. It motivates me!! Well, best of luck!

Welcome MJLGator!!

That was a great suggestion by Lizbabe! As far as eating is concerned a website that has helped me keep track of what I'm eating. It's free- www.fitday.com. I can see just how much I am atually intaking and what is it...fat, protein, calories tallied and all. Check it out if you want. What your eating is just as important as excersizing.

Speaking of trackers, the american heart association has a exercize log I use thats really good and it gives you a graph that tracks your progress. I love it. Seeing the upward spikes is nice. And then seeing the drop when I dont work out makes me feel lazy and want to go back. It seems so childish but those little kid posters you make when you do something good, you get a sticker.......ha. It helps!

Another good log for exercise is www.presidentschallenge.org. You can track all your workouts and see how far you've progressed, etc. I find it to be motivating!