Hi my name is Erika, I haven't weighed this much in a long time. I weigh 287 I have probably gained 22 lbs, since February. I met someone and haven't felt like I need to impress anyone so I quit excercising and everything all together, well I got on the scales yesterday and I knew I had gained weight but not that much. I need some direction on what diet or plan to get on. I know that I need to get excercise back into my life and that's my first step. I belong to a gym and I am going to start that back up. I'm also going to start walking. What's the best to go with. I'm 32 years old so I'm not getting any younger either. What's the best to go with South Beach Diet, which right now, I don't have the money to start that. Low fat? I'm open to suggestions, I really am depressed about my weight and need some support and advice. Like I said I haven't weighed this much in a long time. My boyfriend is with me no matter how much I weigh. Please help me.

Erika

Hi Erika,
Congratulations on deciding to be healthier! As for suggestions, all I can tell you is what is working for me: I am keeping track of what I am eating with FitDay.com aiming for 1600-1800 calories a day, I am going to Curves 3 times a week and on a walk most nights. It has only been two weeks since I began, and it is working! This is a major milestone for me because I have never before seen the numbers on the scale go down... only up. I finally woke up and realized that all it takes is focus. Good luck!

Hi Erika and Welcome !!!

Selecting a diet is a personal thing, you need to do what works best for you, even if that means experimenting. The first thing I would suggest b/4 starting any plan is talk to your doctor because he/she know's you best (besides you).

There is one thing I can NOT stress enuf, and that is, bottom line to any diet is calories! You don't necessarily have to "follow" any particular plan, you can make your own up depending on your budget. I follow atkins and I have to say, I don't spend any more $$ now than before I started. It kinda even's itself out because I'm not buying junk food anymore and instead I'm putting my money towards healthier foods.

My sister was close to 400 lbs. By her cutting down on her intake of food "calories" and she cut out most if not all of carbs such as, pasta, breads, rices, stuff like that, she eats lots of salads and veggies, fruits, etc and so far she has managed to lose almost 100 lbs in 16 months. And she is still going strong. My point is, you, like her can customize a plan that works for you.

Weight Watchers also has a great Low Carb plan. South Beach, Sugar Busters, Atkins.... they are all wonderful. Don't just jump on the band wagon of the most popular diet, choose what you think would work for you. What have you done in the past that has worked ? Sit and think about it. Write it down.

Good for you for getting back to exercise, its one of the most important things you can do for your body, weather or not you lose weight, its a good healthy habbit to have (its good for your bones too )

Leenie