I'm 5ft 1 inches and weight 212 lbs. I hate "diets". I hate being fat. I cannot stick to a "diet". I hate weighing and measuring food. I hate counting calories. I can't eat prepacked foods because I'm MSG sensitive. I can't eat artificial sweeteners because they cause heart palpatations. I feel ill if I eat processed foods. I know what works for me but I could really use some support so I can get started and stay on track. I will measure and count calories because I know that's necessary, but the frustration of always doing so is what usually causes me to fail in the end. I just get so tired of doing it. I get so tired of what I eat and how much I eat being in the forefront of my life all the time. I don't know where to begin on this message board for what I need. *sigh* I am frustrated and could sure use some friendly support. Thank you.

Awww . . . you sound so down right now . . . buck-up Chickie, you've definitely come to a great place for lots and lots of support and encouragement as you travel the long (sometimes bumpy) road to better health and fitness. So very glad you found us . . .

Come on over and join us on the Age 50+ Forum; just click on this link . . . http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=217 . . . sometimes it can help to talk to others that understand just what you are facing.

Sorry you're having such a tough time right now but meowee is right - this is a great place to start. There is a whole forum just for us 50 somethings (I'm 51 too, well, closer to 52 than 51 but who's counting right? )

First thing you really need to do is decide what you hate more - measuring your portions or being overweight. Then, take all the stuff you think you know about "diets" and toss them right out the window. I thought I was quite the expert dieter since I've been doing it all my life (sometimes with great success at losing but never maintaining, hence the screen name ) Give yourself a little time to come up with a plan that will work for you. 3FC is chock full of great ideas. Some people are following structured diets like Atkins or South Beach and others (like me) took a little basic information from a bunch of different ones and came up with our own plans. It won't happen overnight, and it takes work but it really can be done.

Come to 3FC as often as you can. I wouldn't have made it this far if it weren't for the friends I've made here.