Hi there, today is day 1 of my lifestyle change.

I am counting calories (well, calorie points really - an easier way of counting), and realize I must do this for the rest of my life.

No more starting and stopping "diets" - this is my lifestyle change. It's the only way I can lose weight. Tried everything, and it all boils down to calories in/calories out.

I'm also using principles I've learned from the new bestseller The Mayo Clinic Diet.

Glad to be here!

Glad you're here. Congratulations on a fresh start. Here's to better health!

Thank you Skinny. Great name!

Hi, tea4me,

New starts are good! (I'm doing one, too!)

How do you count calorie points? (Is there a short answer to that?? ) ...I may be asking too soon, because I haven't browsed the articles in here yet, but I'm interested!

Gladly

I learned about calorie points many years ago. The system is an easy conversion of calories to points. It is similar to the Weight Watchers point system, but much, much easier to calculate. If I eat 1800 calories a day, instead of adding up calories to equal 1800, I just count points to 24 (24 points equal 1800 calories). Many dieticians use this way of calorie counting with clients, but it is nowhere as popular as the Weight Watchers points. In fact I find most people have never even heard about this system.

I tried using WW points and found calorie points to to be simpler to use than WW points.

Thank you for the welcome!

Hi tea4me!
How smart to focus on health and a lifestyle change and not just a diet or a number - sounds like you have a good plan and a can-do attitude to succeed - the support you need is here - we'll all be here to cheer you on..

Glad to have you join us! There are lots & lots of different groups and forums - I'm sure you'll find some that will keep you motivated and inspired. Try Calorie Counters and the weight loss support forums, they're active and very helpful - also the Success stories are a definite must for motivation.

There are bunches of people here with more to lose and some with less - the bottom line is that we all have to do it a day at a time. The good thing is that we'll have lots of company along the way.

I've only been here since last fall, having NEVER been part of an online forum. What has been so eye-opening is how much it has helped me. Whenever I feel overwhelmed or defeated, I just log on and read some of the success stories, complete with their before & after photos - or read about others still dealing day to day with their challenges - and before I know it, the time has flown by and so have all the thoughts of going off track or giving up. It has made all the difference in my success so far.

So welcome - you've found the right place - join in by inspiring us and being inspired!

All the best - good luck with your goals,
Lee