Ok, so heres the deal...I am 28 years old. I have four kids and just graduated from college. I have always been a little overweight and it bugged me, but I didn't really do anything about it. I always stayed around 165 to 170, but after a year of working at Taco Bell as a manager, drinking soda non-stop, and sitting around doing homework I have shot up to 197lbs. I am in a size 18-20 now and have NEVER been over a 16. I am at a point I hate to look at myself. I don't expect instant results, but in the past three days I have cut out soda, and snacks. I even went walking and took a zumba class. I have a ymca membership, but never use it to work out. It was so my kids could be active in sports. It's frustrating that I have yet to see any loss...even a half lb, or one lb. I usually drink a two liter a day of soda. I am so afraid I am going to give up before I really get started...I am an instant results person, but I don't want to live like this anymore. I want to have energy to spend time with my kids and go do things with them. My goal is to get down to 145 and be a healthy weight for the first time in my life. I already have high cholesterol at the age of 28...not good. Any suggestions? encouragement? ways to get this weight off!!!!!

First things first, cut out the soda!!! It's just empty calories! Wouldn't you rather have some ice cream or cheese or something with protein that will actually fill you up? And these things TAKE TIME. It's taken me 3 months to lose about 22 lbs. If you still want a sugary-tasting drink, go to your nearest supermarket and get the Arizona Iced Tea sticks. They usually have some zero-calorie ones, and it's one stick for every 16 oz. of water. Plus they taste good. I know you can do this, and it might take some big jumps. Also, try increasing the fiber in your diet. It helps the weight pretty much fall off.

Hi and welcome to 3FC.

Good luck with your goals.

Hugs
Michelle

Welcome! Good Luck!

Good luck with your goals.

I don't mind sharing I simply modified my eating and joined the track team at my school. Modifying meaning cutting out empty carbs, sodas, junk, and replacing it with more wholesome filling foods, like fruit, fiber-rich foods, and protein. If I use the word diet, it implies an end. This is me right now learning how to eat for life Everyday afterschool I run about 2.6 miles, which took a while to build up to, believe me, but now when I come down that last hill to my house, I feel so good about everything.

Welcome to 3FC. Good luck with your goals. You will find plenty of help and support here!

Dhani