Hi!
I'm a junior in college and am at the heaviest that I've ever been. I've been feeling pretty badly about my weight. My issue is that I don't know what I should be eating. I know what's bad for me, I think...and when I cut that stuff out I'm always hungry and it just becomes overwhelming. As a result, I give up after losing a few pounds, I guess as a result of starving myself. I've been working out for 30 mins 5 days a week and that seems to be helping me feel a little better.

I would just really love some advice because there's just so much conflicting information out there.

I don't want to diet I want to change my lifestyle so the weight stays off for good.

Welcome and good luck!

Welcome. I'm pretty much in the same boat as you. First of all, always have healthy snacks at your disposal. I carry little fruit cups, nuts and 1/2 PB and J sandwiches with me throughout classes. I always have something healthy to eat as opposed to the dreaded vending machine. For me, what helped me was cut off all sugars, exercise more and have a positive body image.

I agree, there is a ton of information out there about dieting and what you should eat and what you shouldn't. The problem is not everyone's eating plan is going to work with your lifestyle, which is why you need to find an eating plan that will work for your busy schedule.
I would recommend you write down everything you eat for one week. This will give you an idea of how many calories you are eating per day. Then you can do a Google search and find out the amount of calories you should eat to lose weight in a healthy way.
With your size, my guess is you should keep your calories around 1500 per day especially with the exercise you are doing.
I have been calorie counting and exercising and it has worked for me. It allows me to eat mostly what I want (no McD's and junk) however, I do allow treats into my plan. My weight loss has not been quick but I really feel like I have learned eating habits that I can follow through out my life.
Best of luck to you!!

First I just want to point out a few similarities...I'm a senior, started here at my heaviest ever ~176 and have put on about 30 lbs since school started 3 years ago. Also, I'm a former band nerd (trumpet) What I'm getting at is - if you ever want to talk to someone who is in a similar situation, feel free to message me.

NEMom has made a really good point about writing down what you eat. If you are honest and record every snack and every treat, you will quickly see where you are going wrong. I quickly realized I was overdoing it on treats and carbs and eating too few vegetables. If you don't know what the problem is, it's pretty hard to find the right solution! Once you see those patterns, you can start to change.

Also - you have the right attitude. You want a healthy change to last the rest of your life, not a crash diet. You are exercising. These are really good things that take some people a really long time to realize. Be patient, your efforts will be worth it.

Thank you for all of the advice and support

I'm new too.

I'm a little (ok, a lot) older than you.

My advice is to not starve yourself or let yourself get to the point of being so hungry you want to eat everything.

I keep a ready supply of baby carrots, celery and salad. I also keep on hand sugar free Popsicle (15 calories), sugar free gum, and sugar free hot chocolate (25 calories).

I also make sure I am drinking enough water.

Good luck and don't give up!