Greetings
 

Hi! 45 yr old male, 5'5", 235 lbs. Type II diabetic (the 235 lbs just might have something to do with that). Signed up at the Y a couple weeks ago. Hitting the treadmill 3 times a week, and starting adding in weights this evening.

I must have got a defective batch of laundry detergent that shrunk all my clothes - even the stuff that's been hanging in the closet! I dunno how that happened...

Lol that is too funny!

Good job on going to the gym.
Do you know what food plan you are going to follow? There is a ton of information about many different food plans on this site. Pick a plan that fits in your lifestyle and you can follow long term. I chose calorie counting because it is free and flexible. It allows me to eat almost anything I wanted as long as it fits within my calorie range for the day and there are ton of free apps out there to help you track your food.
Give up the sugary drinks and drink lots and lots of water.
Lastly, if you have a bad meal, a bad day, heck, a bad food week. Do NOT let this be a reason to throw in the towel. Get back on track at the next meal. You can do this!!!
Best of luck to you!

Treadmiller, welcome, glad to have you join us. I suggest you look for a Challenge or Support group to join; small check-in groups make it easier to connect, get involved, and be accountable. We have groups centering around specific diets, themes, or age groups, find one that inspires you and just post to join! Be sure to check out the 40-somethings, Men's Corner, and Dieting with Obstacles.