Hey there, I am finally willing to admit that I have had an emotional eating problem and I am so jazzed to start working on a new lifestyle. I am just worried about staying motivated. This is the first place I have admitted my current weight, and I really want to be healthy. I'm 26, and finding that the life I want to lead is hindered by my weight.

Any tips on just starting out?

Welcome and good luck on your journey!!!

Welcome. From my "peeking" here for the past week, I think we both found a home here to get the support we need to meet our goals.

As far as how to start, my advice is to find a good sense healthy eating program that you can live with . For me, that diet should be low carb and higher protein. I love meat but can leave the bread, rice, pasta, potatoes and sweets alone. I am currently doing the Metabolic Research Clinic plan. I have lost 17 lbs since 2/2/13. I like it because I eat mostly meat/eggs and berries or melon, two of my favorite things. I have never been successful counting calories as I spend too much time thinking about foiod. I am also totally disabled due to a back injury, but I re-joined our local pool exercise program and I contribute much of my loss to the exercise. I feel soooooo much better after I exercise. Just find something that sounds good for you and give it a try. DON'T go on a very low calorie diet and starve yourself. I have learned that I actually gain weight when I do. I tend to not eat enough and when I do eat I eat the wrong things and to much of them. On MBC, I eat 3 meals and 2 snacks. Now I didn't join their program; I went with my neighbor when she joined and they told me I could buy their supplements and protein drinks without joining the program so that is what I have done and I just follow the eating plan they gave her. I do plan to join to lose my last 10 lbs and purchase their 1 year maintenance plan to help me stay on track. That's just what is working for me. My the way, my neighbor started on 2/2/13 at 308 lbs and she now weighs 284 and has lost 20 inches.

Best advice is to seek as much help as you can. You'll surround yourself with positive support and learn along the way.

This is just my opinion but you'll find a million diet with a million different opinions. There's no right or wrong answer so long as you're being healthy about it. Do what works for you and try to avoid eating miserably. i.e. I had eating cottage cheese no matter how much I try or mix it with other healthy foods. I like Greek Yogurt so I pay the extra buck and smile.

If you ever need additional dieting and fitness plan I'm sure many people including myself would be happy to offer their help. There's TONS of people here with proven results.

Good luck!

Welcome!

Best advice: come to 3FC often. I find that I do best when I come on here often.
Figure out a plan. Are you going to be following a regimented plan (eating clean, atkins, whatever) or a counting plan (WW, calorie counting,etc)? I do WW.
Make a few small goals and rewards that are non-food related!