how do I start?
 

Hi, this is actually not my first post but I found this site when I was very very upset and posted directly on support so now that I am back to my senses... nice to meet you!

I figured a fitness journal is a good idea from looking around this site, but there is just so many out there is a bit overwhelming, I don't really know what to look for since I don't have a plan yet or anything, I don't know how to count calories either so that was the main reason I figured I could use the help of a journal.

I did made a point to go out grocery shopping yesterday for some fruits and veggies and currently trying to find a way to drink more water because I get tired of it so easily. Any suggestions?

Edit*
For the record, I am 32 years old, I have no food allergies that I know of, not taking medication of any sort and my weight problems started about 2 years ago, no obesity in my family, I have a 1 year old child and back problems... I have a bit of an addiction to milk and cheese.

Welcome!!!

This is the perfect place for suggestions, I was just like you starting and lots of people helped me :D Fiestvof all, I recommend making small changes at a time, commit to the and add more. Then you change your lifestyle and not just diet. It sounds like you have a good start!!!

I used to drink a lot of soda and sugary juices and cut down to water too so I know a few tricks. This may not be your thing, but I like to add a little lemon juice to my water when I want some taste. No sugar... Just lemon. Bonus is, lemon water has been known to help people lose weight (like five pounds over a whole year so don't expect a mircle... But it is still great for you!) Its even better if you can buy lemons and squeeze real lemon juice in there (I don't recommend a whole lemon at a time).

If you don't like sour and tart things, another thing to drink is tea, especially green tea is good for you (like thrblemon, its shown to help with weight. Not a mircle pound loser, just a healtht drink) If you're not big into tea you might be surprised what delicious teas you can find! I love tea and will steep it to death, but if you just want flavor tea is a great way to go.

Its also okay to treat yourself once in awhile. I still have a pop now and then at a party... And I like to keep some low sugar cranberry juice in the fridge. I have a nice full glass of that stuff about three to four times a week!

I'm a calorie counter myself but there are lots of other "diets" (aka lifestyle changes) out there. Read on them and other peoples experiences and find what works for you! Its okay to not do the same thing as someone else, we all have different bodies.

If calorie counting is something you want to try, there are a lot of calorie counter apps you can get on a smart phone (if you have one). Makes it much easier! Word of advice though... Under eating never helps ;) You might have to play with the numbers until you get something that makes you feel satisfied and still loose.

Thank you SenseAndSensibility, I will try those water tricks! soda is usually not a problem but I do like having sparkling water in the summer mostly, due my weight I now have heartburn problems so I avoid it the rest of the year.

I just order a kitchen scale because apparently that is very necessary! I am trying out MyFitnessPal and I couldn't add the 3 cashews and 3 almonds I had with my breakfast because I didn't have a scale :/

Hey, welcome! I'm new too!

I'm just starting and it's tough to know what to do. I just started working out at the Y and using MyFitnessPal to count my calories. I find that really makes me think about what goes in my mouth. I think about how I'm going to log it, do I really want to have to own up to it, do I want to work it off at the gym later?

Tea is fabulous! I love fruit teas! I also love those Crystal Light water drops (I use the walmart brand though) that add flavor to your water. You'll find something that works for you! Keep at it and know that we're here for you!