[Takinitoff]

Hi! I am a 40 year old mother to 5 children (14,12,10,9,8) and weigh 220 lbs. I am 5ft 5 and would like to lose about 80 lbs. I have never been very sucessful at dieting, but I want to keep up with my kids. I hate the way I feel and its time that I do something about it! I just started back to school and of course I feel like I am not only the oldest person there, but one of the fatest. I really want to lose weight, not only for my kids, but for me too.

Soooo, any suggestions on which diet to follow. I am getting dizzy from reading all the different diets. I have to have something that is easy to follow and that I can incorporate for my kids (read picky eaters ). I have been looking at weight watchers (again), Eating for life/body for life, or basically just cutting back and cooking lowfat/healthier. What would you suggest? What has worked best for you? Any suggestions? I really look forward to this journey with you all! Thanks! Lisa

[LADY WINDSONG]

Lisa,

WW is a great way to start.

Remember smaller portions.
Put fork down betwen bites.
Use a small plate.
Fruits and veggies.
Less fat.
Lean meats.
Fiber.

You CAN and WILL do this.
Be positive.
Be smart.
Think before doing.

Plan and read labels.

Find a weight loss buddy.
Ask questions.

Today will be a wonderful day because you are putting yourself first.

Smaill steps, big GAINS.

Health and Happiness,
Windsong

PM me anytime

[Takinitoff]

Windsong, Thank you so much for the encouraging words! I am still trying to muddle through and explore the forums. This is really a large board (much larger than I thought originally) and everyone seems to support each other so well!!

[mom2twoboys]

Lisa,
I am doing WW. I really think it's easy to follow and if you mess up it's okay. I mean I can always just try to do better later in the day or the next day. Some diets I feel once you mess up you have to start all over. Anyway, Welcome to the board. If you have any questions about WW let me know.
Kristina

[MNmamma]

Hi Lisa, I'm about the same height and weight you are, so I feel where you are coming from! I also have been this overweight for a while now, and I remember being in college and being the heaviest girl in the room...it sucks! It does all kinds of messed up things to your self esteem and I always felt yucky and invisible! But I'm so glad you're here and making a start. This is a great place, I just started 2 weeks ago and being here every day or so has kept me on track.

I do a combo of a low carb and low cal diet, I use the website www.fitday.com to track the foods I eat, and I excercise in some way everyday.

Take it one meal at a time, don't worry about getting it perfect right away, and give yourself lots of encouragement...you're here and you're going to do great!

By the way, I just had my son, and I'm so impressed that you have 5 kids and don't weight more than you do! I gained quite a bit with Leo, and it seemed like the hardest thing not to snack when he was stressing me out!

PM me if you'd like to talk more!
Hope