So, I'm not looking yet for a specific calorie or weight goal. I just feel frustrated that when I'm stressed I move towards food which doesn't make me feel better at all. It actually makes me feel worse. So, here are my two goals.
1. For a week I am going to eat three moderate meals with no snacking in between, even at night.

2. I'm going to exercise three times a week.

I want to use going to Vegas as an excuse, but why wouldn't I want to eat moderately there. If I start to go to buffet land then I'll surely only have a miserable time because all I'll think about is food and not enjoying myself.

Yay! I'm excited about this goal. Glad I found this site.

Starting out with exercise 3X a week is a great way to set yourself up for success!

I wouldn't be so quick to rule out snacks, though. I have a mid morning snack and a mid-afternoon snack and they really help me. I'm not so hungry at lunch or dinner and am able to make MUCH wiser decisions at mealtimes. There are a lot of low calories snacks out there. Something to think about.

^this^

Even carrot sticks can be a snack. An apple, pear, a bunch of grapes, etc can also count. I used to be against the snack mentality thinking it would just add unnecessary calories to my day. I've found (personal experience here ) that adding snacks such as the above into my day has left me feeling fuller without doing too much damage to my waistline and hips. It's the snacks like chips, candy bars and cookies that need to be eliminated or eaten in very small quantities. I will agree with others here that healthy snacks are a good idea.

Your are right and thanks for reminding me. It's so easy to set up rigid programs that can set us up for failure. I truly feel like I'm doing well when I just eat when I'm hungry. I did that today and it was good. So...I guess I'll revise my goal.

Also, you really do need to eat (fuel) your body 5 to 6 times a day (every 2 to 3 hrs). This will keep your metabolism in high gear and burning fat 24/7!