Hey all I just found this website thanks to a coworker. I think this is amazing and everyone has such great stories. I need all of the advice I can get right now. I have a few questions that maybe you can help with. What are the best things to eat to loose weight and where can I find the best exercise routines that my big hind end can start off with. Keep in mind now, I am a single mother and so every penny is watched. I recently had a heart attack (i am only 41) so this has been a big wake up call for me. I know I didn't put it on over night and it wont come off over night but what is the quickest way to get started?

Hi Alyssa! I also am new to this website. I have found some great ideas and encouragement here. I would make sure with your doctor that the exercise is safe because of the heart attack.
I use an exercise DVD Leslie Sansone walk at home. The exercises are very easy (I was so bad out of shape!) And you can do them in the privacy of your own home. You decide on the intensity. You can buy this at walmart for about 9.99
I am on the calorie cycling diet and have done real well on it. I am 49 and I made a decision I wanted to turn 50 next year and be slim and trim. I want to see my grandchildren grow up

I too am a single mom watching pennies. I walk...4-5 miles a day throughout the day. I have a wonderful pedometer that I got from Walmart online...it was like $26 with shipping and tax. The 10000 steps burns about 500 calories a day...it doesn't have to be fast walking...just adding steps. I pace back and forth waiting for the elevator...walk around the long way...anything I can do to add steps makes it easier for me to reach the 10000 each day. And...my diet plan...I decided to count calories...since there are so many free websites that allow you to track your calories for free. Hope that helps...I'm 39.

I would say to speak with your doctor first, maybe get a referral to a nutritionist if your insurance will cover that. When I first started I set goals to drink 2 liters of water per day, get in 5 or more servings of fruit and veggies, go low on carbs, include lean proteins and good fat versus bad fat. I keep a food journal and that helps me to stay on track, I note the food, servings size and calories. Counting calories, portion control and getting in those fruits and veggies has worked for me.

I exercise lightly to moderately by walking at work on breaks and walking around my neighborhood. I was given and exercise bike this summer and I use that a few times a week.

Changing habits was important to me: eat slower, drink water throughout the day, get regular exercise, cooking at home versus eating out or getting takeout, making healthy choices at meal, etc.

And remember to celebrate all your mini-goals, such as losing that first 5 pounds, your clothes fitting better, having your grocery cart full of yummy healthy food, etc.

yes, if you have a serious medical condition, I'd agree you should check your diet and exercise with doctor first.

I'm not any kind of expert, these are things I've done diet wise that I learned through diet programs like Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers:

increase my veggie and fruit intake
--I eat baby carrots with lunch, drink V8 for a snack
--squash, yellow and zucchini (steamed with a little parmesan), greens, greenbeans, spinach (sauteed or in salad), broccoli (steamed with a little parmesan cheese), asparagus (to name a few things)
--I eat oranges and apples, bananas, strawberries

decrease fat intake
--lower the overall amount of fat, steam or roast instead of fry
--switch to olive oil instead of butter or oleo
--chose lean meats to eat (think turkey, chicken breasts, no skin, lean pork, lean red meats less often)

keep carbohydrates moderate.
--pick yams and peas to fill in carbohydrate part of your diet
--chose whole grains (they have low cal wheat bread, 43 cals a slice)

drink more water, eliminate soda and sweetened drinks as much as possible (if not entirely)

fitday.com or sites like that can be great for tracking calorie and nutrition levels.

get calcium in your diet too, like skim milk, lowfat plain yogurt, add your own fruit and sweetener (the greek yogurt is tasty)

garlic and onion can add lots of flavor and are healthy for you

Just want to tell each of you thank you so much for your support and advice. I have checked with my doc and he said everything is good and should have no problem with exercise just no diet pills or anything that is going to artificially speed up my heart. I have to slowly build up to intense work outs he says but with the shape I am in there is no jumping into it anyway. This site seems like a wonderful tool. Its nice to know I am not alone. Thank you all so very much.

I second the recommendation for the "Walk at Home" DVDs from Leslie Sansone! I actually have used them at work, in my office; but I do have my own office, it makes it quite easy. I have done them at home too.

The BIGGEST thing I have done, since I can't afford to join a "group" and pay weekly fees is to make sure I come here every day. Even if it's just to read! This place is amazing; it's easy to sucked into it for hours! And then I am not eating, lol. Seriously though: this place is awesome!

Secondly: make a blog here! Write in it frequently! Every day if you can. Then, follow the links to others' blog: man what an inspiration some of them are!

You can do this! And we can help! I am kind of a newbie here myself, but I have my blog, I come here daily and its FREE!

~flamanette~