I don't know. I tried to lose weight so many times before and I ran out of motivation just the same way. This time, I still have problems. I still overeat at times and I still make excuses not to work out, but something keeps me going. My advice would be don't let the little things phase you, and try to make small, sustainable changes. Also, you wrote about wanting to exercise, which is great! But remember that all the working out in the world will not help you if you don't have your diet under control! I think maybe you're trying to make too many changes all at once, and that doesn't work out for most people. Don't be afraid to start small.

I'm not making weight loss super hard on myself. I'm eating a higher number of healthy calories (15 - 1700) and exercising daily. So, I don't have to deny myself too many things, which also means I don't need the same high motivation I would need if I were eating between 1000-1200.

It also means, I'm pretty sure, that I lose slower (about 1 lbs. a week) - but I don't mind that so much. It is still slowly coming off.

If work is where you typically "mess up" your diet, then I would definitely bring my own food.

It is also hard living with your parents and not having complete control over the groceries. If they have chips and you want to eat them, for example, then weigh a small serving and then fold up the bag and put it back.

I know a lot of people on this forum combat their cravings by eating larger amounts of protein - eggs, chicken, turkey, cottage cheese, tofu. Maybe that will help keep you on track at first.

Just remember that losing weight and eating right can feel good (not like TOTAL pain and deprivation) and that you have to be nice to yourself. Don't be your own drill sergeant, rather, do things in moderation.

Good advice here. Unna is right about snacks, NEVER sit down in front of the TV with a whole bag or box of goodies. Measure some out in a bowl and then sit down. If you want more, you'll actually have to get up and get more, which will make you think first, rather than midnlessly reaching for another handful. Yep, small change, but one that's definitely worked for me.

If your parents have less than healthy meals at the house (and if it's too hard/expensive for you to make your own meals), just be good about portion control and maybe have a salad or some steamed veggies with every meal to help you feel fuller.

Working at a restaurant is tough. Are there healthy things to munch on there? If not, then yes, definitely bring some better alternatives. The good thing about your job is you are *moving* during your shift (as opposed to sitting at a desk), so you are already burning more calories just going to work than many other people! If you can keep the temptation in check, you are ahead of the game

As far as healthy goes in my job meal wise would be under 550 cal meals or the weight watcher items. I would probably say sides of things that are healthy there would be steamed veggies or broccoli and fruit as well as celery sticks. I will prob just bring sumthin 2 snack on. That way I don't have 2 worry bout wat is at wrk.

I like what Unna said. I'm not making it hard on myself either. I'm eating a higher number of calories too. Actually I'm using the eucalorics technique I read about here on 3 fat chicks, when I was lurking and searching one day. It's from a book called Calorie Queens. You eat your maintenance calories now. I'm losing slowly. It works.

I'm with Unna, Sly and Northern! Sometimes we loose motivation when either our goal is too big or we don't just give ourselves the time. Make small changes, such as taking healthy snacks with you. At home, portion control and maybe even work on your parents a bit to buy healthier options. That may take some time, but may be worth it!

Either way, don't give up. Keep coming here and keep moving forward each day. Even if you don't loose as much as you want, or as fast as you want, you can still make progress!