Hey everyone.

I've just come to the point where I can't stand looking at myself in the miror any more. I weight 180 lbs. and want to lose 50 lbs. I'm a little nervous. I just hope this time isn't like all the others where I start out good and then just fizzle away. Feel free to offer my any suggestions. I'll try to do the same for you.

Welcome to the forum! So glad you joined us.
Do you know what food plan you are going to follow? There is a ton of information about many different food plans on this site. Pick a plan that fits in your lifestyle and you can follow long term. I chose calorie counting because it is free and flexible. It allows me to eat almost anything I wanted as long as it fits within my calorie range for the day and there are ton of free apps out there to help you track your food.
Give up the sugary drinks and drink lots and lots of water.
Incorporate some exercise into your weekly routine. You do not have to join an expensive gym try to walk more, use the stairs more, download videos off of YouTube or Hulu.com to work out to. There are a lot of things you can to do with spending a ton of money.
Lastly, if you have a bad meal, a bad day, heck, a bad food week. Do NOT let this be a reason to throw in the towel. Get back on track at the next meal. You can do this!!!
Best of luck to you!

Snowgirl, welcome, glad to have you join us. I suggest you look for a Challenge or Support group to join; small check-in groups make it easier to connect, get involved, and be accountable. We have groups centering around specific diet plans, themes, or age groups, so find one that inspires you and just post to join!

SNOWGIRL ~ the most important thing to remember is that you don't have to be perfect every day. Try to choose an eating style that you like and one that you could stick with long term; and exercises (like walking) that are not too difficult or expensive. Just take it one step at a time, one day at at time, one change at a time ... and if you make a mistake, just keep on going!!!

You will love it here; there's many caring people and lots of info, plans, recipes, challenges, and support. Look around and jump right in wherever you feel comfortable ...

Hi Snowgirl!

I just joined today, and will also be looking to lose 50lbs. Hopefully we can encourage each other! You will be able to find me over on the Ideal Protein forum if you want to check in.

bethany