I've been away from 3FC for about 4 months now... lotsa life changes have been happening-- new town, new job, new stress, etc; I just don't know where to start. I know it's simple.. but I feel so lost right now in the whirlwind of pressure I don't know where to begin. I had been out of work for two months, laying around on my butt eating junk food and playing video games, since starting my new job I've already lost 6-7 lbs, because I've not had the time to eat junk food or sit around (waitressing job=running around constantly). This is a good thing.. but I know its not gonna last. That bit of weight I gained during the two months of nothing is what's coming off now.. once I hit about 210 (currently 216) that's where it stops. Does anyone have any tips.. encouragement... ideas of where to start.. I just feel like I'm never gonna go anywhere x.x sucky feeling... but at least I still have the hope and desire to try and make the change.

Dont get discouraged! You can do this! Just take it one day at a time:-)

Mommy,is right! You can do it. If you want a jump start; try a detox or prune juice.

Have you tried small goals? I find focusing on small goals instead of big ones makes me stick to it alot longer.

Things like "I will eat clean for the next 3 days" not "not junk food for 5 months!".... or "5 pounds till mini-goal" instead of "15 pounds from where I want to be!"

Heck, some day I just make my goal to get through the day with no binge or junk good and thats a struggle but its alot easier to swollow then thinking "I have to count these calories forever!"

What Candeka said.

Calorie counting has worked for a lot of people here, myself included. There are many sites and apps that help you keep track and make it easy.

As far as small goals, that is something great to work on. If you drink soda, try to drop that. If you don't eat breakfast, try to change that! Try cooking at home more. I know it sounds like more work, but I have begun to find that I quite like preparing food for myself. It's relaxing. I like the fragrance that comes off the fresh tomato, cucumber and whatever else i'm chopping.

Don't be discouraged, life happens. And it happens to everyone. Pick back up and keep moving.

I agree with the other posts, take it one day at a time and set small realistic goals for yourself....and WELCOME BACK You can get back on track, believe in yourself!

So glad you are here for some help! That's the first step

Second, look at what you are eating. Not junk food (YAY YOU!), but what else? Start loading up on good, healthy foods so you can get your body feeling gooooooooooood. Fruits, veggies, whole grains, lots of proteins. I know that even when I'm not working out, eating healthy makes me feel amazing.

From there, start to check out the parts of your new lifestyle that might make weight loss difficult. These will be different than your past, so it's ok to take the time to notice some patterns. You're a waitress, so I'm guessing you will be around food a lot. Is there a lot of times to grab a quick snack, or go home with giant amounts of leftovers? (sorry if those are dumb questions, I've never worked in that industry!). Co-workers going out for drinks after a shift? Look at those possible roadblocks for you.

For now, I say that's enough! Check those things out, come here for motivation and tips, and you can move forward soon.