Hi! I am a 40 year old mother to 5 children (14,12,10,9,8) and weigh 220 lbs. I am 5ft 5 and would like to lose about 80 lbs. I have never been very sucessful at dieting, but I want to keep up with my kids. I hate the way I feel and its time that I do something about it! I just started back to school and of course I feel like I am not only the oldest person there, but one of the fatest. I really want to lose weight, not only for my kids, but for me too.

Soooo, any suggestions on which diet to follow. I am getting dizzy from reading all the different diets. I have to have something that is easy to follow and that I can incorporate for my kids (read picky eaters ). I have been looking at weight watchers (again), Eating for life/body for life, or basically just cutting back and cooking lowfat/healthier. What would you suggest? What has worked best for you? Any suggestions? I really look forward to this journey with you all! Thanks! Lisa

Lisa,

WW is a great way to start.

Remember smaller portions.
Put fork down betwen bites.
Use a small plate.
Fruits and veggies.
Less fat.
Lean meats.
Fiber.

You CAN and WILL do this.
Be positive.
Be smart.
Think before doing.

Plan and read labels.

Find a weight loss buddy.
Ask questions.

Today will be a wonderful day because you are putting yourself first.

Smaill steps, big GAINS.

Health and Happiness,
Windsong

PM me anytime

Windsong, Thank you so much for the encouraging words! I am still trying to muddle through and explore the forums. This is really a large board (much larger than I thought originally) and everyone seems to support each other so well!!

Lisa,
I am doing WW. I really think it's easy to follow and if you mess up it's okay. I mean I can always just try to do better later in the day or the next day. Some diets I feel once you mess up you have to start all over. Anyway, Welcome to the board. If you have any questions about WW let me know.
Kristina

Hi Lisa, I'm about the same height and weight you are, so I feel where you are coming from! I also have been this overweight for a while now, and I remember being in college and being the heaviest girl in the room...it sucks! It does all kinds of messed up things to your self esteem and I always felt yucky and invisible! But I'm so glad you're here and making a start. This is a great place, I just started 2 weeks ago and being here every day or so has kept me on track.

I do a combo of a low carb and low cal diet, I use the website www.fitday.com to track the foods I eat, and I excercise in some way everyday.

Take it one meal at a time, don't worry about getting it perfect right away, and give yourself lots of encouragement...you're here and you're going to do great!

By the way, I just had my son, and I'm so impressed that you have 5 kids and don't weight more than you do! I gained quite a bit with Leo, and it seemed like the hardest thing not to snack when he was stressing me out!

PM me if you'd like to talk more!
Hope