Here I go...no more dieting! Time to fix myself for LIFE, not just short-term. I am 22 years old and weigh 306 pounds as of this morning. How scary!!

According to the calorie burning calculator thingy, for my age, height, weight, and predominantly-sedantary lifestyle, I burn about 2908 calories a day. Therefore, my plan is to start out by eating about 2000 calories a day. That way, as I lose weight and hit plateaus, I can decrease it further without starving myself. I know I need to exercise, too, but I also know I need to make these changes gradually or I won't stick to them.

ANY helpful hints, suggestions, advice, etc., would be greatly appreciated, as I have an extremely long way to go! If my calorie-counting idea sounds like a course for failure, I'd love to hear feedback on that, too. I have set my first goal weight at 200 pounds. Who knows how long that will take...here goes nothin'!

And I'm off!

Congrats for coming here and taking the first step! "the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step".

106 lbs is a big goal and I know you'll attain it- but how about breaking it up? and setting dates for yourself? if you make it- set a reward and do it. My total goal was 49 lbs but I've broken it up in 10/ 15 lb increments. and set the date as milestones in my life- my wedding, my 25th birthday...
When I first started, Chris said he'd give me $100 for the first 10 lbs I lost because the wedding has forced us to cut back the clothes purchases... find something that you really want and reward yourself with it when you hit marks along your journey.

There's tons of challenges going on now- I'm biased, but the "Valentinies" group is great! (we started a christmas challenge together and continued onto Valentine's day. There's new members that join our group all the time! So jump in!)

Also the 100 lb club- I'm sure you'd get lots of great advice from people in there. They've been through and are going through the same struggles you'll find yourself in.

oh and I don't know about the calorie counting- I haven't had any experience with it personally, but the key is to find something that works for you! and something you can stick with!

Are you doing any exercise? walking? gym?

Again welcome!

Hi Jillybean! I know you will find lots of help here on the boards! I haven't been here long myself but I already feel right at home. I'm going to agree with KandiceA in saying maybe try to break your goals up a little smaller it will keep you more motivated. At least that's what I'm doing and I will make sure to reward myself when I reach them... I'm ten pounds away from that pair of shoes that I have been dying for! I'm on the 100+ board and love it! Stop by and see what we're all about. Everyone is great and very supportive. Good luck with everything! I know you'll do great!

Hi Jillybean! First of all, YOU CAN DO THIS!! Congratulations on taking your first steps. This may seem like a dauntingly long journey but I promise all the hard work you put into it will be worth it in the end. I would definitely try your calorie idea and see how it works for you. If you don't see the results you want then lower it some more or try something different. If there's one thing I've learned, it's that you have to do whatever works for you if you're gonna stick with it for life. I would also recommend adding some/any form of exercise as soon as you feel comfortable with it. It doesn't have to be a lot, when I first started out I could only walk 0.8 mph on my treadmill. But I just kept at it and slowly but surely increased my speed and endurance. Also, like Kandice said, you should definitely try breaking this up into smaller goals so it doesn't seem so overwhelming. Just take it one day at a time and you'll do fine. I also recommend checking out the 100 lb. club. It is a diverse group of people who all are or have been exactly where you are now. Good luck Jillybean, and remember, never ever give up!!

Beverly

Welcome aboard, I am new as well. When I first started my healthy living plan at the beginning of January I felt completely alone, and felt like the only fat person in the world who had this journey in front of her. I cannot tell you how much just seeing the figures under each persons name keeps me focussed and heartened that this is not impossible, and that I can do this.

Best of luck, with this bunch of fab people around you, you will be fine! hey Way2Fat4Me, will you get your shoes before I get my bottle of perfume??? It's my 20 pound reward!!!!