This is my first time ever posting on any board. My weight has reached a point where it is becoming depressing to me. I am trying to get an exercise routine started and am trying to make better food choices. The last 2 years have been a rollercoaster ride. My husband died, I was evicted from our home by his parents, had 2 sinus surgerys, and got seem to have lost all of my get up and go. I now have a wonderful new man who is challenged in the being physically active department. Any suggestions and buddies would be appreciated.

Welcome Jenf! Have you done some reading on the boards here? What kind of food plans appeal to you?

Just trying to eat less carbs and more fresh fruits and vegetables. No strict diet here. I love to eat alot of different foods. Also trying to add in more exercise.

Ah real foods ... yummy! You'll do just fine I think. Can we help you with anything?

Congratulations on being ready to get started. I'm glad to hear your exercising. That is half of it right there! You want to work out hard enough so you break a sweat- at least 20 minutes at a time, try to work up to more. Not only do you burn calories while working out, it increases your metabolism so you burn more calories all day long.

Eating- You do want to cut back on carbs- refined carbs (white flour, sugar, potatoes (sweet potatoes are better than white)). Whole grains have more fiber and nutrition. The main reason to stay away from carbs is they raise your blood sugar, causing your body to produce lots of insulin- insulin stores the extra sugar in your body as fat. If you have fiber, protien and/or fat with carbs- they are absorbed more slowly and don't raise your blood sugar as much.

Personally- I count calories but didn't always. If your just getting started and had pretty bad eating habits before you may not want to do that. Just eat healthy foods (whole grains, vegetables, some fruit, lean meat, low fat cheese, nuts) in reasonable portions. You can always fine tune later on.

Good Luck!

Thanks so much. I am really looking for encouragement and ideas.