Welcome, Wishes!
Faerie is totally right...we've all been there, and it's a slow process. I've found that my best chance at success happens when I take the smallest steps. My husband always has to remind me "the slower you lose the weight, the longer it will stay off." And I believe him.
My very first step (after deciding I needed to do something about my weight) was to drink more water. Instead of waiting till I was thirsty and then heading to the vending machine for an iced tea or a soda, I started carrying a 1 liter Nalgene bottle everywhere, and I kept it filled with water. My goal was to drink 3 liters of water a day, and I achieved that. Drinking that much water made me feel better physically, and it kept my mouth busy when I would have ordinarily been searching for a soft drink or something else to munch.
My second step (Like Faerie) was to get my points in order. The WW flex points system is great...there are lots of other plans that are great too, so look for something that fits YOU best. I do WW because it lets me plan my own meals while giving me one number to worry about throughout the day. I started writing everything down, including little bits 'n' bobs I'd snack on that I used to think didn't "count."
My third step once I'd gotten used to eating within my points range, was to reconsider WHAT I was eating. I made the personal choice to go with as much natural, organic, and unprocessed food as possible. You might choose a different goal...there are lots of ways to do this. I started looking for "trades"---things I could use to replace the less healthy things I was already eating. I found that, for me, a fat free Stonyfield yogurt cup will satisfy most of my sweet cravings...apples keep me full and happy when I want something crunchy...hi fiber cereal in the morning gives me energy that lasts longer and doesn't leave me looking for a snack at 10am. Trail mix is a great snack if you can control your portions. Make a note of the things you normally reach for when you're hungry/emotional/snacky/etc and look for healthier options.
My 4th step is adding some exercise, and this is where I am right now. I have not made much progress here, but I am trying. Everyone here has been helping me and encouraging me with good advice about exercise.
The best advice I think I could give---it's the advice it took me the longest to learn myself---is that SMALL steps and SLOW progress isn't a bad thing...in fact, if you establish short manageable goals for yourself (rather than drastic ones), you'll probably find that you'll make greater progress in the long run. It's easy to start strong but fizzle out when your goals are too drastic...I've done that tons of times, as many many others here have. So start small...work WITH your mind and body, not against it. You can do this!!!
Surprise, a newbie who needs advice
