[dylsmom]

Hi, I have finally decided I have to do something about my weight! So , I have some questions for everyone. What books should I get and read about eating lowfat? How do I go about figuring how many calories and how much fat grams I should eat? I am at the heaviest I have EVER been ( even when I was 9 months preg) . I just feel horrible and I know I have to change my eating habits. I am so confused when it comes to trying to decide which way to change my eating habits. I went on a strict lowfat 2 years ago and then I went on vacation and blew it and ever since then I just cant seem to get motivated until NOW! So, If anyone has any great tips I would love to hear them

Also I am looking for a diet buddy if anyone is interested . Ever since my bestfriend moved away I have quit exercising. I would love to find someone that I can help motivate and that will help motivate me

[GeorgiaLady]

Hi, I'm a newbie too. Been lurking until just recently. Everyone here has been wonderful. Very helpful and supportive of each other. When I first decided to start losing, I went out and bought quite a few diet books. My favorite is "The Picture Perfect Diet" book by Dr. Shipiro. The reason I love this book is the way it is layed out. It will show you a picture of a bagle, for example, on one page and then show a huge amount of fruit and vegatables, lean meats, etc. on the opposite page that add up to the same calories. It's all about choices. I've been counting calories and making wiser choices lately along with working out and I'm strarting to make progress.

Good luck to you and welcome!!

[aphil]

Hello!
The best way I have found to lose weight is to count calories-eating about 1500 calories a day. Losing weight is a simple matter of burning more calories than you take in each day. The low fat eating can be combined with this very easily-I try to make lower fat choices not for the weight loss part of it, but for it being healthier for your heart, etc. Regular exercise is extremely important as well-because you can lose weight and be THIN at 120 pounds, and still have flappy arms and saddlebags and jiggly inner thighs. I have seen many thin women with saggy rear ends because they don't do anything. If you want a nicely shaped body as well as cardiovascular and bone health-you must exercise. If you don't use it, you'll lose it. This is why you see 120 pound women looking at their thighs and saying they are fat. THEY ARE! Not in size, but in composition.
You also have to give up the thought of going on a "diet." A diet means that you will lose weight, go back to your regular habits, and then gain it back-and then in a few months, go on another diet.
You have to commit to changing your eating and exercising habits for LIFE-if you want to keep it off for life.
Aphil