[Rakiya32]

Hello everyone. I am new to this site. I really need some help and guidance. I am 5"7 and 280 pds. My doctor recently put me on diabetic and blood pressure medicine. Iam terrified that I want see my 5 year old daughter grow up. I Am single parent that works full time and take online classes for my bachelors degree. I feel like iam in control over everything but my weight. I don't no where to start .....can anyone please give me some tips or how do I begin..I don't have the money for a gym membership

[saggzz]

I would just focus on eating a healthier diet. You could use one of those online calculators to determine an appopriate calorie level for your height/weight that will help with weight loss. Focus on your food intake for now and then add exercise later.

[kandyrews]

I would focus on eating healthier first. Drinking water instead of soda, have things like oatmeal for breakfast, fruits and veggies instead of processed foods, almonds instead of candy, etc., then I would add in some walking. Go for walks in your neighborhood or get some workout videos. Start off doing what you can, then add a little more each time. Aim for 5 days a week. This is what I did before and it worked great...I was in awesome shape. That was when I was in my 30's. I'm now starting over again in my 40's and have 45 pds to lose, so going to try the same thing. It's always more calories have to go out, than come in.

[wendyland]

Find some activities that you can do with your daughter for exercise. Like walking, playing tag... We play 'just dance' on the wii. My 4 year old loves to dance along. A lot of gyms also have babysitting.

As far as food, myfitnesspal is a great online calorie counter. I've done calorie counting in the past, but I find eating lower carb easier to stick to. If I stay around 75 carbs a day, I can easily stick to 1500 - 1600 calories a day. I follow the primal blueprint way of eating.

[Rakiya32]

Thanks so much for the great info..I will def change to water because right now I hardly drink water. We have a wii and i will get the just dance game. I will focus on changing my eating habits because I go to he fast foods because its so quick but I realized if I keep doing this Iam only hurting myself and my daughter more and life is too precious for that..again thanx for the info ...

[patchworkpenguin]

Rakiya, welcome, glad to have you join us. I suggest you look for a Challenge or Support group to join; small check-in groups make it easier to connect, get involved, and be accountable. We have groups centering arouns specific diets, themes, or age groups, find one that inspires you and just post to join!