Hi, I'm new here, and I have wanted to eat healthy for a while, but as soon as I try to eat healthier, I end up messing everything up, like I'd eat too much junk and I just feel just so awful about it, I'm really trying to control myself, I just want some tips, please, starting to eat healthy or being on a "diet," is the hardest part for me, because in the first couple of days I always mess up and I get so frustrated at myself.

My best advice is start slow. Don't view it as a diet but as a healthier way of eating. Cut down your portions slowly, increase healthier food, increase exercise.

Don't beat yourself up if you slip.

Welcome, jinanne! You should come hang out with us in the Featherweights section--its an area for those of us with smaller amounts to lose and we are all dealing with similar issues (ones just like yours!!).

Thank you for the advice! I know I usually go way too fast when it comes to eating healthy, and then get so mad when I slip, portions are the main thing I need to control. Again, thank you!

Okay, will do!

I think the most important thing is to make changes that you can LIVE with...not just for a few days or a couple of weeks, but long-term. Start with the changes that are easiest to make - diet soda instead of regular, or a splash of juice with sparkling water instead of all juice. Whole wheat (check the label!) bread instead of white - oatmeal or Cheerios instead of Fruit Loops. Start using extra virgin olive oil instead of butter where you can, and aim to incorporate more fruits and veggies in your daily diet. Try to have a little protein with each meal - this helps prevent hunger and makes meals/snacks more satisfying. I think it's also important to think about your personality - will you do better cutting certain things out of your life completely, or would you be better off adapting the way you eat certain foods to keep them in your new plan? Try to find healthier foods that you love - no one wants to live off of celery and sunflower seeds if they HATE those foods with a passion! There are so many great, healthy foods out there that you needn't suffer through menus you dislike.

It's SO important to realize that the weight won't fly off overnight - in fact, you really wouldn't want it to, 'cause then it's more likely to pile back on again!! Being patient with the process is key - perseverence and the ability to pick yourself right back up if you stumble are really important. You won't be perfect - no one is. But success comes when you keep going in spite of a pitfall.

Thank you, that was incredibly helpful! It'll be hard to cut out something like my Cocoa Pebbles!

I just read something on MSNBC that might help you. Here is the part that was the most pertinent:

That's a good idea. Thank you!