I'm new here but I'm definately not new to the weight loss battle. I've been trying to lose my *baby* weight for the past 14 years. (LOL) I need to lose about 60# to put me into a healthy bmi range. A few years ago I actually lost 30# but I slipped back in to my old comfortable habits and regained every ounce. I think I've just let myself get use to being the big girl and stopped caring about my weight at all, BUT no more. I'm ready to do this once and for all. I'm going back to what worked before:

1200-1400 calories/day
96 oz water/day
30 minutes (at least) exercise/day
no eating after 7pm

It sounds simple enough and I know from experience that it works. I just have to find a way to navigate the dieting pitfalls in my life. I need to learn how to spend quality time with friends and family that doesn't involve a dinner table. I need to learn to reward myself with something other than food. I need to learn to deal with my emotions rather than feed them. I know I can do this and I think I'm better prepared for it now than I have ever been. I think I have finally gotten that it's not just about the *food*. I look forward to hearing any advice you guys have to share with me.

Welcome Phatgurl!! Your plan looks really sensible!

I agree, great plan. And you came to the right place for support

Hey there ... welcome.

I would suggest a few more calories and thinking about the 7 p.m. rule a little. It might work for you, but for me, I dont' even get home from the gym at night until 7. Then I'm up until midnight. For me, going 5 hours w/out eating would be unreasonable and would set me up for bad cravings.

I'd suggest a slightly later "end of the day" time - and plan in a healthy evening snack around 8:30 or even 9 (depending on what time you normally go to bed).

And maybe around 1500 calories would be a good level that won't make you feel deprived and like you need to "slip back" to old habits.

.