I have to weigh myself to keep motivated. Like this morning I got on to find out I lost another .2 of a pound (so really at 209.8) I mean that is nothing but it just makes me try even harder that day. Like when someone goes – hey Courtnie! Lets go for ice cream! I just say no thanks and smile to myself because I keep thinking about that .2 of a pound. Or if I go up a pound or two it works the same way. I try not to weigh myself everyday – doesn’t always work so well!

I think another part of my problem is everyone told me that because I am young and overweight that I will lose it quickly. I probably just set my expectations too high.

I think you guys are right, I am probably not eating enough food… or rather enough calories. I am going to write them down for a couple days (when I write on paper I am more honest with myself) and see what the average is.

And yes I KNOW I need more protein, but it really isn’t something I like. I have always been a carbs person so this is new for me as I am working on cutting the carbs. I will try and eat more tuna – that’s my favorite!

Thanks again!

Yes, definitely listen to Jill, she knows what she's talking about!

As far as calories, 1200 is way too low in my opinion for your weight. You need to have somewhere to go and if you start that low you won't. I'm 195 right now (started at 234) and I'm losing on an average of 1600-1800 calories a day. And definitely get in a lot of protein. Especially if you're lifting weights which you should consider doing if you aren't already.

Hehe, sorry for the protein remark. I was replying at the same time you were!

I am starting to feel much better about my 5 pounds. So I just want to say thank you again!

5 pounds in a month is great -- no, not the fastest ever, but I think that as long a you are doing good things take any loss!! It's certainly not slow!

And writing things down is very helpful! I wa resistant when my doctor suggested it, but I love it now! The online sites people mention track more than calories, which is eye openingl. I like nutridiary, personally.

As for food, I'll third or 4th what everyone has said already, be sure to eat enough to get all the nutrients you need. I'm a carb queen too, and I have started eating more whole grain breads and pastas and brown rice... not that I don't have "white" carbs too, but "brown" carbs often have more fiber (and maybe protein) and can help stick with you longer. I am finding I really love a lot of them too!

It can be overwhelming picking things to change-- don't feel you have to do it all at once.

You're doing great!

Courtnie, let me tell you that you have just embarked yourself on a life long journey that will bring you many joys and even dissapointments. Ever since I started to lose weight, I don't weigh myself every day. I weigh myself every first day of the month. This is because I do not want to get dissapointed in the middle of the week. Come to think of it, after seven months of rigorous dieting and having weighed myself seven times, I have seen a 70 lbs. loss. I started at 210 and I'm down to 140 as of now. I want to lose the last ten so badly, but it has become just a bit harder. What's the plan that helped me succeed? Counting calories, exercising 6 times a week, and keeping my focus on the great outcomes of losing weight. You will make it and don't lose patience. I don't think you gained all the weight overnight, so the pounds will come off one or two at a time, and at times, you'll see no results for a while. Anybody can do it.