Hi all; I am new to this site and wondering what's the best way to get started. Watched KD's show this AM on Foodtv and saw Roberta and got inspired. I have 70 lbs to lose and live alone and just have not been able to stick with anything I have started. I really need to get back to living healthy again and would like some help in getting started. SandyinPA

Hi, Sandy!

I don't have a lot of advice - at this point, you and I are kind of in similar boats (although I've been "just starting" for an awfully long time now, I need to STAY started!). But this is a great place to be!

I have to set little goals for myself so that I can keep reaching them, otherwise I get depressed because I don't feel like I've accomplished anything Sometimes they're almost silly when I write them down (buy wheat or 7 grain bread instead of white bread, for instance), but I give myself brownie points for them anyway!

Angie

Hi Sandy, what great advice you recieved... I so agree.. small steps..you might try a day or two of eating normal and counting calories if possible.. that way you know how much to reduce gradually.... if you drop too many calories you body will go into starvation mode and you won't see results... baby steps is the key.. but you can still start eating healthier... drop the refined carbs.. (sugar, white bread, pasta and rice..) more H20.... good luck girl..Cindy

Welcome, Sandy! You've gotten some great advice so far...and I would absolutely ditto the baby steps. It is in our nature to want to jump into something with both feet and go "whole hog," but then we often feel deprived (or just plain hungry) and we quit. Starting a little at a time and adding a piece to the puzzle every week or so will lead to long-lasting success.

Reducing consumption of sodas is one good place to start if you're a soda drinker. I have a friend who dropped 10-12 pounds just from giving up her 5 20-oz. Mountain Dews a day! As you reduce consumption of the sodas, increase consumption of water. I prefer to drink Deer Park bottled water because they've heavily chlorinated the water system where I live.

Other changes to make would be switching over from white breads/rice/pasta to wholegrain breads, pasta and brown rice and increasing the portion of your veggies while decreasing the portion of your meat & starchy side dishes.

And of course there has to be exercise! Several days a week of cardio plus some weight training, and it's good have some toning exercise, too.

Good luck! Ask any questions you have.

Welcome!

I also live alone (many of us do). When I started, I was in a bad relationship, but still managed to start losing the weight. (That boost enabled me to leave the relationship).

When I started, I tried to eat something every three hours. My meal plans had been unbalanced for so long that getting on a regular schedule for nutrition helped. If you do that as well as look at your portion sizes (gradually decrease until you get to a "normal" portion, *don't* go from a 10 oz steak to a 4, that will just leave you hungry, instead give yourself a bite less)

Welcome again!

CAtherine

Welcome. You have taken the most important step... you want to do something to help yourself. I think attitude is everything. Keep a positive attitude no matter what. Also, read the board and you will get lots of great information.

I have used Weight Watchers to lose my weight but different things work for different people.

Ultimately, you are the only one who can figure out the best way to get healthier but everyone here will be happy to help you with your journey.

I just want to say a quick welcome!!!

Any questions or advise you have to share, just jump right in!!

Laurie

Welcome to you! I too had just over 70 pounds to lose when I started. For me, I started by tackling my portion sizes. I didn't do much to change how/what I was cooking until I got a handle on how much I was eating. Then I tackled my fat intake, water intake, exercise, etc...
I think the important thing is to pick one or tow things to change and start with that. Once you get those things under control, move on to the next thing.
You CAN do this and keep it off for life!

As a start, here are 100 Small Steps.

Over time, small steps can yield big results.

Hi Sandy,
What are you able to do today and for the rest of the week? Can you drink more water and one less soda? Maybe take an extra 5 minute walk and do a couple sit ups. Perhaps you will make a food plan or add a veggie to your day and forget about cookies. You begin where you are at and make small improvments that you can live with for the long haul.
I started by seeing a nutritionist and having a plan for my food and exercise. I was pretty distorted about what foods (and amounts) I needed.
Ask loads of questions and post about your routine here. We'll be happy to respond.