Finally being serious

**Alycia** · 01-23-2011 09:22 AM

I have tried different ways of losing weight since my back surgery in 2006, pills, drinks, less food, more fruit and vegetables, and then I got over it. I had some success, but then I would get busy taking care of my family and out the window it would go! I was reading some info on Web MD and I realize my problem. ME! I give myself no time to do anything for me, I cook, I clean, I take care of the kids, the husband, and by the end of the day I'm too tired to care what I need, let along do anything about it. So, I've made a decision to take one hour a day, no matter what and make it me time. I'm going to take that walk, I'm going to do those few push-ups I can wrangle out, and if need be I'll jog in place.

I made a decision to care about me too. That's why I'm here. A friend told me that a forum would help me on my way to weight loss happiness. She said talking with people going through what I'm going through will enable me to do well. So, here I am.

I'm happy to meet you and I hope we can HELP EACH OTHER.

**Hopeless Dork** · 01-23-2011 09:33 AM

I think the first thing you should do is get a little notebook and start charting your calories. Write down every single thing you eat, every pat of butter, every banana, every teaspoon of creamer in your coffee, EVERYTHING. There are lots of calorie-counting websites online that are free and if you don't know how many calories something is you can search for it there to find out.

I think seeing exactly how many calories you are consuming a day will give you a great idea of what you are eating, where your calories are coming from and what you can swap out of your diet to maximize the food you eat while minimizing the calories. Find out from your doctor how many calories you should be eating per day to reach healthy calorie deficit that will put you on the path to weightloss. Everyones magic number is different and dependent on activity level, height and current weight, medical conditions etc... so its important to find the number you should be hitting and to track what you eat and stick to that calorie goal.

**Cyndie32** · 01-23-2011 09:37 AM

congratulations! what a great attitude. how old are you and what is your weight? what are your goals? it helps to be specific. write them down and post them on the frig so that they become a commitment to you. if you ever need encouragement or just to vent, look me up. trust me. i have been there. i posted a thread yesterday called i need help brainstorming. read it if you like, it is about my current weight loss strugle.