Instead of another "diet", I need a lifestyle change. I am sick and tired of being sick and tired and fat and bloated. Please help with any suggestions on getting motivated.

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I've been boo'ed!!

Thanks for all the reads and no responses.

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I've been boo'ed!!

Sorry Beverly, I don't really know how to give the advice you need. I did lose about 30 pounds in 2005 and have kept it off for over a year now (I'm now at about my ideal weight). I just got to a point where, like you, I wanted to change. I had always been active, just ate too much, and the wrong foods. I kept very careful watch on my calorie intake for about 3 months (trying to stay at about 1500-1600 per day). I found that as the weight came off, I had more energy to jog, so I increased my exercise as well. I used to run about 15-18 miles a week, and I increased that to about 32-36 miles a week. You obviously don't have to become a jogger to lose weight - just some kind of exercise (walking is good). Try to make it something you actually enjoy, and then it is easier to stick with.

I will say that it isn't easy to take the weight off. I was pretty hungry at times! I enjoy food so much. I have found that now I seem to be able to eat what I want, and still keep my weight down. If I'm particularly bad one day, I'll try to be pretty good the next, etc. I don't know how much weight you want to lose, but staying motivated can be difficult. I think making small goals for yourself that are achievable frequently is better than just one "big" goal (your ideal weight). Maybe give yourself a reward when you hit the 10 pound weight loss mark, etc.

Good luck to you, and if you are truly ready, you will succeed.

I found that the best way for me was to start slowly. I started with fluids first since that seemed to be the easiest. Like upping my intake of water and trying to only drink that instead of juices or sodas. Once I had that down and was making it a daily thing I started to exercise. I have a Tae*Bo tape that is 8 minutes and for me that is perfect. I do it once in the morning and once in the evening and if I am feeling up to it I try to get another one in there in the afternoon for a total of 3. Right now I am working on the food part, which for me is the hardest b/c I just love food. When I shop I am only getting health foods so thats all there is in the house which helps when you want something to snack on cuz you arent reaching for cookies! I just started about a month ago and I have lost 10 pounds but due to a back injury I havent been able to exercise for 2 weeks and I am feeling it. I am going to try and start back this weekend w/ once a day and work my way back up. It all just takes time. Maybe try breaking things down into steps and see if that works.

I'm sorry, I wasn't on line yesterday.

Can you take time out each day for a walk? Start out just going around the block, then add another block. Start out slow, then maybe you can start a slow jog.

Also, you can slowly start changing the way you eat. Start with eating one serving of fresh or frozen veggies and fruit each day. Then add more to it when you can. A serving is only 1/2 cup for fresh/frozen veggies/fruit. That is not much at all.

I agree with morrismoma, get a tape that is short, something like low impact aerobics or tae bo. It will start you out getting motivated and you will just keep the motivation going.

Don't be afraid to come here for encouragement, pm me if you want.

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baby steps...baby steps...baby steps... start small...increase your water intake. ALOT. Then add more fruits and veggies. Cut out sugars and the 'bad' carbs (or at least cut down) try and get some exercise every day. Walking is the best exercise you can do.

I just picked up Bob Greene's Total body make-over and am starting to read it tonight. I have seen him on Oprah and every time I see him, I think "Gee, that sounds easy enough"...so here I go...

I'm in the same boat as you right now...feel free to PM me, we can encourage each other!

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Lately I have been walking alot. I walk everyday over my lunch break and if i have time at night with the kids also. When walking i always take a bottle of water with me. It is an easy way to get a lot of water in you. Normally I go through the whole bottle. I'd just start slow. If you go hog wild then it's easier to get discouraged.

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I just started this past week trying to get in better shape. My clothes are starting to feel a little tight, and that was a real wake up call. I have been drinking tons of water, and I am also exercising. I do Denise Austin's daily workout on Lifetime. It's on Mon-Fri at 7:30 Eastern. It's a half hour long and a pretty good workout in my opinion.

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Pain is temporary, quitting is forever....

My dh and I have just decided we both feel this way and need a change. I know that I need to starting making better meal choices for 1. I am really just getting started thinking about it but plan to start drinking more water and looking for more recipes instead of convenience foods. Good luck

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I work in the health field and have watched tons of people take weight off and keep it off. someone up there was right when they said start with fluids. cut out soda and juice, or switch to diet. drink TONS of water. it speeds the metabolism, makes you feel better, etc. just by doing the above i lost 10 lbs in 2 months after dd #2. also 30 minutes a day of activity to start. walking is the best full body activity. also fruit is good for you, but too much isnt. stick to veggies, chicken, and fish. not a lot of bread.... etc. a patient of mine lost 20 lbs by replacing to of her meals with frozen lean cuisines. and those taste reallllly good.