I'm 24 years old and weigh 244lbs. My birthday is August 12th and I'll be 25. I have 2 children and I'm married, but I'm fat and unhappy. I try many diets but some of them are so hard and I'm still hungry and my money isn't long enough for me to do alot of things. I didn't want to be a 244lb cow on my birthday, but I don't know what to do, if anybody has a diet or any way to help I would appreciate it.

I think birthdays are rough, for me at least, because I have a tendency to "take stock" of my life and decide I'm coming up short, maybe I'm not slim enough, pretty enough, don't have enough shoes...whatever. So I decided, after making all the people I loved miserable with my nasty attitude this year, I'm making a change, and using my birthday as a day to count my blessings, maybe write thank-you notes to those I feel fortunate to have in my life.

I can also relate to your dissatisfaction with diet plans, I was in that position too many times. What I figured out FOR ME was that quick-fix plans never worked for me, as my expectations always fell short of the results. When results did happen, I invariably gained weight after getting off the plan. I was able to successfully affect a positive change in my life by making livable changes in my eating--smaller portions, cutting out mindless eating, incorporating "better" foods, not eating after 7...fairly standard stuff. As well, I became active. Initially, I just upped my general activity--took stairs, parked farther away in shopping centers, took more walks with my daughter in her backpack... Then I started weights, did more on a treadmill, sort of pushed the envelope. It's tough, but you can do it, you just have to want a better life, not just "to be thin."

Good luck!!
Jess

I can relate to birthday milestones, Vyckelamb. I eat about 1400 calories a day and don't figure in most vegetables in the calculation, except for starchy veggies like potatoes.

I'm all for taking baby steps when it comes to weight loss, and I like Jessica's excellent suggestions. Try to eat only when you're hungry. Frozen veggies are cheaper than fresh and don't have
all the sodium in canned veggies. Generally, buy fruits and vegetables in season to save $$. Focus on eating more slowly...perhaps putting your fork down between bites (I'm still working on this!). Gradually start increasing your physical activity. Walking is a good place to start...taking a stroll with your children is a handy way to fit in exercise.

Weight loss programs can be expensive. Here are a couple sites on "frugal," i.e., inexpensive, dieting which I like:


http://www.thriftymamma.com/articles/weight.htm


http://www.dovesdesign.com/frugal-mommy/health.shtml

I'll also see if I can scan a good article on the subject and send it to you via your mail.

Weight we gain can always be lost...I've done it before, maintained it for almost a decade, and am doing it again! It's never too late. Keep us posted on how you're doing!

Like Jess I believe you have to find a liveable plan that fits you. I too started by eating smaller portions, preparing my food in healthier ways, and got moving and active in my daily life.
As I lost weight I incorporated more exercise and I tried to learn as much as I could about food and eating better and I continue to tweek my eating more and more as I learn.

It can be overwhelming if you expect too much too soon, but if you're willing to be a little patient and make some small liveable changes little by little you'll begin to see some positive changes.
So maybe ask yourself what dietary changes can you make today and stick with? Maybe giving up buttered bread with dinner? Or pan frying in non stick cooking spray instead of frying in oil? Maybe steaming veggies and eating them without sauces or butter? Skim milk with your cereal rather than whole milk?
One step at a time and add more steps as its comfortable and liveable for you, that's the way to make the changes permanent.

Donna

There is not much more I can add with all the good advice above me, but I when you say you don't have the money to do alot of things, I don't think money comes into it.
Like the advice above, I agree that losing weight has to be a personal thing, It is no good trying someone elses diet if it's not the food you normally eat, You don't have to spend money to look at what you eat and see if there is a healthier alternative to cooking it differently. And walking doesn't cost anything, walking with weights ( which I am just learning) adds definition. I am sure you will be swamped with good advice here, all you have to do is ask. Good luck
Ellie

The ONLY way to lose weight the right way is to exercise and watch what you eat.

Let me give you some inspiration. Two years ago, I weighed over 300 pounds and wore a tight size 28. I started walking two miles every day. Then I started playing racquetball three times a week. I now weigh 140 lbs and wear a size 4.

I didn't starve myself, I didn't go on any special diet. I simply started counting calories and eating healthy food and exercising.

I can not stress how important exercise is. If you can't start exercising for yourself...make a commitment to someone else. For me..it started with my dog. She loved the walks, so I HAD to take her. You will find that it is harder to say no, cancel or disappoint someone else.

Good luck! Remember, time passes whether you get up and walk or sit on the couch.