Hi !

I joined Calorie Count today so I'm learning my way around.Can use some help  from seasoned members.I'm trying to lose about 45 lbs. .I guess I don't want to be on a "Diet" just want to keep the calories low & the food healthy.I think the word"Diet" itself causes me to rebel. Can use help & encouragement.

Thanks

Welcome FlipFlop!  You are absolutely right.  A "Diet" is the wrong way to go about it.  And by our age, we know that.

If you go on a diet for a limited time, somewhere in the back of your mind is the intention of going back to eating like you used to.  Eating like you used to is probably what got you to your current weight.  It will do it again.  Your real goal has to be to change your eating habits for the rest of your life, not just long enough to lose 45 pounds.  A new lifestyle.  So my help is to suggest that you do the following:

1. First, get a kitchen scale and weigh food to figure out if you are eating larger portions than you should.  Shrinking portion sizes is pretty easy. The scale will help you keep them that way.
2. Then log everything you eat for a while at least.  Find out what foods are just more calories than they are worth.  Eliminate, or at least cut way back on them.
3. Then find some activities you enjoy doing and start doing them.  You don't have to go to a gym if that doesn't sound fun.  You do have to get out of your chair and do something though.
4. Now, take a look at how many calories you are eating and how many you are burning.  Try to eat 500 - 1000 less than you are burning.  No more.

Take it one day at a time.  Focus on making today a day when you eat healthy and not too much.  Try not to focus too much on the scale.  Weight comes off slow in our age group.  Try to make changes to your life style that you can keep up for the rest of your life.

My goal has been this.  Find foods that are just as good tasting as the stuff I used to eat, but are healthier and lower calorie.  That one has actually worked out really well.  I don't even like a lot of the junk I used to eat any more.  Now I just have to eat less...  Its a long road.  Good luck and feel free to add me to your friends.

Thank you, clharr, for your advice.I am taking it very seriously & will do as you suggested.I started this morning logging everything I eat.I have also planned my days menu so I won't slip & eat the wrong things.I appreciate you support.Once again....thanks.