[SlipperySlope]

I want to really concentrate on the goal to lose weight because with the past medications I've been on including Depakote,Risperdal, and Seroquel caused me to gain a lot of weight. I am currently 300 pounds and need to lose at least 110 pounds.........I plan on doing what the norm is which is eat right sized portions and quality of food.
I really don't know where to start though because I am so used to be in a rush to get to my job I always eat fast food, and I also have depression and it messes with my motivation and self-esteem levels which creates a big problem when trying to start a routine. Any suggestions that people know would work pls feel free to let me know.

[LucyG]

Good luck on losing the weight!! I was on Depakote and gained about 15 lbs that seems to want to stay with me, especially now that I'm in menopause.

One strategy you might try to implement is eat fresh food that you make yourself. I know it's a lot of work, but you will keep a lot of the chemicals like MSG and aspertame out of your diet that mess with your endocrine system, and actually cause weight gain.

I would also find things to do with your hands during the evenings or when watching TV so you won't be tempted to snack as much.

[Nape]

Start off with your diet since diet comprises (they say) 80% of your health/fitness. If you try the vegan diet , you will surely lose weight easily even when just eating food. That diet includes legumes , nuts , fruits and mmm.. veggies! Limit your nuts and fruits though. Research on the vegan diet so you could think , but I guess that's the healthiest diet for weight loss.

Next if you have been consistent with a nice and healthy diet like vegan. Go do some walk first then jog then run. Don't try to sprint when you start. This is one of the most efficient natural weight-loss activity so I guess you should try to enjoy running (don't be shy on the neighborhood since they don't really care that much and look , you will inspire people). Drink lots (maybe 2-3 glasses before a long workout) of water (and one glass after).Once you run , maybe you should lift weights for strength or maybe you could do some bodyweight exercises (push-ups,squats,pull-ups) for strength , just start slow. Try to do activities you love afterwards like dancing or any active sports or maybe just continue your workout.

For now you should focus on the diet. Then cardio is next. Then strength for strength and muscles. Then do anything you want but be consistent with your health! For now diet first . Good luck!

[LiveThroughThis]

Slipperyslope i'm in the exact same boat. Previous meds that caused a massive weight gain (70+lbs) and I'm kind of like a baby learning to walk w/losing the weight because of other health issues (S. Apnea and Anemia). Also our stove is broken so it's hard to eat well when you can't cook,

I bought an inexpensive stationary exercise bike that I can't wait to use once I get over this sinus infection. Also, I bought one of these, and it makes cutting/chopping food a breeeeze! http://www.williams-sonoma.com/produ...table-chopper/ At the moment I'm using it to mince nuts--they're good for maintaining blood sugar, etc. but hurt my teeth--and it does a good job. Homemade guacamole/hummus by pulling a string? Chaching!

Just wanted to let you know I hear you.

[hamster-bamster]

You may want to rethink the goal. You clearly like to have a measurable goal, but can you think of some outside of the pounds? Minutes/hours of daily exercise, walking speed/pace come to mind. Some weight loss would follow if you pursue those goals, but the goals themselves would be more attainable - weight loss is not always an attainable goal, which is why so many people carry extra weight. If you are fit, your weight does not matter as much, but again, if you pursue fitness goals, some weight loss would follow. No more than X times a week eating fast food, with X approaching zero eventually, would be another goal.

[Fresia]

It is worthy goal! It is important to focus on making healthier choices and changes to your lifestyle. Even small changes can make a big difference. Subsituting foods you normally eat for something healthier, butter made with canola oil instead of straight butter; skim milk instead of whole or 2%. Whole wheat toast instead of white bread. Adding more vegetables and lean meats and fish. There are somethings that there is no substitute, like for me with bagels, so I allow myself a half instead of a whole one, and that is another thing, smaller portions.

I used to eat a lot of fast food/food-on-the-go and someone suggested to me to make my own meals ahead of time, put them in containers so they are ready to go to be heated or eaten immediately, and so I can take them to work with me. Also to have snacks on hand at work as well. Then there is no reason to grab on the on-the-go things. I can set a little bit of time aside one or two evenings a week after planning a trip to the grocery, and prepare meals for 2-3 days or a week at a time. It made a huge difference immediately in that I did not feel guilty, made a difference in my weight even in doing nothing else (also saved the pocket book), and then it was motivation to do more and to exercise. Advise starting this as well, even if it is just walking.

I initially had cravings for some of those foods, so I would allow myself one of those fast food meals once a week so I did not feel completely deprived. It helped to drink 1-2 glasses of water before any meal. Also, with the money saved, I set aside to spend on a special "treat" for when I hit certain goals, 25 lbs, 50 lbs, etc. or a friend did his "treat" when he hit his big goal, and went on a small trip.

Realistically though 1-2 lbs a week is healthy weight loss, with some higher and lower weeks depending. So don't set yourself up for failure by saying a 100 lbs in 2-3 months. It will take some time; it is worth it and you can do whatever you set your mind to; you'll get there! I wish you all the best. Good luck!