I'm 5'3 230lbs and 30 yrs old. I've been over 200 lbs for 5 yrs now and don't even remember what I used to look like when I was 140lbs, which was maybe 10 yrs ago.
Its amazing how weight jumps up so high when your not paying attention. I honestly felt and thought I looked the same as I did 7 yrs ago. That was until I saw a few pictures of myself, and WOW! I'm huge!
Last Fall I started working out 4-5 times a week, that lasted 4 months and I was able to drop only 15lbs. I went down to 214lbs, but I didn't see much of a difference in my body or the way my clothes felt. So, of course I stopped working out as much. It went from 4-5 times a week to 1-2 times, then a couple months later not at all.
It's been a year now and I have gained all those 15lbs back, and I'm back to where I started. I really want to make a promise to myself to make my life change. I have too much to live for, my boys and husband, and myself.
Today is October 22, 2006 and I'm letting everyone know that I'm starting my new lifestyle. I plan on eating better, more greens, fruits, and whole grains. I plan on staying active at least 4 times a week.
If anyone out there has any useful advise for me please let me know. Any workout plans, weight training, or eating ideas. I will try anything as long as it's natural and safe. No pills or crash diets please. I really want to change my life for the better, and it would be nice to have that extra support and motivation that can be so hard to find.;)

Go for it!. You have totally the right attitude so you can't go wrong... After years of "yo yo" dieting I too have resorted to healthy eating and so far have managed to maintain my weight. Remember though losing weight is easy compared to maintaining the loss which is why I think healthy eating is the way ahead rather than dieting. Good Luck !

OK, your already starting with the correct attitude, last time didn't go so well, OK now we start all over, here's a new chance, and it's not so bad, cause you can do it!! You sound like your really proud of your family, there's perfect motivation!! First off eat smaller meals, it will be noticeable at first but I guarantee in a week those growls you hear from your belly will go away. Eat nutrient dense foods, such as whole grains, lean protiens, fruits and lotsof veggies. Eat SLOWLY!! Avoid buffets, fast foods, soda (except diet), drink lots of water especially prior to meals. Three quarters of your lunck should be veggies, fruits, cereal, breads and other grain products. Choose whole grain more often. Choose low fat dairy products, lean meats and foods that have little or no fat. Shop for low fat or fat free products, like yogurt, and cottage cheese, remove visible fat from all meats, limit the use of extra fats like butter, margarine and oil, use olive oil or spray products for cooking. Choose more peas, beans and lentils. Limit salt, (use sea salt) cut out jellies and jams. Limit snacks like potato chips, dounuts, they are high in salt, sugar and fat. Eat in moderation, eat only when hungry, not when bored or angry or sad, go for a walk if this happens instead. Check out the nutritional labels with snack foods, when it says a serving is 5 chips, that's it, stick to it. Keep a journal of what you eat and go over it once a week. Don't weigh yourself too much, losses take awhile after :cool: the first week or two. Need any recipes, let me know and good luck--YOU CAN DO IT!!