Two weeks ago today I began my weight loss journey. So far, so good. In these two weeks I have managed to shed almost 10 lbs. and have lost a small amount in my waistline. I have quite a bit of weight that I want to lose, close to 100 lbs. I have tried many times before with going to the gym and almost starving myself but of course, we know that doesn't work. My current method involves walking about 3.5 miles a day, exercise with weights, and of course the old standby stuff, crunches, squats, etc. I also bought a jump rope but would like to lose a little more weight before I try that. I have completely stopped drinking any kind of soda and switched to green tea instead which I have heard is supposed to be good for weight loss. I'm not starving myself, but have learned to eat much smaller portions, more often. I highly recommend trail mix as a snack. It is filling, and will help keep you energized. I really feel optimistic that I am on the right track this time. I have never had results any other time as I have had this time, and so quickly at that. I am open to any suggestions or ideas anyone may have that I could incorporate into what I am trying to achieve. Thank you!

Sounds like you're doing great so far! Congrats! Just keep in mind, its not healthy to lose a lot of weight too quickly, so don't be discouraged if you're losing weight slowly. Losing weight too quickly isn't a good thing.

And I agree, trail mix is great. But avoid my favorite kind-the ones loaded with chocolate and pretzel and lots of salt... :) some of the snack bars out there are pretty good too on the go. I like luna bars, some of the think thin and think fruit bars. There's also these bars called pure bars that are really yummy. They're raw fruit and nut bars. My favorite is the chocolate brownie flavor. Its just important to make sure you're reading the labels. Some of them tend to be high in calories and I see a lot of people grab a sandwich, a salad, and a bar and have it all for lunch thinking they're being healthy and its really more calories than you should have in one meal.

Oatmeal is also great. It keeps you feeling full longer than some other breakfast foods and its good for you. I like everything sweet but instead of adding sugar, I try to add dried (or some people prefer fresh) fruit to it and flax seeds. Flax seed is also supposed to be healthy and it has some natural sweetness to it.

Smoothies can also be great. My boyfriend has been making some really yummy smoothies lately. He just takes some frozen berries, a big scoop of non fat yogurt, and a little fresh juice in the blender. Sometimes he adds some protein powder or even veggies (tomatoes, spinach, carrots, etc) into it. The fruit makes it taste yummy though.

I don't know what the weather is like right now were you are or if you have access to a pool, but swimming and water aerobics are great ways to exercise. Also bike riding is good.

What you're doing with the smaller more frequent portions is really good too. When you starve yourself, your body actually slows down your metabolism.