Like others have said and it's in my sig:

If you treat it like a diet, it acts like a diet.

Debbie

I agree with Built. Take measurements before you start. I wish I had done so. The only B4 measurements I have are pants waist size and shirt size.

These are all good. I agree with them all and also, take the compliments. When you may not see it, others sure do!!!

I don't have anything really new to add, but these are the things I feel really strongly about:

• Stop seeking that magic bullet! Obsessing over replacing your favorite binge foods with LC frankenfoods will only end in tears.
• Eat real food, as close to its natural state as possible.
• Abstain from all sugar and flour. No one can convince me that there is any nutritional gain in either.
• Weigh yourself once a month.
• Take before pictures and measurements.
• Relax and remember it's a way of life, not a diet. You didn't pack it on overnight, and you won't be magically transformed overnight. As long as you follow your plan of choice within reason, relax and start enjoying and participating in life!!

Start an exercise program first, and work up to 60+ minutes per day walking five or six days a week. Then, work on nutritional changes.

- ldcowboy

ldcowboy, yours is the only advice that I would disagree with. Personally, I think it is better to diet first, then start an exercise program after you've reached a weight that makes it comfortable.

I agree with tom sawyer, diet before exercise.

I think it depends on the person. I had to diet first and then exercise.

Yeah, who feels like exercising when you can't see your feet?!?

I echo what a lot of people have said, and that is PATIENCE!!!!

If you think it is going to happen fast, what it doesn't you will get discouraged and give up!

Keep going no matter what. No matter what bumps and hurdles you stumble across, just keep going!

Eat whole foods as close to their natural state as possible.

If it didn't grow that way, choose something else.

Be wary of eating anything that comes from a box, or from a factory, or from a huge machine.

My advice: Don't beat yourself up too much for making a mistake now and then. And eat a variety of foods.

Just stick with it!
It's that simple. It won't always be easy and you'll have days when you want to throw in the towel but just keep on keeping on.

Get all the tempting foods that are inappropriate for your diet out of the house and keep them out of the house.