Clarification/Follow-up by bal317 on 10/23/03 3:33 pm:
Hello Stony: You are not alone. I myself got fed up with excess weight. Now, what I had to realize, I did not put it on overnite, so it is not going to come off overnite, and if I take my time, I will learn how to eat appropriately, it is my special treat to myself to change the way I look, feel and gain better fitness and health. We can change ourselves.
Now you say you are close to 400, sounds like a lot, but so does any amount one is over-weight, because one does not want to weigh the larger amount, and it takes one to have made a decision to drop those unwanted pounds. Which sounds like you have. I also feel there is no easy way, and I just hate that statement, Oh it's easy, and if I could do it so could anyone else, that never worked for me, it is mentally and physically taxing to make yourself aware of what you are eating.
What has helped me so far and I have lost 2 1/2 dress sizes so far, is to come to the fact, I must take it, day by day and thank myself for the strength when I go to bed that I made it through that day.
This is the time I am talking about when I deal with a diet.
Let's say you would like to loose 200 pounds,
(and you can do this with whatever pounds you are looking to loose).
But 200 pounds is what I will use as an example.
Give yourself 12 months to do it. Now, 200 divided by 12=16.6 pounds loss per month to reach your goal in 1 year. Then take 16.6 pounds per month and divide that by a round number of 4 (meaning 4 weeks per month)=4.15 pounds per loss per week, to loose.
So, if you can just loose. 4.15 pounds per week, that will equal a total of 16.6 pounds loss per month, then take each months total by 12 = 200 pound loss by Christmas 2004.
and 100 pound loss by Summer of June.
That way, one is not faced with looking at the full picture, but a portion that will eventually lean you to success.
You are worth anything that will work for you, and to divide the task surely will help you concore.
I have also, found some wonderful sites for you to view. Each area is highlighted, by clicking on the title will further you to the complete information.
Please view:
http://walking.about.com/cs/walkoflife/index.htm

Not only does it tell you about calories, but also leads to how just walking can be a great benefit, I would also like to suggest, obtaining DVD's/VHS tapes with exercise programs, like sweating to the oldies with Richard Simmons, or Tony Little's exercises, anything that can be brought to you, so you can use in your own home, set your own hours to achieve, don't forget the outside though, and even if it is only walking a block or two, mall walking you don't have to rush walk, but continuous walking is still an exercise, and being out helps one to enjoy many things they don't generally get to see or truely take time for.
I like many of the other's Experts are here for you anytime, and for as many times that you need us. If you feel you can not do this on your own, I might suggest a weigh loss group such as TOPS-Taking Off Pounds Sensiblely.
They also use natural foods, caloric value in each food, keeping a weight loss chart, weekly private weigh ins, education in the battle of weight loss with others, no one is made fun of but you learn how to appreciate you and others that are trying to help themselves, not too costly weekly dues. Either call your local Y's or ask your Chamber of Commerence for the number.
Hopefully, this has helped. Please let me know, if there is anything futher that I may assist you with.
My best to the both of us,
bal317
P.S. Drink plenty of pure water daily, at least 8-10 12oz. glasses, it really helps to rid the body of toxins and helps to fill one up and good for the skin's condition. Please let me know how you are doing.