One, two, three four lift that leg off the floor...

Don't worry about what the scales say so much - but take your measurements. Muscle weighs more than fat, and will tone you up and make you look better. You should exercise at least 3 - 5 times a week to be effective. Drink lots of water, too!

Good for you!! I quit smoking about 1 1/2 years ago too and I also need to drop some weight! I for one thing just try to eat more fruit and veggies and SMALLER portions! Less calories is the key ~ if you burn up more calories than you eat you will lose! Are you speed walking? They say even when doing housework walk as much as possible. At the store, park towards the back of the parking lot so you can walk. Just keep it simple and don't beat yourself for not losing more and faster! Just stick with it ~ even if you slip up once in a while and indulge. Okay Deb, listen to what you are typing ! lol

I have to agree. thanks ladies... I guess the biggest thing I need now is more encouragement... and a buddy to do all this with...

Two months, three days, 10 hours, 5 minutes and 27 seconds. 1932 cigarettes not smoked, saving $497.65. Life saved: 6 days, 17 hours, 0 minutes.
N.O.P.E. Not One Puff Ever...

Sounds like you are doing everything right! Good for you!

good luck

Wow! You are very brave to do so much at once to better your health! I am very proud of you! I think you are doing VERY well!

I am an NSCA Certified Personal Trainer & have worked w/ many clients who've not had half the motivation you seem to. WAY TO GO!!!

I've heard that one pound a week is a healthy weight loss and that if you lose too much too fast it is not only unhealthy, but you have a bigger chance of gaining it back.

I am having a difficult time losing my baby weight also. My son is going to be a year and I am still about 15 pounds bigger than I would like to be. I've lost 30 pounds, but my clothes still don't fit. I understand your frustration.

thanks for sharing, large font, runs together hard to read with my ole eyes.

Actually you're doing just fine! If you lose too much too fast you not only will probably gain it back, but it's not that great for your health. If you push yourself too much, you're likely to overdo things and find yourself not only not dieting or exercising but even smoking again before you know it. Moderation in all things, especially when making big changes! By fall you'll have lost at least 12 pounds, and will have more energy to join an exercise class or start exercising more with a buddy. It will happen gradually, but before too long you're going to look and feel at least 10 years younger! Then get a new hair style, new makeup, and some new clothes to celebrate and reward yourself.

Michelle.. that is my problem... for so many years I have had no motivation.. I actually wish I had more... BTW... I could use a personal trainer to keep me going on days I dont want to.. and to push me more to where I want to be..

Sarah... before having kids i weighed 125 wet... and have not weighed that since getting prego with my first almost 20 years ago...

Sorry Larry... I will try to keep that from happening in the future... If I tried to make the font smaller, you really would not be able to read it...lol

Thank you Meryl.. yes moderation is the key to everything.. ha he ha... I understand though.. you are right.. but by fall i was actually hoping to have lost 20 lbs or more.. at least to get started on it.. but i guess if slow is good than i just need to keep plugging away..

I did Weight Watcher's at home last summer, I had gradually put on 20 pounds and I wanted out of the fat 10's and back into the 8's. It took me about 5 months to lose 20 pounds. I kept it at 23 points a day, and I have kept it off until May, when I picked up 3 pounds on vacation that I'm still fighting. I gave up beef, drank lots of hot tea, I had a crunchy Kashi Bar in the afternoons for a snack with tea because it was filling. I always saved 4 points for little hershey miniatures or some other kind of chocolate after dinner...it kept me from blowing it. I really didn't exercise, and I tried really hard to drink water...but, I hate it. I ate a lot of Lean Cuisine meals because I was less likely to eat too much, and I really didn't cheat unless it was a holiday. It isn't fast, but it stays off because you lose it the right way...and 10 pounds will probably drop you a size. It took me about 14 pounds to get back into my 8's, because I was stuffed into my 10's.

wow sue.. that is encouragement... thank you ... I really want back into those 8's.. I am in a size 16 most of the times...

I'm 5'7"...being somewhat tall helps!

I quit smoking on Monday, and weigh just about the same as you. I'm trying to primarily quit, and then will concentrate more on losing the weight, but interestingly enough, I seem to have lost two pounds this first week of my quit. I've been drinking lots and lots of water, cutting back on the caffeine (don't need the calories and it makes it harder to quit) and walking when I have the urge to smoke. I also agree with a number of people above that you should stick to a one pound a week loss. I know it seems slow and frustrating, but trust me when I tell you that if it comes off fast, it comes back faster. I've gained and lost a huge amount of weight over the years, and I'm speaking from experience. Remember, slow and steady wins the race! Keep up the good work!

Thank you Carol.. Keep up the good quit..

Remember, you're making LIFESTYLE changes, not just losing weight. If you take this a bit slow, instead of just concentrating on changing your dress size, you can form new habits that will help you stay healthy and beautiful forever!

sounds like your doing everything just right!!! good luck to you! im sure your efforts will pay off in time. just dont push yourself to hard!!!!

I am pleased top read of another person working at making a lifestyle choice. some people do measurements, some do weight and some just see how the clothes fit. I try to pay attention to my energy level. I have been working at losing weight, a have not lost any for about two weeks. However, my clothes are not as tight, and I have more energy.
My best advice is to walk. Walk everyday if you can, even if it's just 10 minutes. something is better than nothing. And tons of water. Drink up and eat those non calorie veggies.
Here's to you!

Thank you all for your support...

I will keep eating the veggeis and walking my feet away...lol..

again thanks

I quit smoking over ten years ago and have not stopped being hungry since. I run four miles three days a week and work out at the gym three days a week. I don't think you have to go that far. I noticed that running in the morning makes me more energetic for the rest of the day. Oh, and thanks for the long comment. I didn't know that length mattered. I will try to make this a lengthy one, but I don't know how to add pictures. I eat a lot of watermellon and grapefruit too, it seems to go through the body quickly and that is good for anyone who wants to loose weight. Also, I have planted some of my own herbs to add to salads. they don't have to have dressing if you add lots of lemon basil. I also stopped drinking sodas a few years ago. All that sugar makes a difference. Well I can't think of any more ideas and you have probably already heard these anyway. Ice cream is my weekness, so I would never try to give it up. I just try not to eat too much of it. I also eat a lot of whole wheat bagels. They have a lot of fiber. I am just aimlessly yacking now to fill up space here. Blah blah blah. Yadda yadda yadda. My little hubbe just informed me that he is cooking dinner tonight. Yeah! Keep eating the veggies!

I hope you lost your weight.