It's hard!

I have let myself go so bad! It just kind of snuck up on me! =( I am 22 years old and got on the scale today for the first time in months and I am nearly 300 pounds.. I am starting my diet TOMORROW.. I can't keep living life like this.. My son is only 3 and I have to make a change for me and him!! I have to do this! I have no choice.. I broke down and cried because I didn't realize how bad it was and how fast I gained weight.. I knew it but was in denial until I hopped on that scale.. What have I become?

Hi, snm1988! Glad you found this site.
We are not alone.
You are stronger than you know and you CAN do this.

I've lost weight and kept it off. You WILL, too! : )
I started with small changes and the weight has stayed off.
You're worth it and want to be able to play with your son.
i'm a mom, too and we need to put ourselves on the top of the list. That way, we'll be healthy and be able to take care of our sons.
I don't drink soda or eat chips. That has saved me a lot of $$ and calories!
I weigh myself once a week - the same day and about the same time (before breakfaast works for me).

I swapped out diet iced tea for the soda I drank. That way, i was now getting no calories and still got my morning caffeine.
I drink plenty of water, too.
I watch the tv show The Biggest Loser on Tuesday nights.
They have a website, too.
I now enjoy salads and fresh fruits and veggies. That's a great example for our boys, too!
I don't buy candy bars for me or my son.
I enjoy apple cinnamon and cheddar rice cakes when i want something crunchy.
i chew sugar free gum or brush my teeth after a meal. Once I do that, then I don't snack. Really works for me and it can for you, too.

I take a walk at least 4 times a week. I love spring and enjoy being outside. or dance at home to your favorite music.

Remember, you're worth it! : )
All the best!

Thank you so much for the information!! It will help me alot! It just kind of snuck up on me out of no were!! Yea I was already over weight but since July of last year I have gained 45 pounds and thats alot.. I just never got on the scale. I lost my job so I was stayin home and doing nothing.. I just rescently started workin and decided to see what my weight was after the 8 months without workin and I just busted out in tears.. I can't believe I let myself go like that and I have to take control NOW.. I am still young and can't keep on puttin it off with oh I'll start my diet tomorrow.. I just can not do it anymore.. My new life starts today!! It's not even going to be a diet it is going to be a life style change.. If I keep on down the path I am goin I will not be healthy enough to take care of my son!! I got to do this for myself and him! I know I have a long journey ahead of me but in the end it will all be worth it.. Any helpful advice and tips will be very much appericated.. I guess because I wasn't use to the overweight life style until I got pregnant and gained 98 pound and then the extra 40 I just kept on doin what I was doin before I got so much over weight..

Hi! You're giving your son the best gift you can - YOU!
So proud of you!
Yep, same thing happened to me. Lost my job and was home - fridge & pantry available 24/7. I did NOT need that! I've always been an emotional eater and was depressed about not being able to work.
Well, if I can do it, anyone can. For me, it started in my brain - I was mentally ready for an improvement. I was always tired. Hated shopping for clothes - so hard to fit. Went up a couple sizes...

You're so smart. It is a lifestyle change (not a diet - diets end). Now i eat healthier and feel better. It's also fun shopping for regular sized clothes. Cheaper, too. Plus we save $$$ without buying all those "rattle bags" of expensive snacks. No nutition in 'em! Empty calories and empty wallet.
It's incredible how much less i spend in food now!

I now have a plan before I go to the store or out to eat. At restaurants, i always get the salad dressing on the side (even light dressing). Not eating sauces or having grilled shrimp or grilled chicken saves calories, too!
I don't put croutons on my salad (and don't miss it, either).
If I get a baked potato, i just get 1 topping, you guessed it, on the side.
I enjoy a baked sweet potato with cinnamon on it!
Out to eat, I share a meal or get half of the meal to go.

Everyone, even fast food has lighter choices now. I read menus online so I'm ready when i get there and am not tempted since my mide is made up. I enjoy the conversation. I don't order dessert, just enjoy a diet iced tea (hot tea with splenda or truvia in the winter).

Journaling hleps, too.
I've learned to call a freind or email someone if I'm tempted. I also ask God to help me with food choices and for my portion to be enough. It works!

There are places like Weight Watchers, even on line. : )
Plus, groups like Overeaters Anonymous (OA). It's free and what a wonderful support group! Also online info, too! Their literature is wonderful!

Many people lose much more weight when they write down every bite. Makes us think twice about eating something, knowing I'll have to write it down.

You Can do this. You're so worth it!

Oh, i also want to mention:

I don't consider junk food a treat - i don't want to gain weight. So, we can treat ourselves with a new magazine (I liek weight watchers) or a new nail polish or lip glass when I've exercised 3 x a week or lost 5 lbs. : )
I gave away all the unhealthy food i used to have. Now, I enjoy fresh baby carrots, hummus, delicious fruits, greek yogurt, etc.

I also donated all my "fat" clothes so I wouldn't be able to go up in weight after my hard work.

My friend uses stickers on a calendar when she exercises. I'm for anything motivating like that!
It's fun doing Zumba or dancing to my favorite hits!
Good luck!

I figure, if I'm really hungry (and not just bored or angry), I'll eat a small orange or a nandful of baby carrots, etc.

I've found

Don't get too tired, too hungry or lonely.
I try to plan ahead. That has helped me keep about 47 lbs. off for almost 4 years.

Oh, if i mess up one day, I just make better choices at the next meal.

H3y snm1988, well done on taking that initial step in a new lifestyle. Thats awesome and u'll see that if you make it a lifestyle its so much easier and more realistic. As life is dynamic its always changing and sumtimes we do get caught up nd give in to over indulging bt thats part of life. Bt dnt let that get u down jst keep on trying. Keep us posted on yor progress or watever u wish