How I did it: I've lost 83 pounds so far and have 79 more to lose.  I don't have a magical diet or pill that worked for me; to lose the weight, I simply watched what I ate (1500 calories or less per day) and exercised three times a week (at least an hour each time).  I lost around 30 pounds (that was about 10% of my body weight when I started) in about three months this way.

Lessons & tips:

• Watch what you eat religiously.  Write everything you eat down in an online fitness journal, like http://www.fitday.com

• Move, move, move!  Seriously!  Park as far away as you can from the store in the parking lot and walk.  Take the stairs instead of the elevator.  Go for a walk on your breaks or during lunch.  Walk up the escalator instead of just standing there.

• Join a gym if you can afford it.

• Weight train.  You don't have to bulk up; just build some lean muscles (they burn more calories!).

• Find some supportive people.  Don't let anyone sabotage your efforts, including yourself.  YOU CAN DO THIS.  If I can do it, so can you!

• Don't get discouraged if you gain weight at first.  Muscle is denser than fat, so you might be losing inches but not pounds. 

Sep 23, 2008, 11:09AM PDT | 1 comment | 1 cheer