Full disclosure ... I've been here before. I joined in 2007 after getting up to 270. I've obviously gone the wrong way. Here is my old diary...Link.

I'm starting a new diary, because I feel like this will be a new process for me. In the past, I've been guilty of trying quick fixes and miracle cures. Of course, none of them worked.

As of this morning, I weighed 316 lbs. My long-term goal (3 years), is to get down to 200 lbs and stay there ... FOREVER.

My short-term goal is to get below 300 lbs. by December 1st, 2009.

How will I do this?

Well, I realized I spend a ton of money on fast food, delivery, soda, and junk food. I'm not gaining weight because of some glandular problem, or because I'm too poor to eat properly. I'm gaining weight because I'm addicted to junk food. No more.

I bought a George Foreman grill, a ton of pasta, fruit, veggies, and chicken breasts. I plan on eating full, healthy meals. I've sworn off junk, fast food, and soda. Instead of soda, I'm strictly drinking water and brewed iced tea.

On Monday, I looked in the mirror and asked myself what my life would be like in five years, ten years, twenty years... Would I make it to 45 at the rate I was going? Would I die of a heart attack? A stroke?

Is that really how I want to be remembered?

The loose skin will be inevitable. My stretch marks are probably with me for life. My varicose veins will look worse as I lose weight. I'm okay with all of that.

I can't worry about the what if's of how I look if I lose 120 lbs, the damage is done. I'm ready for a real change and I look forward to making that happen.

Thanks for reading and all my best!

Morning:

I woke up and took a multivitamin, drank a large glass of ice water, and ate half a cup of Quaker Oatmeal with raisins for breakfast.

Hey Willy.

Welcome aboard, or back as it may be.

I think you need a bigger breakfast than that - at least I would. Try adding some source of protein to your breakfast - it wil help you stay satisfied longer, among other things.

I recommend tracking your calorie and nutrient intake - try FitDay.com which I find quite useful.

Your start weight and goal weight are almost identical to mine - I wish you success in reaching your goal.

I just joined FitDay.com. Thanks for the tip!

I'll try and add protein. I tend to get a good deal around lunch.

My roommate brought home a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich from Panera. I ate it. 510 calories...guess that is lunch!

Just had a large dill pickle.

Ate two biscuits and drank a diet soda for a snack. Also took the dog for a 20 minute walk.

I'm on pace to burn 3,000 calories today. I've only eaten 1,300 calories!

I'm going to need to eat a full dinner to keep from being lethargic tomorrow morning. I'm thinking pasta with sauce and a grilled chicken breast will do the trick!

Went with just pasta for dinner...probably around 700 cals.

Overall, I ate 2,202 calories today and burned around 3,000, creating an 800-calorie deficit.

I'm using weight watchers as a gauge as well. Today, I had 49 points. My target was 45. In hindsight, that bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich killed me. It had 510 calories and 12 weight watchers points! Lesson learned!

Hi Willy, Just popped in to say hi, thanks for stopping in my diary and kindly giving your support. I started with WLF a couple years back and have been in an off again relationship ever since. (those kind of affairs never work..lol) Anyways..im back, because the people here are great and there is a wealth of information and support. Each day is a one step at a time thing for me, but each step forward takes me closer to a healthier place, so it worth it.
Michelle

Oatmeal and raisins for breakfast...about 280 calories. I'm also drinking 32 ounces of water and a multivitamin.

Keep up the hard work and thanks for stopping by!

Been busy...had a banana to tide me over until I have time to cook later today.

Well, I found out that I'm going to have to avoid pasta. Turns out once my body starts eating it that it doesn't want stop!

I'm going to be eating strictly grilled chicken and salad, with tons of water and multi vitamins to supplement my diet.