It makes me sad to see so many people trying to lose weight rapidly--and trying to lose weight when they really don't need to. If these 'fads' worked there would be no use for sites like WeightLoss Buddy! None of us would have a weight problem.

Trying to lose weight too fast can seriously harm your body. Unless you are under a doctor's (a REAL doctor--not one from a 'clinic') supervision, you can damage your metabolism and stop losing--and even gain! Your body will hang on to every little bit it can because it thinks you are starving!

We didn't put this weight on overnight and shouldn't expect to lose it overnight, either. It takes dedication and hard work but it CAN be done. I know because I am doing it!

One thing I do now that I NEVER did before is to keep a journal of my foods and the calories in them. I use an online site for this because it's a lot easier than looking everything up myself!

I also keep track of my exercise every day. I workout every morning for about 40-60 minutes. It's not a huge amount of time but I have a very physically demanding job and get quite a workout just working every day.

Based on my height, weight, age and activity level I have a base calorie goal of 1620 calories a day which allows for a loss of 1 pound a week. I "earn" more calories with my exercise and usually eat 1800-2000 (average) a day. That seems like a lot but its working! I have weeks when I don't lose but then I'll drop a couple of pounds the next week. (I only weigh once a week)

I feel great and have more energy than I did 20 years ago! This a healthy way to lose weight!

Hang in there! The only failure is to stop trying!

Kathy (80 pounds GONE forever! 30 to go.)