My first step towards the new me.

I know a lot of people want to make that step towards being healthy, but just don't know how.
Well, neither did I, honestly.

My new years resolution was to start taking better care of myself. My goal isn't a certain number on a scale, or a certain dress size. My goal is to be healthy. 360 pounds at 5'9" isn't healthy. It's dangerous.

If you are in the same boat as me, wont you join me in my journey? Let's get healthy! Let's be proud! Let's be happy!

In my decision to get healthy, I've done a few small things. Maybe these tips will help you too!

Make up your mind. Saying "maybe I'll diet tomorrow." isn't going to get you anywhere.
Throw away junk food. Keeping that box of cocoa puffs in your pantry isn't going to discourage you from eating it. I understand food costs money, so donate it! Take it to a local shelter, or give it to a family member or friend. Whatever you do with it, get rid of it.
Get active. Sitting on the couch wont burn calories, even as much as we all want it to. You tire fast? Well, that's ok. Everybody has a limit. Every step you take counts for something! Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Walk around your house/apartment a few times, or once if that's all you can manage right now. Turn on your favorite song and dance! It's ok, everybody starts somewhere, and no matter how small, or how slow your physical activity is, it's ok for now because you're still moving more than you would be watching Jersey Shore and eating potato chips!
Make a grocery list. Make sure on your list you have plenty of lean meats, veggies, and fruits. You don't have to give up everything, start small. Trade your mashed potatoes for mashed cauliflower. Your macaroni and cheese for broccoli and cheese. Every small effort made adds up.
Give up soda. Even diet sodas are bad for you. They're filled with salt. Drink plenty of water. Flavor your water with fruit! Not only will your water taste better, it'll help kick those cravings for sweets, too.
If you're hungry, eat. Now, this doesn't mean pig out. But if you're hungry, you should eat. Slowly. A person's brain can take up to 20 minutes to register that it's stomach is full. Drink a glass of water, and eat a handful of something yummy, such as almonds. If you try to stick to 3 meals a day and your stomach is screaming in protest, you're not setting yourself up for success! Snacks are important.
Don't deny yourself treats now and again. My biggest problem with dieting has always been the feeling of being deprived. Deprived of sweets, usually. While I'm not a big sweet eater, I do have spells where all I want is a big tub of sweet. My favorite "sweet" treat is a peanut butter and banana sandwich on wheat bread. The rich flavor of the peanut butter always tricks my taste buds into thinking I'm eating something awful for me.

I'm not professional at this, and as I've said, these are all things I've done/told myself so far in my journey. If this helps even one person take the next step towards happiness, then I'm happy.