Okay, so if you read my profile, you'll see I lost thirty pounds over the summer... well, someone asked how I did it, so I'm posting this in case you too are interested:

Here's how I did it:

For three months, I took kickboxing classes two days a week, did a cardio class with weight training in the class for two days a week, and then two other days I would jog or do the elliptical, both for at least a half hour (I built up my endurace/time/speed, etc.).

I calorie counted, avoided tons of carbs, and ate whole grain and organic as much as possible. I even measured food at first.. you would be amazed at what adequate portions really look like.

I ate TONS of veggies and fruit, because they have lots of water in them and are low in cals, and can fill you up just as much as other food. I also went vegetarian and only ate occasional fish, but added a protein powder (GNC LEAN PROTEIN MIX to water) into my new food style.

I tried to sleep at least 7-8 hours a night, and drank at least 8 glasses of water a day. **** This, I feel, is a MAJOR key = sleep. You have to sleep to lose weight!

Last but not least... when I went out, limited social drinking significantly, to no more than two drinks/week.

Your state of mind is important too.... you have to be positive, and learn not to be too hard on yourself if you mess up! I messed up tons, but I just knew it would be worth it to get back on the bandwagon.

And that is that, in a nutshell! And I didn't deny myself a sweet here or there, but I would only indulge about once every two-three weeks..... and oddly enough, I got rid of my sweet tooth after three months! No more cravings.

It's all about being very aware of how you treat your body. And it's hard work! It didn't happen over night, and there were times when the scale did not budge. Why did I start the health kick? Diabetes/heart conditions run in my family, and I had tried so many fad diets, and decided, why not go the healthy route as an experiment? Just to see if it works?? And it DID. Honestly, it feels good, knowing what you can accomplish if you just stick to it.

There is one more thing --- these new foods you eat, the new healthy choices, have to be incorporated not as a diet kick, but as part of a new lifestyle. Otherwise, you might just gain weight back. Working on the mental/emotional is just as important as the physical...

Sooooo....
Good luck! If anyone needs support, I'm here!