Thought I'd start this thread for those of us trying to get in shape and get healthy.
Any diet tips and any suggestions for workouts will be appreciated.

I do have to brag alittle tho: As to date I have lost 2% in my BMI and 1.3% in body fat since Dec.!!! thats about 3 1/2 months so far that I've started to work out 5 days a week(usually)

I've found that if I use a smaller supper plate,it looks like theres more than enough on the plate to eat.(optical illusion).
Also any recipe that calls for eggs(for baking and omlets) I use egg beaters.
I use sour cream in any recipe that calls for mayonise. I use at least half sour cream. I've seen no difference in the taste.
I only have a fried breakfast once a week.
If I think any more things that seem to work I'll be sure to post them. Any tips out there?

Good ideas all. Nice post too.

Not that you'll ever read my compliments, but that's your choice.

Things that work for me:

- Scheduling a workout like an appointment. No excuses, must do.

- Finding healthier versions of my favorite foods. For example, making homemade "fried" rice in a non-stick skillet with little or no oil, adding lots of veggies, and using half brown rice.

- Switching all caloric drinks with water or seltzer.

- Doubling my vegetable portions.

- Putting all salad dressings on "the side," and dipping my fork into them instead of pouring them on the salad.

- Switching to whole grain versions of my favorite white foods (breads, rice, pasta, etc.).

- Planning my workout routines at the beginning of each week, so, when I hit the gym, I have a plan.

- More weights. Fewer reps.

- Interval cardio.

- Before and After photos.

- Prepping food ahead of time, such as making a big pot of healthy soup and eating it for lunch all week.

- Eating 5-6 mini meals per day.

- Cutting restaurant portions in half, bagging up the leftovers and bringing home for the next day's lunch.

- Measuring foods until I got a good sense of portion size. I still measure my food for a day or two every six months or so, just so I don't end up with "portion distortion."

- Choosing lower-calorie versions of most foods: non-creamy salad dressings, broth-based soups, etc.

- Avoiding temptation: asking the server to remove the bread basket from the table, not keeping junk foods in the cupboards, bringing a healthy dish to potluck dinners.

- Getting more daily exercise: parking farther away in parking lots, getting up every hour from my computer to stretch, etc.

You are all motivating me to eat healthier and lose some more weight.

I just have to have something sweet everyday. My goal is to limit sweet to one time per day, I
try to save something for the evening. (that's my craving time) Try to have something like yogurt, or a low fat sugar free fudge bar, or cottage cheese and peaches or some fruit and nut mix. I look forward to it and it's like having a reward at the end of the day.

I don't like exercising unless it is something fun like dancing. The gym is too boring for me and the tv is always on sports. One time, I actually change the channel to Raymond. You can imagine the looks I got! I do admire you WVD for sticking with it and going five days a week! Wow.

I do 30 mins of circuit training( like curves). You can change your routine up any time you like, any way you like,as long as you do the circuit. I dreaded going to a gym for just the reason you stated. besides,at this place it's all women and we gossip and talk about the neighbors,and recipes,and kids and hubbys.All the while we're working out.

Yeah, WVD, I did Curves for awhile and liked it. In and out within 30 min.
But, our Curves did not have good hours for me, and Saturday it was only open till noon. I'm still drinking my coffe at noon! jk

But, I am going to walk more often for now. And look for a country line dance class. I like that alot.
You keep up the good work and keep us updated! I saw your picture but by the time we have another meet and greet, I won't recognize you! You don't look 49 to me either! Not fair!

My best advice is to work on one lifestyle change at a time. For instance, I used to go all out at once and start a drastic diet/exercise program, and crash after a month. This year I began by working out at Curves 3 times a week. Now I'm slowly beginning to cut out the bad carbs, and eat healthy carbs and protein. I find that this approach is less overwhelming to me, and more habit forming.