Anonymous wrote:09:39: I think that's part of my problem.. you see, I don't have any idea what's appropriate for me to be eating, so I just drastically cut my calories back. I eat one meal daily right now (400-600 calories probably), and that's helping me to lose weight. Cutting way back like that has been the only thing that's really worked for me, which leads me to believe that I've just constantly been dieting all wrong.

Exercise and eat more!!! How are you surviving with only 600 calories a day????

Anonymous wrote:09:39: I think that's part of my problem.. you see, I don't have any idea what's appropriate for me to be eating, so I just drastically cut my calories back. I eat one meal daily right now (400-600 calories probably), and that's helping me to lose weight. Cutting way back like that has been the only thing that's really worked for me, which leads me to believe that I've just constantly been dieting all wrong.

Dear god, don't do that. That's not enough calories, especially if you are over 200 pounds! Focus on cutting out sugar and processed grains, and eating more protein and fruits and veggies. Get most of your carbs from sugar, and whole grains (whole wheat bread and pasta, brown rice) in moderation.

09:39: I think that's part of my problem.. you see, I don't have any idea what's appropriate for me to be eating, so I just drastically cut my calories back. I eat one meal daily right now (400-600 calories probably), and that's helping me to lose weight. Cutting way back like that has been the only thing that's really worked for me, which leads me to believe that I've just constantly been dieting all wrong.

My mom is a big Leslie Sansone fan (Walk Away the Pounds). It appears you can get many of her full length videos on YouTube. That is a good start for a beginner, honestly. It is a very low impact, but it still gives you cardio. She also has videos where she introduces weights/resistance into her routines. I definitely recommend her for a fitness beginner.

Other trainers I personally enjoy and think might be a good fit for what you are looking for are Chris Freytag, Holly Perkins and Amy Dixon. They all have some great videos you can find on YouTube and in stores. Chris Freytag has the 10 Pound Slimdown series and also does some good Walking workouts (2 of them are on a DVD called Walking Cardio ShapeUp). Amy Dixon does the Give Me 10 series and also does a great Kickboxing video that is probably my all time favorite 20-minute workout.

I know people love Jillian Michaels, but she just bugs me. Denise Austin is also annoying, although I find her slightly more tolerable than Jillian. Denise has a bunch of her videos on YouTube, as well.

You honestly can put together a good YouTube playlist of exercise videos at no cost to you. Maybe go to someplace like Five Below or Target and pick up a couple light handweights, a mat and a resistance band, and you've just created a home gym.

Good luck!

Also it is great to eat less, but for real change you will have to start cutting out the sugar. It is holding you back. No more processed foods or soda and I bet you drop 15 more in March.

OP here. Thank you all so much for the advice! I love that some of those workouts you shared are so quick! Awesome!

As far as classes and trainers go, I just really can't afford it right now, but going and getting videos, weights etc at a thrift store is a GREAT idea!

You need to do resistance work. if you can't get any free weights, that's ok. You need to work your abs, back, legs and arms. You can do all of this with simple well known exercises like pushups, crunches, triceps dips, squats and lunges. There are a ton of fitness books/tapes/dvds out there that will show you how to do these. You don't need P90X or Insanity at your stage. you need some basic Jillian Michaels or Denise Austin. But you need the resistance training in addition to your cardio to build tone.

Good luck.

Walk everywhere you can within reason. Go to the park and walk on the weekends. Take the stairs at work. Walk during your lunch hour. Take the dog out on long walks. Is there somewhere you can go to swim for free? Do that as well. Congrats on losing the first 15lb!

Power 90--you alternate days doing cardio and strength training with resistance bands.

Why don't you buy some workout videos? I've heard Walk Off the Pounds is a good one to start with. I'm currently doing Richard Simmon's Sweatin' to the Oldies. It's tough but only because I'm so out of shape. Richard is a little (okay, very) annoying but he grows on you. In fact, I'm just about to go workout right now since everyone in the house is asleep.

Marshalls and TJ Maxx have discount fitness products. It may be worth signing up for one session with a trainer to get some instructions for exercises you can do on your own. Also, another thing to consider is some outdoor bootcamp or exercise class. They have deals on Livingsocial or Groupon and they tend to be really inexpensive compared to paying full price for classes, and you will probably see more pop up as the weather gets nicer. Even if you did like a month's worth of classes, you'd get an idea for building your own work out plan at home in the future.

Body rock.

Tabata.

Here's an intro:

http://www.shape.com/fitness/cardio/tabata-4-minute-fat-burning-miracle-workout

Go to a Thrift store and look for free weights. Also, buy a jump rope. Or look for some videos at your local library that you can do at home. Jillian Micheals videos are tough but really good.

This is inspired by the "fat girl at the gym" post..

I currently weigh 225 lbs. I've lost 15 lbs so far since Christmas, but only by eating less (not necessarily healthier, but much less)..

At one time, I weighed 275, and already have the loose skin problems, so I really need to start working out and trying to tone in addition to eating better. I use a treadmill for half an hour a few times a week, but other than that I'm lost. I don't have the money for a gym membership, a trainer, or really.. anything else..

What should/can a typical workout in my living room look like for me? Please help! I really want to do better at this weight loss game.. Thanks in advance!